Lots of clothes - nothing to wear

[BonDepart]

I've got the age old problem which is lots of random pieces in my wardrobe but feel like I have nothing to wear. I need to link these pieces together to make some outfits (I don't like the word outfit for some reason).

So where do you start if you know you need to do some styling and turn those random pieces into outfits - any tips or how to's ? I've got 3 full days spare this week that I can dedicate to this, time rich money poor though so I'd prefer to not have to go out and buy even more stuff. I want to use the clothes I've already got if possible.

About me - over 45, short in stature and rather rotund especially around hips and thighs

I had this a while back. I have piles of clothes, way to many.

I always save my White Stuff Catalogues, that come through the post, so I got loads of Ideas from there, and made lots of outfits.

They are hanging up ready to wear. (skirt, vest top, cardigan - all on same hanger)

Start by trying stuff on Does it fit, does it look ok etc. This will weed out some items. Shop your wardrobe and put together pieces that look good together

You could start by looking at magazines, fashion blogs, Pinterest for outfits you like. Then see how you can re-create those outfits with things you have already got in your wardrobe.

If you have things that are not in the right colour, you could dye them easily in the washing machine to give them a new lease of life. Are there any items of clothing you like but you don't wear because they don't fit right? Think about having them altered.

If you have tons of stuff it might help to clear your wardrobe first. No point in having 10 pairs of jeans, or 5 white T-shirts if you only have one that is your favourite.

Agree with all the posts above. Go through what you have already. Try it on and be ruthless. Does it fit? If not, and you love it, can you alter it/have it altered? Make any repairs to hems, consider changing buttons, adding accessories, shortening or lengthening a hem (easily done by adding contrasting or complimentary coloured fabrics to the existing hem of a skirt or dress) to change the look of an item etc.

Bin it if it is looking tired/worn out. If it's in good nick but you really don't like it/doesnt flatter you then charity shop or eBay.

Making a scrapbook of looks you love is another good idea. I have one divided into spring/summer & autumn/winter looks. I take cuttings from catalogues (especially Toast & Hush), Vogue and other fashion mags. If I am stuck for ideas on what to wear I look through it for inspiration.

Blogs I really like are Wearing it Today and Does My Bum Look 40 in This (although the latter is starting to wear a bit thin with her constant variations of blazer and skinnies look, it is a good source of basic inspiration).

Oh and don't be afraid to mix prints - stripes with florals for example - to give a new lease of life to an outfit. Plus, I can't emphasise enough the value of good layering. Keep layers light and loose so they stay comfortable.

If you are short of accessories, H&M is my go-to place for cotton scarves and jewellery. Try Freedom at Topshop too.

And don't forget scouring charity shops for jackets and accessories.

I'll shut up now

How about if you have an item and your not sure how to wear it go onto Google Images and type in what you have (Eg black maxi skirt) it will come up with loads of images and ideas on how you could wear it and you can see if you have anything in your wardrobe to tie in with the look.

I love Pinterest boards. They have transformed how I look at my clothes. When I find something I like there I particularly love to look at the connecting pieces - shirts under jackets (hem length, amount of draping).

For me, dresses are the easiest way to get a pulled together look. I've also started dyeing some mistake buys (navy is a good neutral for me and really many things can be dyed navy - T shirts and sweaters for example). Color and style analysis is well-spent time and money!

You might also check out some style books. I find their pictures date quickly but the basic principles about how to dress different body shapes are very useful.

Here is a basic style guide for a

Sorry, on phone - a basic style guide for apples, also google pears.

Have you ever had your colours done? What you describe was me previously. Since having my colours done my wardrobe is so much better and I like everything in it.

When I got home after having it done I found that a lot of the clothes that I had and liked and would put on and then take off again straight away were all the wrong colour for me. I had a pile to go to charity that I hadnt been able to quite bring myself to take because I did still like them but never wore them - and they were all the wrong colours which explains it.

Definitely worthwhile in terms of pulling your wardrobe together. Didnt have an instant impact but over about 6-12 months it worked wonders. Ask someone to buy it for you for xmas.

The other thing that worked a treat was my husband took me on a surprise holiday and asked my sister to pack for me. Imagine that someone else is going to pack your case - would you really want them to put in some of the things you have? This focused my mind!!