Advice about making clothes last and looking more professional

[KeepingGoingOneDayAtATime]

Hi,

I wondered if I could ask for some advice about making my clothes last and looking smarter?

I wear very practical things because I am a carer for a SEND child and SAHM, and really the most important thing is that I can get everything done fast enough, and that my clothes are easy to wash. I have sensory sensitivities and only wear navy blue or black and only skin-tight clothes.

I'm, brunette, tall and slim, and nearly 50 years old (5'10" and size 14 in Next). Feminine things make me look like a man. I've started wearing men's clothes because the contrast of the masculine cut makes me look definitely feminine.

I have been wearing these polo shirts from M&S and they look lovely new, but they don't last. The collars go funny and don't sit right, and ironing them doesn't really help that much.

https://tinyurl.com/2tesrxpw

I just wondered if you might know what to do to make them last better, or if there is some other similar thing that I could wear? I need something that is navy blue and simple and doesn't flap about. It needs to machine wash at 40C with bio persil, about a million times in its lifetime. It also must tumble dry.

Along with these tops, I also wear black demin stretch leggings from next (14 tall), and under the t-shirt I wear a long sleeved grey thermal top, either a scoop neck or a polo neck. I thought it might look stylish, but I think it probably just looks like I have a thermal top on with the arms showing.

I think I look a bit too much like I was designed to be boil washed and to be disposable, and would like to look a bit sharper.

I don't have much scope for looking much nicer because I have to work really hard to care for a SEND child, but my child now has an EHCP and is home schooled, so I would like to look a bit less like a damp rag for when I meet professionals who work with us.

I wondered if you might have any ideas? I could happily shift up to looking like the human version of a black panther or the milktray man, or James Bond, if that was an option.

I tried the navy blue rugby top which is the long sleeved version of the polo shirt, but it is too hot.

I have a navy blue acrylic polo neck jumper for winter, which looks nice. I also have an amazing long coat like this one, but in black, which turns heads in the street, but maybe a bit too much.

https://tinyurl.com/yt35srru

When I go out in winter I wear hiking overtrousers, which look fine, and often a regatta navy blue jacket, which is also nice.

Any advice would be very gratefully received.

Thanks!

I think that what I'm already wearing is basically scrubs, but I'd like to look a bit more flash. I really could enjoy looking a bit more like this person. I think it's only the jacket that's not washable.

The more realistic option might be the ubiquitous Breton top with slim fitting trousers? Do you like stripes? They tend to hold up well as the stripes sort of mask any fading/bobbling of the fabric. They’re usually quite soft and easy to wear as well. They work well with a jersey blazer over the top, which would be washable.

It sounds like you work extremely hard. I think you're probably correct that tumble drying is a major factor but, as you say, what can you do!

I like your 'ideal life' outfits and I have a weakness for tweed jackets (nearly all bought second hand). They're not washable but providing you layer them over other things, they only need very occasional cleaning. You could then machine and tumble dry the hell out of whatever you wear underneath because it's mostly going to be covered up anyway.

I am your height and size. A coat or blazer is your friend here. I’m often found with black stretch denim, flat boots and a long sleeve t shirt. Tesco does some nice cotton ribbed stretch t shirt that wash and more importantly tumble dry well for £8. For work (customer facing so need to look smartish) I layer up with a wool double breasted coat (bum length) that I leave open or a blazer. Vinted is good for this monsoon are pretty true to size and sleeves are good length. I bought a lovely, brand new, navy one for £30 recently. A scarf for a helpful pop of colour if you like.

This sounds like a really good plan. I will have a think about blazers and jackets then, with washable shirts and things underneath. I think that would be nicer than descending into a series of mishapen cardigans, which is a distinct risk just now.

Try Carrhart or Dickies, @KeepingGoingOneDayAtATime

OP, would you be able to post a (headless) photo of yourself? It's so much easier to advise when you have a picture of what someone looks like.

I can just contribute that we have dozens of polo shirts in the house due to DH business, and the best ones are not pure cotton but polycotton ones e.g. Fruit of the Loom, that tend to get used for branding but are available plain. IKWYM about the collars of cotton ones going all scrunched and they also fade.

I would swap to surcare from bio persil. I find that persil really washes out the colours. It's kinder on a 40 wash.

I'd swap the polo shirts for men's long sleeve t-shirts. Men's ranges seem a lot sturdier than women's. Supermarket or primark ones are ok.

There'll be no collar to get damage. Use a scarf or necklace to dress it up, and add a jacket to look more business-like.

If you get grubby from crafts, use an overall or artist's smock, or an old shirt over your clothes.

I better not post a photo. I'd worry that someone might recognise me. Thanks, though.

Jersey jacket
These are pretty easy care and come in a multitude of colours. Wouldn't tumble dry, though.