What do stylish people wear at weekends? Restyle me!

[Downandoutnumbered]

Actually that ought to be "style me", or even "rescue me".

Basically I have had no money for clothes for years (nothing really to complain about, I feel a bit ashamed for having complained even slightly about it after reading the "you know you're skint when" thread). We're moving house which will reduce our mortgage payments quite a bit, and I thought since everything I own is falling apart I could take the opportunity to go and see a personal shopper and get a new casual wardrobe - budget about £1k, including shoes and probably a new bag. I don't need work clothes: I buy my suits on Ebay and I've got lots.

Now, I loathe shopping, so where should I go to get a whole wardrobe in a single blitz, and what sort of things should I be looking for? I'm 5'2" and size 6-8 but curvy, with short legs. Legs are terrible so I never show them - think milk bottles, and permanently covered in bruises because I cycle everywhere and bash them hauling the bike about. Neck used to be a good feature - I wore a lot of V-necked tops - but I've lost weight and now look scrawny and have salt cellars in my collarbones, so I think I need to move away from open necks. DS is not quite 2 so whatever I buy needs to be machine washable - I occasionally covet lovely cashmere things for lounging about at home, and then I come to my senses.

At the moment I live in jeans and jersey tops, but I'd like to look very slightly less predictable while still being comfortable and practical. My imagination can't seem to extend beyond that, but I'd like to be able to give the personal shopper some guidelines. Help!

bump - anyone?

1k should get you a cracking new wardrobe

Do you live near London? A big city? I'd do personal shopper at John Lewis, Selfridges, etc.

John Lewis are probably your best bet - whereabouts in the country are you? I'm short and petite(ish) too and get a lot of my casual clothes from Gap, Whistles, Cos, the odd bit of Topshop, the occasional great dress in Primark. I think Ash high tops are a real staple for casual wear for me.

I live in coloured jeans; red, blue, pink, mint, black, green and wear with a lot of plainer tops. I also have a big thing for Breton dresses, which I always feel comfortable in, winter and summer, would recommend Jigsaw and Whistles for finding a good Breton dress.

There was an interesting article in Grazia this week suggesting a 35 item capsule wardrobe - might be worth a look.

You shouldn't need anywhere near that much to buy a nice casual wardrobe.

I would start with -

• black skinnies

• dark blue skinnies
• maybe some Topshop ankle grazer jeans in a colour - I saw v nice khaki ones today
• plain black, white and grey (or navy) t-shirts with three quarter sleeves
• couple of Breton style t-shirts
• couple of loose camis in a silky fabric
• denim shirt (light denim) or chambray shirt
• Converse or Ash-esque leather trainer type things
• ankle boots with a wooden stacked heel
• ballet flats (maybe silver, or leopard print, or red?)
• biker jacket
• some pretty lightweight scarves
• a satchel or tote bag

Any use?

Yes to Breton style dresses too.

I think you can't go wrong with wearing basics (as listed - or even more loungeweary type clothes) - what can make the difference is making sure you have a few nice accessories, with hair and basic make-up done. This way, even the most simplest outfit can be taken to a different level.

Even with jeans and jersey tops, add a nice neckace or a scarf to add to the look - or mix and match.

Lots of ideas given already!

But I would like to say that £1000 is loads of money, I am sure you can get a good basic wardrobe for less than that by shopping around and getting different items from different shops - and a few nice key items from other shops.

I know £1K seems ludicrously extravagant - that's a maximum, not a target! If I were setting out to buy a new working wardrobe I'd be looking at £1K for three only quite nice suits - I spent £800 on three suits in Hobbs ten years ago - and I don't really know what casual clothes cost because I haven't bought any for ever. I'm still wearing some stuff I had as a student and I'm late thirties now.

Lots of these suggestions are great - I'm in London so John Lewis sounds a good bet. Not venturing anywhere near Topshop though: I'm too old and too frumpy, and I need someone who's going to be nice to me and not sneer.

I also think a nice light blazer would be a good item to have.

UML, I know that's good advice but I really don't want to shop around - I have a full-on, full-time job and a two-year-old and I really, really hate shopping. I want to make myself look half human again in the minimum possible time, and suddenly my finances look as though I might be able to do that.

Sorry, X-posted - that wasn't a response to the nice light blazer!

How old are you?

I rarely buy anything in Topshop but when I do the staff are always lovely - and I am 42 and not a size 6!

I understand how you feel :)

And I agree re shopping around - to buy a full wardrobe from John Lewis for eg would be very 'mumsy' I think.

Agree re a nice light blazer!

Oh and it might be worth having a look at Isabel Oliver online for pics of fairly nice casual looks. Have never bought anything from there but I have used it as inspiration at times.

Remus I just had to comment, your list above ^ is FANTASTIC! I love it.

I think mumsy would probably be a step up from where I am now! Doesn't John Lewis have lots of concessions for other brands? I'd assumed if I went there a personal shopper would be able to find me stuff from anywhere in the shop.

Isabella Oliver online good thought - I wouldn't buy anything from there: I had a couple of their maternity things off Ebay and they're for women six inches taller than me - but I'll have a look at their website.

Should have said thank you very much for all the excellent advice - there may be hope for me yet!

Thanks Lurking. :)

Oh - how about a nice lightweight denim shirt dress too? Nice for summer with tan flat sandals or ballet flats and then in Autumn with a t-shirt under it and tights, plus jacket.

I agree with Lurking on your list above, Remus, but I fear the denim shirt dress is probably not me - I really loathe my legs. Pity I missed the dress over leggings look.

Ooh! I have a denim dress hanging in the wardrobe, waiting to be worn!

And now it's styled!!

Oh Remus you are fab!!

I've been at John Lewis today with a friend and we had a personal shopper between us for the whole day. It was amazing really recommend it for a new wardrobe.

On your budget I'd be tempted to go to the "cheap" floor of Harvey Nics - Reiss, Whistles, all saints, etc all in one place plus great jeans selection.

Bows.... :)

I really wouldnt go to J Lewis for casual clothes. The personal shoppers there are trained to find wedding outfits and nothing else (had a bad experience with personal shopping there last year).

I understand that shopping is impossible in your situation, how about ordering online? You can get some basics (jeans!) from Gap, coloured jeans from New Look, tops from Gap and Banana Republic, converse from ebay or Office, breton tops from Boden.

I would also add to the above list Russell & Bromleys super comfy leather wedges. With your budget you should be able to afford them (£125).

Re bag: check out the 'handbag' porn threads. A roomy unstructured bag in beige, tan, or black would work.

Good luck. Keep it simple, keep the jeans skinny and you wont look mumsy

I wouldn't spend a 1000 all at once.

I also would be tempted to have the personal shopper create 2 outfits -- accessories/ shoes are key. You don't want to go home with just a pile of shirts & jeans.

Also consider getting an independent shopper -- probably a bit edgier than John Lewis.

I also think it will take some time; unless you are content to buy on line and style yourself at home. (which I actually fine fun).