5 items to refresh your wardrobe-what would you choose?

[holdthebus]

I would like to get some new clothes but don't know where to start. If you were to buy 5 things, what would they be? After 2 DC I feel that I don't know what is in fashion at the moment and would like to look a bit more up to date-with styles, colours etc (My budget is high street). Looking forward to hearing people's ideas.

I'd get:

Pair of well fitting jeans
Black leather biker boots
Cashmere cardigan
Knee length jersey dress (preferably with sleeves)
Silk shirt/blouse

A pair of good fitting trousers/jeans
A good fit jacket
A pair of boots
A nice dress
A smart casual shirt.

Ideally they would all somehow match.

what sort of size / shape are you? And where would you usually shop?

Thank you for the suggestions. I am a 12-14-generally a 14 bottom half and 12 top half. Since having children I have quite a bit of weight around my tummy (something I am quite self conscious about and would like to do something about...). I tend to buy clothes from Next, Boden or pick something up at the supermarket (adding bits in for me when I clothes shop for the DC) have lost touch with what else is out there really-but like shopping online as I don't get out to shops much.

Cashmere tunic (M&S)
Plain coloured jersey dress
Flat tan knee high boots
Straight knee length casual skirt
Pair of jeans or trousers

all suggestions for A/Winter

A nice swishy shortish skirt in a muted dark colour (Zara has a nice one in their new collection)

A plain white fitted thick Mao collar shirt (in fact if you find one of these please tell me!)

Really well fitting skinnies, not bright colours, just normal denim

Ankle boots, darkish brown to be able to wear with all jeans

A lovely dress you really like & feel comfortable in, perhaps that suits tights (so probably no jersey material), boots etc.

Find what suits you and adapt trends to you, not the other way round!

Oh and if you can stretch to it, various thin v-neck jumpers in different colours for that nice autumn college look. I've just bought two from Zara at I think 12.95 EUR. Zara jumpers tend to be better quality than their other stuff IME.

A flattering pencil skirt, maybe denim? I live in mine.
A blazer.. Brown leather or Boden velvet blazer.
Well fitting jeans. A style to suit your shape. I still prefer boot cut.
A couple of pretty tops.
And a jersey dress or two.
That's more than 5!!!

I would need :

A couple of well-fitting shirts
A pair of smart black trousers
A nice, flattering pencil skirt
A couple of thin, slightly stretchy jumpers
An elegant lightweight waterproof coat

A fantastic winter coat
Ankle boots - M and S or Topshop
Great skinny jeans
A merino or cashmere jumper - Uniqlo
A lovely dress, mine would be long sleeved, drop hem, mini length and navy thick cotton (if anyone sees this item let me know!) or maybe a denim shirt dress

Sorry to crash, but where are all these dresses to wear with boots and tights- I'd love to see some examples. I like dresses, but most are too short on me because I'm 5'9"...

A navy relaxed blazer
A pair of black jeans that are black
A winter dress to go under blazer (no idea what)
Some dark tan ankle boots that don't leak.
Oh and a casual coat (mines from Sainsbury's and I'd love a better one)

I've been thinking the same recently. Have you had a look on Pinterest? If you search for capsule wardrobe it comes up with some really good ideas for basics and how to mix and match them. It's given me some ideas about how to wear and revamp clothes I actually already own.

Great ideas-I am looking forward to having a bit of a shop! Will definitely look on Pinterest-I'm sure I've got things in my wardrobe-I just need to look at them in a new way.

oooh I'd pick black flat long boots
a smart casual jacket plus a few bright scarves
perfectly fitting black leather trousers
a sloppy off shoulder long fine knit jumper
a big chunky red cardigan

An oversized grey v neck jumper, cut low enough to show a bit of cleavage
Dark skinny jeans
Comfortable leather ankle boots
Leather biker jacket
A pretty, sparkly top

I would add scarves, necklaces, ballet pumps, a couple of colourful jumpers and a couple of t shirts too. 5 items is restrictive but those 5 are what I'd invest in and build on.

I'd start with a scarf - a large fine one in colours that sing to you.

I'd pick the darkest colour out of the scarf and find a well cut pair of trousers in that. Then I'd find a loose jacket or cardigan in a slightly softer/ paler shade.

So that could be indigo trousers with an air-force blue cardi. Or burgundy with dusky rose. I'd avoid black.

A dress that goes with the cardi (I like White Stuff, but they are on the short side)

And chunky ankle boots that could be worn with the dress or the trousers.

avoid tunics! Just screams 'mum who is stuck with this tummy forever'.
Agree with the other items.

katieanna I second your thoughts. Grey is a fantastic colour as it can blend with so many things in your existing wardrobe. Try Next for jeans; they do lots of styles at a reasonable price (I prefer relaxed skinny). I also like Sainsburys for scarves - much cheaper than Boden but quality and patterns are just as good.

"Grey is a fantastic colour "OP hasn't indicated her own skin/hair colouring or colour preferences. Personally I find grey makes me look washed out. OP, if you are in any way unsure about what colours suit you (and you haven't said anything to make me think that!) then I recommend going to a colour consultant. It was very helpful for me and if you are confident about what colours suit you, especially which colours suits when worn next to your skin (ie any kind of top or coat/jacket) then building a capsule wardrobe becomes easier.

To refresh my wardrobe I would want
A pair of comfortable (therefore non-skinny), stylish trousers. This does not in fact exist.
A fairly close fitting v neck sweater- can be casual or accessorised for going out.
The skirt that suits you. Mine is a Fat Face one that is shortish, fitted on hips and flares out with inverted pleats.
Thick tights
Good boots.

Bumping

A pair of well fitting jeans dark ones
A silk shirt/blouse in a colour you love
High heeled lace up shoes
A body skimming woollen jumper in a slimming colour
A fake fur coat

Fabulous ideas-thank you! I have wondered about a colour consultant before...might try and do that soon.