I need a complete overhaul

Once you've found a hairstyle and colour that suits you stick with it.
Dress to suit your shape. That's what I do. I look short and frumpy in midi or flared skirts, and only look good in straight knee-length skirts so that's what I wear.
If I ever wear beige, people ask me if I'm ill.
One thing I have found over the years is that as our skin and hair grow duller, fabrics with a sheen can help. I once wore a very shiny scarf and several people commented how nice I looked (but it was only a scarf that was different). Then again when I wore a satiny blouse I also received compliments. Shiny lipstick and shiny/satiny fabrics next to your face work wonders I've discovered.

Hot maybe you just need to indulge yourself! On Friday I treated myself to a massage and facial and yesterday had my roots done so I feel less "end of winter" and more "Come on Spring!"

PECS I take your point but over the years I’ve tried lots and lots of different short hairstyles and a few bobs. The bobs aren’t too bad on me, although long hair looks better. When it comes to short hair I’ve tried everything; from the 80s Human League style as a teen, through short crops, an truly hideous asymmetric thing and short but longer on top styles. They all look awful and make me feel awful so I’m not going to be repeating the experience anytime soon. One of the advantages of long hair is that I can easily tie it up out of the way when I need to. My hair grows really quickly so short hair needs to be cut every 3/4 weeks. It’s a no from me all the way round.

Try on that outfit you would never normally choose..it might surprise you..in a good way.! Step out of your comfort zone. Fine hair may be better in a short feathery or layered style to give it some movement! No point in saying you need a " complete overhaul" but sticking with what you have usually done!

Thank you for this post and those that provided the link, I have just bought that dress from Romans .

I'm all for good jeans and cashmere pullovers but not over a shirt. That's dated in my opinion. A SILK scarf is much better. try museum gift shops for scarves and also real jewellery, and real leather handbags. Sounds expensive but is good for the older woman.

It really is a lovely place to shop and not too pricey either.
Definitely go for the fringe - best thing I’ve done in years. I turned 65 last week and am doing my best to keep stylish despite my health not being the best.

Oh thank you again everyone, before I say anything about how I look I should say how lovely, kind and supportive you have all been and you’ve all made me smile so much.

tiredoldwoman shall we start a women-who-look-like-their-Dads support thread? I’m absolutely sure you’re beautiful, brylcream or not.

Jennifer Anniston is my colouring Florence64 I only wish I could wear the same clothes but yes, I know what (I think) you mean. I’ll have a look at her type of clothes and colour choices.

That dress is lovely linjon, I had a quick look at the site and there are some great clothes there.

Recently bought this from Romans

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Dress it up or down opaque tights and ankle boots ?

Hair problem sounds like mine. Grew my fringe out years ago and short styles don’t suit me at all. Just before Christmas I had the fringe cut back in leaving the rest shoulder length with long layers. I have never had so many compliments and it’s really given me a boost. I’d say go for it!! As for clothing when you’ve got a tummy you can’t beat
www.romanoriginals.co.uk/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=Branded-Paid&utm_campaign=Brand&utm_term=roman%20originals&utm_matchtype=e&utm_device=m&gclid=Cj0KCQiAnNXiBRCoARIsAJe_1cotWjuTlgqYPQDFO7T5KdyJ4tNB0yy1IVQfB7EecJy8F0KH8nvcnh4aAkgDEALw_
I’m size 12 and short with a tummy due to a medical problem. Always rely on Romans for a shift dress or top to hide the tum. Good luck with it all

I sometimes look at people in the public eye with similar colouring to me and see what style(s) they adapt. Or perhaps it's that I would like to think they look like me, lol! It really does help, so if you can think of an actress/newsreader/presenter or someone similar try googling their images and look at their hairstyles and fashion choices.

