What would you start with?

[Noideawhatusernametouse]

I posted previously about being stuck in a rut and have had a look on the sites suggested. I've had a good look through my wardrobe and aside from some skinnies and a few long line tops it pretty much all needs to go. It's dated, unflattering and I wouldn't buy it. I've plenty of going out clothes but no day to day stuff and I'm fed up of feeling like a scruff.

So, I need to be practical, I do three school/nursery runs a day totalling five miles in all weather with a stroller, baby wearing and coercing a bigger one. I don't have a seasonal wardrobe, the same tops all year round with or without a cardigan on top. It's quite sad really. I live in my durberries in the winter and pumps or flip flops in the summer. I'm booking in for a trim next week but luckily my hair doesn't look too bad, probably because it's wavy and an upside down scrunch with air drying suits it.

I've just been online and ordered some (imo) nice boots, two pairs actually, low heeled boots, an ankle pair and a higher pair, I have some serviceable skinnies and a few pairs of black leggings that aren't falling apart, but where do I go from here? I want to replace everything but can't afford to all at once. If I go shopping I tend to put things back as I think what's the point when everything else I have is crap tbh. So what is the essential staple wardrobe to build on? Plus accessories? I'm awful at coordinating but this year is MY year. I've turned thirty and I'm going to start loving myself

[WhimsicalWinnifred]

Did anyone suggest style fruits? That's great for tips. Your style sounds like mine. I'd get some trousers that go with everything ands tart with nice tops.

[Noideawhatusernametouse]

Thanks for replying whimsical no I've been on dressipi but I'll check that out, thanks.

It's just tricky as I find myself automatically drawn to stuff that will go with my current stuff, because you automatically do, don't you? But the current stuff needs gone. I honestly can't remember the last time I bought new clothes (apart from a Christmas jumper lol) and in the last 4 years I've been pregnant/had two babies, spent over 2 years breastfeeding and gained/lost 4 stone. So yeah, everything's a bit 'meh' lol

[TrulyTrulyTrulyOutrageous]

If money is an issue is start with what you need- 2-3 practical outfits for staying at home then dropping off/picking up kids.

If you have the bottoms think about 2 different looks for the top half to wear with them. I'd start with 2 long sleeve black tops that can be worn with something that's your style (scarf/vest/ cardigan/quilted jacket/jewelry etc- I wouldn't advise you specifically as you will know what you like), then add 2 short sleeve tops that you can do the same.

Then move on to how you can make the outfit dressier (eg leather jacket/blazer/silk camisole etc- again depending on your style.

I strongly believe in not having many clothes but having good clothes, wear them until you need to get rid of them and replace!

[mothersdaughter]

Quick question OP. What do you want to look like? Give us some examples of how you'd like to see yourself.

I understand what you mean about buying only a top when everything else isn't workable.

However - start from somewhere. If you give us some suggestions from the questions above we will be able to guide you to some items. You probably need a mix of a few really good quality things along with some more quicker, cheap additions to your look.

[Noideawhatusernametouse]

Thanks so much for your replies.

I like either really wide leg trousers or skinnies with a tight top and a waist length jacket. I think. It's what I always used to wear pre-frump days, however I also used to have pink hair, sport a lot of badges and have several piercings that have since been removed so I'm thinking I'm probably a bit too grown up for that now lol

[Noideawhatusernametouse]

I've just had a quick look on Next as I was on there buying the girls some bits and here's some stuff I was drawn to, but I don't know if it works for me or anything.

[Noideawhatusernametouse]

If it helps I'm 5ft 7 or 8, take a long leg, small boobs, straight up and down, size 8, about 105lbs (currently trying to gain a little weight-not a stealth boast :/ ) I have brown wavy hair, brown eyes, pale skin, freckles,

[TrulyTrulyTrulyOutrageous]

How old are you? Apart from maybe the first image they seem a bit old fashioned. How would you describe your desired style?

What have you got that's good? Black skinny jeans, black leggings, 2 pairs of black boots and?

Do you have a good jacket?

[TrulyTrulyTrulyOutrageous]

Do you have any accessories you love?

[Holly34]

If money is the issue best place to buy things are second hand shops. Make the time to visit some really good ones, (in the city) Once you know what look you want to go for? Pick out really good thing/s even if its one item. This will take longer but you will be going somewhere with your new wardrobe. I am a total convert in charity shops after watching videos on youtube how people are able to pick designer labels for £1!! (its not so bad trust me, as long as your willing to wash/dry clean the clothes)

[Noideawhatusernametouse]

Thanks again for replies. I don't want to look dated but I see nice things and think I'll look a twat tbh. I absolutely love some of Emelia Fox's looks in Silent witness.

Clothes wise I've got what you mentioned, quite a few pairs of nice heels, both shoes and boots, I had a beautiful valentine bag but sold it as I decided it was wasted. Kicking myself now lol.

