Need help with a whole new wardrobe please

[heavenlydevils]

Hi, I have been trawling the style and beauty posts for the past 6 months bit have been to scaredy cat to post. So, here goes .... I need a WHOLE new wardrobe for A/W and I have no idea where to start! I am 32, size 8, approx 5'6, dark hair, not very chesty (32b), slim verging on boyish type build. I do not like my legs or arms being on show too much (too skinny), don't mind the rest of my body but prefer to be covered up. At the moment I live in jeans and ballet pumps (quite like this look but I'd like to look slightly more 'put together') Would like a polished, easy to wear, smart casual look (if that's even possible). I don't have a huge budget to start with (maybe £300-£400), so can anyone give me a kick in the right direction? I'd be eternally grateful! Outfits would only need to be for day to day wear ie, shopping, school run (though those days are very nearly over!) etc, don't need workwear.

Thanks

Hi, when I started fresh I first bought a pair of really nice Pyjamas and some "expensive" sport wear to wear instead of a track suit (if that makes sense). My theory was, if anyone popped in I looked good even if I was cleaning the house!

If you have a strong sense of the style you're hoping to achieve stay strong and don't be tempted to buy things that aren't suitable- it takes time.

But an awesome bag?!

I'd start by buying a nice day dress. I always feel more put-together in a dress and boots rather than jeans. I love Fenn Wright Mason for dresses but they are good for wraps which is perhaps not good for your body shape.

What about something like next dress

or grey jersey dress

Great Plains have some nice things in their new Sutumn/winter stock - 10% off too withGPAW1318 The Music Melody print dress is lovely.

Thanks for your replies!

The 'cleaning' wear makes a lot of sense! I don't think I've worn any type of sports wear since my last school PE lesson in around '96 but I will definitely have a look at that.

Handbag - YES! I'd love a soft, squidgy darkish grey bag.

I really like that black and grey dress(sensing a theme here with all the black and greys?), don't usually wear dresses because I have a hang up with my too thin legs but am coming to terms with them with age, will order that, what's the worst that can happen? I send it back, any idea what shoes/boots I would wear with it?

I think I've lost my sense of style amongst the sea of kids so stick to what I know (head to toe black usually!), youngest is 10 so that excuse has ran it's course! Got quite excited clicking the links, sad I know! Need to get my shopping mojo back!

I'm gonna get in first before the bra gurus see this thread!!!!!
Get the to a bra fitting......... The chances of you really being a 32 back and a size 8 are pretty non- existent!
As a comparison, I'm a 10 and a 28 back

Are you on Pinterest. I've spent hours trawling through looks to get ideas and inspiration and most of mine are around the jeans look. For example here's one of my boards. Often it's the accessories that pull an outfit together eg shoes,bag, scarf, belt and it's easy to add colour to an otherwise neutral outfit this way.

If you're interested in branching out into colour you could consider getting your colours done. I found this great for showing me what really suits me.

With going into AW do you have a decent coat? Again, this can make an outfit look so much better.

What I've learnt over the months of being on s&b is not to rush into buying anything. Yes, there's always something's that will take you on a whim that you just have to have but on the whole I try to take time to consider what I really need.

Have you signed up to Dressipi yet? I find it helpful.

I've read those bra threads and measured myself as a 30c, bought a 30c and felt like I was being slowly crushed, the band felt far too tight, think I have an abnormally broad back though (not painting a very good picture of myself here!) you could have a point about getting fitted properly though

Absolutely love some of the outfits on that Pinterest board! The plain jeans/top with a nice jacket, scarf and belt looks easily doable!

Pinterest is great because you'll soon realise there is some common ground between all the outfits you like...as you say above..maybe a good jacket and scarf with decent jeans could be your daily uniform? Add heels and a smarter top or blouse for a night out. I think it's all about finding that uniform that suits you and sticking to those shapes when you shop. Then you always feel like you have something nice to wear.

I agree getting your colours done helps massively, something to think about for the future? In the meantime make sure you choose a colour palette when shopping for your new things, then it will all go together
Some nice shops to try are Great Plains, Mint velvet, Whistles, Warehouse and French connection

My favourite recent buy has been a jersey biker jacket, looks great with a printed scarf, not too dressy but really helps me feel "together"
.