Help me dress more 'artsy' !

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I've started working in a role which is a lot more creative and artsy than previous jobs I've done and it involves presenting at arts/ literature type events. Everyone I'm working alongside seems much more left-wing creative, hipster, free-flowing, colourful - I'm not sure how to describe it!
I'm in my mid-50s and admittedly have got a bit into a jeans/top/cardigan sort of rut which in my new role is just too dowdy.

I'm fortunate in that I'm a slim size 12 , 5ft 6, and can get away with a lot of styles etc. I can't do heels really though due to some foot issues, so trainers/ flat shoes and boost are best.
Short, fine blonde hair cut in a bob. Not sure I want to colour it anything wacky though!

Help me break free! What should I be looking for? Brands, styles, colours, accessories?
What screams 'creative/artsy' at you?

Am about the same size as you. Cos. Or if you are on a budget Kin from John Lewis.

Have a look at Joe Browns range?

I was going to say Joe Brown too, I just received a catalogue, try to avoid the polyester, there seems to be a lot of it in their clothes.

Cos and Kim at John Lewis are good.

Brora have some gorgeous arty cashmere ponchos and hipster fairisle knits.

Toast, Cos, Masai, Oska, Seasalt, Baukjen, Gudrun Sjoden, Thought.

Velvet, linen, wool.

I think this needs splitting into designery and artsy.

Artsy wear colourful hippy stuff
Designery wear Cos and Kin.

Lagenlook . ‘Made in Italy ‘ is not expensive as a starter. It’s all about layering and putting separates together. You might also have a look at big jewellery (doesn’t have to be pricy) and scarves knotted and braided.

please don’t dye your hair an unnatural colour, it’s so boring and looks silly.

Meadows / LF Markey could fit the bill.

Are you comfortable in what you typically wear OP? Comfortable in your skin and style? Physically comfortable. You don't have to change your style just to fit in. Unless you actually really want to obviously. Have a look on Pinterest at some arty fashion bloggers. To be honest my best teachers at art college wore the most normal 'middle aged mum' outfits, think lots of navy cardigans with silky scarves and ankle boots. But it's their minds and personality that were the creative aspect of them. Amazing people, working artists with colourful lives and backgrounds. In life now my 'artsy' friends wear loose fitting, neutral linens or are a bit grungey.

izabel london and desigual are two other possible brands.

Are you comfortable in what you typically wear OP?

I'm physically comfortable in it, but emotionally feel that there's a more creative side of me that isn't coming through.
So, I'd be very happy to explore and upgrade my style!

Agree so much, I live and work in small university town and see so much blue/green/purple/pink hair. It never looks good. Not ever.

Scarves draped/tied/knotted always shout artsy to me. Look at Sahara clothes (expensive but good for a special outfit). Their scarves are lovely.

What about this kind of thing:
www.etsy.com/uk/shop/EssentialDesignsLDN?ref=l2-about-shopname&section_id=32476960
I have a couple of the kantha/Suzani jackets which are lovely and artsy looking. Also reversible so you get two for the price of one!

This thread from last year was great with lots of suggestions - ‘If Monty Don was a woman’.

www.mumsnet.com/talk/style_and_beauty/4281220-If-Monty-Don-was-a-woman

Cats eye glasses, red lipstick and big earrings I think would look artsy with a blonde bob. Chunky knits, scarves, brogues.

Unusual colour combos, layering, draping, and jewellery.

Add accessories you love. So stick to your usual, but with a flamboyant scarf.
Get a great bag.
Swap out your cardi for something a bit more exciting- something poncho, chunky, shacket.

Shoes- what about boots instead?

I'd be very happy to explore and upgrade my style!

I think this is the crux of the matter. Truly, asking other people to give you a style is the antithesis of artistic creativity - unless you’re making an actual performance piece out of taking the advice!

Some of the most creative people I know look completely unremarkable. Others clearly make their appearance part of their ‘brand’. But it’s what emerges from their brains that gives them value. (You know this anyway!)

What you may need is to become a more intentional and exaggerated version of yourself. Maybe your jeans, and top are from Tesco and your cardigan is vintage Versace. Or you adopt the stealth knowingness of Studio Nicholson, Sofie D’Hoore, Margaret Howell … All with some Margiela footwear.

Anyway - here is some knitwear

Colenimo

La Fetiche

Margiela

And some nice plain artisan clothing that would definitely mark you out as a person of discerning taste.

Old Town

That Monty Don thread was one of the best on S&B EVER

You def have to look at www.gudrunsjoden.com/en-gb?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Brand%20Core%20%7C%20Search%20%7C%20UK%20%7C%20EX&utm_term=gudrun%20sjoden%20clothes%20uk&utm_content=Brand%20-%20Clothes

Hi OP

I work in a creative field, so get to wear lovely things to work!

try some vintage knitwear - you can get some beautiful British made jumpers in pure wool in a good condition. I personally love Wendy Lawrence, Annie Hall and anything made in the Scottish islands.

dr martens and Clark’s originals are very comfortable and popular in my field

I also brighten up outfits using vintage silk scarves also can be used on any bags you already have.

good luck! I think this style is quite authentic to one’s personality and takes time to achieve, if you buy what you love and go from there you’re on the right track

Completely agree with @TottersBlankly - you can’t look truly ‘creative’ in your look if you’re just subscribing to a typical ‘uniform’ of what other people consider ‘artsy’

I work in creative circles and the people who truly look inspiring do not put much thought into what they wear, and they certainly wouldn’t be drawn in by the expensive brands.

Pinterest for inspiration, Vinted / eBay or local vintage or kilo sales and build up pieces gradually that really speak to you as individual would be my approach.

Also - ask your peers! If you see someone wearing something you’re drawn to, ask them about it…