My bottom is in a style rut.

[GiniCooper]

Just that really.

I have loads of tops but I'm stuck styling them with jeans (denim, boyfriend, coloured) white Capri pants or cream/beige chinos.

I don't own a single skirt and I don't know where to shop for them. It's like they don't even register with me when I am shopping.

Should I bother, do you bother? Where should I start?

I'm 34, size 10 and ehm, petite short ass .

I adore skirts - they're just like trousers but different! I wear the same tops with them as I would with jeans etc... So... Roll sleaved t-shirts with leather pencil skirts, silk shell t-shirts with pleated chiffon, thick cotton blouses with short cotton skirts, jumpers with leather minis, pussy bow blouses with pencils, checked with leather pencils as above etc etc. I would rather go without breakfast than be uncomfortable in my clothes so I often try on various combinations in the morning till I'm happy.

Shoes are a combination of stilettos (have many different colours), cube heeled courts, converse, wedge sandals, patent loafers, wedge espadrilles - I just try on till I find the look I'm after.

I tend to shop in Zara, Whistles, Massimo Dutti, Top Shop, Mango, Whistles, ASOS, & Other Stories, Me & Em, Jaeger Boutique (before it gets totally discontinued!), Miss Selfridge, French Connection - anywhere!!

I'm 44 and size 10, 5'8.

I'll often buy something, take it home to try on with stuff in my wardrobe. If it works, it stays. If it doesn't, it goes back... Get shopping!

This is my style usually.

samey stuff

boring everyday

Thanks pringle, I cross posted with you.

I'm scared of skirts I think!

I know I should just buy some and try them at home with what I have but I don't know where to start.
This weeks mission, buy a skirt or 10!

If those are your kind of clothes, you have nice style.

Just buy stuff out of your comfort zone, take it home and try it on. Never do it in a changing room!

A few years ago I lost enough weight to necessitate a whole new wardrobe. Went down 4 dress sizes. I didn't have a clue how to dress my new shape to begin with, so I just bought stuff I liked the look of and took it home. Tried it on - some successful / some not! It did, however, mean I learnt what worked for me and together.

Good advice, I think the biggest problem is actually wearing the stuff.
I will buy some things this week but will have to make the effort to wear it rather than seeing people in it and thinking I can't pull that off.

Just wear it! Who cares if you're sometimes overdressed or if people make a 'look at you!' type comment? Clothes are fun! Not to be taken seriously, there to help you feel good about yourself and (to me) an expression of who you are.

I adore clothes!

I'll come back if I find anything nice!
Thank you.

Nothing sensible to add, just that I love skirts too. I don't find dresses fit me well so I hate all this 'just throw on a pretty dress ' advice (bitter and twisted, that's me).

Just try something you like the look of and go from there - short and size 10? You'll look great! Have a look on Pinterest too for ideas.
Good luck. Maybe we can start a skirt fan club?

I'm looking, I promise!
I'm determined to get at least one at this stage.

It's not so easy to find tops to go with skirts when you're short. I'm just over 5 foot, and tops at the moment are so long that they almost cover the skirt. I live in jeans for that reason.

Ooh following for inspiration :)

Sicaq,
I think that is what's wrong.
If I wear skinny jeans that are a bit long I can roll them up and they still look nice.
I've been looking at petite ranges but does petite mean old granny in fashion terms or something ?

Top Shop & ASOS both have completely normal petite ranges, the tops are slightly shorter in length so the proportions stay true for someone under 5'4".

Yes, petite does mean " granny in fashion terms "

Because everyone knows that all small women are frumpy

The same as all grannies are frumpy

It's obvious innit

Good point on the top length. I am short but long of body so generally Ok on that front. I found a few not too long tops in Jigsaw this year and their sale is quite good, and on at the moment. Because of course if you are looking for bottoms you will inevitably only find tops you like!

Just saw a lady out shopping wearing a chino type skirt (stone colour) and simple black shell top with a bit of zip detail, finishing just about hip level with black flat shoes. She looked cool and elegant, which was more than most other people there. I would have expected it all to look boring but she looked great and she wasn't tall or skinny or otherwise super model. She just looked classy. Long live the skirt (that said,?I am wearing white cropped jeans today ...)

I'm in a dress today and frankly, I've been wearing dresses and skirts over the last few months. primarily because my trousers don't seem to fit anymore (because I think I have a very visible VPL due to perhaps putting on a weight/fat there?!).

they are fab. and it really isn't 'tight'... and uncomfortable! Long live the skirt/dress indeed!!! :) I'm 5ft3, size 8.