What to wear at weekends? In a style rut.

[workshyfop]

I work full-time and pretty much have work clothes sorted, but feel stuck in a rut and frumpy at weekends. Tend to default to slim/skinny jeans & Breton or similar. So bored of it. What alternative looks could I go for? I'm an apple shape with big boobs, size 14 bottom & 16 top. I don't even know where to shop for casual clothes anymore. Anyone similar shape to me.....where do you shop? I'm early forties btw.

[MuttonCadet]

I live in mint velvet on the weekends. "Relaxed glamour" (apparently). Seriously it's comfortable and slightly more stylish / less mumsy than boden etc.

[workshyfop]

Thanks Mutton will take a look. Less mumsy than Boden is what I'm after.

[workshyfop]

Looked at mint velvet, I like that look, I will try a few of the tops I think to see if they suit my shape. Only thing is they are all silver/grey. Any other recommendations?

[MuttonCadet]

Linea weekend usually have some nice pieces, or "pure" for cashmere sweaters.

[Nearlyadoctor]

I wear a lot of Mint Velvet, also Hush with occasional bits from White Company and White Stuff ( not their garish patterns).

[workshyfop]

Thanks. Will look at those. Any advice on the type of thing that would suit me? I'm totally stuck in a jeans and boring striped top hole atm. I like the look of leggings/skinniest knee boots and a long top but my hips are my slimmest bit and long tops can make me look massive. Tent-like with my big boobs.

[louloubelle2]

if you feel comfortable in the basic shape i.e. Slim bottom and looser top and it suits your shape then stick with it. If you gravitate towards trainers/converse, swap to ankle boots (ash jalouse style with a little heel, or Chelsea boot maybe). Or change to trainers if you go for boots. What sort of jacket do you wear, how about a longline boyfriend style cardigan, or a fitted collarless jacket. Or brogues or loafers?

Change the Breton for a slim crew neck merino jumper (£25 in Gap at the mo, or something like the J Crew Tippi style). With or without a shirt underneath with the coller and hem sticking out ( you can buy layering tops just with a collar and hem so you don't see the bumps of the buttons). Or a sweatshirt. Or a plain but textured jersey top (I'm looking at ones from Cos on my shelf).

Instead of denim jeans, how about coated jeans, or skinny cargo trousers, or p/leather jeans or leggings. Lengthen your looser top with a longline tight jersey layer under if you don't like the top of leggings.

Instead of trousers totally, a p/leather above knee skirt and ankle boots and opaques. I'm not hugely inspired by skirts generally though this winter as it's very 70s trend led and I don't think that's hugely wearable, well not for the weekend activities I do anyway.

Shops? in addition to the above try Cos and Jigsaw, and J Crew. In fact, if you can't stretch to J Crew, take a look at their site, their lookbooks are excellent and putting together outfit is you might not think of.

[louloubelle2]

Also Uniqlo.

[workshyfop]

Thanks Loulou. Loads to think about there. Been living in converse so need some boots for winter anyway. I've been wearing a Barbour style waxed jacket recently. Where can you get the collar and hem layering tops, I think that might work for me?