Starting your wardrobe from scratch

[SunnilyEnough]

I've posted along these lines before but please indulge me. If your whole wardrobe got wiped out in a freak accident and you had to buy everything new - what would you buy? (Starting with winter, please!)

What things would you spend lots on, what things would you buy cheaper?

And what's absolutely essential? (For, let's say, a sahm who works part-time from home, goes out occasionally for dinner with friends, and who wants to be comfy but not look like a bag lady).

I often wish my whole wardrobe would get wiped out...
I guess the things I would invest in for winter would be -
A decent coat (maybe a parka style down coat to keep warm in on the school run or a high wool content smart coat in charcoal grey or a rich wine colour)
Boots - dark brown leather riding boots that look great with jeans or a dress.
A fab bag that finishes any outfit - a Mulberry bayswater or Orla Kiely has some great leather bags this season.
A cashmere sweater
A great day dress and a great evening one.
A fab pair of jeans (especially of you are a SAHM)

The things I would want but would spend less on would be -
tops and t-shirts that could be layered under and over things.
accessories - scarves, beads, brooches, bracelets to brighten up outfits

Ooo fantasy shopping (ignoring workwear as per the brief)

Before buying anything Id decide on a colour palette of probably 2 neutrals and a couple of brights, making sure everything "goes":

3 pairs denims (2 skinny, 1 skinny flair) all dark blue denim

Denim knee length skirt

Moleskin or cord knee length skirt

2 leggings/jeggings

5 blouse type tops

5 LS cotton tops (plain and stripy) for under blouse tops in winter or under cardis

2 day dresses to wear with tights and boots

2 going out dresses

duvet coat

smarter wool jacket/coat

3 wool cardis (2 normal length, one longer heavier weight cardi/coat)

1 sparkly cardi

2 wool tunics (to wear with leggings/jeggings)

ballet pumps

riding boots

medium heeled boots

going out shoes

Fab leather day bag

Leopard print clutch (Goes with everything)

Many many scarves and bangles : )))

That was fun.

My wardrobe feels like it has been wiped out, but by four years of fluctuating size due to pregnancy/breast feeding/getting thin/pregnancy/breast feeding again rather than by a freak accident!

My vague list of essentials consists of:
-cheap t-shirts for layering. I rate h&m (although make sure they're long enough) and new look

• skinnies (or shape of your choice) jeans for casual With long layered tops
• waistcoat - I have just rediscovered waistcoats. Like a bodywarmer, but flattering!
• jumper dresses - v useful for winter with opaques and boots
• knee length wool coat. I'm still wearing my maternity one as it fits round ds2 in a sling though!
• scarves. Big, draped wool/silk mix or cosy knitted ones
• boots. I spend years looking for boos. Have just replaced a pair from 2001...
• pinafore dress - wear with long sleeved t-shirt/polo neck ( v unfriendly for BFing, but nice). I got one from New Look
• erm, underwear. Including lots of opaque tights

Oh, and I do try to stick to a palette too! Mostly charcoal grey, off white, bright blue, bright teal and navy. If I was richer I wouldn't do this, but it basically means everything matches.

Get your colours done if you want to save money by only shopping within a palette that actually insults you!