[Noideawhatusernametouse]

I have £300 tucked away for a rainy day-could somebody style me to get me started please?

[Kennington]

Get thee to uniqlo! You can get a whole wardrobe there if you need to!

[VivaVegas]

Would you fancy this sort of look for a change, still quite casual and comfy ruched skirt. You could still wear your boots and get a few slouchy jersey tops that would also work with skinnies.

[Noideawhatusernametouse]

Oh viva I really like that! It's not something I would have thought of! What sort of top would go with that do you think? Sorry to be a pain, I really am this crap :/

[Noideawhatusernametouse]

Oh I really like that Viva, it's not something I would have thought of. What would you suggest with it? Sorry to be a pain, I really am this crap :/

[VivaVegas]

What about this top, its in the sale, only a small left but size wise if you're an 8 that should be fine sloppy joe. Top is a bit different and would work well with jeans too.
And you could update your look with some trainers in spring if you like that look and again they work with skinnies.
This is also lovely and would work with the black skirt and skinnies and add a bit of colour long top, there are other colours if that's too bright but that's the only one in the sale.
And finally grey jumper
Get some black opaque tights and with one skirt and 3 tops you've got an updated look with the skirt or jeans.
Hope this helps, am off to order myself some stuff from there now!

[VivaVegas]

And if you do buy anything from Hush use Quidco for 7% cashback!

[Ginandthecoconut]

Sorry I haven't read your previous post, so unsure if it's already been suggested. Pinterest is good for ideas/outfits? I know when I had small children I sort lost my mojo style wise. Things were brought in hurry, either too practical or too fancy.
My advise would be invest in some classic pieces, coats, bags, shoes. ( which again I'm sure has been suggested).

From my personal experience I kinda of forgot what I liked. If that makes sense? The clothes I had pre kids was either, meh, impractical or not 'me' anymore. Also body shape, knowing what suited me and made me feel good. :)

[Noideawhatusernametouse]

Thanks all. I'm liking that grey sweater, and the first pic I posted. I've just ordered some more boots, totally different from what I usually wear, though I'm now umming and aahing. I'll see when they arrive.

Gin, half the problem is I just don't know what suits me, I don't have time nor a baby sitter to go trying loads of stuff on and I don't think my friends would be totally honest with me.

[Ginandthecoconut]

You sound like you have a great figure and could pull off lots of different styles. :). Something like Pinterest for example would let you have a look at different outfits and how to style them. See what you like then have a look online on Asos etc ( who have free returns).

[teacher1984]

I'm so glad you posted this - I'm in exactly the same boat. Need to buy an entire new wardrobe after several years of pregnancy & breastfeeding. I literally need to create a whole new wardrobe from scratch.

I have some money set aside but it's an overwhelming task and hard to know where to start.

I thought about bookmarking say 3 suitable outfits I like on Pinterest which work for school run/weekend casual and try to find the items to create them - not easy when you need to do all the shopping online. It would be better to be able to go and have a mass try on in the shops.

[superbfairywren]

Look at outfits online, see what shops pair with items you like and write down what you like/dont like. You should be able to narrow it down and then you have a starting point. If you can find photos that always helps. At the moment i work from 2 pairs skinny blue jeans and 2 pairs of skinny ish black cords, black and navy tights and about 4/5 casual jersey dresses. Then selection of coloured vests, loose long sleeve jersey tops in black, grey and a striped with some other long sleeve black fitted t shrts and a couple of navy. Shoes are either ugly sketchers boots(useful as warm and comfy but hate how they look), grey converse or black leather pumps. I have nicer heeled boots and shoes for evenings.
If I were you( sounds like am very similar) I would find someone(friend/family member) who will be honest and help you find things you wouldnt normally and get them to go to shops with you and pick out things for you to try on. If you dont have anyone youd trust maybe try the personal shopper option. The department stores offer it and it might help you.
If you can't get out to the shops without the kids then do a large asos/shop you like order, put everything you like in your basket and get friend to help narrow it down if you need to, then try all on at home. You can send stuff back easily(asos do free returns) and you can try on in comfort of your own home.

You sound very much like me, when I go shopping I pick up stuff and then put it back. Can always think of a reason not to get things. Before having a baby I just bought what I liked.
Try uniqlo, John Lewis for good quality basics, H and m, new look etc for things you like but that might not last as long. I still think sainsburys clothing is great quality for the prices too.

[Parsley1234]

Love this thread !

[Newyearnewme2016]

I would start with an evening on Pinterest finding all the styles you like. I did that the other night in front of the tv and then made a list of what I need eg long white/cream shirt, black skinny jeans, suede ankle boots grey or tan, oversized black jumper, chambray or denim shirt, flat pointed shoes, oversized black or tan bag. Sorted!

I was like you, just buying random stuff, the odd top here and there but nothing fitted together or looked particularly stylish. Now I know the look I'm after, it helped me identify exactly what I needed.