I hate all my clothes

[Scattymum101]

I had a massive clear out last year and really whittle down my wardrobe to things I really liked. Unfortunately I now seem to struggle to find anything to wear that I feel good in.
I generally just feel like I look daft. I'm 31, a teacher and have two kids. I feel like I'm stuck between styles and don't know what suits me anymore shape wise or style wise.
How do I reclaim myself from this mess?

[Rpj16]

Pick a celeb or someone you may know that has your body shape (and whose clothes you actually like) and then go shopping with that as inspiration? ...at least that's what I will be doing.

I feel hideous in most of my clothes, but using it as motivation to lose weight and then go shopping as a reward!

[Scattymum101]

That sounds like a good idea. I've recently gained weight which hasn't helped as I just generally feel rubbish

[thiswayplease]

Look on pinterest for ideas and create a capsule wardrobe. I have a work and a weekend capsule wardrobe plus a few formal things.

Start with a nice bag, 2/3 pairs of shoes, jeans/chinos, skirt, dress, vest/cami sleeveless top, short sleeve top, long sleeve top, coat/jacket. Obliviously you can have more than one item of each, depending on how often the washing machine is on .

You can also include statement jewellery if you like, I'm not a jewellery person so keep it minimal. And don't forget good underwear!

I also read that you should throw away any clothes that make you unhappy. I done this over the Easter break, it was liberating. I threw out jeans that gave me a saggy bum, a coat that didn't really go with anything and anything else I was hanging onto because I might wear again but wouldn't.

Another thing I also read was that you should only buy three key things per season to add to your capsule wardrobe. I have started this and I'm now buying better stuff that lasts longer.

Good luck

[Toffeelatteplease]

Firstly either to loose the weight or work with what you've got. Put to one side in the wardrobe any clothes that don't look good with how you look now.

Go through your wardrobe and pick one item that you like on you. It can be a item of clothing a necklace or anything really. Everything now has to look fantastic with that, even if you don't always wear that item.

Then really think about the bare bones of a wardrobe, do you have enough tops and bottoms that go together to last you between washes. Then look for holes. Do you gave the right shoes/coats/clothes to match what you do in life. Use this to work out what you can make do with for the time being and where you put in money to replace (I suspect here is where the real problem is). Anything that you do replace has to look awesome with the one item above

[Scattymum101]

I think the gaps are the problem tbh. I don't think I have enough stuff that 'goes' together so I've loads of stuff I don't wear because I can't team it with things.
I was completely ruthless last year and thik I've maybe left myself with too little for summer stuff which is why I'm struggling, particularly for work. I was ok until I got into summer season and now with this warmer weather I'm really struggling with things to wear for work.
I really need a good pair of trousers for work but I find so little suits me in the way of trousers as I'm an odd shape - no hips and a thick waist.

I really need to try and figure out where the gaps are in my wardrobe but I'm finding I'm probably buying the wrong things. After years of buying cheap stuff to get me by I really need to invest in some good quality pieces. Not sure where to shop for those.

[Toffeelatteplease]

If you haven't worked out how your wardrobe works yet I'm not sure how essential "investment" pieces are yet.

I suspect you probably need just a few core basics to pull the stuff you love together

[thiswayplease]

I like Whistles for work stuff but like toffee said, work out what look you want to achieve then start.

If you need some tops to fill the gaps have a look at Dorothy Perkins, they had some nice stuff in with 30% off and Debenhams always have a sale on

[Pisssssedofff]

Next is brilliant for black work trousers and at £30 a pair you can't go wrong. Now what top to wear with them I can't help you with I'm rubbish at that

[IWantToLiveInPawnee]

Take an honest (but kind!) friend out shopping, one whose style you admire?

I'd suggest the following:

Slim fitting jeans (or skinnies if you find them comfy) in black, dark blue and mid-denim. Several 'good' t-shirts, ones that suit your shape in black, white, navy blue and brights (whichever suits you).

A blazer and a biker jacket.

Summer shoes - canvas slip-one, plain flip flops in neutral colours.

A good fitting bra, seam-free knickers, a haircut and a revamp of make-up alwYs gives me a lift.

I would start with neutrals for all the above items, you can them add colourful and patterned bits as you build it up.