Size 18/20 - 5ft10. Aged 32. What the hell should I be wearing?

[notbread]

I'm in a massive rut. I kondoed my clothes about 6 months ago and I'm now wearing the same 3 tops on a loop with black trousers. Outside of work, it's jeans t-shirt and trainers because I literally have nothing else. I usually shop at asos, m&s or debenhams. I don't have a massive budget but I could manage maybe £200 on a few new bits.

Does anyone have some time on a Saturday night to point me in the right direction?

[Itscurtainsforyou]

I'm a similar-ish size.
I wear things like:
Knee- length jumper dresses with leggings and knee boots
Jersey blazer with wide leg/straight leg/bootcut jeans and v-neck/scoop neck t- shirt or casual shirt (there are some ok checked shirts in the shops - I sometimes wear them open with long vests underneath)
I try not to wear black and go for trousers/jeans in brown, navy, deep red.
I have a couple of pairs of ankle boots - one chunky heeled pair in oxblood and a flat pair in brown

I think that it's really important to select clothes that fit properly, especially trousers. It's very much trial and error in my experience, but I have a nice pair of brown jeans from john rocha that I never want to take off!

I'm also a big fan of scarves (especially in this weather) - they can make me look put together rather than as if I just fell into my wardrobe.

Does that help?

[Dowser]

Something like this with some opaque tights and boots.

www.joebrowns.co.uk/sp+women-dresses-creative-neck-mix-n-match-dress+ld839?coloursel=A

[Dowser]

Another one

www.joebrowns.co.uk/sp+women-dresses-copenhagen-dress+ld850?coloursel=A

[Dowser]

I like things a bit quirky. I've pulled out some warm ones.

www.joebrowns.co.uk/sp+women-dresses-amazingly-versatile-dress+ld807?coloursel=A

[Dowser]

I know it's grey and im not a fan of grey but I rather like this

www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Oasis+Fairisle+Hem+Dress/231734804,default,pd.html

[Dowser]

I'm thinking of this for myself. I want to be warm ....and not dowdy

tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk/tustorefront/?pagetype=product&productcode=128859885-BerryRed

[Dowser]

Tempted with this one as well

tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk/tustorefront/STYLE-TQ-V-FRONT-SPOT-BARDOT-DRESS?pagetype=product&productcode=129052805-Black

[Wishful80smontage]

Same as what curtains said. Also blouses and slim fit black jeans with heels for dressier look. Mango plus size stuff is really nice you can order from john lewis online.

[Wishful80smontage]

I'm same height and have to get most of my longer length jeans/leggings from next and new look, m and s can be good also.

[Dowser]

What about this

www.uniqlo.com/uk/store/goods/15301700002?utm_medium=affiliate&network=linkshare&affiliate_id=SboJtvFO1YQ&utm_content=15

[Dowser]

Op is quite tall so maybe quite lean and shapely.

[notbread]

Thanks. I do want to get out of the black trouser abyss. I like the idea of wearing more dresses/tunics.

I like the look of Joe Browns. Sainburys stuff looks good. The nearest one is about 10 miles away but I could go check it out.

I don't own any boots at the moment so I'll have to buy some. Should these be black or another colour?

[Itscurtainsforyou]

I would go for brown or tan rather than black, but it depends on the colours you like/that suit you.

I'm autumn colouring so go for warm colours....

[Dowser]

I would go black with black opaques. You can get sainsburys to deliver . Might be cheaper and save impulse buying ;-)

[Dowser]

Oooh look at this at peacocks. Don't know how fitted you like your dresses but this could be a bargain.

www.peacocks.co.uk/lds-jumper-dress-cash-135212.html?gclid=Cj0KEQiAycCyBRDss-D2yIWd_tgBEiQAL-9RkjXrY4UrCMRZG3Q05I-VssOycBvoAb4CYy4s4PhqmqwaAl4Y8P8HAQ

[Toffeelatteplease]

Take a look at your wardrobe. What do you genuinely like ? And more importantly why. It can be something as simple as a bag or an item of jewellery. Ask yourself what you like about item. Is in the colour the style etc.

Before you buy ANYTHING does it go with that or those. Usually I would say throw out anything you don't love, but maybe wait for that stage until you have build up a bit

Look at your wardrobe for the holes. So maybe the tops and jeans are good but could do with a smart blazer an pair of shoes. Pinterest is great for looking at capsule wardrobes. As much as anything look for what key peices (boots smart jacket waterproof)
Are fairly universal but are missing from your wardrobe

Personally I'm a massive fan of wrap dresses and usually find a fair smattering through asda and tesco if you want a cheap starter dress

[Dowser]

Any good" we are in the bargain basement now op ;-)

www.peacocks.co.uk/lds-dress-texture-pu-trim-132892.html

[Wishful80smontage]

I like both those Peacock dresses Dowser

[Dowser]

Good ;-)

Here's another one. Bit cheaper

www.peacocks.co.uk/lds-jumper-column-sides-slits-129309.html

[Dowser]

That red comes in grey and black as well.

Also a patterned one

www.peacocks.co.uk/lds-dress-prt-sweater-swing-134656.html

[notbread]

I like the grey peacocks dress. I've got the following in my basket from violeta/mango:

www.johnlewis.com/violeta-by-mango-cowl-neck-belted-dress-grey/p2235753?selectedSize=18

www.johnlewis.com/violeta-by-mango-necklace-blouse-blue/p2219098?selectedSize=18

The clothes I like are the ones where if I squint I can pretend I'm Joan from Mad Men.

[Dowser]

www.newlook.com/shop/womens/dresses/burgundy-fine-knit-turtle-neck-swing-dress-_363640467?extcam=UK_PPC_PLA_3660445_CR_75955861234_DV_t&tmcampid=155&tmad=c&tmplaceref=UK_PPC_PLA_3660445_CR_75955861234_DV_t&gclid=Cj0KEQiAycCyBRDss-D2yIWd_tgBEiQAL-9RknNPUFt_dMVwMxKNGdkLjdFKWnv93F1Tvrk664ZdfUwaAtH48P8HAQ

Fine knit.

I'm wanting something to go under some of these dresses...like a full slip with 3/4 sleeves.

Is there such a beast!

[Dowser]

Ah! I'm not into cowl necks. Will you be wearing that with something underneath.

Don't get me wrong, I think they look good others just not keen on me.

[Dowser]

Anything here. My fave is the apricot red skater dress

www.newlook.com/shop/womens/knitwear/knitted-dresses/_/N-9vjZh0m?No=0&Nrpp=120

[notbread]

No, I wouldn't wear something underneath. Should I?

Am I right in saying the Sainsbury leggings are good?