Would like a restyle and don’t know where to start… help!

[sittinginacarparksomewhere]

I’m early 40s, 5ft 5, size 8-10 (trying to lose a stone as feeling not great about my body) and I have about £1,500 to spend. I’m ok for shoes I think - have a mix of trainers and boots and a pair of ‘nice’ shoes if needed.
My hair isn’t so great so I could probably do something with that ideally.
What are the best things to invest in? My issue is I only really like very casual stuff and I can’t always wear very casual stuff.
I feel like I’m a sort of in between age and in between size and nothing looks very nice.

Hannah Louise Poston did a really great YT video on this, with an exercise to help you find out what your wardrobe needs. Really helped me look at what I buy and what I need, rather than some imaginary version of myself!

Thank you for all the suggestions.
I am smart casual at work - but only in the office two days a week.
sorting out my hair would probably be a good start I think, I wondered about extensions but I’m not sure how long they last / how much they cost.

I look better slimmer. I know I’m probably not overweight by bmi but I look it. I’ve been trying to up my steps to hit at least 8,000 a day which I know isn’t loads but I have a desk job so it’s finding the time somewhere.
I probably ought to start going to the gym. I’m aware all my weight goes round my middle now!

The jeans linked up thread look good and also I can buy them in shorter length which is helpful because I’m increasingly finding most pairs are too long!

@sittinginacarparksomewhere , get a low-maintenance hairstyle. Book a course of fitness classes so that you feel compelled to go. I'd recommend something like body pump twice a week - you should see results after
a week and a half. Make a walk at lunchtime part of your lunch break - just 15 minutes or so will refresh your mind.
I don't think you need to lose weight - eat healthily and move more.

You'll feel a whole lot better about yourself.

Have you had your colours done before? You have a healthy budget, so perhaps it would be good to establish the colours that best suit you.
Can recommend a great personal stylist - Clare Watkins

The best thing I ever did was to have my colours done. Saves expensive mistakes. I was wearing a lot of black when I should be wearing blues and greens. You get a swatch of your colours so you can take it shopping.

Definitely get yourself to a good hair stylist have a decent cut & colour/hilights if you fancy Yy re a couple of appointments with a beautician for facials maybe make an appointment for a consultation for make up advice/products personal stylist possibly can be really useful if you aren’t sure of what you want or what suits you.
getting your done colours can be really helpful, I was a bit skeptical but it has really helped me concentrate on what I buy & filter out colours I know don’t suit.
Good quality shoes/bag/coats, I mix in more expensive clothes with some cheaper bits sometimes Sainsburys/Primark have some occasional gems & have some fun with trying different styles/colours oh & good interesting accessories can really lift an outfit.

where did you get your colours done if you don’t mind sharing please?

When you buy clothes, save some money for them to be properly fitted to you. If you’re shorter take the trainers and shoes you will wear with your trousers and jeans and get them adjusted. The same goes for sleeves.

My clothes look so much better when they are fitted to my body. I am a size 18. 5” 4”. You can tell which of mine are adjusted and which are not.

When you buy clothes, take a small mirror with you to check the rear view especially shoulders and hips, and bear in mind that some mirrors and phones make you look taller than you are.

Another vote for colour analysis and also style consultation if you are not sure what suits you. Make sure they understand your lifestyle - no point knowing what formal evening wear suits you if never go to that sort of function!

Spend money on the things you wear most or have the most effect daily. A good pair of jeans, good coat, good shoes, good haircut, good basic makeup.

Yet another vote for colour analysis. I went with a local stylist who is a Colour Me Beautiful consultant. They offer full sessions that cover finding your colours, body type, signature style, hair and makeup advice etc etc.

Wearing clothes that compliment your skin tone and suit your body shape can make a huge difference: a simple, plain t-shirt will look infinitely better than anything someone with a completely different body could recommend.

It was ages ago, House of Colour I think it was called.

Instead of looking at your body and thinking you need to lose a stone, I would recommend reframing that as wanting to change up your regular exercise to improve how you feel about your body as well as how it looks. Taking up some regular exercise that will help with posture and possibly body composition will likely improve the things you currently dislike about your body without necessarily changing the number on the scale. There’s lots of ways to do this. Things like Pilates or yoga will improve your core strength and therefore your posture. Strength training, like lifting weights, can do the same. Swimming is another good option. Anything that helps to build muscle and maintain bone density is a good idea. Losing weight in your 40s when you’re already a healthy weight could actually reduce your muscle mass and bone density. Muscle weighs more than fat by volume so when you gain muscle mass but maintain your weight you are actually simultaneously losing fat and shrinking centimetres.

Make sure basics are covered…

Drink water like never before

Give up smoking / vaping

Cut out alcohol

Healthy nutritious diet- veg heavy

Double cleanse / use glycolic toner

Teeth whitening

Scrub your jewellery with fairy liquid, keep rings to minimum

Manicure / no tacky nails

Eyebrows threaded

Hair cut

If you can afford those type of jeans/trousers I think they can be a great basis for updated look. Then build from there

…the me and Em ones are gorgeous but I am more on an Uniqlo budget myself 😅😭