How do you spiff up a basic SAHM wardrobe?

[BabCNesbitt]

DD is 2 years old and I'm still trying to put together a functional SAHM wardrobe that doesn't make me look like a scruff. I've posted before and got lots of good advice at putting together a capsule wardrobe, but I always get bored with basics and wind up rebelling and buying daft unwearable 60s lurex dresses from charity shops that sit unworn in the wardrobe. This is not very helpful. And I still look like a scruff (albeit one with a sparkly wardrobe).

So for those of you who manage the capsule wardrobe thingy, how do you manage not to die of boredom doing the whole 'two neutrals and a colour' business? (Everyone always suggests scarves, but I hate scarves and necklaces and bracelets and other fiddly things that you have to readjust all the time.)

Lots of and in advance!

Ah well I was going to suggest necklaces/scarves etc but I guess that's no use

Funky shoes?

I basically exist in the SAHM capsule wardrobe you describe, except I mostly wear skirts rather than jeans. Skirts just feel more clam somehow, even if I'm just wearing one with a basic tee and 'statement necklace'

FFS I hate this stupid autocorrect! GLAM

Heh, maybe it depends how tight those skirts are :D

I'd shove the two neutrals and a colour thing!!!You can be head to toe in colour and still have a capsule wardrobe!

If not,how about coloured and/or cable knit tights?

Personally,I'd forget the lot,have as much colour as you bloomin like and as many shapes and styles as you like.Then you don't have to be frumpy Mindy and wear a bloody scarf with everything (sorry,yes it is mumsy because all mums are thinking they should do it to look 'stylish',sorry,it is officially mumsy )

I don't have a capsule wardrobe, but I don't suit fussy clothes, so most of what I have is fairly plan. I wear clothes that fit well and I chuck out anything that is ill fitting, faded or torn.

If you don't like necklaces etc tights can perk up an outfit (patterned black ones are great to start). Belts and hair accessories aren't too fiddly.

Oh, I tell myself that every time I give up on the capsule wardrobe idea! And then I wind up with stuff that just doesn't work for day-to-day. I'd just like to find a reasonably interesting middle ground between "long sleeved plain tees and skinny jeans and a scarf" and a wardrobe full of crimplene mini dresses that worked before I had DD but which are mostly useless now.

I'm VERY pro-coloured tights - I have lots of them, but no skirts! What style of skirts do you find useful for a SAHM wardrobe?

Any!go skirt and day dress hunting!Jumper dresses,even knitted skater dresses,Jersey dresses etc

Ps I never ever wear plain tees!

Bump

Maybe we need a 'rebel' thread for non boring mumsy daily skinnies,plain tee and a scarf wearers so can do their own kinda capsule?or own anything lol

This thread just reminded me I'm me and should stop feeling poo because style is personal,individual and fun!I could've ended up buying a whole new wardrobe I'd hate!!!!!!

Thank you

I really don't get off on classic clothes, find them boring. For me the key is a few basics and then some really unusual pieces so I don't overdo the unusual. Learn how to dress for you body shape, learn which colours suit you and then go a bit wild. I love scarves - cold neck but shoes...are my first love.

Fake wrap dresses work for me with tights, not sure about skirts but I need my dresses to be sort of tight to stop DS1 running under & playing peekaboo.

I've got 2 under 2 so function & washability are most important, almost all of my wardrobe is LandsEnd, so I end up looking like a scruff anyhoo!

Stretchy body con/pencil skirts work - slouchy jumper or check shirt, opaques and boots

Jersey dresses & tunics in a flattering cut and non-bodeny prints (see Joules)

Animal print (leopard, cheetah or other) ballet flats, loafers or ankle boots to wear with skinnies to lift the overall look

Good quality (cashmere or merino) jumpers with jewelled or beaded necklines to add detail and interest - see J Crew to get where I'm coming from

Run out of ideas... Will watch this thread though as I'm a SAHM in a similar position!

What kind of skirts? Well, I have a plain denim mini skirt and a black cord mini skirt from Next (yes, yes, I know, hear me out!) which has zips on it and is very flattering above the knee length.

Sounds very boring until I add my favourite tights I completely forgot about my penchant for unusual tights!

How does a skirt work if you need to be on the floor a lot? I can only wear jeans or leggings. Am I doing it wrong?

If you're on the floor a lot I'd do skirt with leggings. I have harems from hush - I love them...but realise they are an acquired taste - which is good too.

someone posted nice jersey dresses from Mantaray (Debenhams) with Joules etc and another brand (White Stuff).

I would be tempted to go down that line if SAHM but also look on Ebay for them.

I'd recommend earrings too rather than necklaces etc - some nice studs can brighten an outfit.

Yes to dresses - so easy, no matching, I like jersey dresses (don't crease). Thick tights and boots in winter, ballet pumps/sandals in summer

Also denim skirts, lacy or patterned woolly tights - bit more interesting than jeans

Just to say I believed myself to be a hopeless case re capsule wardrobe. My wardrobe was full of dresses I'd bought for when I was thin and got invited to things like the opera that I never go to anyway, I spent my weekends in 10 year old trackie bottoms when I had Toast Brora and Whistles "saved for best". I've ust sold off about 1/2 the stuff I had on ebay and sent a lot more to the charity shop. I've bought 2 pairs of jeans and some nice trousers that fit and wear these all the time at home with my nicer knitwear ( inc vintage cashmere) I feel so liberated and happy, and I have money in the bank for the sales. I'm 5 and I thought I was beyond redemption.

Re Sitting on the floor, when I'm at home I don't care and at toddlers I don't bend at the waist, I just get down on my knees and sit on my feet (more comfortable for my back ishoos anyway!)

Skirts: A-line with pretty patterns from Fat Face, straight cord above-the-knee, A-line above-the-knee leather (only to be worn with slouchy jumpers and heavy shoes, or you will look very 80s).

Tops: layering helps! slouchy jumpers in nice neutrals (I count silver grey, lavender, aubergine, and ice pink as neutrals - yours may be different depending on your colouring); strappy Primark £2.50 vest tops in dark complementary colours; 3/4 sleeve linen jersey tops in jewel/muted colours depending on your colouring (Zara usually does them in winter for about £17); clingy viscose cowl neck long sleeve t-shirts in dark colours.

Trousers: skinny or straight jeans in dark colours; dark coloured cord slim fit trousers; wide leg trousers in dark colours.

Jackets: drapey things which go nicely over layered tops.

Accessories: interesting shoes in nice colours, funky tights, cool bags, unusual coats, eye-catching nail polish.

I also wear far too much jewellery, NICE gothy scarves, and a red cloche hat to match my red woolen trench coat if I'm going out.