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.

I’m afraid I don’t hold any faith in this notion of dresses swamping a person unless they’re of the teeniest, tiniest proportions you can squeeze into. I prefer my clothes to give a bit of swagger and presence.

And, as I indicated earlier, I feel the OP should swerve crew neck t shirts. From personal experience I know that shape just creates a broad flat expanse at shoulder level. Low scooped vests work much better. And collared jackets with lapels that create a V at the front are better than round necked cardigans, for the same reason.

I'm roughly the same shape as you but have a bust. I avoid tops that add bulk.
My legs are not long, so I try to wear styles that make them look longer (not wide or cropped).

I appreciate that the angle of your photo slightly distorts your proportions, but I'll try to explain.

The t-shirt puts a visible horizontal(ish) line at the wider point (orange arrow) slimmer longer sleeves (red arrow) would be better.

The outfit chops you into blocks (orange lines). If you wore outfits that have the blocks where the red lines are, it would look more balanced. Use the 'french tuck' with longer tops.

One piece clothes like dresses and jumpsuits are good because they give a long fluid line.

(I'm not really stylish or beautiful but it works for me. )

Look for Melissa Murrell on YouTube and Instagram, she has some great videos on how to dress to flatter your body type and style tips.

Neutral smart trainer within price range or have a look at the Nero Giardini range if you feel like pushing the price up.
https://www.johnlewis.com/carvela-daze-weave-trainers/p112948018?tmad=c&tmcampid=7&s_share=jlappios_Y29tLmFwcGxlLlVJS2l0LmFjdGl2aXR5LkNvcHlUb1Bhc3RlYm9hcmQ=

Loving the visual - and yes that makes absolute sense now!
So high waisted potentially could elongate me and give me more of a waist, and avoiding these types of t shirts in the photo would help. I do like 3/4 length sleeve shirts (I hate wearing anything with long sleeves and end up rolling them up anyway).

@Pennyfan thanks for the great suggestions, I will definitely have a look at New Look and Uniqlo. My mum shops at Seasalt so it's a bit iffy for me 😅 but I'm here for all the advice, so will be looking at everything!
@MetaDaughter I am with you that I don't think crew necks look great (but I do own a few comfy crew neck t shirts!) and I love a scoop neck top as I do think it really flatters me. I struggle to find scoop neck tops that aren't snug fitting but also aren't too casual.

Thanks for all the lovely advice from everyone, plenty of ideas to think about!

I feel like I'll have to update once I've been shopping and send a new outfit pic!

Thanks.
Not a T-shirt but I like the shape of Women's Merino Short Sleeve Jumper | Lands' End

I love a jumpsuit. Can wear with trainers to dress down or dress it up with smarter shoes. Mango and warehouse are my go to places as they fit my long body.