The perfect capsule wardrobe/ make up routine

[cordeliajane]

Hello everyone,

I was hoping for a bit of advice from some of you fashionable ladies.
I haven't bought many clothes for myself since having the DC (several years) for various reasons and I seem to have fallen into a bit of a rut and not kept in touch with fashion.
Now we've completed our family and I would love to make a bit of effort with my appearance. I'm also returning to work which is another reason to make a bit more effort!
I would like to buy some basic pieces that are on trend but fairly classic and can be mixed and matched and added to in the future.
What would you recommend for basics and what are the current trends to look out for? I would also love some basic make up advice as I don't usually wear much. I am a bit ignorant about primers/ concealers. Does anyone have any good tips?
I am 5ft 7 and size 8-10.

Thank you so much :)

trainers with bootcut jeans looks shit imo

I don't wear trainers, I guess ballet pumps are my equivalent. I've tried to get into Converse, but failed.

I love the look of the Ash trainers - have been coveting for a while now!

I think trainers etc look fine if the jeans aren't too skinny and kind of rumple at the bottom - iykwim. In my mind student look=young look! up to a point of course.

"Chunky knits are ok if they add texture and bulk in the right places" ... in no place do I need added texture or bulk.

;)

I'm pleased you're all with me on the chunky knits! They seem to be everywhere at that moment but they are not for me. Also not a fan of trainers with jeans at all.

So what do you wear for real comfort, running around after kids in winter?? My biker boots feel a bit too heavy and clumpy, my ballet pumps are too thin soled and my feet get all wet from the grass, but not quite weather for wellies (which are also not great), so what to wear?

Trainers in question are pewter leather diesel trainers - I have quite chunky short legs, with straight cut jeans I can onlly just get away with ballet pumps...

Good quality yoga pants ? maybe even bootcut ones!!! Leggins with some leg warmers

What about on the feet though!

Depends on your lifestyle surely ? I have Lands End sports/walkng shoes that come infab colours and loads of different shapes ie some trainer like, some balerina but with a bit more umph in the sole - Rocket Dog / Sketchers do load so similar stuff -I wear with anything casual ie yoga pants and leggings on 'Kid' days

For smart casual ie school run etc I wear legging/straight cut jeans with long but flat boots

and I am talking here for the chunkier and shorter like myself

Sorry for misunderstanding! I think converse/ pumps, the sort of shoes you are describing, etc look fine with jeans- my kids have them. I just personally don't wear them as they are not my kind of style and I feel more comfortable in boots.

Re make up - definitely invest in getting your eyebrows threaded, makes such a difference to your face. You instantly look 'polished'.

I like mineral foundation from bare escentuals, benefit dandelion blusher and a bit of mascara for daytime. That's my 'capsule', I then add different eye and lip colours for evenings and special occasions.

Lol at Jajas - all the kids in France where skinny jeans and converse - and look exactly like they have big feet!! Agree with Bonsoir and have picked up nice straight leg moleskins at Zara - feel bootleg now look Mumsy - very difficult being 46 with teenage daughters to look different to them without looking Mumsy!! I'm also a fan of Clarins BFB but not everyday.

Doodle-apologies if this sound ignorant but what is threading? Is it the same as having them plucked!?