Calling all HOC Classic Ingenues....

[mossycat]

Have u had any recent good finds? or willing to share shopping tips with a recently 'diagnosed' classic ingenue? After two unproductive shopping trips I can't find anything that fits the delicate, small scale, pretty, ditzy yet structured style. There seems to be loads of ivory lace about but I'm a deep summer (suiting plums, raspberry, sea green, French navy, mushroom colours).

It all seemed to make sense on the day but I can't figure out how to translate it into reality.

Hi mossycat,

I'm a classic ingenue too.
Not sure what sort of clothes you are looking for or your size but I can tell you the sort of things I tend to wear and where I usually shop.
I think one of the main changes that I made after being HOC'd was to add more accessories to my outfit. I hadn't bothered with this too much before but it definitely makes a lot of difference. I had a few simple silver pendants and added to these. I find Accessorize good for pretty, reasonably priced jewellery. If you want/ can afford something more expensive, Alex Munroe is worth a look or try Dinny Hall for pretty earrings. I wear a lot of skinny belts, which I love. I bought 3 from Hobbs in the Summer sale last year and I where these a lot. I am on the look out for a pink one too. I don't find that I can be v delicate with footwear in the Winter, except at work, but Summer is perfect as there are so many pretty, delicate flats, kitten heels, etc around at the moment. Try John Lewis online or Asos for huge selections.

For clothes, I find Oasis and Jigsaw to be quite 'ingenue' shops. I was in Oasis recently and they have lots of pretty printed tops and dresses. Jigsaw have a couple of pretty lace skirts. Dorothy Perkins and Topshop have some nice midi length skirts. I also wear jeans a lot of my SAHM days, usually with a plain jersey top or blouse but try to wear accessories and a jacket when warm enough and a pretty scarf too.
Other shops which are worth a look: Gap (basics), Boden (decent t shirts and some pretty tops/shoes and decent trousers), John Lewis as they stock so many brands, Whistles, Jack Wills.

Hope that helps and that you find some things you like soon!

Hi Mossy
I'm a classic ingenue too! Diagnosed about a year ago (am a Bright Spring). I second all the shops What suggested. I buy a lot of Boden, great for basics, and Oasis is fab. I also find a few bits in Wallis and Phase Eight (mostly for work).
Have you had a look on Pintrest for ideas? Try these here , here and here. The first board is especially good for you being a Summer.

Thanks for responses. I was seriously worried that I'd have to wear dainty dresses. As a 40 yr old found it weird trying to create a girlie look IYKWIM

Whattime. Thank for the accessories tips. Im going to start with those.

Had a drastic wardrobe clear out which left me with about 5 things to wear! I need start new wardrobe from scratch.... Work trousers, skirts and work tops (with some sort of sleeves as I'm a slightly flabby 12/14) then I also need casual mum of a 2 year old type things argh ... Panic!!!!

Mumelie those boards are great. think I just need to keep hunting in the shops