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Original poster

I feel like throwing out all my clothes and starting again ....

24 replies

YourHandInMyHand · 10/08/2013 18:15

...... but I can't really afford to! Hmm7

I've put on weight so I'm not very confident at the moment and I think that's clouding things. Have started losing it though so I am the right track there.

I tried on 3 pairs of jeans this morning, 2 too small (one of which was tatty, ), other pair fitted but were not at all flattering.

I have some cheap Primark dresses I wear with leggings but they show my bloated tummy (I have IBS) and are a synthetic material that makes me all sweaty.

I also have LOADS of tops I feel rather blah about, acrylic jumpers, T-shirts, dresses that don't fit (going out and casual), scruffy hoodies, smart black trousers that are too tight and unflattering, black linen trousers that are too tight.

You get the picture!

Stuff I have I like: A few vest tops I like and a couple of nice summer dresses for hot days, a pair of 3/4 length pale jeans.

How much money do you think I need for a capsule wardrobe?!?

OP posts:
Bonsoir · 10/08/2013 18:22

You should buy four outfits. Four bottoms, four tops, four cardigans/sweaters, four sets of underwear. A coat, a scarf, a pair of shoes, a pair of boots, socks.

Original poster
YourHandInMyHand · 10/08/2013 19:55

Bonsoir that sounds very liberating!

I am still fantasising about chucking everything out.

So tell me more....

four bottoms: How about this -jeans, a skirt, smart trousers, casual trousers?
four tops: styles/colours????
four cardigans/sweaters: 2 cardigans and 2 sweaters but what colours and styles?
what about dresses?

I am a SAHM so don't need work clothes.

Goes off to google capsule wardrobe ideas......

OP posts:
lesleyglasgow · 10/08/2013 20:13

Blue or black denims, skirt (colour of your choice tho I would go for black), Grey or black trousers.
Tops, black, purple, red
cardigans/sweaters black, navy, burgundy

Just some of my ideas if I was buying for myself sorry to interrupt.

MadameLeBean · 10/08/2013 20:20

I chucked out all my crap cheap jumpers and bought 4 cashmere ones in different colours. No longer feel the need to shop for jumpers ever. They are fab for casual/work/going out.

MadameLeBean · 10/08/2013 20:21

Oh, black, grey, yellow and pink. One for every possible outfit.

JudithOfThePiece · 10/08/2013 20:26

Madame - where did you get your cashmere jumpers from?

Original poster
YourHandInMyHand · 10/08/2013 20:29

Thanks lesleyglasgow and MadameLeBean for the tips Smile

I think the synthetic jumpers definitely need to go!

OP posts:
MadameLeBean · 10/08/2013 20:32

Pure collection online. They are often discounted - I've never bought a full price one

mrspaddy · 10/08/2013 20:38

I would buy a couple of neutral tops you like, like a navy sweater/top and buy a good few scarves to brighten them up/change the look.

Maybe some long boyfriend cardi's and then you can wear them with a black vest top until you get your confidence back.

TheYamiOfYawn · 10/08/2013 20:51

2 weeks ago, I decided to do project 333 (33 items of clothing only, for 3 months) and went through my wardrobe. I gave away everything that didn't make me feel good when I wore it, and I packed up everything that wasn't right for summer. I now have 1 pair of jeans, 1 pair of linen trousers, 1 pair of leggings, 1 long skirt, 1 mid length skirt, 1 maxi dress, 3 cardigans, 1 long sleeved top, 2 vest tops, 3 T shirts, 1 long sleeved blouse, 1 short sleeved blouse, 1 jacket, 1 pair sandals, 1 pair converse.

It's basic, but is enough for the moment, and I'm enjoying thinking about what things I could add to the mix.

I've been getting compliments from people who think I've bought a load of new stuff, even though all I've done is get rid of everything that doesn't suit (or fit) me.

CorrieDale · 10/08/2013 21:17

Buy second hand! Perhaps not the cashmere jumpers but I have had to buy 3 new wardrobes over the past 3 years owing to hefty weight loss. eBay has been my saviour! Have just had to buy again because we are having our first actual summer since I lost weight. If it wasn't for charity shops and eBay I'd be bankrupt!

Original poster
YourHandInMyHand · 10/08/2013 21:37

That's it isn't it, even if I did have plenty of money I wouldn't want to waste as I am intending to lose this extra weight!

I think I will start tomorrow afternoon by trying on everything and then seeing what I have that fits and I feel like I look good in. I reckon this will seriously hack my wardrobe down to size.

Don't you worry about things not fitting when you order off ebay?!?
Charity shops may be a good plan though!

OP posts:
CorrieDale · 10/08/2013 22:02

Fitting can be an issue. But I haven't had many fails and the bargains have been so good (eg 2 boden macs and a cashmere coat for £117 incl postage) that I'm prepared to sell on a few wadders. Jeans were tricky until I tried on a load in house of Fraser and debenhams! It is also so much more satisfying to bag a bargain than pay full price in the shops!

MadameLeBean · 10/08/2013 22:05

I kept my favourite thin clothes from uni and I now fit them again Smile

Feels like I have a new wardrobe

OP - don't buy anything much till you have lost weight! But get rid of stuff that is ill fitting or crappy material.

