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?

A few more brands for you:

• Jasper Conran dresses - some are definitely at the 'fancy art lady' end of things, eg. www.jasperconran.com/collections/dresses/products/beatrice-v-neck-collar-dress

- Essential Antwerp have some nice pieces: www.essentiel-antwerp.com/uk/women/tops-blouses/multicolor-abstract-shirt-crock - Bimba y Lola: I hate the styling on the website, but they often have some interesting shirts and dresses, eg.www.bimbaylola.com/de_en/light-blue-denim-tie-shirt-222BR2052.T1401.html

Start by discovering which colours suit you.

Google how to find if you're cool colours pinks, pale blues, light greens etc or warm colours, reds, browns, dark green etc. It's all to do with the colour of the veins on the inside of your wrist, I kid you not!

The easiest way is to stand in front of a mirror and try different coloured tops across your shoulders so your chest is covered up to your neck, some colours will light your face and others will drain you.

After that no matter what the make, go for trainers or Doc Martin type ankle boots and knee boots. Polo necks are back in and lots of below the knee knitted dresses about, slender fit. Straight below the knee knitted skirts with a sleeveless knitted top and a grandad shirt or poloneck underneath.
Zara is modern and not to expensive. If you take a look at their website you can get an idea of what people are wearing it's always up to date.
Keep clear of fussy ruched sleeves and always remember the first and most important rule of good dressing......you wear the clothes, they shouldn't wear you. Good luck love.

I disagree about dyed hair. I think it looks great as long as it is well cared for and suits the individual with it. Same goes for piercings or tattoos. I love that more people are now able to express themselves as they wish without being considered unprofessional or scruffy. My GP usually wears a tracksuit and trainers which would have been unthinkable just a few years ago, and he's a brilliant doctor. My midwife when I had DS2 had facial piercing. As for artsy clothes, a lot of people I know wear doc Martens or similar, colourful knitwear, harem pants etc.

The Monty Don thread was just one of the best.

I agree Cos, Plumo, Toast, Margaret Howell. Plus some nice red glasses, some solovair boots or new balance trainers or Chie Mihara shoes. I saw Phillippa Perry (who must epitomise this look) in Toast the other day.

Is it the same poster that always comes on here and recommends La Fetiche? It's just a bizarre website.

And look at Jenny Sue Garcia on Instagram - she is a blond bobbed Toast wearing arty type.

I’d start with accessories like scarves, jewellery. I love the kimono style jackets as you can wear over normal trousers and top, and makes a big difference to your look!

Check out one hundred stars

In my opinion best finds come from ebay, vinted and charity shops. Don't buy new. It never looks properly creative.

A dress from Cos, Uniqlo, or & other stories. Jewellery. Tatty Devine, Kam Creates, Lou Clarke studio, Wolf and Moon. Ankle boots, DMs or high tops if you can get away with it.

www.hush-uk.com/nyra-midi-dress-ombr%C3%A9-stripe/006476-4063.html

I agree with others find yourself and be true to that rather than how others dress as long as you mirror people in levels of casualness or not then you will be fine.

My industry which is very suited and booted but I don't like dark colours so I often wear bright suits or shirts which makes me feel myself making me in turn feel more confident.

So if you like suits wear them with trainers and a t shirt. If you like colourful dresses wear them.

I wouldn't change the style you're comfortable in, as others have said, maybe try different scarfs and accessories. You can get some lovely costume jewellery/broaches etc from charity shops that would really elevate your look!

Sigh …

I’m reluctant to comment any more, partly because it’s not my thread but partly because I always find myself wading into trouble when I speak honestly on S&B.

Someone has ‘accused’ me of mentioning a particular brand all over this board. 🤷🏽‍♀️ I don’t know about other posters but are we truly all only supposed to repeat the HobbsHushMintVelvetMarks&Spencer mantra on every thread. All of us? With zero variation for fear of offending someone who dislikes anything unfamiliar?

I’m quite often at the sort of events (in and outside the UK) the OP is anticipating. Very, very few women arts professionals adopt the Provincial English Art Teacher look (in public at least. I doubt many actual art teachers dress like the stereotype either.) IMVHO the OP really doesn’t need whacky accessories to prove her credentials - unless that’s her own actual style. Nor does she need a particular haircut or shade of lipstick. The commercial creative world should have room for everyone with talent - and we should all feel free to dress as we please.

If in doubt, wear black. And something vintage.

Next do a William Morris range which might be a middle ground between your current style and artsy. H&M and Uniqlo sometimes do collabs with artists or designers that are smart but give a big nod to artsy.

I work in an arty field and have a pretty bohemian style.

Clothes that have a dramatic shape work well, but I'd stick to top or bottom, not both. So a flowy top with swishy sleeves, but simple, narrow bottoms. Or wide legged trousers with a neat, fitted top.

I rarely wear heels, but go for interesting boots and trainers instead.

I love dungarees, if you can get away them in your work place, but I go for plain ones, usually in a dark colour, rather than the Lucy and Yak style. I'm in my 40s, so it's a fine line between "boho" and "aging CBeebies presenter."

I think dressing all in one colour palette can look interesting, but if I'm all in black, as I often am, I'll add a colourful jacket or boots.

I mostly shop at charity shops or independent shops. It encourages originality and decreases the chance you'll run into someone in the same outfit!

Lastly, I think headscarves, hats and big earrings all add interest and individuality to an outfit.

I would change your hair. Bobs are very dowdy. You don't need to colour it but add loads of layers and make it funkier

Joe brown is a good look I think

Straight cut bobs are not dowdy. My 16 year old dd has just had a messy French Bob and it looks fantastic.

My hairdresser wanted me to model one of his shows with my Centre parted non layered straight as it was the current thing.

Get yourself a colour palette. Mine is navy, khaki and fucshia - works great together and I mix and match with black/white/denim.

Mix patterns, look for similar size shapes and similar colours you can pick out.

Trinny is great at this, search her on Youtube.

Lots of people saying black, but I think that you need to be careful with black. It suits very few people and is extremely ageing.

It's ok if you're in your 20s, but once over 40 you need to be careful with black.

I would say that navy is more flattering on most people. If you're going with black I would add a coloured scarf near your face.

Bobs are really fashionable at the moment. Depends how you style it. I like the Italian bob but my hair texture is wrong.

I would probably look for a nice vintage jacket, a Liberty scarf and stylish pair of glasses and the perfect lipstick.
if I had the money I would also go for a pair of Tracy Neul boots too. Gorgeous.

I think a new hair cut is a good place to start.

Look in magazines for inspiration.

Telling people in the arts not to dye their hair bright colours = fighting a losing battle. Honestly!

Navy isnt artsy- its mumsy

Gudrun Sjoden