Please help style me, I'm lost!

[veryconfused1]

Hi all, never posted in this section but I need help.

Im 25, 5ft 2 and have only just lost the extra baby after giving birth 3 years ago

I have completely lost my sense of style. I have had mousy brown hair for years at shoulder length. Which I am going to get changed to dark blonde with sunkissed highlights in it and layers and side fringe. But I really need help with my wardrobe which has been terrible for the last couple of years (very frumpy).

Im a size 12 but dont like showing clevage or top of arms too much. So please help give me some ideas on what are some good outfits and ideas for my age and build

many thanks

Anyone?
Im also a pre-school teacher so things that I can combine at work and leisure would be great

Hi
you sound a bit like me in that you don't like showing cleavage or top of arms too much, and I used to work in a school too. Dresses seem to be the way to go at the mo.... so many nice ones out there. I've ordered this...can be worn with long sleeve t-shirt underneath...accessorize with scarves...other colours to choose from....will look good with boots in autumn/winter. Jersey dresses also comfy for working with children, bending down to their level....easy to wash, mine last winter didn't even need ironed...bonus! Looking out for a new one to suit me this year. Also look out for patterned clothes, great for hiding glue, paint, felt-tips etc. I never was really a pattern person before, but find it essential when working with young kids.
Hope this helps!

Thanks PINKMARSH that really does help a lot and the dress is gorgeous and so are the others on the Boden website. Might get one or two things from there. Do you know other places that do similar pieces as I need a whole new wardrobe and have buy a lot so obviously things cant be too pricey.

Also in what ways can I accessorise? and do different hairstyles? As I said Im completely lost and find websites so styled that I know I wont be able to do it myself

La redoute have some really good jersey and sweater dresses this year.They come in a a variety of fabrics and prints.I have just ordered several bits in the sale and the silk and cotton cowl-neck t-shirts are brilliant.I am size 12/14 and these clothes seem to suit me,wheras Boden stuff looks awful on .[ so i am very biased!].Also the basics are very reasonably priced!.

teta...thanks for reminding me of la redoute, hadn't been on their site in ages, but, as you say they have some lovely AW2010 stuff. Nice prices too. THank you!

vconfused1 I just accessorize with scarves and handbags, really. For winter, there are some lovely patterned opaque tights out there (if you're wearing a plain skirt/dress) that can jizz up and outfit. Regarding hair, I do mine in a messy up-do, can stick a co-ordinating flower in it to match your clothes if you want. Now other websites for you... if you liked Boden, chances are you'll also like White Stuff, Mistral, Phase Eight also. M&S have some nice basics too. Wouldn't consider myself to be ultra-stylish though, so hopefully someone else'll be along soon to give you more tips and links.

Wallis has a lovely petite range, far better than their standard range imo.

Thanks for all your responses-yes and la redoute has lovely things along with white stuff. And thanks for the tip with flowers to jazz up a hairstyle. Yes and often get things from Wallis petite range-thanks for reminding me.

Anymore stores that I can visit on a shopping trip to london as planning to go this weekend? and any more accessorise tips?

You are young so I'd personally give Wallis and Boden a miss and would head for some of the younger stores.

As you're going to be in London take a look in Cos, Banana Republic and Zara. I also very much like Comptoir des Cotonniers which is French and tends to cut quite small which works well when you're petite.

A good pair of jeans - Topshop is good or if you want to buy premium denim then I rate 7FAM or J Brand.

im with tracey

re accessories... the right belt can really make an outfit. A shopping trip in London... I'm jealous.... enjoy!!

Agree with tracey and alaska-you are 25-far too young for Wallis and Boden!

veryconfused1, you said you liked some things in Boden... get them!-no matter what your age!

No don't buy boden - unless its the johnnie B range - the dresses will be way too long on you for a start.

Squares up to pinkmarshmallow

God - I'd be in miss selfridge, warehouse and topshop buying the shortest skirts possible but am a teensy bit muttontastic in my tastes.

Hi all,

It seems I've started a small battle Well I did like some things in Boden but my family and friends say that I need to spruce it up a bit and go for a younger look as I tend to go for that kind of wardrobe already.I agree Wallis is a bit beyond my years but mainly just go for petite trousers and jeans from there.

I was thinking things like a nice pair of dark jeans (to hide still fairly large rear) with a beautiful big belt teamed with vibrant coloured tops and cardies like fuchsia and grey for example. And also your handy longer jersey tops, which were very nice in Boden but I think I may look around for something cheaper.

Also does anyone follow the cool or warm colour rule? That we tend to suit one or other, I realise I am in the cool colours which was surprising as I always tended to go for warm autumny colours but always looked washed out. So what would you call the cool colours?

I think boden is far too old for you[its far too old for me and i am in my 40's!].I am a similar height to you and i go for empire-line tunics with scoop necks to wear with leggings and skinny jeans.The Great Plains sale have some at a good price.I have just received delivery of the pink,red and navy and they are very flattering.Also i think there are a few dresses left in the sale if you look quickly.

I'm only 30 and I go to Wallis - sob. I do however avoid their tribal prints

Cool colours are ice blues, and pinks aren't they?

Cool: Eyes are typically blue or grey. Haircolor typically blonde, brown or black. Skin has definite blue and pinkish undertones. Cool-toned people look best in colors such as blue, red, pink and purple, or "gem-tones". Usually look best in silver jewelry. In natural light, the color of the veins on the underside of your wrist are bluish. You can wear a white shirt and it is flattering on you.

I think Zara is a good call, what about H&M? New Look can have have some decent pieces as well if you are prepared to route through, or TX Maxx, same principle, if you are looking for some cheaper items. You can get lots of accessories from there as well.

Dorothy Perkins and TopShop might be worth a look too.

WOOOOOOAHH!! STOP!!!!
OK you are 25 and 5'2 Don't even think about Boden et al at the moment. Blimey!

Can you get to a city or large town? Top Shop have personal shopers that will get you an upto date look in no time. You are the right size and still within their age range.Just tell them what sort of look you want. It's not all skinny early teen fashion. I got my self a few tops rom their a few weeks ago.

Failing that Debenhams have the Jane Norman range, Oasis, Red Herring that would suit you. They too have personal shoppers.
The other shops demographic is decades away for you yet!!!
The price range for both is reasonable.

(of course if you are a bit minted you could get a shopper at Harvey Nicks or Selfridges!)

hmmm - slightly longer lengths more practical when teaching young children !(speaking from experience)

anyway... I think I'll leave this thread now. Have fun shopping and enjoy all your new clothes (wherever they're from!)