literally no clothes or style

[what2wear]

so i need serious help in the clothing department. I hav'nt embraced fashion since the 90's was hoping the skinny jeans phase would pass but apparently not! i literally own (that fits) 2 pairs of bootcut jeans that i have owned maybe 5-6 years and 2 tops that fit, a pair of boots and a pair of trainers, i have a winter coat 3 years old and a couple of cardigens and thats the lot! no going out clothes etc as i dont go out anywhere

I have alot of body issues and dislike of change so buying new clothes is extremely difficult for me, i have tried on skinny jeans, ballet pumps etc before but felt alien i feel to fat in skinnies and ballet pumps on my feet just hurt.

the realisation has hit that im 27 and still get asked for ID i look like a child due to the way i dress its time for change! im a married mother not a teen anymore.

So what i need is well everything - day clothes mainly, jeans, tops etc
footwear
a jacket to see me through summer/autumn
clothes for a nightout/meal (not done either in 9 years time for change!) must be trousers though
handbags
maybe jewelery i see people with costume like jewelery but wouldnt have a clue what to wear with what

any ideas for combos links etc would be most helpful, i am as i said 27 years young, a size 12, 5 foot 6 body shape not sure if im a pear or an hourglass im very wide around muffin top area but very narrow just above, chunky thighs and bum (i think) big calves

thank you

You sound like you have a perfectly normal (not too skinny, not too fat) figure, so I'm sure there are loads of things you could wear.

Would you consider a colour/style analysis with something like House of Colour or Colour Me Beautiful? They seem to be a great starting point for finding a sense of style again. Or a session with a personal shopper in Depenhams or John Lewis (even if you buy one thing, or nothing, it will help you try loads of styles out of your comfort zone).

Out of interest, why do you say trousers only? I am similar age, size and shape to you and I find flattering trousers very difficult to find. Could dresses be the way to go? I wear knee length or just below in summer with bare legs and ballet pumps/sandals but can go a little shorter in winter with tights and ankle boots. I like these style dresses from FC. Anything that cinches or ties at the waist would be flattering.

For styling ideas, polyvore is good and you can search be celeb too - do you have any celebs whose style you like?

Also, I don't normally rate boden at all but I was sent their AW catalogue and they have really ramped up the styling with help from grazia and some nice outfit ideas.

Ok, so I'm pretty much in your situation but came up with a solution

Since becoming a mum at 25 I decided I wanted to dress more my age

1. Sell/charity all clothes not worn for at least 6 months or don't fit (be strict) - I kept a pair of denim size 8 hot pants from when I was 17 lol
2. Create a classic wardrobe - 1 black skirt, 1 smart neutral trousers, 3 casual tops, 4 tank/cami tops, 4 short sleeve tees, blazer, cardigan, LBD, straight dark blue jeans (m&s indigo jeggings are great), casual trousers ie linen, trench coat, winter coat, 3 summer dresses, 2 cropped trousers, 3 winter jumpers
3. Go for neutrals and for colour go online and google what suits your hair/skin
4. Shop (build up wardrobe over time if short of money or use money sold your old bits with)
5. Don't forget hair, make up and jewellery

I think its the wide hip area i really hate, i meant to say in op that im really rural to so alot of shopping will need to be online, i cant wear dresses as im developing varicose veins :( both legs

Hey wtw! I m nearly 35 and would give anything to go back to my 27 yr old self and tell myself I m lovely the way I am and to embrace it and enjoy it..... So I ll say it to you instead.
Your figure sounds lovely, don't focus on the bad bits focus on the good bits.
Wrt the varicose veins - opaques are brilliant at covering a multitude, consider trying them maybe?
Oasis and warehouse Topshop are my port of call for everyday wear- you can buy online - asos is another handy place that has lots of brands.
Order a few and try on in the comfort of your own home.
I know it s a cliche but I do really find a scarf completes an outfit - jeans a plain t and a printed scarf is a pretty easy every day default. If you have a cardi/blazer / jacket (try zara ?)
If ballet shoes are not your thing maybe try ankle boots? I m sure someone will be along with some Better suggestions soon.

ohhhh whattowear i feel the same, 26 and engaged and i just feel frumpy :( put on black jeans, black vest top and black cardi today with black/green rocket dog shoes and (good old MN advice) grey & purple scarf, stuck on a totey bit of eyeliner and mascara and foundation, OH actually commented that I looked nice.... just need more clothes now :( will be watching!