How to put an outfit together

[Twitchcoco]

Sorry, I don't have any answers, I'm looking for help for both myself and lots of others here I'm sure.

I'd like help in putting an outfit together. I don't want high fashion, I'm looking for a chic, groomed, put-together look.

I have a wardrobe of basics in winter colours. My neutrals are black, grey and navy with loud shouty cobalt, fuchsia, emerald green cardis. I need high contrast so usually have a white top under the cardi.

When you choose a dress or skirt in a pattern does the Colour of the topper get worked out by some magical formula?

My question is where do we start to build an outfit? Assuming I don't want to clash prints in a fashionable way a printed top goes with a plain bottom and vice versa I assume. I think my plain plain plain everything is getting a bit staid but not sure how to move it forward.

Thank you for any help.

[JaniceJoplin]

I get ideas from pinterest or from online stores where they 'suggest' items to go with one piece. I am sure the nice people that put those together do a better job than I could...

[Twitchcoco]

Thanks. The online stuff I see never puts a cardi over anything lol.

[saltnpepa]

Give us an example of what you wear, black trousers, white top and bright pink cardi? If so that sounds a bit cataloguey and you need something a bit interesting, different cuts, fabrics and patterns. I'm not sure fuchsia/cobalt are colours that are ever going to look sophisticated on a grown up. How about muted greens, earthy colours, bronzes and silvers or greys?

[Twitchcoco]

Yes! Catalogue dressing sounds exactly it! I'd wear navy or black trousers, a white top and a loud cardi.

I'm definitely grown up. My colour choices are based on cool, bright and deep. I'm very pale with dark eyes and hair. Muted anything would wash me out but I appreciate your help!

[Twitchcoco]

These are typical looks I'm stuck in most days

[Twitchcoco]

And this.

I need help don't I?

[CremeDeSudo]

Is this workwear? Are you cardies plain or patterned?

What about blazers? Or shirts? Shirts/shirt-dresses seem to be in at the moment. Cropped trousers in some different colours?

[Twitchcoco]

Yes, sorry, everyday wear. I'ts not officially workwear but I can't do casual. At all. This is my 'going about my day' wear

Cardis are plain. I don't have a blazer.

[Twitchcoco]

I'm 51 - I should have said! Shirt dresses are a no. I like to look neat and tidy. Just less cataloguey :(

[saltnpepa]

Yes you need help. I know you think those colours suit you but those combinations are never going to look sophisticated. If you are pale with dark hair and eyes you ought to look fabulous in cream, black, navy, dark grey, muted pink and greens or olive greens. Why are you wearing white shirts with coloured cardis? Wear a black cami with a long-line cardigan (not waterfall) or cashmere roundneck sweaters with cropped capri trousers. Try wearing all one colour, all black or all navy. Look at any of these possible combinations - uk.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=trousers%20and%20cardigan

Try a personal shopper at a big department store or find a good woman in rl who wears clothes you like and get her to take you shopping. What dress size are you?

[Twitchcoco]

Thanks for those ideas, I like them :)

I'm a 12 top (busty) and a 10 bottom.

[NeitherHereOrThere]

You don't need white to make contrasts - black/dark navy/grey are good colours for contrasting with jewel winter colours.

Do you use accessories to finish off your outfit eg scarf, necklace and other jewellery?

[NeitherHereOrThere]

About high contrast outfits/accessories - you can choose a mostly neutral outfit and then add a contrast/interest with a brightly accessories e.g today I am wearing black jeans, black jumper and a cobalt blue leopard print scarf, plum lipstick and nail polish.

[NeitherHereOrThere]

(you may find this thread [[http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/style_and_beauty/2230306-HoC-Winter-Thread-the-cool-and-clear-chat-continues-PART-5 useful?)

[NeitherHereOrThere]

winter thread

[Twitchcoco]

That sounds very chic neither! I have just plain scarves but I can see how that would really lift an outfit. I think my white contrast is too much.

Many thanks.

I feel such a wally for not knowing how to dress myself

[Twitchcoco]

I've been on the winter thread, thanks. I think I get overlooked because I'm a bit of an old fart!

[NeitherHereOrThere]

Plain scarves are great - I have loads

[NeitherHereOrThere]

The reason why I posted the thread link is cos there are quite a few pinterest boards that you could look at for more ideas.

[Twitchcoco]

Ah, good idea! I'll have a proper look.

[saltnpepa]

No to plain scarf, plain trousers, plain cardi and plain top. You need some textures and prints. Swap around your orders too, navy top with white cardi can look really chic. Check out these ideas, not a catalogue look in sight and you have a good figure so there's no excuse!! www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=italian+older+woman+chic

[saltnpepa]

For inspiration!!! www.pinterest.com/MelHawkinsHOC/still-looking-stylish-at-40-to-50/

[Twitchcoco]

Thank you salt. I can't pull off the dramatic look but I enjoyed Mel's other boards!

[NeitherHereOrThere]

OP is a winter like me so we can't do muted colours - these make us look ill.

Re textures - you can get variety if you wear a wool cardigan, thick cotton trousers and a silky or jersey top even if these all are in plain colours.

I don't really do prints - can't stand flowers/cute prints on me, stripes are fab though. I think OP need to explore these herself. However, I think a lot of "plain" outfits i.e devoid of prints can be very groomed and elegant.

[Twitchcoco]

I like the texture idea. Muted colours are revolting on me, I look jaundiced. I can't do cream or beige in any combination. Ever.