Help me refresh my wardrobe please

[bumbleweed]

So I need some new clothes for spring / summer as very little fits me .. not my jeans or trousers, not my t-shirts or my shirts.

Dont have a great deal to spend but would prefer reasonable quality (eg per una, oasis, monsoon. So what are the bare essentials that I can mix and match to cobble together a spring wardrobe? I feel well out of it style-wise since last spring I was pg and skint, so bought bare minimum of mat-wear, and now need to boost self-esteem, and disguise appalling post-baby figure.

Cant wear dresses or anything too tight because bfing, cant wear heels because carrying baby - dont like anything too girly.

Also where can I get some flattish shoes which will fit wide feet (dont feel comfy in ballet pumps they are too heel-less), but need something nicer than trainers.

Any advice from style-gurus appreciated. x

do't know for most of it but what about Evans for the shoes?

come on you guys, someone sort me out?

I find that post-pg, a good pair of jeans and long-line top is the best bet. Tops are getting longer - River Island, Gap, Zara, H&M and posher shops too like Jigsaw, Monsoon & East all do long, plain t-shirts and for summer, nice tunic and vest tops, not tight at the stiomach so just skim nicely (and some even cover the bum - bonus). I like this look because it is not tent-like, it looks fashionable but without focusing on the waist.

I get cheapish t-shirts and decorate the neck with ribbon of beads from John Lewis...

Spend time finding some jeans that really fit and suit - Gap should have some or if you have money, go to Harvey Nicks and try on all the designer ones - Seven are meant to be good.

I would also get a nice, floaty linen or viscose skirt which will also go with the tops - Monsoon, Jigsaw, White Stuff are great for this.

For shoes, Dr Marten and Rocket Dog have flat wide fitting shoes (I'm with you on that one) - including some that are good for summer. Or get some Birkenstocks - I have invested in a £30 pair, they're so comfortable and I know I'll wear them all summer.

ribbon or beads (though "ribbon of beads" sounds lovely...)

Meant to say, you can get the shoes I mentioned at Schuh, Office or Sole Trader.

Also that was meant to say "if you have the money". "If you have money" sounds like I'm suggesting you are Lady Whatsername Hervey. Sorry.

snowleopard thank you so much for posting - I doneed reassurance on the style-front, as I once had some but having a baby has battered me!

Jeans defo - harvey nicks prob not but gap I can manage. I have seen the long tops that are in - how cool is that for the mum-tum! Need something in a no-too clingy a material.

Funny you should mention docmartens I have been looking for some, having last worn them about 10 years ago ... I will try shuh I know where there is one.

What colours are in - is beige still in in linen trousers/skirts?

Hi Bumbleweed! Agree you have to pick the fabric carefully. For tops, non-stretchy, eg printed cotton is better than stretchy t-shirt material. For t-shirts, you want the heavier kind of fabric, then it skims instead of clinging to the lumps! H&M have a good choice.

For colours, I'm not sure, because I just like the colours I like, but I was window shopping today and I did see plenty of beige/stone type colours in skirts and trousers - though I myself would pick darker colours for bulge-minimising - eg choc brown, dark khaki or grey for a skirt or linen trousers, then wear with a bright or interesting print top.

I have some really nice Dr Marten's slide-on sandal type things I got last year. They do a lot more interesting designs these days. Schuh's own brand is good too.

Mmmm, I can feel a shopping trip coming on myself now... :)

Red seems to be the in colour this summer & there is quite a bit of green about too. Polka dots & stripes are very making a big come back this season.

snowleopard I think you are right about darker colours for minimising bulges and I will heed that advice.

blueteddy, I havent seen red in the shops but some shades of red suit me so I will look out.

Great I cant wait to go shopping now - think I will need to go to newcastle or leeds as shops where I live are woeful.