If you had no clothes at all what would you buy?

[TheDisillusionedAnarchist]

I'm kind of in this situation, of course I'm not actually wandering around naked but I currently own two pairs of jeans, a bunch of stained white shirts and two tops which are sort of okay to wear out of the house (but one of those I was wearing when my daughter died so I want to preserve it by not wearing it)

I have three meetings with doctors in the next two weeks, back to work where jeans are banned and I'm supposed to talk at a conference in June. I hate shopping! I hate clothes and I'm fat, no idea what size now but 16+

So if you were building a wardrobe from scratch what would you buy? And where from? Any help much appreciated!

[hugoagogo]

What's your budget?

I had a friend who actually had a house fire and lost all her clothes except one set of pyjamas!

I don't claim to know much about fashion, but you will probably want to think about what occasions you will be dressing for. So maybe some true straight trousers from gap for work plus blouses and cardigans. Something comfortable with short sleeves for doctors visits- jersey dresses or t-shirts maybe?

[SeekEveryEveryKnownHidingPlace]

Sorry to hear about your daughter, OP.

I think as a stop gap, I would go to H&M - Primark's good too, but can be a little daunting if you're out of the habit of clothes shopping, and H&M is cheap enough that if the things don't become staples, you won't mind too much.

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

So, so sorry to hear about your daughter.


For work I like these skinny pull on trews from M&S. I wear them with a shirt, blazer and pointed flats.

I like this shirt

For casual, my starting point would be:

H&M longline vests for layering
Black skinnies
Blue skinnies
Maybe grey skinnies
A couple of light cotton jumpers
A couple ofshirts
A couple of t-shirts
Converse
Ankle boots
Biker jacket
Lightweight parka

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

This looks like a good basic skirt. No 16 online but you might be able to find it in store.

[TheClacksAreDown]

You might want to consider using a personal shopper from one of the department stores

[PennyHasNoSurname]

Agree with above, Primark jeans and H&M long vests. Perfect!

Id also pick up from Primark....
A grey blazer
A couple of pairs of flat shoes
A couple of black/navy/purple tops

Id also pick up from H&M
A couple of pairs of black leggings
A couple of long tunics

[TheDisillusionedAnarchist]

Money within reason not a major object. Midrange fine, super expensive probably not.

I guess I will have to actually go shopping! I have no idea what size I am since pregnancy. Primark and H and M worth a try, do they stock larger sizes. I really never shop!

[TheDisillusionedAnarchist]

Some very good lists here. I'll be taking them with me!

[Annarose2014]

H&M runs bloody small though!

I'd say Primark is much roomier. They do these silky viscose blouses that are incredibly flattering on the tummy. Don't expect them to last too long though.

[Annarose2014]

Next is also good for "work" tops and trousers.

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

I'd only buy vests and cotton t-shirts in H&M. I find it a horrible place to shop, other than that.

[misspym]

It's outside my price range but I like a lot of things in Toast at the moment. TOAST

[cressetmama]

I would shop in person for jeans/trousers and a jacket to wear with everything, so probably a heavy jersey biker shape or a blazer. As we are going into spring/summer, I'd buy light grey/navy/khaki/tan basics. With those acquired, I'd buy 6 Uniqlo cotton 3/4 sleeve henleys on line in my preferred colours (two white, one charcoal, one light grey marl, one pale pink, one sky blue for me in summer (or navy and red in winter); then a pretty blouse and a thin light coloured cashmere jumper, a pair of white plimsolls and a pair of more formal shoes with a bit of a heel. A couple of decorative bits to ring the changes, like scarves for warmth and necklaces for colour. It would be rudimentary but get you through until you get your eye in and decide which shops you like. M&S, Next, Primark, John Lewis are reasonable starting points available in most areas. Forget the occasion wear until you have one to attend.

[Abecedario]

I like Dorothy Perkins and find they tend to have a decent selection at the 16-18 range (they've also started a curve range). I like Asos too, tend to scour their sale. Nicer stuff from 'posher' places again in Sales (posher to me, I'm sure other people would think not) e.g. Just got a lovely pair of boots and a deep v cut wrap style blouse from Boden both less than half price in the sale. I quite like Primark for more fashiony stuff that I'm maybe not going to wear that often, but I can't be doing with how huge, messy and crowded my local big store is. They've opened a concession in Selfridges in the Trafford Centre though, not as much stuff but less need to rummage like at a jumble sale. I've always found H&M sizing to be ridiculous and not really a fan of their stuff, though my friend does and she always looks great.

If it were me I'd go for a couple of pairs of jeans, maybe a straight leg/slight boot cut (less fashionable but more flattering) in a dark indigo and a pair of black skinnies. Assorted vest/Jersey/floaty tops for layering up. Blazer. Black cardigan. Decent, well fitted shirt. Couple of Dorothy Perkins skater or tunic style dresses. Leggings or thick tights. Smart coat/Mac and a more casual jacket - denim or leather. Long flat heeled boots, ankle boots with a bit more of a heel can be worn with jeans or dresses, ballet flats and pair of converse.

