OK, so moving on from the "How to be groomed" thread.. help me with some clothes please!

[AnonymousBird]

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/style_and_beauty/1406737-How-to-be-groomed

OK, so am going to up the ante a bit on my personal grooming. Good. Got that one sorted.

Having done a bit of a recky on my spring/summer clothes, they are mostly pretty rubbish - certainly the "every day" wear. I am quite well set for dresses, pretty tops etc, but the stuff to do the school run in and just generally harp about in is not in great shape. I spent last year renovating a house so I was dirty constantly, so didn't really notice my clothes, so it's time to do something about it.

Budget for clothes not big, but initially I can probably find £300. This needs to cover a pair or two of (sensible/practical) shoes or sandals, a couple of pairs of trousers at least and a few tops/cover up type things.

I am early 40's, size 12/14, not trendy, more classic in style and clothes need to be seriously practical. Handwashing and dry cleaning for every day clothes is simply a non-starter. Young children, dog and a lot of outdoor time in the garden etc is all part of the brief here ladies!

BTW, I live rurally and I don't have many shops locally, I tend to shop on line, but get a bit nervous about sizes - they all vary so much from make to make. I can get to a city centre if need be, but it's not that straight forward.

TIA for pointers.

anonymous I love clothes and am your age. My aim is to look chic and elegant father than "on trend".what you need is a capsule wardrobe.
If I were you (and I know not everyone will agree) I would buythe following,baring in mind you have lovely dresses and tops already;

Choose a colour palette,say navy and red?, as it's spring,buy some basics

Decent pair straight cut (or skinny if you are brave) jeans (don't need to be designer at all.i am v happy with my Gap real straight,in dark denim as smarted)

Another pair trs......beige chinos,lots around

A stripy Breton top (red and white,or navy and white will go with both trs)

Some ballerinas in nude colour,or I love my red ones,

Another pair shoes for day.....tan loafers are in,brogues also but not my cup of tea,or some tan wedges/sandals

A blazer in navy (see where I an going?!)

A scarf that incorporated blue/red/white

A nude/tan leather handbag

A classic trench (have just bought one Tom M and S)

A classic white shirt

A red fitted cardigan (and what the hell get a bright green one too,) H and M

With this lot you can make loads of outfits and just add bits in different colours and bring together with scarves or costume jewellery .
White straight cut jeans would look good in summer too.

I have also bought some long line vest tops (good bum coverage !) fron River Island for about £7 online.

Hope this is helpful....back to grooming thread

Def get your colours done before you spend on new stuff! It is £99 but it will repay you a hundred times over as you will never buy an item that doesnt suit you again, and if you stick to the palette they suggest, everything will co-ordinate and make you glow. Promise