Restyle me! Lost my mojo :(

[Thirty2andBlue]

So I'm 32 and completely lost all my style mojo and I'm stuck in a rut. All I wear is t-shirts or a jumper and jeans. I've got a couple of baggy tie front t-shirts to wear with shorts when it's really warm. I've started to lose a bit of weight so I've gone from a 14-16 down to a 12-14 but carry a lot of weight on my tummy, bum and thighs. I'm 5'6ish. Thought my arms had skimmed down a bit but judging from these pics they haven't . It doesn't help that my hair is overgrown, my skin is rubbish and I just generally feel bleh about myself.

Have been trying to order new clothes online but all I've ended up with is a baggy black t-shirt, a black vest, and a baggy black top! I don't usually even wear black but it's just easy right now. Normal colours for me are dark reds/greens/navy/turquoise.

Please point me in the right direction for something a bit more stylish!

[Didyousaynutella]

I think you have a lovely figure. I carry weight on my tum and wear a lot of dresses. It’s easier to feel put together with them. At the moment wearing them a lot with a biker jacket and white trainers.

You could try one of those online Personal stylist boxes like Lookieroo or stitch fix . I just did a lookieroo box and was pleasantly surprised. I only kept half the stuff but it was easy to send the the rest back. I am hoping the next box will be even better as I put a lot of comments about what worked and what didn’t.

[Thirty2andBlue]

I have just tried Stichfix, but I couldn't justify the cost of a lot of the items they chose, £49 for a scarf! And £30 for a top which I did really like but the quality was very poor. Style wise they did well though so I'm looking for similar items. Will try the other one you suggested too!

[GhostCurry]

Nothing to add except that you have a lovely shape!

[GrimDamnFanjo]

I agree you have a great figure!
I recommend looking at Anuschka Rees' blog or getting her book the Curated Closet. I found it very helpful when trying to get out of my own style rut.

[Fluffycloudland77]

What do you mean by rubbish skin?.

[damnthatanxiety]

You look hot! Seriously, I think you have some distorted image of yourself. You look great! Start maybe by wearing T-shirt's etc in the same style you are comfortable with but in different colours. It can drag you out of the habit of wearing grey/black etc.

[FauxFox]

Rather than try and throw everything out and start again why not get some things that you can mix with your existing wardrobe that push you a bit and when you find what you like you can go more in that direction? If you wear a lot of T-shirt and jeans perhaps start with a couple of different skirts that you can pair with your T-shirts instead. I'd suggest a denim mini - you have great legs so something that hits above the knee would be good. Also maxi skirts in silky/pleated fabric are everywhere at the moment and might be worth trying to see how you feel in one of those.

Another style I think would really flatter you is a shirt dress, again just above the knee with sleeves you can roll up to elbow length would look fab on you, wear with converse or similar.

A maxi vest dress in a simple block colour like navy would be an easy option too, add a cropped denim jacket (which would also be ideal with a spiky maxi/vest or T combination too)

You have a lovely figure, be a bit adventurous and see what you like. If I am unsure i'm going to like something but want to try it out I often get a cheap version from Primark or similar first, you can always upgrade if you love it and that way you won't make expensive mistakes.

[FauxFox]

Silky maxi not spiky - that sounds painful!

[Girlinajumpsuit]

So I'm similar shape and height to you and had a similar style crisis in my early 30s! If you like simples shapes and styles (guessing so from your purchases) or feel safe in those, you could stick to basics but just branch out a little.

For instance you have a great waist - try wearing high waisted trousers or shorts with a tshirt or plain shirt tucked in. I think this might work really well on your shape. Maybe then try branching out to some more interesting style tshirts. This one from Zara is genuinely the most flattering tshirt I have ever worn ( miraculously slims the arms and broadens shoulders slightly which balances my slightly pear shape). Here are some ideas for trousers(h&m) and the tshirt (Zara)

[Girlinajumpsuit]

Or shorts like this?

[Didyousaynutella]

With the lookieroo box I think the average price is something like £40 but you can specify more expensive stuff if you want. I had a few warehouse items and a few brands I hadn’t heard of. I specified no bags as would rather invest in a new decent bag annually rather her than a £40 bag. Yeah I would t pay £50 for a scarf either. But I don’t mind it being hit and miss if it’s no cost to me. Oliver bones is great for accessories like scarves and bags. Always have lovely ones in the sale.

