Wardrobe basics - tell me your best ones please!

[ohnelly]

Hi I recently turned 35, and seriously need to update my wardrobe to be smarter/more appropriate for my age. I am a sahm at the moment, and just wear whats comfortable - jeans, jogging bottoms, hooded tops etc but feel scruffy all the time.
I need to lose about 2 stone to get back into my old clothes after having DS2 (10 months), have lost a bit but cant get motivated. I keep telling myself I will buy new clothes when I have lost the weight, as I dont want to waste money on clothes that will not fit in a few months.

In the meantime, I am walking around in the same clothes - driving DP mad (he has threatened to burn one top if he sees it again - joking I mean!). Please give me your best wardrobe basics that I can look for without spending a fortune
Ty in advance

Boots
Jersey Dress
Dark wash jeans
Fitted jacket
Fine knit v-neck jumper

Just buy a few outfits that you really like....!

Yes just buy a couple of cheapy outfits to get started and to give you a boost. I would get a flattering pair of jeans from next or marks and a few smart casual pretty tops from the same shops even primark for the meantime. Get your hair blow-dried at the hairdresser and some subtle make up and you will feel fab. That's what I am doing this week!

Just because you're 35 doesn't mean you have to go all fuddy duddy!
I generally live in jeans (tucked in boots, or over Converse), tops which I layer as I'm feeling really cold at the mo, so a skinny long sleeved top with a tunic over, and then a longish cardi :)

Straightening my hair and putting make-up on helps the most though

I think accessories are the key here for you because you can update your look cheaply using them AND they will still be useable when you have lost weight. You can still wear jeans etc and be comfy during the day but try swapping the hoody for a nice fit t-shirt and cardigan or jacket, swap trainers for a nice smart pair of boots (perhaps with a small heel) or ballet pumps then add a couple of nice pieces of jewellery or a scarf and you'll look much more presentable and pulled together.

Thanks for replies, think im just stuck in a rut - Im always envious of people I see that layer very well, I never know what goes together!

I got a new cardi with my birthday money so will try that with long sleeved skinny top & jeans.

Your right about the make up & straightening hair too - i only do that if im having a night out (rarely!), must make more effort!

Breton Top
1 or 2 Great Cashmere Jumpers in a colour which really suits you
Well fitted Skinnys
Smart Coat
Leather Bag
Knee Length Boots

Skinny jeans, boots and a couple of nice knee length skirts in patterns/colours you really like. Everyone feels smarter in a skirt .

How about a couple of light scarves? I got a lovely black and white one with birds on in H&M last week. There are also some nice ones in Warehouse.

I am 34 so a similar sage to you. I keep meaning to lose a stone but haven't quite got round to it . Best to focus on the here now and buy a few bits that will make you feel fab now.
My best things

Next dark rinse skinny fit jeans
Whistles Breton top
French Connection jersey tunic/dress
Clarks tan knee high riding boots
Topshop black shrunken blazer

Thanks all, Ive never bought anything from Zara but will try their jeans exhausted. I never wear skirts or dresses, but the blazer is a good idea too. Dp has just said he will take me shopping on saturday to get some new stuff - whoop!

Just because you're 35 doesn't mean you have to go all fuddy duddy!

OMG why would you be 'fuddy' at 35 jaffa...I am 36 and still feel 21....

I would keep classic:

Dark Jeans (Gap curvy or Oasis Scarlet for your shape)
bright crops (La redoute spring catalogue)
Black Cigarette trousers (H&M have some)
White/black/navy Good stretch T's (Hobbs/ H&M)
a blazer/jacket
a leather jacket
a wrap dress - try isabella oliver have a great one (try it, it may turn you onto dresses)
Ballet pumps (kate kanzier for cheapies)
Ankle or shoe boots
scarfs (I bought this today its on this thread
A great handbag - will always cheer you up, I buy alot from peony and moore UK company, great leather, fab quality...

A couple of people have mentioned chinos, these are a bargain!!!

www.newlook.com/shop/womens/trousers/turned-up-chino_207592416?icSort=%2BsortDisplayPrice