Good morning Hot Tamales , you sound a beautiful person with your very amusing , honest post .
I laughed about looking like your Dad , I look like mine too - he wore his hair combed tightly back with Brylcreem - I don't suit that look . A Dad that looked like Bryan Ferry - I'm trying to imagine you .
Keep safe, eat well , enjoy the charity shops , keep posting !

The comment about size 10 -12 only being for ages 16 to 30 made me chuckle, where are you shopping New Look ?I don't find that to be thd case at all & also find some wonderful finds in my local Sue Ryder in size 10 .

. My hair is very fine I use thickening shampoos and I back comb. My hair is fine but not really thin I have enough of it to work into different styles. The easiest is just to pull hair into a pony tail and twist up then fasten with butterfly grips. If not then I would take the advice of others and try a wig or hats. I would also find a new hair dresser I have never met one who isn’t willing to try something new.
Just a thought but do you have a training college near you? if so try it out students are keen to learn and please they are supervised the whole the time by a qualified teacher who oversees the cut and helps out if needed. They will also do your makeup and advise on those jowls.
You can buy Avon on line if you can’t find a rep they do sell ethical make up , I don’t suggest you cut your fringe in if you feel un confident but it easy to trim once in.

I get most of my makeup free as I act as a model in the beauty department in my college for girls training g to be beauticians. But ethical companies that I have used include Nude by Nature PHB beauty SO ECO and some of Superdrug’s own make up is ethical too, someone even told me Primark do ethical make up but I don’t shop in there so don’t know. Wishing you well

Pat1949 yes now I’ve written it down I think I need to change hairdressers too.

Ok Daisyboots I’ll book myself in for a style day too. That thing where you go into a shop and leave after a 90 second scan of the place? I do that too since I had my HoC colours done, it’s great and absolutely, I’ve had some excellent advice here.

I would also recommend a House i9f Colour style day. It doesn't force you into any particular style clothes but you find out what shapes suit you. I found out that more rounded shapes and not sharp ones suited me and it's so true. Now I instinctively know what colour and shapes suit me and it makes shopping easier. My husband thought I was being awkward when I walked into a clothes shop on holiday in Florida where I have bought many things in the past and was out within 5 minutes. None of their colours that season suited me so I didnt waste time looking around.
Some very good advice on here from other gransnetters.

I think you need to change hairdressers. You sound as if you have January blues and she's not doing anything to help.

Oh Orelse that’s very kind of you, I am going to try to enjoy it.

Honestly sandelf there’s not much of anything round my way so the chances of finding a good hairdresser are slim, I’m going to have to go further afield. Facebook locallers are likely to recommend their Aunt/sister/mate so it would be a lottery on quality I do have a plan for finding a hairdresser. You make a very good point about no fillers until my weight is stable. Good thinking. I’m not ready for stretchy waists, don’t make me do it!

Have you ever tried those wigs Caro57?

HildaW and Pat1949 thank you, you both sound like you’ve got great hair.

Tbh the hairdresser situation is worse than I’ve said. I’ve been taking photos into the hairdresser to say ‘I’d like my hair like this please’ and the photos are...of me...all taken within the past few years. She can’t or won’t even copy my own haircut

As for colours I like: navy/grey/camel as neutrals and burgundy/lilac/any blues/cream/pale pink/purple/mid green/chocolate brown for accents with the occasional black garment chucked in.

pinkjj27 I haven’t used a touch of silver for years, I’ll get some. That’s an easy win. In my OP I say I wish I could do updos, in the past I’ve looked at YouTube tutorials but they never seem to do them on women with (really) fine hair like mine, which makes all the difference. I haven’t used Avon products for years, I wouldn’t even know where to get a catalogue? I wouldn’t cut my own fringe, I’m far too clumsy I’m good for/with makeup but my jowls have gone beyond anything that contouring and a bit of lipstick could do. The fashion advice is good, I’m trying to buy ethical brands so I could take some of your suggestions and buy ethically. I’ve answered my current exercise and diet in previous posts. Thank you for taking the time to offer so much helpful advice.

