I'm really trying to put some effort while dressing up

I can't seem to pull off too many looks. I am frankly very comfortable in jeans, a comfortable shirt, any foortwear (not heels) and just tie the hair in a bun.
But no! Everyone says I need to make an effort. Look at all the gorgeous girls your age. Why can't you be like them.
Frankly, sometimes you do feel a little.... insecure when you see how killer the girls turn out these days.
I was very comfortable in the school system that had uniforms, no makeup and a prescribed hairstyle. That's my scene.