Mum needs an overhaul!

[NickNacks]

HELP! I'm a 29 yr old mother of three- with no style! I've spent my twenties in black trousers and tracksuit bottoms and trainers.

I do have some 3/4 lengths for the summer and a couple of nice skirts/summer dresses but i never know what shoes to wear with them so rare that I get them out.

I turn 30 very soon and would like a new start. I've had my hair cut professionally ONCE in the last ten years so i have a hair cut booked for my birthday.

I have long, very dark but not black hair. I am very pale at the moment but do tan easily. I also have a weird body shape!- Size 12 top, small waist but large hips and bottom- size 18. 5'6"

If you think you can help and point me in the right direction to a more grown up, tidier look i would be very grateful. I really don't know where to start!

I'm looking in my Trinny and Susannah 'The Body Shape Bible' for you, sounds like you are a bell (think Hilary Clinton?)

They say to add volume to your top half (gilet etc) and always a lighter colour than the bottom half. Necklines that add width to shoulders (slash necks, cowl necks) ruffles to add bulk, eye catching necklaces, big brooches.

Jackets, also lighter colour than the bottom, and ending just above your bum.

Bottom half, side fastening trousers, loose and flowing, never tapered. Skirts, flat at the top, then pleat or flowing from under the hip line. What are your legs like from the knee down? If nice then show them off!

Dresses, they suggest a line shirt dresses, think I saw some on Land's End website, and wide belts to show off your waist.

Shoes, avoid ankle straps or T bars.

Does this sound right? Hope it helps!!

T shirts
nice skirt
pretty blouse
Bretton top
perfect trousers
{http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10001_10001_58605+4470082360_-1?breadcrumb=Home%7EWomen%7EDresses this style of dress]]
this style of skirt
another good skirt
this style of dress
top
another top
[http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10001_10001_54510+300803113_-1?breadcrumb=Home%7EWomen%7ETops and another]]

this style of dress
and another

Chunky shoes balance out heavier legs, there are loads of lovely wedges/ platform wedges out there in all price ranges and they are soo comfy as well as looking lovely.

Thank you!

I like a lot of the things you linked to....I think I have the jist of the sort of things that should suit me.

I didn't know about the side zip trousers- great tip and I do have pretty good legs below knees so have got skirts/dresses at knee or just below knee length.

The biggest mistake i have probably been making according to your T & S book is that I choose plain, narrow tops to try and show off my slimmer areas when it looks like i should be adding bulk up there, presumably to balance me out and not make the contrast between top and bottom so large.

I like the dress you linked to and I have a wedding coming up so will be on the look out for something simlilar.

Would you suggest having a cheaper wardrobe with lots in it or a wardrobe which has fewer but more expensive pieces?

I'm not a huge Gok Wan fan but I do like his concept of the 24 piece capsule wardrobe. Here is a link to one of the 24 piece collections he created {{http://www.channel4.com/programmes/goks-fashion-fix/articles/alis-capsule-wardrobe here]]. Thought this might help you decide how many of each item you need to make up a great capsule wardrobe.

I honestly think the key is saving up and then shopping for much of your wardrobe at the same time. its a sure fire way of making sure everything is interchangeable. Definitely agree with Gok that you need to start with a couple of neutral colours (eg. black and stone or navy and grey etc) and get your basics of trousers, skirt, coat in those colours then choose maybe 2 accent/bright colours you love and get a few tops, cardis and accessories which will go with all your basics.

Personally Id spend on a good coat, jeans and bag , these should all last a few seasons, and pick up tops, accessories for less

Good luck

I agree with Gillybobs, set aside a day to go shopping and buy as much as possible in one hit, its more likely to be interchangeable. I love Gok!

Please report back with your new purchases :)

trying that link again www.channel4.com/programmes/goks-fashion-fix/articles/alis-capsule-wardrobe

Thank you! Also love the Gok concept so will look into that. I will spend the next few weeks having a good look around and plan to use birthday money i get for my new wardrobe. Will def let you know how i get on.

Please do. Remember to write a list before you hit the shops and stick to your plan!