how do I make myself stylish?

[pregnantpause]

Hello,

Not been on s and b boards before, as I always felt that I've neither style nor beauty to qualify for it.
I am now looking to address this matter but have no idea where to start.

I've googled style tips, most apply to teenagers really, and talk at length of shapes. I've measured myself(41bust 34waist,43hip) I think that I'm a pear, but what do I do with that information ?

I just loaf about in old man Jeans and hoodies now, comfort over style. Where do I start in terms of building a wardrobe and sense of style? Has anyone got any tips, or advice?

Tia

[not terribly stylish, but v interested in fashion]

Maybe start with some fashion blogs (from real women, and if you can, those with a similar shape to yours) to get some tips (I like to see how they're putting fashion into reality, as opposed to magazines, where outfits are only good for the photo);

Hang around on here for some tips (although I find it can be quite contradictory - eventually you'll start agreeing with some posters, and then you can start stalking following their posts.

Pinterest is excellent for outfit ideas, and pinning things you've seen that might work.

The one thing I'd say though is to try to maintain your sense of self rather than what others say is fashionable. I'm never going to be girlie, or too high end fashion, but I am quite preppy, and I know that in general, I'll wear that kind of stuff. I could buy never-ending sky high heels, or bright coloured tops, but chances are, they'll just linger at the back of the wardrobe.

Good luck, and have fun!

Think about what you want in your wardrobe eg do you want to continue to wear jeans or break out of your comfort zone completely? If you want to stay in jeans then the only way I'm afraid is to try loads on and get an idea of what shapes look good.

What do you need in your wardrobe? Do you need mainly casual clothes or do you need smarter work clothes too?

Start taking notice of what others wear and think about what looks stylish to you and what you'd like to emulate. Pinterest is fab for this as carrie said. Also hang around on these boards as there's another thread somewhere similar to this about developing style. But also as carrie said don't take all the opinions too seriously. There's some great advice from people here but lots of varying opinions about what's stylish and what's not.

In terms of your measurements you sound to me like you could possibly be hourglass as it sounds like you have a defined waist? Also with 41 chest do you have a good bra? That can make all the difference to how clothes look.

unfortunately I can't use pinterest as I don't have a computer and rely entirely on my phone for the internet. I know what kind of things I like, I like smart dresses and pencil line skirts, and do have some things I love that I wear to work, but it doesn't fall in line with comfort, and when at home I do want to be comfortable.
I have also found that every shop I look in (online only so far) has awful stuff. Generally a few nice smart dresses but all t-shirts and tops seem to have what I think are awful hem lines or just no shape at all. Which is the main reason I have come to question my style, I hate most things I see, everything is either too old or too young or terribly made

Thankfully I'm okay in terms of a bra. I've always been fitted properly and try to only wear bras that fit (I admit to buying the odd sale bra in the wrong size and wearing it anyway)

Find a person whose style you really admire (it doesn't have to be your exact taste but helps if it is close) and make friends with her. Ask her to help you with your exisiting wardrobe and suggest pieces that would help to make it more flexible. Stylish people, ime, love a good root through someone else's clothes and a chance to do some vicarious shopping and they usually have a good eye so it's worth trawling somewhere such as TK Maxx which is a bit of a jumble sale unless you have that ability to hone in on the quality garment.

In the meantime, limit yourself to only wearing your jeans once a fortnight and start choosing other things for other days. Without your usual clothes to fall back on, you will have to become more inventive. You sound like a perfect hour glass with those measurements so start thinking about what clothes you have that will emphasise your figure and be brave.

Good luck.

Hi pregnantpause, it would also help to know what your budget is like, an idea of your age and height and whether you need clothes for leisure, work, posh nights out or all three. If you are on a limited budget then it might make sense to think about a capsule wardrobe of clothes which can be dressed up or down with accessories, depending on the occasion. Like you, I have had a recent wardrobe crisis but I am finding that considered purchases (as opposed to impulse buying) and trying not to fall into the trap of a short-lived trend, means I can gradually build up a wardrobe of classic pieces that (hopefully) will never go out of fashion, and can be made even more trendy with a piece of jewellery, scarf etc. If you can get to a department store which has a good range of clothing concessions, set aside some time to try pieces on by different brands and eventually you will find which brands have cuts to suit your shape as sizing tends to vary drastically between brands IME.