I’ll check out Sharon Danley LauraMeredith.

grandtanteJE65 occasionally I do find good clothes in charity shop but it’s rare, my DDs are size 10 so if any of us are having a clear out we give each other first dibs.

Nanny41 there is a joke there Lol
I am a lecturer we never stop talking HotTamales ask for advice so I gave it, on a subject I know about But most of the timeI keep very quiet on here.

I’m back! littleflo I’ve been looking for good hair pieces ever since I saw Jane Fonda use one in Grace and Frankie. That is so helpful.

notgoneyet lizzypopbottle and MadMartha gotcha on the type and price of haircuts. I’m noting this all down.

I’ve looked at TryTuesday NanNore, I like some of the outfits they recommend but they tend towards clothes for young, skinny model types. I will keep looking, thank you, I agree with you that M&S seems to be upping it’s game lately. Long may it continue.

Hollydoilly10 trouble is ‘love yourself’ is easy to say but not so easy to do. If I thought that homeopathy would help with my health problem then I would do it in shot but I don’t.

pinkjj I’m about to have dinner so I’ll respond properly to your post - which is helpful and very kind, thank you - after I’ve eaten.

Try googling hair styles for thin hair, there's sure to be something to catch your eye.

Find another hairdresser! If you want a fringe have one.
P.S. I've got very find mousey hair gone mousey grey. Its not grey enough to be interesting so I do have a few pale lowlights to cheer it up but the best thing I've done of late is go really short. Far shorter than I thought I'd want but I was deep in the doldrums and trusted my hairdresser so she chopped it all off. Am so please with it and everyone has been very complimentary....honest!

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/201902/medium-681706-7ca2c801-5c3f-42b1-bb88-200c5341e0e7.jpeg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/201902/medium-932440-f37dfb12-3957-4cbb-adbb-822d44b83bb2.jpeg

M0nica I’ve had a department store stylist appointment before to get an outfit for a wedding, it was great. I didn’t think to have one for clothes now, it’s a great idea. I’ll do that.

You’re right MawBroon Maggie Smith looked beautiful as Miss JB and you did make me smile. I’m hoping to avoid this sort of look.

You are absolutely right Missfoodlove, good classic clothes is the way forward and exactly what I’m after. We have an excellent bra fitter locally —it’s one of those ones that women come for miles to visit— I take DDs there too so that’s covered.

DoraMarr honestly I look like Bryan Ferry when I’ve got short hair, I look like my Dad and he looked like Bryan Ferry too, which is great on a man but on a woman? Not so much. Photo attached for illustration purposes . Makeup I can do.

Oh Gilly1952 I’d love to go shopping with you, we’d have a blast, I love Goldie Hawn & Helen Mirren too. They are inspirational. As a teenager I used to go out in leggings and DMs, my Dad used to tell me I looked like Max Wall then

I’m not bothered about spending good money on a hairdresser okimherenow it’s just finding one that’s difficult. My current fringe fearer was recommended to me. Pilates is a very good idea, I’ll check with my consultant but I’m sure he’ll say it’s fine.

quizqueen I’d love to try on wigs, I’ll need to do some research and find someone. Sort yourself out, be positive, help others who are worse off than yourself. All of my working day and some of my spare time is spent helping others who are worse off than me. In truth, thinking of other people too much has left too little time for me to be selfish, it’s wearing me out, which is contributing to my feeling and looking worn out.

I’ll think about an HoC style day CarlyD7 do you think they would help me to find my own style, rather than imposing a style on me?

I’ll reply more in a minute...

How about trying different hairstyles/ colours by using wigs. There are some good wig shops about. Re skin / jewels etc. Have a look at Look Fabulous Forever lookfabulousforever.com - they have been promoted on here. Great products, great advice and great utube videos. They also have suggestions for dressing styles.
Good luck and enjoy the journey