Help me out of my S&B rut

[Airyfairycontrary]

I need help. I’m almost 50, perimenopausal, and still dressing like I was in my 20s. I’d love to look effortlessly stylish in a casual sort of way, but I can’t seem to figure out the key pieces I’d need. I’m sitting here in turned up M&S jeans and a T shirt. I’d love to be a more polished version of myself.

I am a size 16, with, errrm, “athletic” legs and I don’t like the tops of my arms. I need to be able to run around after the kids and be comfortable, plus I drive a few hundred miles a week being mum’s taxi so nothing that would look wrinkled when I get out of the car. Bonus points if the clothes can cope with a hot flush or two 🥵
I don’t really have a max budget, I just want to find key pieces that work for me.

Can anyone help?

Would a slightly smarter/ more structured version of what you like to wear work? Eg chinos and nice top instead of jeans and tshirt? So just upgrade your outfits to be a step more in the style you want to look like. If you like being casual would higher quality make a difference or are you thinking more add a blazer and some amazing shoes to your existing outfit?

Thanks Palpitations, yes, I’d like to find a slightly smarter version of what I’m already wearing. I was thinking chinos and a shirt, for example, but not sure where to shop, or what else to add to that sort of wardrobe. Where do people that wear that sort of style shop? Ideas for chinos to suit a heavier leg would be much appreciated, I don’t want to look like a sausage or a potato, which is what my main clothes-buying criteria are currently. God, I’m out of touch.
My shoes are adidas/Etnies/DMs/Birkenstocks so I think most of those should work with a slightly smarter look?

Your style sounds a bit like mine. What I tend to do is wear loose slightly unstructured blazers, mint velvet and whistles have some, then a v neck camisole, jeans and a variety of white or silver trainers, espadrilles etc. Always an interesting necklace, earrings and bracelet and watch. Always have what I call my '5 mins make up' on and hair up in a chignon or twist if I can't be bothered with actually styling it. It's a bit dull and really a uniform but I get complimented occasionally so I'll keep with it!

I have to say I do not think birkenstocks can ever be stylish but I may be sacked from mumsnet for saying this 🤣

I love my M&S turned up boyfriend jeans and T-shirt but totally get you, similar age, stage lifestyle (teenage kids/supporting older parents/dog walks/workouts/WFH).
If I want to feel like me but smarter I go for wide leg drapey trousers and a sleeveless/grandad collar or v neck loose top, tucked in and bagged over with a denim jacket over the top, and white leather trainers (John Lewis)
It's not going to set the world of fashion on fire but it's me, it's comfortable and it's practical.
Also, wide legged cropped jumpsuits with a belt are brilliant as an option (just factor in extra time for needing to pee😬)

@Gherkingreen yes, you sound like me. I can't do jumpsuits as i'm 5'8" with what must be a very long body, and i also have broad shoulders. If i can get a jumpsuit on in the first place, I sure as hell can't get it back off again. And i'm not even going to attempt to sit down in one 😂
I'm obviously late to the chino party as everywhere that seems to sell them are out of stock in a 16. Gaah.
I have bought some wide leg trousers from Next tailoring, now on the lookout for things to wear on the top half under a blazer (which i also need to find...)

@Airyfairycontrary I've found Warehouse good for jumpsuits, otherwise I go for the tall option. I'm 5ft11 so need the extra length though I usually have to move belt loops as they're often too high on me, above my natural waist.

I would suggest finding someone with a similar figure to you on Instagram and following them. I love the M&S influencers - I see so much in there that I then go and buy so the marketing is definitely working