Clueless about updo's (with pic)

[otterlybonkers]

Can anyone advise?
I have mid back length hair but it is very wispy and fuzzy. I normally either dry it in two twists to create even waves or else run a hot brush through it to smooth it.
I am also 48, so perhaps it is affected by hormones right now, but wearing it loose is becoming a pain, and i don't like my hair short, so don't wish to cut it.
Water seems to affect it as when i lived further north it was always smoother and had glossier waves - not much i can do about that!

So, how do i create a lovely updo/pony/knot, etc?
Sadly i have been instilled with the idea that loose hair is more attractive on me, and feel weirdly afraid of putting it up! I do think this is nonsense and updo's can look equally casual and chic, but i have no idea how or what would suit me.

Here's a terribly cropped pic of my hair, sadly at it's best here. Any advice welcome!

Another pic of it this time in a knotted bun at back. Gives an idea of my hair thickness/colour when smoothed, and my face shape from front.

Is this a bad or good look? Boring? Should i do something more interesting with it?

I wear my hair up a lot for work and my go to style is a high ponytail with loose front bits and I curl the pony.

I tip my head forward, brush it forward and then pull it into a high, loose ponytail, making sure there’s still some volume.
I then just run my curlers through the ponytail.
It literally takes 5 mins.

Thank you!
My hair is too thin at the ends for a decent ponytail, yours sounds lovely.