I need some new clothes. No idea where to start. Pic included

[Sonolanona]

I'm an everyday scruff... jeans, uniqlo base layers and a jumper most days as I work with small children, have a dog, and an allotment...not a glamorous life!

But my clothes are tired and I have no sense of style. I'm 58 , about 5 ft 7 my hair is going grey (which is fine, I became allergic to hair dye). I want to stay in jeans/trousers ..I literally never ever wear skirts or dresses and that won't change, but I want to look more put together and less thrown together.
I've included a pic of me at the beach this summer so you can get an idea of the shape of me and perhaps suggest what I should be looking for. My plan is to go to John Lewis/Next (can't afford posher than that!) but I need ideas! Help me!

https://www.johnlewis.com/our-services/personal-styling

How about booking a personal styling appointment at JL.

You have a great figure, so you’d have lots of choice I’m sure.

I find the problem is that I dress for the life I have, so a bit like you, polo necks and jeans. But what you can do is be that best version by keeping a little up to date in jean shapes and wearing well fitting jeans and sweaters and a good jacket and/or coat. Barrel/wide legs and particularly a wider straight jean are a good starting point. So maybe concentrate on building up good quality garments that suit you. And pay a bit more for them. Next are pretty awful imo.

JL is a good start. The other thing is ironing - it looks more put together and smarter when stuff is ironed. (I also don't wash indigo jeans in bio powder to retain the deep colour.)

Look up Midlifechic - blog not socials, she’s old school! Same age, body shape etc and showcases JL, Boden and similar

@Sonolanona you look really cool and I was dressing like that but reached the decision to avoid jeans like the plague
I'm quite skint but wear quality smart trousers from the chazzer dressed down or with a smart jacket out of my working wardrobe nice cross over bag blah. All because of decision to avoid jeans like the plague.
Might give you ideas i hope.

You’re clearly gorgeous and could wear anything. Could you start by going to Levis and trying on every pair of jeans in your size, to get a feel for what styles feel good?

I totally disagree with a previous poster about Midlife Chic. I find her style very Tory wife.

I recently lost a lot of weight and had to be all new clothes out of necessity but had a whole new shape of body I’ve never had before, after lots of frustrated browsing this is what I did.

Took a full length picture in natural light when wearing a vest top and leggings. I then uploaded it to chat GPT and asked it what styles and shapes of clothes would suit my build, what styles and shapes would be unflattering, what colours would best complement my hair colour and skin tone and what colours would be unflattering. That gave me some baseline ideas to work with. I then provided my budget and details of genres of fashion that I like and asked for suggestions of shops that would fit those parameters.

From there I had a targeted list of things to look for and places to look, which felt much more manageable than just looking at everything in the world.

Not sure you’ve seen her recently then? Unless by Tory wife you mean SamCam!

I don't know why you think you have no sense of style. You clearly know what you like and look great in it. I would put some time aside to try on lots of different things, including a range of jeans and trouser shapes, and maybe some jackets - I find they're great for turning jeans and T shirt into 'an outfit'. Shoes too although I'm not the person to advise on them. And then I would trust your instincts.

If you need some ideas for everyday dressing & jeans follow Melissa Murrell & Invest in style on Instagram.
They're both excellent at picking out new styles from everyday stores. With your figure you could wear anything & look brilliant. If it's a question of feeling confidence in your clothes then an appointment with a personal stylist at J Lewis would be a good start.
New styles of jeans would give you an instant update.
Uniqlo & M&S are really good places to start for jeans/trousers/knitwear.
Do you know what colours suit you?
And do you know what budget you have in mind?
Are you also looking for a hair and make up update?
I'm not so sure Next is a good shop if you're trying to reinvent yourself. It used to be good years ago but is now polyester heaven. I'm 61 & haven't shopped there for years.

If your style is classic it’s important to buy good quality because otherwise you can veer into frumpy scruff without realising it. As others have mentioned, jeans in more modern styles, and high-end Tshirts will elevate your outfits. With your lovely figure you can wear anything! Try some new trainers or boots, get a barn jacket, and always wear small gold hoop earrings. I like the ones with a T-bar.

I made a point of looking at her again before posting. I still don't rate her, but each to their own.

Thank you for all the advice so far... I'm taking it on board!
I am going to book JL... I thought it was expensive so a lovely surprise to find otherwise!
I have no idea what colours suit me... tbh me in a red top is unusual, I'm usually in plain navy , grey or white! If anything my style inclination is towards 'country' ..mostly as I am fairly rural and my only posh foot wear is a pair of Le Chameau wellies which were worth every penny for walking the dog in the fields and digging up my spuds😁 . I do own a Barbour for the same reasons! Can't wear heels due to spinal stenosis but would like to get out of Skechers now and again!
I think potentially, if I wait til after Xmas (because my Mum is generous and always me money for my Birthday and Xmas!) I could go up to £500, but that would have to include some better trousers, some tops and preferably a coat?
Have a haircut booked for the end of December, and I'd like a Meredith Grey sort of grown out fringe put in, but want to keep my hair growing otherwise...I had the pixie cut from hell August 2023 and I've basically been growing my hair back ever since... I want it LONG again.
Off now to look at some more blogs!

It sounds like you're naturally attracted to cooler colours. Do you suit silver jewellery rather than gold?
A capsule wardrobe of some carefully curated colours would probably be a good idea for you. You will find so many nice things to wear in J Lewis.Though it's such a shame that you're waiting for Christmas funds as there are some really good deals on coats etc at the moment.
I think the sales have started so early this year with some pretty heavy discounts there won't be much left after Christmas.

If you are on Instagram I would look at Style by Claire Lopez. She's a stylist in the UK and she's always suggesting ways of putting outfits together. Like you I tend to be a jeans and top girl and she has lots of suggestions for making the outfit a bit more polished. High Street prices too

Have a look at Graham St blog and Insta. Some expensive pieces but you can recreate the ideas with M&S, Uniqlo, charity shop and Vinted finds.

M&S jeans are excellent and a good price.

Rise and Fall knitwear.

https://grahamst.co.uk/

Also, knowing what your colours are can save you a fortune in poor choices that don’t suit you. You can learn by watching Insta reels. Cool or warm undertone, degree of contrast etc. It makes such a difference.

I totally disagree with a previous poster about Midlife Chic. I find her style very Tory wife.
She looks great, and I'm about her age, but the styling does look 'Tory wife'.

All the '50-something' style guides look like what my mother likes.