Failing at winter casual- help!

[Meadowfly]

I always wear jeans and a (cashmere) jumper, I can’t help it! I’ve tried other things, imagined I could be a casual skirt or dress person but I can’t. I always end up in a nice soft, warm jumper but I caught site of myself in a mirror the other day and I looked like I was dressed like a little old lady on a dog walk. Awful rab anorak too. I’ve mastered looking smart for work and I can look decent for going out but casual winter look defeats me.
My question is - what can I do to avoid looking so boring and old while still wearing jeans and jumpers? I’m mid 40s, 5’3 and slimish if that makes a difference. Patterns or non fitted things make me look very stumpy!

Fitted down jackets are frumpy on any age. I always go for a small man's jacket.

But you could ditch the rab jacket and go for a short wool coat such as a pea coat.

Are your jeans newish? Could you update the style? I haven't worn jeans for a couple of years, I usually wear leggings at the weekend. But I've just bought some wide cropped jeans and they have really changed my shape and allow me to wear tops again.

I've also bought a cropped cashmere jumper to wear with them which looks more modern too.

I would suggest looking at what the fashion pack call an elevated cardigan, something like the ones featured here https://eliza.co.uk/fashion/best-new-season-cardigans

Maybe consider the jeans style you wear and consider other styles which are still casual but smarter or more current. You could maybe try a different wash too. I’d suggest looking at smarter outerwear too that does the job but makes an outfit more put together.

Wear a bright scarf with the parka

Nothing wrong with jeans and a jumper! Trousers are very popular right now. It sounds like you just need help with shapes.

Very loose trousers are in fashion, but if you think loose items make you look frumpy, maybe you're like me and need to go for a flat (non-pleated) front and more fitted thigh area and looser at the bottom. Most jeans brands should have something that works, but if you want to try something different, maybe you'd like a cargo style.

Are you familiar with Massimo Dutti? I find there are usually styles that look casual but are designed to look flattering rather than trendy.

I was just reading today that puffy jackets are not so popular this year. Right now it's all about trench-coats! There are some nice casual ones that you could wear anywhere. I won't suggest specifics because I don't know what your budget is, but it's hard to avoid them at the moment!

Zalando is a good place to look for casual clothes that are flattering. Good luck.

@Antst yes to trench coats. I was in NYC last week and saw some beautiful trench coats.

Yes, a trench coat might be good - needs to be properly waterproof though.

@Meadowfly ah, the ones I saw were silky fashion versions.

They are out there! I have seen some recently but don't recall where. Try sports brands like Sweaty Betty, Columbia, and North Face. They often have items that are practical but also stylish.

Any other tips? The downside with trench coats is that they aren’t warm, although they do look smarter. Are Didriksons ‘over’?

Any other hints - I used to wear scarves about 10 years ago but that seems very dated!

my jeans are straight.

The trick with the cashmere jumper and jeans combo is how you style it. If you wear something under either a shirt or long sleeved tee so that the hem of the bottom layer lies below the jumper and you see a peek of sleeve/collar it makes a huge difference. Fold the hem of the jumper under to allow that.

Im not a fan of typical waterproof coats, it’s very hard to find one that looks good, so other than actual dog walking I’d wear a wool coat. If you’re bothered by trends, long length is the thing right now.

@Meadowfly , I meant a woolly scarf.