I hate all my clothes

[TallyGrenshall]

My clothes are dull, seriously boring and no style whatsoever. It's just tshirts, about a billion striped tops, jeans and just awful. I hate it.

Can anybody recommend a good capsule type wardrobe for me? Or something that would help me get out a my jeans/tshirt rut?

I'm 6ft, size 16, small C cup boobs. Not too spendy because I want to throw everything and start again .

Also, I have no idea how to accessorise. At all. Is there a cheats way of learning how to do this or is it a case of trial and error?

[charitygirl]

I may get told off by the antis-, but for the specific questions you're asking, I do recommend the House of Colour colour and style analyses. You can't do the latter w/o the former, but I think you'll find both very useful. And you'll know exactly what to do with accessories after.

I was not as despairing as you before I went, but I had lost joy in my work and play wardrobes, and had few items I loved. Totally the opposite too - I love clothes and shopping again but find it easy to spend judiciously.

If you're thinking of spending, I think the expense would be justified.

[TallyGrenshall]

I just had a look at HoC and no way can I afford it. £255!!

[charitygirl]

I know...you could start with just the colour analysis, you'd probably still find that v helpful.

In terms of saving on buying things you don't wear or don't love, I've already made it back, but I knw it's a lot.

Hopefully others will have advice!

[FrugalFashionista]

I know what you feel like, I felt just like you post-DC, I basically wore long-sleeved tees and ugly sweaters with dull jeans all the time...

If you'd like the DIY approach, the basics of color analysis are here and how to build a capsule wardrobe here. And look at people who share your coloring or shape - that way you'll see what works and what doesn't. (You can do this on Pinterest or Instagram too.) Then try a few items in the shapes and colors you like. Remember that department stores and places like Topshop and Zara (possibly Gap too) do personal dressers nowadays...

[nickEcave]

No need to pay £££ for HoC analysis. If you google colour analysis there are plenty of websites where you can work out a range of colours which will suit your eyes, hair and skin tone best. You won't necessarily find out your "wow" colours but if you work out a basic pallette that suits your colouring and stick to that you will end up with a wardrobe of clothes that all work together. I've got brown hair, yellow toned skin and grey/blue/greeny eyes so was pretty easy to work out I was an "autumn". I then used the Kettelwell Colours website to see which colours were autumnal and would work together. It doesn't matter if you don't get the pallette exactly right, as long as you choose colours you like and which go together you'll end up with a wardrobe that works better. That is not an endorsement of Kettlewells (mostly hideous) clothes by the way

[nickEcave]

x-post with Frugal. Her website link looks like a good bet! I've considered HoC analysis but really don't think it's worth the money given the resources and available free on line!

[TallyGrenshall]

Ok, I reckon I'm a winter and apart from the pinks I actually like the colours.

I had a look at the other one and stopped at the 'concept' I don't have a clue yet alone a concept!. I've been wearing jeans and tops for so long, I have no idea what I would look good in.

I had a look at personal shoppers as well but I don't know. I would feel like an idiot going in there looking like a total scruff bag and then I would feel obliged to buy something, even if I didn't like it, just to prove I was worth the time they spent with me iyswim

[Ujjayi]

I would recommend some time browsing Pinterest for outfit ideas. Initially, pin anything & everything that strikes you as interesting, then pare down your choices from there based on a) what actually suits your lifestyle and b) what would suit your shape etc. You could also have separate boards for evening, work and daytime/weekends.

[FrugalFashionista]

Okay Tally that was fast! Now that you've got your season down just start noticing people around you. What is fresh/stylish/trendy/flattering on people around you? Do know a celebrity who looks a bit like you, what do they wear? In particular, note their jeans and tops. Polyvore is also very useful for learning about what's current. Then get rid of DC for a few hours and go to a shop near you to try on a variety of styles in some of the winter colors that you like. If you have a honest friend, bring her along.

Dressing your shape is an area that you will have to tackle too. This site gives you a starting point and some rough ideas.

I still wear a lot of jeans and sweaters but it's different now. I wear jeans that flatter my shape. I wear sweaters in colors that I love and that look good on me, and the hemline of the sweater is exactly right. (Tunic tops and longline sweaters were not great on me - curved hems and slightly cropped sweaters are much better.)

Not everyone is a major accessorizer. I think there are several current ways to accessorize

1. buy a big scarf and tie it loosely around your neck - like this. An infinity scarf is even easier.
   
2. buy a 'statement necklace' (Zara and H&M have good ones) and wear it with a sweater - this waym or in this much more subtle way or this way
   
3. fill your wrist with bangles, the layered look is still around and I achieve it with three bracelets, but you can do just one too - I find that leather bracelets are easy with children
   
4. or with statement earrings
   
   
   Do not pile on the bling indiscriminately. Pick just one way for starters. I have slim fingers and wrists, so I love big rings and bracelets. I feel frumpy in scarves, do necklaces only occasionally, and don't wear earrings. The accessories are there to accentuate a part of yourself that you love - think of what are your best features. Again, see on others what you like and then try versions of it on your own. Creating your personal style is a trial-and-error process and it takes some time.

[chanie44]

I think research is the key. I didn't want to commit to getting my colours done, so I did my own research based on:
My colours
Body shape
Style preferences

The s&b boards are fab, as is Dressippi website.

I chose an item of clothing, in my case, jeans and I focused on finding the best pair, I could. It is trial and error, but it's best to replace your wardrobe bit by bit.