Being brave and de-junking my wardrobe *help*

[QueenofLouisiana]

Really need to sort out my wardrobe, so I have started to get rid of stuff. Done the whole 3 piles thing- keep, charity shop, dump. I can see space appearing which is all good stuff.

Now I need help. I need to organise a wardrobe that allows me to feel pulled together every day. I teach, but I have a management position so I regularly attend meetings with social services, health professionals etc. I want to be able to look professional for these meetings, but not like Miss Trunchball! I would look very out of place and alienate a lot of our parents if I turned up in a tailored suit for instance!

I have a dog and an 8 year old, so need stuff to chill out in. I never wear track pants unless I am teaching PE, I prefer smarter jeans etc and often wear skirts/ dresses rather than trousers.

Oh, I am 37 and a 14/16- on the princessing plan to make that a straight 14 though! Thank you to any wise ladies who can help.

Plain dark skirt or smart trousers plus simple tops (white or coloured blouses or tops, maybe a selection) is a good base to start with.

You can make it more or less formal, eg white or blue or stripy 'office' blouse with a jacket and low-key jewellery for those formal meetings.

For less formal occasions, wear coloured tops and more casual jewellery and accessories (multicoloured scarf, fun nail varnish).

Remember shoes are part of the look: plain courts if you need to look authoritative, flat pumps if not, maybe in a bright colour.

For chilling out. some jumpers will do the trick with skirts and trousers, and again scarves can help to either tone or contrast, to look pretty or casual.

PS - Well done by the way: want to come round my place and do the same?

Plus, if it's actually a CUPboard/Wardrobe with hanging space (i only have 'occasionwear' in mine) hang stuff in outfits while you're sorting
E.g. that top goes v well with that skirt.

Also have an emergency outfit ready to go for those ams when you're running late.

I love the idea of hanging up an emergency outfit. Even if it is simply a dress and cardi.

Any idea about where to find the smart blouses? All the ones I find are slightly see-through (perhaps not with hormonal boys!!) overly patterned. Would really like a few crisp simple tops....

Thanks ladies!

i did this last week! Must be the time of year. Another good tip I read was on this blog - I liked the rationals for pile sorting -

Pile One: I love these items. They fit me well and I wear them frequently: Keep
Pile Two: I want to keep this but I don?t know why
Pile Three: These items don?t fit me or my style: donate.
Pile Four: These items aren?t in good condition: trash.

And with the stuff you have left - only put back the things you really like. I am sorry I have no better scientific advice - I am a creature of whim! I just kept what made me feel happy and hoped it would somehow work together.

Good advice I was given (and have been following) was to turn around the hangers of the things you have worn.

This (in my first week) has shown that I only used about 15% of what I put back). Over time this will give a good indication of what fits my needs I hope!

In your shoes I'd have :

2 -3 skirts- good quality, plain or tweedy for winter and knee length
2-3 plain pairs dark trousers ( straight, cigarette shape)
In black, grey or navy - whatever you prefer.

Then a selection of tops - cardis, jumpers, maybe a jacket- that tone with the skirts and trousers.

A couple of smartish dresses- maybe a shift or wrapover style- that you can add some oomph to with scarves and beads.

Knee length boots perhaps for winter and smart shoes such as loafers, pumps or brogues?