To say I've got my winter wardrobe sorted?

[BlueWorkDay]

46, size 16, basically the archetypal middle class, middle aged, working mum.

I wouldn't call it a 'capsule' wardrobe, but I think I'm at a stage where I don't need anything different, so any future purchases are just replacements for what I have.

Here's what it comprises:

Four pairs of near identical Sweaty Betty ankle cuffed yoga pants (all black). Not too sporty, can be worn day to day.

8 or so thin under layers in black or cream (largely uniqlo heat tech).

4 round neck cashmere jumpers (from M&S or Cashmere and Cotton). In black, electric blue, brown, and beige.

One pair of wide leg dark navy jeans.

One pair of ankle cuffed mum style jeans.

One pair black cigarette trousers.

One boxy cardigan (oatmeal).

Three mock turtleneck jumpers (one black, one navy, one grey).

One ski style puffer.

One Sweaty Betty waterproof trench coat.

One tailored wool coat.

Two cashmere snoods.

I do have other clothes, but so far this winter I've basically worn this on rotation.

@hardhatson , OP is average height and dress size for a UK woman.

I’m five feet one and cuffed bottoms suit me to as do tapered trousers.

I admire the quality and organisation but the utter practicality/repetition and lack of colour made me feel depressed reading it! I have just worked out my style roots with Ellie Jean Royden's system. I already (mostly) understood my body shape and had my colours 'done' years ago. The plan is to base my wardrobe on this (plus functional stuff for sports, bad weather etc) and to focus more on quality. I find it very difficult, however, to get the clothes I really want as I'm tall and big boobed. Yes, there are some niche ranges for women who are outside of the average range but quality and colours are often dreadful. I'm in my 60s now though, and don't need work clothes, so I'm being more adventurous than I have for decades which is exciting!

About 10 years ago I packed minimally for a city and country apartment holiday in Italy with some wide black linen trousers, some white, some black shorts and some black and some white t shirts. Plus black cossie. Thought I was being clever not having to have too many things to go with each other, plus I put a couple of bright scarves. Too hot to wear the scarves and I ended up feeling like a depressed panda. Ridiculous - back to the usual melange next time!

Thats a shame! So far, perimenopause hasn't caused overheating (my periods though, are a bad joke, and resultingly my iron levels are abysmal).

I'd always thought that a v-neck would be more flattering for my body shape, but what I've found is that a thin fabric, round neck, is most flattering, v-necks just lead to me looking boobier.

In fact, I should start another thread about my satisfaction with my mid-life skincare regime 🤣🤣

Do you have to wash your clothes every night? If you only have one top? Or fo you wear dirty clothes? Are you a bit whiffy?

Sad Panda Gate reminds me of the first time I went "proper clubbing" in about 1997... I went to the Ministry of Sound and took it upon myself to wear a zebra print pencil skirt, a zebra print vest, zebra print kitten heels, and a zebra print handbag.

I looked unusual in amongst the combat trousers and vests...

Sad Zebra.

I am absolutely certain that my colour choices are not in line with my "season". I'm a deep winter. So should be wearing jewel tones etc.

I think black is okay, but the oatmeal/neutrals are not ideal.

But, as mentioned upthread, I'm also quite anaemic at the moment, so everything makes me look washed out and medically tired.

(I'm under medical supervision and treating it accordingly, I'm not just living with it).

@Rosealea has been on another thread recently, completely unable to comprehend why anyone would possibly want to receive a Christmas present, so I’m not sure her and her three outfits are the best barometer of what’s ‘normal’ or average in the UK.

@hardhatson I believe you. You appear to have not realised that your comment would leave half the thread thinking you need counselling for deep seated issues, and the other half wondering if you’re on the spectrum and unable to moderate what comes out of your gob, so I totally believe that you didn’t realise something that was completely obvious to everyone else.

@BlueWorkDay you have inspired me to dig out my Acai Casual Stroll Pants with cuffed bottoms and try them out again (I normally opt for leggings)

@TittyGajillions - I feel that the twigs sound very gaudy and attention seeking. Shame on you.

Hope you feel better soon. I know this is unsolicited advice - very annoying! - but I feel so much better, however my health is, when I am in my sympathetic colours. It's usually quite easy to get cashmere in jewel/Winter tones - I'd be so itching to take you shopping if I was with you!

I can’t believe someone only has one ‘bottom’ item of clothing - just one skirt?! A single pair of shoes and boots at that - do you wear boots in the summer? And one top??

you know this doesn’t make you superior, just a lying cow 😂😂

I apologise unreservedly for my frivolous use of twigs, the mud is absolutely enough.

I'm your polar opposite.
In my head, I'd love to have a capsule wardrobe. But I still wear clothes I've had since I was 16... and yet buy more. I like to dress in lots of different ways. I'm currently going through a 70s phase. Mainly because my figure was basically built for 70s clothes and I can make my hair all farrah. No doubt I'll be channelling a different decade in a few months.

Mud? Why waste water when you could just roll around in the dirt for a bit.

Go eco for 26.

Seems like a good mix but you are just naming your favourite clothes. It's not really a capsule as you then add some other clothes that you use for parties.

The yoga pants look like joggers. Fine for around the house and exercise. Wide leg jeans nice. Everything else seems fairly standard and blah.

Totally respect everyone is different but I get so much joy from putting colourful outfits together everyday. I love my eclectic wardrobe and can dress to suit my mood, change my style, my identity by occasion. Some days I dress playfully, sometimes smart and sophisticated, sometimes it’s all about comfort. I couldn’t be restricted by the lack of range you are describing. My wardrobe is an extension of who I am!

@BlueWorkDay
I dress very similarly! A skin care thread would be great

Done...https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/5466939-to-say-ive-got-my-mid-life-face-regime-sorted

Though perhaps foolishly in AIBU rather than Style and Beauty. 😅

I also like colourful clothes but far too much of whats in the shops is currently sludge, pastels and monochrome so unless you want to spend extra time and effort seeking colourful items that don't seem to exist, you're kind of stuck.

OP I think your wardrobe sounds perfect, elegant and classy and fab. I guess the bit you haven’t mentioned are the accessories. I’ll lay money you’ve fabulous belts bags and jewellery and know exactly how to tuck, fold and layer and have great hair and makeup. I was left searching for yoga pants. I don’t think you can compare a classic understated style with a dog, bunches and dungarees style. Both probably great but hardly comparable

Agree (not proud). I have a lot of clothes too. Double wardrobe in spare room currently rammed with coats and summer clothes and random things I wea once every blue moon. Should get some of them on Vinted, probably. I don't buy much day to day but I look after clothes and keep them.

My concerns exactly @GrooveArmada. That link has set my spidey senses tingling!