To ask you to (gently) evaluate my style?

[doesyourmotherkno]

I am a size 18, and after significant weight loss I am trying to slowly reinvent my style. I’m used to hiding behind trousers and big t-shirts. I am in my 20s.

I have quite a lot saved on H&M and Matalan and places like that, as well as some staples in my wardrobe (mainly trousers and skirts).

My thinking is day to day, fun trousers (I have some striped trousers and plan on making some gingham trousers) with fun graphic t-shirts or some nice dresses, and these will then be pieces I can carry into weekends and holidays. My workplace is more relaxed and would allow outfits like this.

I am trying to do this on a budget so not really open to spending £100s on one item. I don’t know why some items have saved as size 8. I obviously won’t be purchasing!

Some more bits I have saved

I think that there are lots of things there that you could mix and match so that’s could that you can create a few outfits out of a couple of items.
The thing I’m not keen on is the patterned trousers. I’d always wear plain pants but that’s my taste. I like the wide leg style.

I do kind of worry the loud wide trousers are my old habit of hiding my body, but I also really like them! I used to wear a lot of them when I was a lot bigger, not so much now. I do want to mix and match (so for example one of the t-shirts I can see at least three outfits I can put together with it), but just struggle to know what looks good because I’ve never really thought anything positive about my body

I LOVE the pattern trousers, and would wear them with a plain T-shirt/vest. Wide and flowing on the bottom, more fitted on top. That tends to be my go-to look.

My DD has lost a ton of weight by exercising and high protein / low fat eating . She has been buying a lot of clothes from George , Matalan, Peacocks ,Marks and Primark . A select few bits from Shein like this tee shirt which was absolutely gorgeous. She has just gone 30 . I will put some if the things she has bought in in another post. She's trying to wear clothes that suit her shape and her youth . Ohh she's an 18 too 😊.

You'll save a lot by getting all this stuff from Vinted. Inevitably there will be items that don't work, but you won't realise it until later, and it hurts less to get rid of things if they only cost a few quid. Vinted and eBay are full of clothes like this.

Congratulations on your weight loss! Your saved items all look good and seem to present a coherent "look"/style. I like the accessories you've chosen, adding patterns and texture. A couple of comments/gentle critiques:

It's very summery. Nothing really to see you through dreary days or in to autumn. If you're on a budget, you could do with more items that will see you through. (E.g. I like longer sleeved shirts, button up, that you can roll up sleeves in summer or wear open as light jackets for example)

I am conscious you said in your OP "I’m used to hiding behind trousers and big t-shirts". You've got a lot of both! Could you change the silhouettes a bit? (Would help with crossing seasons too) Slightly more structured trousers shapes, boxier or more fitted tops.

I am not a fan of dressing to hide your shape. There's a brilliant account on Instagram (Lottie something) that does a lot of dopamine dressing. I love her approach (even though her style isn't my thing).

Happy shopping/wearing!

Edited to add agree withe vinted point! Although understand it's easier to buy new when you're trying things out, will definitely return some items

If you love them, get them. Mine is just a personal preference. I’d wear plain bottoms and patterned or plain tops always. Not sure why to be honest because I’d be happy with patterned skirts.
I do like the colours you’ve chosen though.

I’d rather buy new because if I don’t like it, I can send it back!

Yes I’m definitely geared up to summer at the moment because of the heatwave last week. To be honest in winter I tend to just wear the same trousers and jumper everyday, which is something I need to change

My Dd2 has just bought these things .
Nothing at all wrong with your choices of clothes . They are lovely l just question if they are a little bit too old for you but that is just my opinion and l am forever telling my Dd2 the same thing 😁

I love that g-shirt!!!

Glad you liked the tee honestly we don't buy from Shein but she couldn't resist it and it is fab . Fitted her like a glove .
She also bought these 2 striped items from Matalan and they are lovely as well . Good luck @doesyourmotherkno👍🤞😊

Everything looks lovely! Go for it, the worst that happens is you have to send something back and then you’ll get a better idea of what to look for in that style.
Also I know you didn’t ask for recommendations but I can personally vouch for Next having great options for those of us who have lost weight and are regaining our sense of style after hiding away.
I know they can be pricey but often their fabric and sizing is very forgiving when wanting to try a “riskier” item that would never have fit into before!

You’ve picked well 👍🏻 I particularly love that red seamed jersey dress, great summer red.

Pictures 3 and 4 are generally good, plus the poplin shirt from picture 1.
I don’t like the gingham shorts at all, and I think the dramatic print trousers will be tricky.
I don’t like graphic print T-shirts, or T-shirts in general.

Well done on the weight loss! I like it all, actually. I I never get myself new clothes but might treat myself to one of the graphic tees and the straw cross body bag. Where are they from specifically please?

You have some nice stuff. I would lose the ‘fun’ trousers. But I don’t like my clothes to be ‘fun’ in general!

I love Uniqlo for staples. What about looking at Hollister and Urban outfitters for some youthful styles too?

Congrats on the weight loss!

What is your skin tone and hair colour?I know what colours suit me. For instance any kind of beige or stone colour looks awful on me, even if I like the item I won’t buy it.

I would invest in a couple of very good bras, it’s this that often gets overlooked and ruins an outfit for many.

H&M! They’re such nice quality too

How do you feel about maxi skirts and fitted tops as a summer look?

Have you had a look at New Look? I was really surprised at some of the options there and bought some lovely rust coloured palazzo pants recently.

Hi, I just wanted to say well done on your weight loss and that I hope you are feeling fantastic as a result! I love the vibe of your choices, I think style is so individual and personal. I know for me, my life does not require me to have anything very tailored or formal - workwear and everything else is very casual. I can see pieces that would work for how you’ve described your workplace.

Do you prefer having separate home and work clothes?

I always think it really helps to think; what do I actually do/when will I wear this?

So for example I love the white lace short/skirt? that you chose, I would match those with one of the tees and the bucket hat with the ties and the raffia bag to maybe wear to a cafe lunch or trip to a nearby town. Except for me, if those are shorts, I find with my body shape/activities I need to do in a day they would ride up. They are great though and I wish I could wear them. That obviously isn’t an issue for you. I can’t tolerate long sleeves, again totally a me thing. So in terms of styling that’s an example of personal choice.

Maybe describe your lifestyle/ activities? For example the style of a city dweller going to an office in the week and gigs/bars/art galleries weekends could be very different to a rural dweller, outdoorsy, small holder going to open gardens/the gym/cafe lunches at weekends.

I make lists of things I do each day/events and work out what kind of clothes I need for that.
In terms of style, you seem to know what YOU like. Go with it, you only need to make yourself happy.

Also, I disagree with someone in the thread who felt there isn’t much autumnal choice, I see lots of year round staples; such as the brown and green dresses, black trousers, shirts that you can easily layer up with a trench/other coat or knitwear as when needed.
I also disagree with the comments that maybe the pieces are too old…sorry I think many of those pieces are ageless/timeless and much lovelier than the other choices that were given.

Besides, make yourself happy! You are the one buying it/wearing it.

Those clothes are lovely. I do like the patterned trousers with a plain top. I am a 22 and not fashion conscious so may not be the opinion you're after. I have three pairs of wide leg patterned trousers and even dh said they suited me which is rare. I have found some nice dresses in Sainsburys. I buy them and try them on in the toilet, not ideal but I can refund them straight away. If only changing rooms would come back i would buy more.
Well done on your weight loss.