Wardrobe help - what's next after the basics please?

[closetcat]

I'm having a mid-life crisis as I fast-approach the big 5-Oh. As a result I've lost weight recently and started my wardrobe from scratch. My main problem is finding out how to make my wardrobe work for me.

I have the basics - jeans in black, indigo and grey - skinny and bootcut, smart black trousers
cardigans in bright pink, grey and navy
camel and navy sweaters
navy gilet
black pencil skirt to wear with opaque tights and boots
long sleeved teeshirts in navy, black and white.

I have black ankle and knee boots and brown ankle boots to wear with the jeans.

Please help me identify what's missing? My style is boring classic, I'm 5'6" an hourglass shape and a size 10/12. My preferred 'look' is teeshirts/cardi and jean as I'm a tad busty and think cardis slim my top half down a bit.

I think part of the problem is my age - I've spent most of my life in M&S and I don't know how to break out of it.

I'm in a clothing for biddies funk :(

Blazer instead of cardi? What coat/jacket do you wear? What about jewellery/accessories?

It doesn't sound like there is anything wrong with what you are wearing, google 'Gwyneth Paltrow' jeans or 'Elle MacPherson jeans' and you'll see they wear similar things but maybe the difference is in the details? Have you got a good haircut/groomed looking make-up etc?

Or maybe the understated look is not what makes you happy? Would you rather have a 'harder'/more retro/more folksy/more high fashion type of look? Is that maybe the issue? Who do you admire image wise that reflects how you'd like to be perceived iyswim?

Thanks for your thoughts fauxfox, I'm afraid my coat/jacket is just an anorak type short waterproof jacket. I have a 3/4 length black woollen coat but it swamps me in black and is a tad too big.

I've never done blazer type jackets, where would I start? What to wear underneath?

What you have so far sounds fine.
Seems like you need a coat as a priority with winter coming on. Have you shoes as well as the boots?
Your things sound classic, nothing wrong with that, & easy to jazz up a bit with accessories like jewellery, scarves etc.

yes think you need a variety of nice scarves to brighten the outfits up and maybe a couple of nice statement necklaces? how about handbags?

Have you thought about having your colours done at HoC? And maybe their style day? Might help crystallise what you need and should be aiming for.
I did at 40 after losing a few stone - was a real turning point style wise for me - and I don't waste money on clothes anymore so worth every penny

Go for a jersey blazer if you prefer as I find them much less formal and easier to wear.

Agree with above and some nice jewellery and scarves.

What about a dress or some skirts?

Someone posted a link to this blazer the other day - perhaps it might be something to consider? I would wear a thin knit underneath or a jersey scoop neck top, or a Breton.

tablet.hm.com/gb/product/09812?article=09812-B

I think you need to focus on accessories - figure out what you like, they really make an outfit. Bags, scarfs, necklaces etc should be your next.

It seems like scarves, jewellery and bags are next on my hit list then as pudsie and most others suggested! Thanks ever so much for you advice, I wear what you might call 'fine' jewellery as in chains and little pendants - they get lost on an outfit though - time to chunk it up a bit maybe?

Great blazer Frankie, I like the softness of it, it's nice and casual, will look at jersey ones too Mr GB - I'll look into dresses as well- thanks!

I had my colours done years ago and I'm an autumn apparently but my sister says I look great in bright colours so I'm not too slavish about it.

Ill look into a coat too aquelven, good idea.

I think my style is a bit too formal, I'd like to soften it a bit. That blazer would be a good start!

ooh, your wardrobe sounds like what mine is aspiring to!

I'm just venturing into bigger jewellery too, though I've always liked long necklaces have a couple "statement" ones, they can change the look of even a plain tee or jumper in an instant.

I've started "pinning" too, on looks or items I like (its called how i'd like to look, if you want a nosey!)

I followed the capsule wardrobe threads on here for a while, got rid of the tat and bought better pieces.

good luck :)

Jersey blazers are the way to go.
Primark have some unlined, no pockets for £15, or Next have really nice lined jersey jackets in navy or black, £50.
If I still had a waist, I'd be going for statement belts to upgrade jeans.

Agree jersey blazers are excellent. I have two from anthropologie which weren't cheap but are very comfortable, with eg lovely contrasting lining which you can show off on the cuffs by rolling up the sleeves. I find one button, single breasted is the best style for the busty amongst us.

I really like the look of the wool biker style jackets that are all over the place at the moment. Eg www.marksandspencer.com/Collection-Biker-Jacket-Wool/dp/B004BIN0LI?ie=UTF8&ref=sr_1_3&nodeId=43108030&sr=1-3&qid=1380786857&pf_rd_r=0K3KKTPBCPVKR0P8W43F&pf_rd_m=A2BO0OYVBKIQJM&pf_rd_t=301&pf_rd_i=0&pf_rd_p=321381407&pf_rd_s=center-3

another nice one

Thanks working3, freebutton and auntysib, lots for me to think about there.

Thanks again to all those who contributed, it was really helpful to me to see the 'holes'

:)