And one really great dress for nights out/occassions. 4 years ago I got an LK Bennet 'Tina' dress in black as a bridesmaid dress. It was £200, which my friend the bride paid - incredibly lucky for me! I've managed to find it on eBay in another colour (purple) for £60 and I snapped it up. It's the best dress ive ever owned, always gets compliments, really flattering, can be styled in any number of ways, makes me feel great. Between the two they've covered nights out, first dates, birthday parties, two weddings and a funeral. Could even be worn with a jacket/scarf /thick tights for formal work stuff. I'd really recommend trying LK Bennet, Coast etc at John Lewis or House of Fraser for one great dress/item - seeing if there's a sale on or else keeping an eye out for the style that works for you on ebay.

[whirlygirly]

If I were you I'd probably go on the next website and order a load of stuff to try in different sizes. It's actually not a bad place to start for basics. It's also pretty good for workwear, shoes, underwear, swimwear etc.

You need a couple of pairs of jeans that fit well. Don't settle for ones that don't!

Are you anywhere near a John Lewis or house of Fraser? Worth a look just to see what your taste is - I like mint velvet, Great Plains, jigsaw, whistles, French connection and hush for starters - if I were starting from scratch I'd just buy the whole hush range.

[TerrorAustralis]

Look on Pinterest at capsule wardrobes. Write a list of things you want to make your own capsule, and when buying make sure that the colours all go together.

[Starface]

I work 4 days a week and am pregnant so capsule wardrobe. I get by with:

1 trench coat
Ankle boots (going out of season though)
2 x flat work shoes (1 loafers, 1 pumps)
1 × trainers
1 x sandals (coming into season - actually generally at seasonal crossover point foot and clothes wise)
1 x black work trousers
1 x navy work trousers (chinos)
1 × smart black jeans (work home cross over)
1 × casual black jeans
1 x casual blue jeans
I have about 7 long sleeved tops. I don't wear short sleeved.
Given seasonal change, I have about 4 light cardigans I'm actually using. I had more winter stuff but no longer worth buying till autumn.
I have many cheap scarves to provide variety and put outfits together.
With this selection I wash weekly.

[TanteRose]

get thee to Uniqlo!

[Starface]

Sorry posted too soon when scrolling up. Meant to say I'm sorry for your loss.

Plus add that I don't go out much as have toddler so no evening or occasional wear in that.
Also you will need pyjamas.

Ebay is great for cheap stuff if you are intending this size as short term. However, go out for the day, treat yourself, care for yourself, love yourself. Take a good friend. This is just as important right now. Xx

[LovelyFriend]

I would be researching capsule wardrobes.

Only buying items I love (no more "it will do").
Probably buying most stuff online, using a credit card, sending stuff that isn't perfect for me straight back.
Buying good quality and less of it

[kinkytoes]

Worth looking in Gap as they usually have a sale on and you can get nice comfy knickers, floaty tops and plenty of jeans/cords to choose from. Also nice accessories like scarfs. Look in Accessorise for some nice extras too. A new bag maybe? Sounds like you need to spoil yourself a bit. Very sorry for your loss x

[BlueEyedWonder]

I sometimes think I'd like to set fire to my wardrobe and start again!

Work: M&S trench coat, Gap slim leg crops, Boden shirts and blouses, H&M or Boden cardigans, Clark's patent mid heels, Cambridge satchel company bag.

Use scarves and jewellery to create different looks.

Weekend: Topshop skinnys or M&S relaxed skinny jeans, Gap t-shirts, Petit Bateau stripe top, Boden or M&S grey cashmere jumper, Ash ankle boots, Stan Smiths, ASOS black leather biker jacket, Topshop khaki military style jacket

[ginorwine]

Miss pym
I too like toast but £££
There is quite a bit on e bay at the mo - a fantastic blue retro dress . I just got a dress for £26 .
Also if you like the tunic shapes - they are a simple structure and you could see them - I'm learning at the mo - or someone cd make for you for less than toast prices .

[Laquila]

I love this kind of thread.

Pinterest is great in theory for this, but in reality most of its capsule wardrobes seem to be for size 10 25-yr olds who live in London and go out for dinner a lot. The basic principles of well-cut, neutral essentials still stands though, with classic stuff such as a trench, skinnies, cotton jersey rather than polyester etc. I find that a good test when buying something is to ask myself whether a fairly fashion-conscious passerby would believe that it could conceivably cost twice as much as it actually does - some clothes simply look much more expensive than they actually are, and that's what I always try to go for. Then it doesn't really matter that I do most of my shopping at Gap, H&M and M&S!