Classy styles that are not too casual but not too dressy? Hopeless comfort loving legging wearing mum desperate for some help to look nice!

[Styledisaster321]

I have finally got both kids in school, and have a little more time to start looking after myself. I've realised I look a mess and I have absolutely no idea how to dress. I went out for a meal last week and really struggled to find something between casual and dressy, can any of you lovely S&B ladies please help?

The vast majority of my clothes are plain casual t shirts or tanks/ sports tops / leggings, the odd christmassy top (think black and gold shirt, or fancy lace) and one summery white polka dot top. I tend to live in jeans or leggings, I have no smart wear as I wear a uniform for work.

I have 2 nice floaty dresses (but no shoes to go with!), and the rest is like holiday/ beach wear that I pretty much only wear on holiday!

I have no idea how to look classy, or a bit smart / nice, but stay comfortable.

I'm after clothes that I could maybe wear to the office on my non clinical days but also wear to say, a meal out or a friend gathering and not feel too casual. Please does anyone have advise on what shops to look in or perhaps some style ideas for a bit more smart casual? I prefer jeans and a top but open to any ideas and will wear dresses but I'm not often a dress person 😅

Thank you so much in advance and sorry I'm not good at being concise!!

I'm 5"2, size 10 ish, small boobs but large shoulders so I don't like sleeveless things much. I'll upload pics - my casual uniform (wear 90% of the time), the one dress I wear to everything (that I love - any similar styles please send my way!), and the typical stuff I wear for work if I'm not clinical.

The dress looks lovely and flatters your shape, so maybe find a few more like that.
I think some wide leg trousers will be good. You could wear them with a shirt for a more dressed up look, or just a plain casual tshirt for normal days.
Next do a lot of wide leg trousers and some fun colours and patterns. Have you tried barrel leg jeans? They’re just a bit more interesting than straight legged ones.

Thank you so much for the input. I haven't thought about wide leg trousers, but actually being short and quite apple shaped they might even me out a bit! Would you just wear a plain top with coloured or patterned trousers? I then have the other issue of only owning hoodies, I can never find anything to wear over the top of things other than my denim jacket - and that doesn't always go with stuff/ too casual! I'm wondering if I need to get some kind of casual blazer or something...

You have a John Lewis near you? Free style consulting. And honestly the best Investment to start with is getting your colours done so you can focus your buying on colours that suit you that you also like, it helped me enormously prune my wardrobe and start with a few good items. Baseline of a couple of decent pairs of shoes in a neutral colour like cream or pale gold and same with a bag.

If the trousers are plain red for example then I would wear a tshirt with a fun graphic on - I have one with a bowl of pasta which it has a bit of red in it, so ties into the trousers.
If the trousers are patterned then I’ll tend to wear a plain tshirt / shirt.
All the wide leg trousers I own are high waisted, so I find a slightly cropped jumper works with them. So it looks like you still have a bit of a waist.

You’re so wrong about shoulders, OP!

If you’ll forgive me, although the dress you show does fit well it’s honestly unnecessarily dowdy on you. And the frills broaden your shoulders.

What you want is stylish sleeveless tops, or halter necks in the hottest weather. To wear with well cut cotton / linen chinos or jeans. I would avoid plain crew neck jersey t shirts - they do nothing for the broad shouldered. (My mirror is clear on this.)

My first suggestion would be to spend some time on the & Other Stories site, just absorbing the styling. Link is to the trousers but look at everything - in particular how clothes are put together; the colours, the proportions, the layering. The quality of their clothes is variable, other places offer better, weightier fabrics - but the design for everyday smart casual wardrobes is really worth taking in.

https://www.stories.com/en-gb/clothing/trousers/

@MetaDaughter thanks so much, no I'm absolutely after any constructive advice at all! I have slimmed down a bit since January so maybe styles I've used to try cover myself up are no longer flattering.
I will definitely check out that website - I think you're right, I need to start with ideas first then try some stuff and see what actually suits me.

@Row23 I like the idea of high waisted with cropped jumpers, I do like jeans and jumpers 😅 so this wouldn't be too far from what I'm very comfortable with. I've always had a huge tummy so high waisted things have tended to accentuate it, but since losing a bit I feel like I can give new things a try and be confident.