[Winelover123]

Have a read of Audrey's blog, www.puttingmetogether.com/, she gives great advice and very easy to follow. Lots of easy ideas that make a difference.

[Littlepond]

Gosh I’d kill for your figure!! You look lovely.
I’m not a stylish soul so got no advice for you though

[IdblowJonSnow]

You look in great shape OP. On your pics you look more like a size 10 - 12. Not sure you're seeing yourself as you are?

[Bobbybobbins]

I agree with PPs that you look great! Maybe because you've lost weight, you think of yourself as being bigger than you actually are iykwim?

I have quite a 'simple' style too but am trying to be more adventurous with colour and pairing maybe a bright maxi skirt with a plainer top.

[Wolfgirrl]

You have a great figure. I would be tempted by paper bag/flippy shorts/skirts for summer - they will show off your small waist and skim everything else. Can wear them with a ballet style or boat neck clingy top (I swear by them) and sandals or daps.

For cooler weather I would stick to skinny jeans (you have really good legs, show them off) and oversized shirts. They always make me feel somewhat put together when I'm not 😬

Idea pics attached (imagine the Jean's arent ripped!)

[Wolfgirrl]

A pair of boots like the above are a lifesaver as well. And dont forget some good sunglasses!

[JofraArchersFastestBall]

You honestly look great OP. I know it's not exciting, but that jeans and t shirt combo look good on you - and I suspect you'd look good in most things.

I clicked on your thread as I'm feeling similar at the moment. I've had 2 babies in the last 3 years and I've gone from enjoying clothes to just looking for things that wash easily and blend in. All of my beloved wool and cashmere jumpers have been put away and I'm living in denim and (whispers it) fleece

I think it's partly a case of not being able to look at yourself objectively... I feel a lot older and frumpier so I'm dressing to blend in. Today I'm going to dig out a summer dress and see how it feels!

[Thirty2andBlue]

Aww thanks so much everyone, wasn't expecting so many replies! Yes I think I am struggling to see many positives after ballooning in Lockdown and feeling sluggish and frumpy. I will try some of the suggestions above! Thank you again

[Sooverthemill]

You do look great you know, so much better than you think you do! It's incredibly hard to lose weight, keep it off and stay positive. I agree with suggestions above. Is there anything in your 'wardrobe' you think you look great in? If so, what is it that's great? Don't replicate it but use that to think about clothes in the same way. Jeans and tee are my go to because it suits my lifestyle but I have loads of different colours and shapes of both to mix it up. If your budget it low, find out what size and shape fits you and then look on eBay, I just got a fab pair of jeans which retail at £130 for £40. But F&F, M& S all do good jeans. Maybe buy one really lovely thing eg a blouse/top that cheers you up.

[MacBlank]

I'm no fashion police.

All I know is your fine, and have NOTHING to worry about.

That's not a big arse or hips.

Congratulations on losing the weight, and if I'm right, that's a baby bump ... The badge of honour for having a child. Enjoy it.

If you're a 12 top wear a fitted 14 top. Seriously. By wearing it fitted, it'll be close, but not right, so will skim your belly.

Enjoy, and well done

[MyWitzEnd]

Get on Joe Browns - long flowery dress, denim jacket, cowboy style boots and rock it!

[Sissyjd]

You have a lovely hourglass shape. Why not try a v neck floral tea dress in knee or midi length, with a leather or leather look jacket. Wear with trainers boots or sandals. Or a midi floral/patterned skirt & a funky slogan t shirt (H&M do fab ones) with a denim or again biker style jacket...

[BloodyNorasNeighbour]

Another great site is www.theviviennefiles.com/ this has literally hundreds of capsule wardobes in so many colours search for the colours you like and you'll find a tonne of stuff. Even if you just switch up the colours of your jeans and tshirts, with the right accessories you'll look put together.

[noodlezoodle]

Pinterest is great for when you're lacking inspiration - have a look on there and start pinning style images you like the look of. As you pin things it starts to suggest 'similar' pictures so it's an easy way to create collections of things you like.