Capsule wardrobe help...

[Somanyillustrations]

I need to start again with my wardrobe, nothing in it is perfect. I'm a biggish size 10, 5'6", 31, dark hair. Having followed the colour threads, i think I'm a clear winter. I need clothes that will see me through autumn/winter. I'm a student (so poor), live in the country ( so get a bit muddy) and my clothes need to be practical with 2 preschoolers.

Where do I start?! I was thinking skinnys, riding boots and a blazer as a base? I love dresses/skirts but never get them quite right.

Anyone?!

have a look on pinterest
Remus lupin has some great looks on her pinterest pages .(and she's great at advice on here too)
any celebs you like the style of?

www.pinterest.com/wildeisonmine/perfect-capsule-items/

Hi - thanks for the link, South. If only I looked anywhere near as stylish as my Pinterest boards!

Somany - I'd personally start with:

skinnies in black or grey and mid blue
ankle boots, rather than riding boots
plain or striped tops and jumpers
a biker jacket
and wellies for mud!

And leather Converse...

Remus, your pins are exactly what I'm aiming for.mirs that relaxed french look that I never quite pull off.... In not great at ankle boots, any suggestions? And where do I go for a biker?! I'm clueless...

I'm not great in black, would this be ok?

www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_003010200343_-1

Or this

I have these already. Any good?

Boots are great. I like the first jacket though the second one looks more substantial, so depends what you need weather-wise.

Do you like Mary Portas stuff? Great tops for wearing with skinny pants - good price on eBay. Buy a size smaller!

I've just had a look at the Mary Portas stuff. I like the drapey asymmetric t shirts, might order one and see.

Boots look good. Don't like those jackets though, sorry.

This is gorgeous and actually a bit of a bargain (but I still can't afford it right now, sadly - or would have snapped it up!).

These are good, basic tops but come up huge, so size down at least one and maybe two sizes if buying.

These are brilliant and such a bargain. I like the black and the very pale blue best (have lived in the latter for months!).

Cod has got this which looks nice, but I haven't seen it irl.

Thanks Remus, have ordered the M&S jacket in charcoal, as out of stock in black. Any ideas for where to get white shirts ( for underneath jumpers) from? Every one I've tried either gapes at the boobs, or massive on the waist

Great pins Remus. I have recently realised that other than a few work dresses, I could basically live in a pair of black skinniest and a stripy top. I feel most stylish and comfortable with that sort of look.

I need some new striped tops - anybody got any good recs? Want slightly slouchy, cotton, scoop or boat neck, in black and white.

Remus, what are you wearing with the pale blue jeggings? I bought black and indigo today, was eyeing the pale ones up, but don't know what I would do with them...

Remembering that I am in no sense of the word a style icon:

Daytime - plain grey or navy t-shirts, or something like this or this with Converse or sandals.

Night time - last time I wore them properly 'out' I wore the dragon print t-shirt as above, heeled sandals, and this jacket and the time before that I wore lace top and ankle boots and the same jacket as above. It's quite an 80s look, but I am a bit of an 80s geek, so...