MadBusLady · 11/08/2013 00:23

I love Bonsoir's list, but I'd suggest don't feel you have to cover all bases. If you only ever wear e.g. skirts and jeans then don't feel you have to have smart trousers IYSWIM. Capsule colours for tops are also really personal.

Belindaearl2 · 11/08/2013 08:11

Don't worry about the weight. Talk pages here on Health-Excercise might help you. I agree if you're not your "normal" size, best buy from eBay only for now & give yourself the diet/regime countdown for the number of weeks (12-16) until your fitness is back on track. There's plenty more shared experience here!

Original poster
YourHandInMyHand · 11/08/2013 09:12

Okay - maybe when I am sorting I should keep clothes that are too tight but I used to feel great in. I can put them away somewhere for now so they aren't hanging in my wardrobe but will be nice to get back into them eventually. Just staple things like jeans and evening dresses.

I seem to vary so much sizewise between shops, that's why I'm concerned about buying off ebay. I have big boobs for my frame, and chunky thighs so my clothes that fit do vary in terms of what size they are. :-/

DS is going out with his dad this afternoon so I will have a massive sort out. Am quite looking forward to it!

I am also thinking I could take the clothes I want rid of to one of those cash for clothes places and get some pennies to put towards a charity shop buy. Wink

OP posts:
Notupduffedatpresent · 11/08/2013 11:12

Do it! I did basically this a few months ago. I went through my wardrobe and was absolutely brutal about throwing out anything that didn't fit, that I didn't wear, or that was a bit scruffy. I was left with not very much at all. Then I went shopping with a personal shopper (which was great but mainly saved me time - if you have the time you could work out yourself what you need). I bought an entirely new summer "capsule" wardrobe, all fairly neutral things which work well together. Neutral / classic is basically my style anyway, and I think part of my problem was that I'd bought lots of clothes in styles / colours / patterns that I liked in other people, but which I then never really wore.

Having few clothes makes life far easier. I like what I have, and no longer have to faff about trying to find things that go together. I do need to keep on top of my washing a bit more than I did, but other than that here is no downside. Just make sure that ou have a really good think about what your style is, and what kind of clothes are practical for you, before you shop.

Original poster
YourHandInMyHand · 11/08/2013 11:54

I mostly wear jeans and a top, or dresses. I like black, navy, bright pink. I do like the odd pattern but tend to usually go for main plain separates with nice accessories like scarves or earrings. Smile

I bought 2 of the Fat Face Serena sun dresses this summer and they are lovely. I am going to get rid of any other summer dresses as I only really need 2 and none of the others in my wardrobe are going to fit as well or be as flattering.

I am also going to get shot of the skinny jeans that yes, I can get on, but are not at all flattering to my shape. What style of jean is best for someone with curves? Also going to chuck out anything that's too tight/faded/misshapen.

OP posts:
WeGotTheKrunk · 11/08/2013 13:22

When building a capsule wardrobe it really helps to build from a base colour. Choose one ( charcoal grey, cream, black, navy blue, whatever) Sounds boring but if you make sure everything you buy goes with your base colour, everything in your wardrobe should match. Working like this gives you access to a much wider range of mix& match stuff, rather than ending up with a load of random bits and bobs that don't really go together.

Original poster
YourHandInMyHand · 11/08/2013 18:10

Wegotthekrunk - is it okay to have some black and some navy? I tend to wear bold colours rather than pastels so I think most things go with them? (I don't wear the black and navy things together)

Update

Well I have ruthlessly been through my wardrobe. The results were 3 biin bags for cash for clothes, 1 bin bag of stuff to try on again as I lose weight, and 1 bin bag full of cheapy coat hangers! Am amazed at how much I got rid of!

The only thing I kept that I quite wanted to get rid of was some new look supersoft skinnies in burgundy. I've kept these purely as they fit me, are fairly new, and if we have an unseasonably cold day I will have something warm to wear.

I've found things I'd forgotten I had Blush, stuff I've never worn as I bought impulsively then realised it didn't suit/fit/flatter, also had loads of stuff that was faded, had deodorant marks, bleach spots, etc. I feel very pleased with myself! Smile

OP posts:
WeGotTheKrunk · 11/08/2013 18:16

There's nothing so cathartic as a good clear out, is there?!

The base colour thing works best of all if you stick to just one - that way you'll always know that you're buying things that go with everything you've already got IYSWIM. Seems a bit restrictive when you start doing it, but it builds for a more versatile wardrobe in the long run.

cloutiedumpling · 11/08/2013 18:22

I found Costco was very good for cheap cashmere jumpers last year. Very limited selection of colours and you can't really try them on in store (or at least in our local one) and they were cheap. I think they were about £30 each.

TigerseyeMum · 11/08/2013 22:40

I am also an ebayer and bargain-hunter, and I buy expensive ranges that I can't afford in the shops, like Coast or Brora. I've built up a good workwear range that way, and recently bought jeans and linen trousers in various colours to match with a few classic tops.

I am also a believer in a good clear out. Really liberating! I doubt I could survive on just 4 outfits though...

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