@jeaux90 there's a John Lewis not far from where I work, I'd be a bit worried about the cost but I'm absolutely on board with investing in a few really good quality pieces if they will last. I'll have a look into it! Do you book online?
Good shout on the shoe colours too, this is where I fall down as I never know what goes with everything and I don't want multiple pairs of shoes, but at the moment I have nothing. I used to have some nude heels and they went with absolutely any dress so I could apply the same to flats!

OP the other reason why I say neutral shoes and bag is basically busy life!! Then you don’t have to think about it. I bought some nice cream smart trainers and cream bag that go with anything. they are also smart enough for work with wide leg trousers. Getting your colours done is a great start then book with JL.

Thank you. Where would I go to have my colours done? I am off to Google that now! I don't suppose you have a link or pic of the smart trainers for an idea? Ha life probably is as busy as it gets so I completely relate! X

Please don't suggest she wears a T shirt with a bowl of pasta on it!

I am five 2. Reiss petite jeans have saved me!

one example here.

Silver trainers are a versatile neutral. Either one’s like this or adidas silver one. Lots around.

The shape of the dress is good on you but the shoulders aren't. They add width. Otherwise it looks nice on you.

You don't look an apple shape to me.

The t-shirt over legging doesn't suit you. The sleeves add width and there's no hint of a waist there.

I'd wear a more fitted top tucked into wider-legged bottoms.

Something like this outfit:
Frill Detail Top | M&S

or
Women's Washable Knit Ribbed Trousers | UNIQLO UK

These trousers from Saint and Sofia are fantastic and comfortable. At 5’2” you will have to hem the short version but it’s worth it.
https://uk.saintandsofia.com/collections/womens-trousers/products/apartment-pant-black-straight-leg-trouser

OP you have a great figure. I really think you could do so much better than the clothes you’re hiding away in. I feel that dress is not stylish enough for you and probably ages you.

Have a look at a few websites like nobody’s Child, John Lewis, Arket, Cos, H&M and really have a look at what you think is stylish. You look like you could wear quite a lot of things!

I agree with @WellVintagedyou have a great figure & lots of options.
&otherstories is a great shout for work wear & Uniqlo would offer some cheaper basics that are both comfy and stylish

m&s actually have some good options & have both own & branded options
https://www.marksandspencer.com/jersey-textured-carrot-leg-ankle-grazer-trousers/p/clp60782072?color=NAVY

https://www.marksandspencer.com/woven-barrel-leg-trousers-with-stretch/p/clp60748279?color=BLACK#intid=carousel_FUNH_AT_ALTERNATIVES_END_PDP_16_2:63fcfda5-e558-418d-a945-8be3764f7eb1

evening wear. Scroll through the different colours for style ideas
https://www.marksandspencer.com/mid-rise-barrel-jeans/p/clp60728157?color=BLACK#intid=pid_pg1pip48g2r1c2%7Cprodflag_Just%20Arrived

I agree with others. Wide leg trousers and tshirt or shirt if you want to go smarter. Vinted have lots on there. As for a jacket a trench coat always looks smart and they are easy to wear and go with most things and trainers like others have suggested are a good call.

I'm also short with broad shoulders and I avoid sleeveless tops, as they make me look like an American football linebacker. So I feel your pain!

I echo the recommendation of wide leg trousers, though it may take a bit of trial and error to find the cut that fits you best. Maybe also a smart casual jacket like the Whistles slim jersey jacket? I have one in black and it goes with a variety of trouser styles.

Other than saying you're not really into dresses, you do t really say what you do or don't like, OP. You might want to just spend some time browsing a few high street shop websites and thinking about what you like (I say this rather than Pinterest, because you'll just get wucked back to what you were wearing ten years ago very quickly on there). Take screenshots of different outfits you like, and have these to hand for reference while shopping - look carefully at what tops and bottoms are paired, what shoe styles are chosen etc.

If I were you, I'd start with trying a few pairs of jeans/trousers and figuring out what you like - wide leg or barrel are the most trendy styles at the moment, but there are other options. There are also quite a few wide leg jeans/trouaer which are pull on - tie/stretchy waist which you might like from a comfort perspective. Buy a couple of pairs - for summer I'd go for a light or mid wash denim and maybe a white/cream/beige, perhaps also a khaki or navy.

Then start trying tops with them and see what works. Buy a couple of dressier tops and plenty of t shirts.

Then start trying shoes with them - I'd go for a neutral sandal and a trainer at first, but consult your reference pictures for this.

