How to look Put Together??

[Pololo]

Exactly that - I'm forever changing my hairstyle or clothes or something to try and get that "i know what I'm doing" look, but I always end up scruffy.

So what do you wear, do, eat, drink, own that helps you look like you aren't a teenager in an adults body?

I'd like to know this too. I have good intentions but bought some new bits recently and my husband asked why I was dressing like an American teenager. I am 40.

Hahhaha, oh god - i think i've just bought the same clothes as you and i'm 40 too! Is that what we look like???

Dress for your shape and not what's in fashion
Dress a bit smarter (I have an hour glass shape so more formal clothes look better on me)
Capsule wardrobe of basics. I looked better instantly when I started wearing more basics.

This is totally me.

I think one thing to do is to spend most of your clothes money on classic basics in plain colours, also to buy lots of clothes in the same colour so they all go and you can wear relatively plain, simple outfits and bring variety with jewellery.

I have fallen into many a trap where I buy a top or shoes that I like but is/are going to be hard to match.

Personally I feel more this way in something tailored, but not necessarily formal. Blazer style jackets, waisted dresses, and blouses with collars rather than bomber jackets, goodies, or t shirts.

Hoodies, that should be.

Our work dress code is smart casual, despite working in a school, as we are a SEND unit (previous roles in mainstream have always been suit / dress and jacket).

I can wear the same basic outfit as a very stylish put together colleague and always feel like a scarecrow by comparison, so started to analyse the differences, and I think she just adds more small things to take it up a notch - so for example we both wore black jeans and a jumper today, but she had a shirt underneath with the collar and cuffs showing, had a belt on her jeans and the jumper was half tucked / half untucked; last week we were on playground duty together - both wearing a long coat, I had a woolly scarf, woolly gloves and a bobble hat, whereas she was wearing a fedora, lightweight scarf and leather gloves.

I think unfortunately it's the usual stuff. Basic neutrals, no crazy patterns, well cut clothes. Hair styles, neutral but well done make up. Sometimes creative jewellery or a scarf. I struggle at the moment as wfh so like a newsreader, only need to look smart from the waist up. So am usually in slobby jeans, but a smart silk blouse with layered necklaces, big earrings and styled hair. If Teams had the filters that tiktok had it would be perfect, alas I still need to put some make up on.

The newest version of Teams does have filters now! Click the 3 dots and check it out.

@Poachedeggavocado if you haven't already, put the soft focus setting up to maximum!

@DiveBombingSeagull I agree little details make a difference. A belt on trousers and a simple necklace make all the difference.

I have soft focus on!! Alas it doesn't remove all my spots or put on eyeliner and mascara just yet

Wearing boots or shoes rather than trainers. Wearing sandals and not flip flops in summer.

Tailoring, especially if it’s a coat or jacket, or something with an interesting cut or craft-led if your style is more bohemian.

Jewellery and accessories, especially interesting necklaces and belts.

Up to date specs, but never in a primary colour.

Bag to suit your outfit and the occasion (not just because it’s your only designer bag), interesting or important rings, a watch, hair with volume but without products, short and neat nails with a glossy minimalist manicure, good teeth without excessive dental interventions.