I’m ^this^ close to buying slacks out of the Sunday supplements. Please defrump me.

[yellowvan]

I?m fed up of being utterly frumpy. I wear £9.50 elasticated waisted m&S trousers every day and for every occasion.
I have caught DHs utilitarian approach to clothing, ie nice clothes are an indulgence and a vanity, with the result that the whole family wears illfitting, cheap rubbish til it absolutely falls apart.
I?m 40, a sort of big 12/small 14, 5 ft 6, and a very saggy 34 F. I used to do the DMs, leggings and little dress thing in early 90s, but wouldn?t go near that now. I don?t like the early 40s ?uniform?, and I loathe accessories and make-up of any kind.
I hate how I look, and prob have more issues than mere wardrobe ones! But, help!

If you haven't shopped for a while, I would start by browsing - either online or go to your nearest town for a bit fo window shopping. This will give you some idea of what is in the shops at the moment and you can start to work out what you like (and what you don't).

Other posters are right - get thee to John Lewis for a bra fitting. I would get a plain nude one that can be worn under anything and a black bra (I have a pretty lace one from JL). Get some nice new knickers too!

Wash on 40 and DO NOT tumble dry stuff - lovely clothes will be ruined

Some suggestions towards building a new wardrobe:
Dark rinse jeans in a flattering cut (M&S, Next, Gap, FC, Boden)
Navy full length leggings (M&S)
Just above the knee jersey type dress (Fat face, White Stuff, FC)
Cardigan in a neutral colour (M&S, New Look, Monsoon, Gap, Boden)
Denim skirt (Boden, M&S, Gap)
Long sleeve or 3/4 sleeve jersey tops - Plain and striped (Kew, Jigsaw, Boden, Monsoon)
Blazer (Topshop)

How about Birkenstocks if you don't like heels?

Most importantly - BURN THE SUPPLEMENTS!!

what about these?

Thanks for the list- jersey fabric a winner for me i hope. i have been banned from M&S as of this thread, the siren call of the elasticated waist is just too strong! I would never have thought of looking in Fatface or top shop. (I'm too old?)

How about something like this - you could wear converse type shoes or boots with it.

I don't really do prints or patterns, but like dresses from Fat Face etc which I wear with leggings. In the winter I wear long sleeve tees underneath.

Just above the knee denim skirts are really practical too - if you wear leggings underneath you just hoik your skirt to cycle

Nah, you're never too old for Top Shop if you shop carefully no

Yeah I like that, CMOT, great tummy hider too.
Y'see Abs, thats just the sort of thing I WOULD buy, on impulse, and torture myself for ever with the evidence that " I always look crap and nothng suits me". (was once told that orange was 'my' colour)

I wouldn't rule out any shop. I am 35 and have things in my wardrobe from all the above shops. You jus need to choose wisely!

If you like jersey fabric - this is nice from FC and is very flattering on

Nice Dress. Would work with tights or leggings

I also like this top

Great top for summer

I love the neck line and tummy hide detail on that dress. Think I have to face the fact that i really need to spend more than £9.50 :(

But if you buy a few nice pieces, you will look great, and as they last, the price per wear is OK. By judicious use of different colour tees and buying stuff you can combine differently, no one will think you wear the same all the time either.

But start with the basics - 3 great fitting bras, a pair of boots, a good pair of sandals (am no trend setter, but love my sparkly fitflops as they are so comfy) and go from there

Well, I'm trying not to shop at the moment, so not up to date with what's out there currently - but my most frequently worn flowery dress type things are actually from F&F in Tesco! I have a couple of chiffony type ones with built in slips, and some more jersey material ones.

For something more upmarket, I guess you could look in Boden, or perhaps Monsoon? Actually Phase Eight often have nice tunic/dress type things for wearing with leggings.

All my boots (and I have many variations!) are from either Clarks or M&S

Not a lot more. Page 1, dress 5.

Would look good over leggings if your legs are not quite as slim as the model's.

Agree with CMOT - I have the dress I linked and have worn it to death -

With a cardigan, tights and boots for work
With tights, a long sleeve T under and ballet flats for the school run
with tights, heels and a blazer for a night out
When summer comes, I will be wearing it on its own with sandals and a chunky necklace.

Hopefully this gives you an idea of how one item can be used for lots of different looks.

A few good quality pieces is better than a load of old tat.

nice flat shoes here;

next

green ones