Too many basics!

[ThePetiteMummy]

So I've had a major wardrobe clear out today, which was immensely satisfying! However, I can now see that all I have is basics! Umpteen pairs of jeans, black trousers, and plain coloured tops (long & short sleeved). Can anyone suggest how I can make this lot look a bit more interesting? I'm thinking scarves and jewellery might be the way to go, but need to do this on a budget. Where is good for that kind of thing? I've got a small frame, so nothing that will drown me, and could do with looking older! (I'm 31, but often get taken for a teenager, grrr!). I'm currently on maternity leave with dd2 (8 weeks), and also have dd1, who is 2.6, so practical attire is a must! I have no imagination when it comes to putting outfits together, hence my collection of plain stuff!

Apologies for any typos, on my phone.

Primark is great for cheap scarves and jewellery.

Hadn't thought of trying there, thank you!

A fitted blazer to wear with your jeans and plain tops? Navy or teal would go with a lot.
Bandanas and hair flowers, I wear them with everything and I think they brighten up a plain outfit
A lot of hair flowers also have a safety pin attached to the back, and pinned to a cardigan can brighten up a cardi and jeans combo brilliantly.

Ebay is great for scarves and jewellery. It is the home of the MN scarf after all!

You know Scentednappyhag, I've just bought myself a navy blazer from Gap! It's one of those jersey ones, but is quite structured. Haven't worn it yet. Flowers are a great idea, thank you! I have a few plain cardigans, so they would go with those, as you say.

Thanks Dexter, I have had my eye on the butterfly eBay scarf, with the green background. What sort of jewellery do you recommend from there? I can't take anything too chunky, I look like one of the borrowers!

I bought these earrings recently and have worn them a lot. I just search for a category eg. long silver pendant, and then have a look at what is on offer.

A few of us have been doing major clearouts and I can recommend two great books that could help you - "You Are What You Wear" and "Wear This Now". They help you to understand why you keep buying the same things over and over and have great suggestions how to mix it up a bit. Pinterest helps too - lots of helpful tutorials and if you follow people whose style you admire you can copy and adapt entire outfits.

I would start with a jacket, jersey blazer in your case, in your favorite color - something that really suits you and lifts your mood.

Give it some time, many women find they have to redefine who they are post-DC. Your body will keep evolving, so wearing your basics right now is perfectly acceptable. But if you think a little about who you are, what you like and what you want to tell with your clothes, it will be easier to make smarter purchases later on.

Having lots of basics is not necessarily a bad thing. I'm a classic dresser and have lots of very dull basics, but you need some clothes that you love and that take your breath away to complement them. It can be a jacket, a skirt or dress, a belt, handbag, shoes or boots, a bracelet, necklace, ring, or earrings (pick just one or two - you don't want to look like a Christmas tree!).

I can't work out how to copy a link from my iPhone browser but google the mango buttons military blazer. Bargain at 29.99 and comes in some fab colours. I have the bright blue and it really smartens up jeans. Has nice stripy lining so you can roll the cuffs up a bit for daytime.

Those earrings are lovely Dexter! You see, they're just the kind of thing that I would never pick up in a shop, but would suit me very well.

Thanks for that really helpful post DonaAna. I'll definitely look up those books you mention. I definitely relate to the whole redefining yourself after children thing. So many of the clothes I've got rid of today are just childish. I need to be a grown up now! I started a thread on this a while ago, but it really bothers me that people think I'm so much younger than I am, so obviously the way I dress is a part of that. I like your point about thinking about how you want yourself to appear. I would say classic, I'm definitely not trendy! My hair is long & straight, and although I would never change it, I think this adds to my 'plain' look. Food for thought anyway.

Thanks Badger, I like it in the khaki! Not a shop I would usually go in, but I like the style.

Yeah it's really flattering. Also scour eBay for necklaces and stuff, I got a j crew one worth £120 for £13 last week. Takes no effort to put a big necklace on and really lifts an outfit. You can get done fab ones in bright colours if your tshirts are plain.

Just had a look, I've never heard of J Crew but some of those are lovely, and a good range of colours, as you say. Thank you!

Printed knits are very this season and instantly give a lift to basics.

Sounds interesting, can you suggest something as an example?

Gap
J Crew
Tory Burch

But take a look on the high street - there'll be lots more out there.

Thanks, I couldn't quite imagine what you meant! (I don't get round the shops much at the moment, with the two littlies!). Will look out for that type if thing.

Zara

For scarves and jewellery you can't beat H&M or Topshop Freedom range. Both available online too.

How about considering a blouse to layer over the top of your long sleeve tees too? Roll the sleeves of the blouse to expose the tee sleeves beneath. For example This from Toast over a black or red long sleeve tee.

H & M are great value for bits to dress things up with - -

Thanks both, will def check out H&M! That blouse from Toast is lovely, but a little £££, but will look for similar I think. I don't have anything like that.

Petite YAWYW has a chapter on dressing too young for your age, another on helping someone who wears the same things (scrubs!!!) every day, and finally one about not becoming too mumsy. All pitfalls to avoid!

Thanks, that sounds good!