Wardrobe and style overhaul. Where to shop and how to dress!

[BeYourselfUnlessUCanBeAUnicorn]

I've recently realised some of my clothes I've had since my teens! One top was my favourite but now I'm in my 30's I feel a bit too old for it. Have had a clearout and have a large pile of stuff to go.

Problem is, I don't know where to shop! In the summer I like maxi dresses and flowery tea type dresses. Sometimes cropped or skinny jeans and tops. Shorts if I'm brave. I need new tops. I've looked online and nothing is grabbing me and a lot of it seems a bit teenagery. Where do you shop?

I feel like I need a complete restyle. I usually live in bootcut jeans but I think they actually make me look bigger than I am (i'm a size 10 but recently had more fitted clothes on and my friend commented that she didnt realise I was so slim!) I've worn them for so many years I feel a bit 'over' them. I do like leggings and tunic type stuff. If it's cold I often wear a dress with leggings and a cardigan.

I need serious help with this. Wouldn't shop anywhere expensive, can't afford it.

[TheExtraGuineaPig]

It's obvious but I have to say Zara... find it really hard to go in there and not buy something! For a smaller budget maybe H&M and if you can spend a bit more on jeans (sales in dept stores are good for brands like 7 for all mankind/ J brand etc)

[BeYourselfUnlessUCanBeAUnicorn]

Our Zara left the shopping centre. Annoying as I did used to shop in there. I always forget about H and M. I've bought stuff in the past but didn't find the quality that good. New Look is my usual failsafe but had a look online and their clothes look rubbish at the moment. Usually get jeans from Next or New Look as they do long length. I do have some lovely tops from Oasis but find them quite pricey. Ok when I have some extra money but DH's birthday is coming up so need to get his presents first.

[chanie44]

I revamped my whole wardrobe a few years ago. My tips;

Don't replace everything at once. I made quite a few mistakes in terms of purchases, so take your time.

Focus on 1-2 items at a time rather than trying to do too much in one go. I wanted jeans, so I focussed on those.

Only buy items that 'bring you joy'. Don't make do - if you aren't sure, sleep on it.

Buy items that compliment each other. I buy items that I can wear with lots of other items in my wardrobe. For example, my skirts and trousers are in neutrals, like black, grey etc and it means I can wear colourful tops.

Dress for your shape, not fashion. You can google online quizzes, which will help you to determine your shape.

[Dangerouswoman]

I did the Pinterest thing recommended on here ie collect all the looks you like and then make a list of what you need and then shop for it.

I worked out I needed a long oversized shirt, a denim shirt, black high waisted skinny jeans, a big black bag, tan or grey heeled boots and now live in all of it.

Another tip I read on here was to go on a website with lots of brands eg house of Fraser or John Lewis and put anything in your bag that grabs you without thinking about it too much, then at the end go through and edit it, order it and try it on at home. If you are anything like me you will send loads of it back but it's easier than going round the shops.

[Dangerouswoman]

Also look out for 20% off in shops you like and shop then. I get lots of emails with offers and it makes a big difference.

[BeYourselfUnlessUCanBeAUnicorn]

Thanks. Some great tips there. Good idea about 'does it make you happy', I've just turfed out a jumper that I thought was ok but only wore it once and every time I saw it in my drawer thought how I didn't want to wear it so it's going.

Will look at body shape quizzes, think I'm an hourglass. Good tip about department store with various brands. If there's one thing I gate it trailing around shops to find an exact thing I'm after.

[BeYourselfUnlessUCanBeAUnicorn]

hate it's

[BeYourselfUnlessUCanBeAUnicorn]

I ordered some stuff from Debenhams today. Most of it was 50% off which was great! Hoping I don't want it all but there is some nice tops in there which was my focus. I did get pulled in by a £9 pair of sandals and some cheap skinny jeans too. Oh and a dress for a wedding reception but I have been on the lookout for something for a while. I'm not sure if it is too short though.

Thanks for the department store tip, I just put stuff in and will just send back what I don't want instead of feeling like I should keep it.