Help me revamp myself

[Undisclosedlocation]

I have no doubt that these sorts of threads crop up almost daily and all you stylish ladies are fed up with answering such basic questions, so apologies in advance

Im 5’4, a size 10 bottoms, sometimes a 12 on top as big boobs and nearing 60. With a lifestyle that’s very outdoorsy/sporty and no need for dressing smart at all, I’ve fallen into making ZERO effort. I never wear make up or use skin care of any sort, I get a hair cut every few months max, I’ve grown out the dye so pretty grey (I quite like this compared to the box dye I had before which was dreadful, but it probably makes me look older. Many people genuinely don't recognise me with the new colour). My wardrobes (yes,plural!) are ridiculously full but I wear the same tatty crap, usually covered in dog hair and mud almost everyday. I don’t even know what’s in there tbh and get hugely overwhelmed if I try and organise/declutter. It’s all cheap fast fashion stuff too, which doesn’t help, although the budget is not going to be available for more than that currently

I love the look of nice nails, neat hair and make up, classic understated clothes in a sporty/preppy type vibe (think I might be a bit old for ‘preppy’ though 😂) but have absolutely no clue as to what products, make up tutorials, wardrobe advice etc to follow from the vast amount online.

Does anyone have any advice on where to start? Or a link to one of the doubtless tons of really good older threads already here for people like me? I tried the search bar, but I need something starting from scratch

I think on the makeup/looking groomed etc you have to find what works for you in terms of things you will actually do on a day to day basis. No point trying to set off on a complicated, time consuming routine if you don't have time it doesn't fit with your lifestyle.

For me that's a bit of a light makeup about half the time, but always good skincare and groomed brows (nicely shaped and then tidied with gel/wax / low maintenance!).

Clothes wise, I work from home most of the time but also go on some smart businessy trips. I don't socialise out much. My office is wear what you like. So my wardrobe is a mix of casual, comfy clothes with enough things to dress up or down should I need. I still like to make a bit of an effort when working at home but I also want to be comfy. I love walking in the country but I change into and, more importantly, out of particular clothes for that so I don't feel like a muddy forest!

First is those overflowing wardrobes though! You've probably got quite a few things you could put in rotation. There are two ways I'd recommend - first one is dump everything on the bed and go through it - be ruthless about what to keep, try things on, donate and discard as appropriate. It's a bit exhausting but it's a once and done. Second way is to get a big box and fill it with clothes, work through that box, repeat until finished - allows you to do a bit a day.

End up with one wardrobe you will use daily, the rest is storage. In that one wardrobe keep only thinks you are wearing regularly, if you find you've not worn it for a couple of months either get rid or put it in one of the storage wardrobes.

Also - a lovely way to start feeling like you're looking after yourself is to refresh your underwear drawer.

You are me .60 .. except at the time you are 5 stone lighter ! So sloppy fat person clothes on top of your list. I decided to deal with the weight first as made me depressed.

Step 1. Mountjaro weight loss injections from April. Now 9st 2 sixe 10. Tick.
Step 2. Proper haircut and colour. Take the hit and pay for a good hairdresser through recommendations. Keep it up every 8 weeks. £87-110 each time depending on treatment.
Step 3 .Got good stylish (but brutally honest) friend to 'Mary Kondo' my wardrobe.
(I was left with about 10 articles from a 120...
Step 4. Get same brutally honest friend and even more direct kids to sort out new bits. Pleased to say they are all in to sustainability - so mostly eBay/Vinted but I now have a smart capsule wardrobe for work and a similar one for casual.

Step 5. Skin care. I have a routine now. Nothing ridiculous, just cleansing with micellar water and moisturiser. With 'visibly different' from Clinique. So not expensive. I have also had a session with my amazing dentist who does very subtle filler and had the deep creases by the side of my nose plumped out .. and my 'grumpy' resting face (corners of mouth) filled so that I know longer look eternally miserable.. (I know she was subtle because an hour after I had it done DH said ... you look happier .. what's happened ? - bless him) ..

I feel fab. The kids tell me I look fab. The train conductor asked for my railcard (which they never usually do as I always looked old).. DH has only really noticed the hair colour and weight loss but has always said I am beautiful (🙄) ... just to be really clear though .. lost both parents within a week 5 years ago and gave up.. i did this FOR ME.. and so glad I did .