I'm 5"4, in my late twenties.
I'm looking at spending around 200-300pound, then a little a month thereafter to build iykwim.
I need casual and smart wear, but looking through my many many clothes, half don't fit, many don't suit me or each other, and 90% is black. I think a capsule wardrobe would suit me, as I think it would be easier not to end up mis matching.

i've just found pinterest on Android though so am about to embark on a fair bit of research.

I changed my approach to shopping last year and am now absolutely ruthless with what I keep. I buy only online as it's cheaper (free delivery and returns plus discount codes) and I send back everything that I don't love.

My tips from my experience are:

• I avoid buying 't-shirt' material style tops. They tend to look scruffy after a few washes unless you pay more £££. Instead I buy 'blouse' style tops.
• Cream blouses go with everything and can be dressed up or down
• dark indigo skinny jeans are very versatile - tuck in boots or wear with flat pumps. I like the Oasis Cherry jeans.
• a jersey blazer is also very versatile - Uniqlo is a good place to start
• accessories lift an outfit.
• I always check out the reviews on websites and often search on top rated items first

Hope this helps

Good advice from suebfg. As she says, slim dark jeans are a godsend but it's something of a task finding a pair that are not pre-faded in all the wrong places IYKWIM. I've had some nice ones from the Debenhams Jasper Conran range and also M&S have a new range called Marilyn/Lana/Eva, each style cut differently to suit various curves and body shapes. Personally I like a dress and cardi combo. It works for me as I find it easier and quicker to throw on a dress rather than spend time choosing skirts and tops. I also prefer the more streamlined look of a dress (with tights or leggings under depending on length), a cute short cardi looks stylish and then just add a pair of boots.

Years ago when I made the transition from working girl to SAHM I booked a session with the personal shopper at Debenhams to give myself a kick start. It was great because she had me try things on I would not have looked twice at on the rails. It was a bit hit and miss but a great way to see what suits and to get some honest feedback. There was no pressure to buy. Looking at things online is no substitute for trying on. Once you know what you like and sizes etc (which can vary wildly between shops) THEN you do online

Good luck

pregnantpause - don't forget to treat yourself to a new haircut or colour/highlights too, it will cheer you up and be the perfect finishing touch to your new look.

I agree with homebythesea with regards to a personal shopper. My DH treated me to one at Bluewater. She was brilliant. She advised me on my body shape and what styles, colours would suit me. Everything was put aside for me in each of the shops and I could pick and choose what I wanted from each shop. She also made sure that I was picking items that could be made up into numerous outfits. I've still got all the clothes now - 5 years later!!

I'm going to book a house of Fraser personal shopper and hair cut for next week. I'm trawling online, but really you're right, it's not a substitute for trying things on.

Having looked at oasis size guide I think I may get a shock though, i'm wearing 14s but their 16 is too small for me this style thing was supposed to be about stopping obsessing about my weight and accepting the body i'm in, making the most of what I have. I fear it will end with a diet and a few home truths.

But who cares what the label says Pregnant? I have clothes in 3 sizes depending on the shop. If it fits it flatters. If the number on the label bothers you cut it out!!

I'm in a similar stage to you, pregnant, trying to find my way a bit and build a collection of things I like.

Things that have helped/changed for me recently are;

• only buying things I really love. I have to love the fabric, colour and fit to buy something. I now buy alot less, but I feel better about the clothes I have

• researching purchases before I buy. finding out what brands wash well, what lasts, what doesn't, read reviews

• figuring out what colours I really like. I now tend to stick to 'classics' (white, navy, tan etc) and bring colour in with accessories or nail varnish.

• trousers as an alternative to jeans. I like the cropped, ankle-length trousers from Zara, I think they look smarter than jeans but casual enough for every day wear.

Let us know how you get on at HoF!