Hi Debbie,

I am a 47 with two sons aged 14 and 9. I am 5 ft 5 tall, size 10/12 and I have recently had my hair cut short but I hate it! Now I don't know what clothes suits me and don't want to go out. I am trying to find a job after nine years of not working, and I lock myself in the house while my boys are at school. I need to give my self-confidence a boost. My family live 220 miles away so I don't have anyone who can help me. I don't feel attractive or sexy anymore. I know my hair will grow eventually but any advice will be gratefully appreciated.

Doodle

UKTV Style's Agony Aunt replies:

Hi Doodle,

Oh poor you, you are need of some serious cheering up! All of these things are really affecting your self-esteem. But I think you need to turn things on their head and start thinking of all the things that are right in your life. From the sound of it, you have two lovely children, as well as a great figure! In a positive frame of mind, let's work out how to fix the things that are not so great.

Let's start with that haircut! I do sympathise, but as you rightly say, it will grow. In the meantime, perhaps you should take yourself back to a different hairdresser and see if they can improve on the shape to make you feel a little less sensitive about it.

Then there is the clothes issue. As I've already said, you obviously have a great figure and just need a bit of revamp. Most of us have to reassess ourselves every ten years or so and update the look in keeping with our age. And 47 is young by today's standards, so don't be downhearted, the world is your clothes oyster.

Why not take yourself off to a personal shopper for a bit of a treat? Choose a good department store (such as John Lewis), book an appointment, and let them help you get your personal style right. The sessions cost nothing, and if you give them a budget they will scour the shop putting together one or more outfits that will suit your figure, your lifestyle and your purse!