HELP I'm clueless about clothes!

[CatPower]

Hi everyone,

I come to you begging for some help and advice. I've never, ever followed fashion trends so wouldn't even know where to begin. As a teen I was always too tall and big for the popular shops like Topshop/Miss Selfridge, and now as an adult I tend to hover around either Dorothy Perkins or online stores for clothes. However, I've been feeling lately like I really should dress my age (almost 27) and make a bit more of an effort instead of dwelling in bootcut jeans, baggy tunics/tshirts and cardis. My partner has given me £400 () and told me I'm only allowed to spend it on myself for some new clothes/boots (I was tempted to sneak it into the Christmas present fund...) but I haven't a clue where to start. I'm still too-tall (5'11"), curvy (depending on the shop I can hover around size 18/20/22) and very busty so blouses are OUT.

Where on earth do I begin?!

Bumpitybump.

Right, just bumping this so I have it on my "threads I'm on" and will return after kids go to bed!

I would begin by buying a few key pieces to get you through the winter. A nice pair of boots, a warm stylish coat. How do you feel about skirts? Also, accessories. Some nice scarves etc

Do you wear make up? Do you need a new hair style?

I found, once I hit my thirties, personal grooming and accessorising really changed how I looked and felt about myself. But maybe you do that anyway?

What is your lifestyle? ie do you have small children to run round after, do you ned clothes for work or home or both, etc.

Also, I finally tried the personal shopper thing at John Lewis and was very impressed. I think it would be perfect in your situation, since you have a budget and an idea of what you want (boots, winter clothes) but not much more. I found the woman helping me was really good and finding out what I do and don't like plus great at advising what suited my shape, etc. She would probably have good tips on what to wear for taller women, good brands, good shapes/styles, and that kind of thing. It's free with no obligation to buy, so definitely worthwhile.

Collect a few magazines ranging from high fashion to high street (they don't need to be current issues), and go through them. Mark everything you like, then go through again and cut out the stuff you really like, stick it in a book and wait a day or two.
Then look through and try and work out WHAT you like - is it the colour, the shape of a garment, the overall "feel" of an outfit? Or do you just wish you looked like the particular model/actress or does she have similar hair to you (no shame in this!)
When you're out, look at what other people are wearing and apply the same prinicple

This is so you can start to establish what YOU actually like and feel confident about it, not try to slot in with what's in the shops.

Then, I would second the personal shopper suggestion. Debenhams do it as well I think.

Don't feel like you need to spend the whole £400 in one go, but if you want to, enjoy it! Aim to buy things you really LOVE, and rather than seeing it as having to buy whole outfits/whole new wardrobe, see it as the start of you discovering your own style.
Also Celery is right that a trip to a counter for a make up session could help too - I'd recommend Bobbi Brown as they don't tend to cake you in too much slap!

I wish I could come with you, I LOVE helping people choose clothes :)

You are all brilliant, thanks so much for posting with your advice. I have an almost 4 year old son so no time for myself, but did treat myself to a haircut today which is a lot shorter and won't need to be straightened etc - a good time saver!

I think the personal shopper idea is great and will try to make an appointment (or give them a call anyway). I bought some magazines earlier, DDDixon, so will get my scissors and chop out the things I like.

Thanks again!

Personal shopper sounds like a good plan.

I always think your shape is much more important than your size. I spent my teens weighing 8 stone but looking much bigger and like I had no curves as I dressed in what was trendy rather than what suited me.

I know Trinny and Susannah are a bit irritating, but I found their Body Shape Bible SO helpful in working out where to start. Have lent it to lots of friends too, who have found it similarly helpful. They basically divide women's shapes into 13 different "types" and suggest clothing shapes to suit. I don't really match any of the types exactly, so combine bits from the ones which are most like me. My friend turned out to be a "brick" and was a bit peeved at first, but since she started following some of the suggestions she has had so many positive comments.

Have fun spending - what a lovely dp you have!