Clothes for work and for going out

[citygirl1961]

I am in a rut with my clothes, I am 52 and at the age where I don't want to look too young nor do I want to look too old. For work I wear basic trousers, skirts and t-shirts, I have a few dresses for going out but I mainly go out from work, apart from the odd Saturday night. I have a friend who wears all her clothes for work and for other times but she rarely goes out even from work and she says work is the only place she goes really. I want to wear different clothes for the weekends and for going out but don't know how to sort my wardrobe.

Today I have bought two unusual tops which I have paid more than usual for and which I don't really want to wear for work, I want to have a set of clothes for work, a set for outside work and some I can mix and match.

I am very short of clothes and need to buy new in all areas.

Has anyone get any ideas?

Ok - I've worked it out for you.

Exceptionally plain, well cut, expensive fabrics for the tailored colthes that you wear exclusively to work.

Reasonably good quality tops, t shirts that you wear to work until they're past their absolute best. Then they become weekend wear.

Concentrate on building up a wardrobe of really superb and individual accessories - jewellery, shoes, bags if you're keen. Avoid scarves other than enormous cashmere throws for warmth.

For the rest you can be experimental.

You don't specify either a budget or your style. Do you like conventional good taste eg Me&M? (I've never bought anything from them - just followed a link here and they look work-ish.) Or do you prefer something less "crowd-pleasing," eg Cos? (You'll know whether you want to spend a lot more or a little less...)

If you're in a city/ The City you must be able to get to Selfridges (for instance.) It's obviously not necessary to limit oneself to particular brands or designers but it does save time and effort. What do you like at the moment? (I am so hoping your new tops are Rick Owen or similar!)

(or even Rick Owens...)