fashion rut- can anyone help me get "me" back please?

[mellybythesea]

I've realised that I'm in a massive comfort rut, and I need help getting out of it :(

I will try not to drip feed. I had DD last year, still have about 14lbs to lose to get back to pre-baby weight (I have lost 25lbs so far from birth . Legs are slimmer than they were but I have lots of excess fat on my stomach, around my hips. Ribs and shoulders also seem a lot broader and not showing any signs of going back to normal. I was a size 12-14 but now more like a 16 (although I am finding more things in a 14 fitting me now). I suppose I'm an hourglass shape.
I'm in the rut of wearing the same crap every day- leggings, long tops, big cardi and boots. I used to love my style- I have tattoos and piercings and I wore a mix of brands and looks. Now I feel like a frump and I don't feel like what I wear is me at all. I've always had enormous confidence problems showing off the tops of my arms, which I've spent years trying to break, so usually do wear long sleeves on top. But I look so boring! I don't even feel like I suit my tattoos anymore because I don't look like me, I don't feel myself.

I do still have weight to lose- I am exercising and starting a big health kick this week- but can fit back into some of my pre-pregnancy clothes, and with the weather getting warmer I want to start getting some new things. We have a big holiday coming up this summer too and I want to feel confident and happy.

Can anyone offer advice? I have read about capsule wardrobes, is that the way to go? I go to shops and get fed up with browsing, so I look online but I just end up feeling depressed. I even got DP to choose me an outfit- he bought back a fitted top and some nice jeans but they dig in and I don't want to wear them yet, I need to lose more off my stomach :(

Any help would be much appreciated.

[SissySpacekAteMyHamster]

Could always try this m.debenhams.com/customer-service/personal-shopper to get an idea what suits.

I've used this service for a wedding outfit and was really pleased with their choices.

[mellybythesea]

Thank you Sissy.

Giving this a bump.

[Lookdownthesofa]

Well done on losing that weight!

I felt similar recently and I started clearing out my wardrobe - getting rid of anything that I don't like/is dated/anything looking past its best. I threw out things that don't suit my bodyshape/too small/too big. I did keep a few things that I like but are a teensy bit too small as I am also losing weight.

So, fewer things in my wardrobe has opened up many more options as I can see what goes with what (capsule wardrobe in a sense). Also easier to see 'gaps' in your wardrobe to see what items you are missing. I bought some new shoes, a couple of dresses and a jacket.

I've spent a lot of time on S&B, looking at fashion/style blogs and Pinterest to get an idea about looks, what is current and what will suit me.