@Styledisaster321whats your budget for trainers? If you are in London I can recommend red leopard for colours, otherwise House of colour are more
national.

I'd look at the New Arrivals on a few sites.
Have a look at brands that are mentioned on here. Uniqlo, H&M etc might be good places to look.

Can you think of any celebrities that might be about your height and figure, or who's style you admire?

Not particularly wallet-friendly but...
Best British Brands: 30 Brit Clothing Labels To Know In 2026

You look like an inverted triangle to me. I have the same body shape and I personally like sleeveless and/or close fitting tops with a wider bottoms. It evens out the wide shoulder silhouette. Avoid puffed and flutter type of sleeves. The dress does look nice but that type of frilly sleeve does emphasise wide shoulders.

I used JL’s styling service couple of years ago, well I was looking for jeans not styling per se but it was great as the stylist brought over so many pairs rather than me trying find sizes on the shop floor. It’s a free service and there was no pressure to buy at all as the stylist doesn’t earn a commission from sales.

Thanks so much to everyone for your advice.
@StylishAndBeautiful I love that frill top! You're right, there is no hint of a waist. I'm definitely an apple shape, I know it's not apparent in those pics but I do I carry all my weight on my tummy and have fairly slim arms and legs, but I've never really had a waist. I actually normally avoid things that accentuate a waist because it tends to make me look like a barrel on legs and accentuates my middle that doesn't go in. I wonder if this isn't right?
My shape has definitely changed recently though in terms of my tummy has gone down a lot so it may look different on me now. I've lost nearly a stone since January. I have not bought any new clothes yet!

I am loving all the wide leg trousers suggestions, thank you to all for those. I've heard before that it can help even out the silhouette even wearing bootleg instead of skinny jeans @WendyFromTransvisionWamp so it's good to have reassurance that may work well for me!

I never thought about sleeves widening my shoulders either, maybe I will have to try on some more sleeveless / halter neck styles.

@jeaux90 I would probably spend up to around £70 on trainers, but could flex for the right pair. I'm in Yorkshire so will look into house of colour, thank you.

Thanks for your suggestions, much appreciated.
I guess it's because I don't know what I like! I like what I know, and feel comfortable in - which is casual jeans and tops. Having a think now, and I know the following:

I'm not keen on tight, body con or restrictive clothing, I don't like wired bras, and I don't like scratchy, heavily textured or uncomfortable materials. I can tolerate uncomfortable clothes or heels if I know I'll only be wearing them for a few hours though, if I know they look amazing!

I feel safe and comfortable in jeans and a nice top, and flat shoes or trainers. Tops usually need to be loose (or, not snug at least) over my tummy for me to feel ok in them.

For dressing up / going out, I do like to wear a nice dress and I do actually have a lovely v neck jumpsuit which I love (it's black with white dots) but I couldn't really tell you what sort of dresses I like! I'm open to anything that looks good.

I'm terms of how I want to look, I quite like "simple" yet effective outfits. Like, casual but sexy. Not "fashion" trends really, but timeless looks. I used to like how Jennifer Anniston was styled on Friends - I don't really know how to describe, but almost just want to look effortlessly good. Nothing too out there, simple put together outfits - maybe my downfall is I don't know how to accessorise either. I basically never wear jewellery! And I own like 2 bags. Generic brown and black that go with everything 🙈

I’d echo wide legs. But make sure you get the right fit. For me, New Look has the best fitting ones on the high street-petite length too. Simple round neck t shirts. A couple of round neck cropped cardigans-in wool if you have the budget. Also, a couple of linen shirts-Uniqlo have great ones. You could tuck in or wear loose over a t shirt. A chore jacket rather than a blazer would suit petites. I don’t normally like Seasalt but their linen wide leg trousers can’t be beat for summer-in petite too. I agree with pp who said halter neck would suit you. If I’m honest, I don’t think that dress does you any favours. How about a sleeveless shirt dress with belt-look for petite options in dresses so they don’t swamp you. Avoid patterns for dresses-a patterned shirt wou,d be fine. Do you have pierced ears? Some nice earrings would lift plain outfits. Other Stories do good high street jewellery.

i live in trainers, slides or fisherman sandals for summer. If you want to look more elevated, chunky platform sandals Esska do fantastic ones or there are dupes as they are pricy.

i think you have a great figure and lots of clothes would suit you.