Help with shopping trip - need style tips

[MsGee]

Hi, I am in the fortunate position of being taken shopping by DH next week for a new wardrobe (shoes, coat, jeans, few tops).

However, I am useless at shopping and need ideas. I just never seem to know how to put outfits together or what suits me. DH is very stylish and always looks good and despite his help over 15 years I still look like shit.

Am pear shape, size 12, need to cover muffin top and I work at home so life is basically nursery run, work at home and playgroups. I don't need to look incredible, just a bit less like a scarecrow. I think I almost need a uniform so that I know what to wear in the morning.

I have been scouring internet and printing out things I like (which DH then helps me go through) to prepare ... We are going to Milton Keynes and I plan to mainly go to John Lewis and Debenhams. I am also thinking of rearranging drawers at home so its obvious what matches and goes together (yes, I am that stupid).

Any ideas on how I can make the most of this would be much appreciated. Even the most obvious basic stuff will be a revelation to me!

I live in MK!!!

Also go to House of Fraser, Zara and Karen Millen.

I would say start by buying the best underwear that gives you a nice shape then your shopping worries will be sorted. You can go in Bravissimo to get measured then go buy the same type bras in BHS and Debenhams as they are always a few £ cheaper. Try the Freya and Panache ranges.

Apricot always has cheap but nice looking maxi dresses which would be perfect for a pear shaped woman

Hope this helps

thanks - good idea on underwear front. Just looking at Apricot - great reccomendation, thank you!

How old are you?

I'd also take a look in gap/warehouse/h&m.

For jeans - gap or topshop.

H&M have lovely breton tops at the moment which would work well on you.

What type of coat are you after - more spring stuff coming into the shops soon so perhaps get a nice mac or jacket rather than warm coat?

If I were you I'd think about whose style you like and then take a look at NAP for some styling ideas.

And yes a couple of nice dresses for daytime would be good - paired with a denim jacket in the spring looks nice and casual.

I'm 36. Normal outfit is gap jeans + primark t shirt. Sometimes with ill fitting jumper.

thanks for advice - I was thinking mac or jacket - I wondered about a tighter fitted jacket so I look a bit smarter. Not sure if that is how it works!

Dresses - ok daft Q but on their own or with jeans or leggings? I am someone who is permanently cold and have never successfully done dresses other than for work.

Dresses - I really prefer on their own. I don't mind leggings but I just think you end up looking like all the little girls

Jacket - you need at least one tight fitting jacket ending at your waist.

and dont forget the shoes!

Yes agree with boobjob - definitely dresses on their own.

French Connection also good.

If you're pear shaped then a waist length jacket may not be terribly flatterin unless perhaps teamed with skinny flare jeans.

I'd go for a mac - sort of Burberry trench style perhaps.

And definitely think of maxi dresses.

Oh Dorothy Perkins also worth a look. Both Gap and TopShop offer styling advice if you book in advance.

Am personally not a fan of debenhams but John Lewis also offer personal shopping and have a good selection of concessions - in fact Whistles would be perfect for you.

Jeans

mac

good shape dress for you

rolled up chinos

nice top with jeans for going out

Its just me and Tracy on this thread!

Just wanted to say, when in MK, also go to Hind and get your eyebrows threaded, the ladies there are amazing!!

Its near Waterstones

MK used to be my old shopping haunt as am a Northants girl - well about 20 years ago

Wow - you ladies are impressive!

threading - more or less painful than waxing?

You should def be an MK guide - funnily enough I used to live there too many years ago - in Wolverton.

What about booking a personal shopper at JL? Even if you don't buy everything they recommend it will give you ideas of what goes together and save you a fair amount of trawling, giving you time to focus on getting what you need. Shopping for lots of clothes in one day is hard work, can be frustrating too.

Good idea, will book one in!

Another Q (as you are all so helpful). I think that a big problem is that I have a few nice things and lots of lumpy, no shape clothes, so I first need a clear out.

I was thinking of then having my wardrobes set up for each outfit so I can't go wrong (honestly I am useless, I forget what goes with what and end up mis matching nice clothes).

So, I have a work outfit for the days I go to offices (once a month!) and the rest of the time its the same look that I need. How many outfits should I have then to wear for every day? 5? 7? 14? I know that this is an odd way to do it but I really want to look less horrible at its getting me down and I can only do it by applying logic (I know I sound as if I am on the ASD spectrum but that is another issue : ) )

I'm just impressed that your DH takes such an interest and takes you shopping- that's great! However please don't say you look shit, you need to get a positive new mindset for your shopping trip so that you can look in those changing room mirrors and know you look great!

If you're concerned about knowing what goes together I'd suggest a limited colour palette, so that everything goes with everything (almost), think what colours really suit you and go from there? You can always buy accessories to vary it a bit more.

Aww thanks. I am trying to make more of an effort recently, doing my hair and stuff. DH is very lovely and also handsome, so I just want to look nice - he tells me I look beautiful but I know that he means on the inside

Anyway, he is v good at knowing what goes together and normally helps me with shopping. He got a bonus at work and said he wants me to spend what I need on new clothes. Am v lucky.

Colour palette - good idea. Most of my stuff is brown and green and blue, so I'll stick with that (am pale/mottled and slightly ginger!).

Thank you all so much for the advice - I will keep posting and post links of what I do buy!