I’m a slob. Help me not be.

[Give0fecks]

I dress like an absolute disgrace. I’m in that place after having babies where none of my old clothes fit, I’ve stopped caring and can’t be bothered. Please help.

comfort and practicality is my number 1 priority. I live rurally and spend a lot of time outside, so want to go for the ‘country casual’ type look. I walk miles every day.

im going to get some ACAI leggings - what tops do people wear with these? I’ve been wearing feeding tops for the last 3 years so need to chuck them all out!

I prefer layers - i was also going to buy a new gilet to replace a decades old one - maybe schoffel?

I don’t want my children to be embarrassed of me ☹️

I'm not stylish so can't help, but I think people who walk with good posture look loads better than those who don't.

Wear what feels comfortable and fits well. Clothes that are too tight or too baggy don't look good.

Pleases don't worry about embarrassing your children. I'm sure they don't care what you wear. Besides, in a way, seeing you go out in whatever, with confidence, is a better message than saying you have got to look a certain way. I can't put it into words very well. I hope you know what I mean.

Aww. Honestly children will be embarrassed of parents irrespective of what they wear!
Perhaps for yourself ust making sure that your outer layers look presentable by wearing something warm like thermals underneath and then a nice coat or gilet and boots

I'm not sure leggings are going to help you feel any smarter, regardless of where they come from or how much they cost. @Boating123 Spot on about posture, standing correctly makes you look so much better. Much better for your back, knees and feet too.

What about a lovely jumper or winter weight shirt/blouse (fine corduroy is nice)? Get colours that suit you in nice materials. Or a really good pair of boots.

I'd start by making a Pinterest board of the kind of outfits you like, that suit your lifestyle. I'd look at brands like Howies, Passenger and Patagonia for that kind of outdoorsy hiking style, and see if anything in your current wardrobe could work with that.

If you live rurally, and walk a lot, then good activewear sounds like a good place to start; leggings can look good if they're thick/good quality and not see-through Primark/supermarket ones. I'd pair them with high-top walking boots or sturdy jodhpur/Doc Marten type boots, and an oversized sweater to balance the proportions (slim-fitting bottoms + oversized top, and vice-versa). Use accessories to make it look pulled together, so a knitted beanie in the same colour as your sweater, and thick knit socks.

You could make a basic capsule wardrobe of 5 interchangeable tops and bottoms (maybe jeans/couple pairs good leggings, nice cords) and start small. Let your realistic, actual life be the guide - if you're not in an office, you don't need workwear! - and invest a small amount in clothes that fit you, that you feel good in. Look at how brands style their clothes to get an idea of outfits, and see what you'd feel comfortable copying.

Meanwhile, get back to basics with the self-care; even if it's just having clean hair and skin, and using whatever skincare you currently have, and making sure your clothes are clean every day, you'll start to feel less like a slob and more like you're presentable. Good luck! I know it's hard, but honestly it is doable, and you'll feel so much better when you do.