Key pieces to keep me (reasonably!) up-to-date please....

[TwoNoisyBoys]

I'm going shopping next week! I'd like to buy a couple of bits that make me look a bit more up-to-date for autumn/winter. I usually spend the winter in skinny jeans, vests and jumpers or pencil skirts/wrap dresses with opaque tights and black ankle boots. I don't feel HORRIBLY unfashionable.....and I'm not talking about being bang on trend head to toe.....but I was wondering if there are any recommendations for certain things I could look out for to keep me looking like I half know what I'm doing! Many thanks in advance!

Hopeful bump........!

how old are you?

Hi peas....I'm 41, 5'2" and a size 14.....

good question. i've just lost a lot of weight and really need to start again with my wardrobe. same size and height as you.

no advice though sorry. will lurk instead.

It's hard isn't it? I need a bit of a wardrobe cull I think! I'm hoping that by getting a few up to date bits, I can pull more outfits together, if that makes sense? I've been googling trends for Autumn/Winter 2014 to get a feel for what's current... But I've got a horrible feeling I'll go shopping and come home with three or four bags of stuff that'll be shoved in the wardrobe and never see the light of day again! I'm mindful of the fact that at 41 high fashion isn't really going to be my thing, but I'd like to look like I've got a vague idea of what's going on!

Black jeans seem to be everywhere... I just go some coated black skinnies from gap and they are very useful and flattering. Also you could try a lovely oversize cashmere scarf from Hush.. I love the animal print one. Perhaps invest in a different style of boot, in going to buy some biker boots and to finish off I'm going to buy some slouchy sweaters. Don't know is that helps!??? Oh and an oversize cardigan.

I think sweaters are having a bit if a moment (yeay)
Slouchy ones over skinnies but they also look good over tube or pencil skirt,
Softer wool/ cashmere sweaters with leather or faux leather seems to be on trend - mixing the textures

Statement neck pieces seem to be still around ( look great with the wool / leather skirt combo

Accordion pleats are also a feature that seem to be about easily worked with tops / skirts

Camo - military again something that's easily worked in
Biker boots again pretty prevalent and loafer style flats

Well that s my reading of it but then I m not too sure that s wholly too different to last year
I find a browse around will let you pick features of this seasons trends and asking the assistants - I used reluctant to ask but find that really most are only too happy to suggest subtle ways of bringing outfits up to trend easily

Booking a free personal stylist session at John Lewis might help you discover what suits you without wasting money on buying unsuitable clothes. There is no push to buy what they suggest but its always helpful to see what others think suits you.

m.johnlewis.com/mt/www.johnlewis.com/our-services/fashion-advice-service#page_loaded

A big tartan or some kind of folky style scarf

So, black skinnies, slouchy jumpers, and some biker style boots...and some oversized scarves. Sounds like a great starting point! The coated black skinny jeans sound lovely.....thanks everyone so far

Ohh, I'm liking this thread as I already wear slouchy sweaters and skinny's. I'm liking boyfriend fit jeans at the moment and comfy shoes/pumps. Have just ordered myself some ugg type boots from Animal but these are more for comfort than fashion ( will wear with skinny jeans and oversized jumper ). I'm always tempted by scarfs but have never bought one.

Definitely biker boots, a great investment. Things that I am pleased to have invested in and come out season after season....I won't list the summer only ones here...

• biker boots
• cropped leather jacket (biker style, more or less chunky/sleek according to your style)
• chunky jumpers, best quality possible
• perfectly fitting jeans - again, your style, in a dark wash
• a great pair of heels for evenings out, metallic goes with everything
• a mini skirt, ruched jersey (Me&Em v popular) is good, leather nice but obviously ££
• ditto a basic jersey dress that flatters (again look at Me&Em)
• a few good quality t-shirts and vests, Gap is good, be prepared to replace white t's regularly so don't over spend here
• jewellery-a fantastic watch. Then the rest to your taste. I feel ridiculous in statement necklaces but love layering long pendants.
• ditto re a couple of beautiful scarves. Better quality definitely wears better here, scraggly worn out scarves look terrible IMO whereas beautiful soft silk/cashmere and colours always lifts the plainest outfit
• a beautifully fitting blazer
• a nice bag that you can wear with anything and easily fit your stuff in for daytime, I always like grey.
• a clutch for evening, I have lots of cheapish ones, metallic again is a good choice for versatility but don't try matching to the heels!

Oh and a warm parka!

And I will shut up in a sec a classic pair of sunglasses!

Don't buy any of it that you don't love and feel great in.

Great list Sleep, thank you! I've got some lovely clothes, scarves, bags and accessories....it's the 'putting them together' I sometimes struggle with! I'm hoping that by getting a few linking pieces I'll be able to utilise more of my wardrobe, iykwim? My shopping list is growing

have you had a look on pinterest. sometimes there's capsular wardrobe ideas on there nut also good for finding outfits that go with what you already have ie do a search for biker boots or describe a scarf you have and see what others come up with.

nut? i meant but

Using Pinterest to put all of your things where you can see them sort of impartially is a great way of getting ideas and seeing 'gaps', also keep a board of things you are considering/coveting and one for looks you like

X post never

Wow sleepwhenidie - brilliant list. Will you come shopping with me please?!

Thanks for asking the question op. I also need a wardrobe overhaul.

Never and Sleep....really great idea about Pinterest!

According to the guardian -- an A-line skirt is up to date.

www.theguardian.com/fashion/2014/sep/12/a-line-skirts-fashion-jess-cartner-morley

I'm going to be wearing pretty much what I've worn every Autumn for the past three or four years tbh:
skinnies and jumpers with a biker and either boots or Converse
opaques, denim mini and jumper with a biker and boots
short jumper dresses, opaques, boots, biker
On wet days when I don't want to wear my leather jackets, it'll probably be a parka, again as always!
Yes to scarves - I'm planning on buying some sort of folky drapey poncho/wrap thing to layer under or over my biker jackets on colder days. Other than that, I'm trying to have a couple of months without buying anything new (am allowed a couple of charity shop buys) but if I was buying new, I'd go for a lightweight parka and a coupe of new cashmere jumpers.

I love that list Sleep and am pleased that I've already got quite a few of the items on it :)