If you had 200 quid to 'update your wardrobe'

[Imeanlikeseriously]

What would you buy?

I'm relatively young but don't look it after a few child ravaged years and would really like to try and look slightly fashionable again. What should I get to try and make me look a bit groovier?

I'm a size 8/10 but bottom half massive compared to top (and small of nork) so high waisted jeans are out I think. And I don't think I'm slim enough to get away with the type of stuff that does nothing for your figure but it doesn't matter since you're such a babe type stuff.

At the moment I am very uniqlo looking. I wear long sleeve plainish tops, skinny jeans and high top trainers.

I think smaller on top type stuff suits me better rather than billowy tops with tight jeans. I used to wear cropped ish tops and maxi skirts a lot which I think looked quite nice (fashion blind though so likely I looked absurd)

Help me S&B goddesses

Thanks! I'm not too far off, already have some dark wash jeggings that I wear a lot and a pair of great chunky Chelsea boots (with a heel though).

I'm at home at the moment so mostly need to be quite casual/able to wrangle children.

I'm wondering about getting some boyfriend jeans. I used to wear them years ago and think they looked good.

Agree with you on high waisted. For skirts, shorts and other trousers I always go for high waist but with jeans for some reason I think they make me look horrific.

I'm very uniqlo looking too, so your comment made me smile.

No bad thing chanie44 they are the best when it comes to plain plain plain!

Wanted to say yesterday (but the children distracted me):

I'd buy:
A nice pair of jeans
Two tops
A dress
Accessories

You are a different shop to me (I'm top heavy) so I couldn't really advise about what to wear.

However, I've just accepted that plainer clothes suit me and I prefer them. I'm now focussing on keeping my clothes plain, but using accessories to brighten up my clothes.

I have a few nice hair accessories and shoes. I'm working on the make up and jewellery.

Try looking at some blogs for inspiration. I don't necessarily like what they wear, but I get ideas.
Twentymumthing
Susie so so
Does my bum look 40
Avenue 57
Wearing it today

I've recently discovered a blog called 'putting me together' where the blogger pretty much rebuilds her wardrobe from scratch and shows you how to accessorise, what worked for her and why. I found it really helpful.

Let us know how you get on.

I was going to suggest 'putting me together' but see someone already has :)

I think plain clothes brightened up with accessories looks great, so I'd buy a few statement necklaces and some new jeans, I'm leaning towards boyfriend jeans at the minute as I don't think I'm brave enough for flares!

Great advice thank you!
I'm really not an accessories person at all. Never choose the right thing and prefer to be more casual as with the DC all day. But maybe I should try it out. Suggestions? Statement necklace? (Trying out the word like I know what it means).

I think if you're venturing into accessories, then start with a scarf. Gap, Sainsburys, Primark and Accessorize all do good ones.

Patterned scarfs are great at hiding grubby little hand prints or a nice belt? A lot of my outfits are monochrome at the moment, so I've just bought a bright yellow handbag, I don't usually like yellow but I love it.

Have you considered flares - very on trend so an easy wardrobe update. I got some skinny ones from Topshop. White jeans are also lovely for summer and deceptively slimming. I just bought a pair from Uniqlo - funnily enough.

Peasant style tops are really big at the moment - Zara and new look have some great styles. Lace up flat sandals would also be a great update, again New Look have some nice pairs.

If you already have the basics some more decorative pieces might be nice. Topshop have some lovely crochet style tops like this which are lovely with jeans.

ooh ooh ooh I know

wide black trousers
adidas shell toe trainers
grey cashmere-ish jumper
lovely baggy white t shirt from atterley road
and a necklace and a new pair of cheapy sunglasses

An outfit I wore the other day which felt interesting and on trend was a charcoal Uniqlo crew neck sweater, white skinnies, a leopard belt and these trainers - not wildly daring, but stylish and relevant enough.

Lemon, where would you get the wide leg black trousers from? I have searched for ages but only found horrible polyester type ones which makes my skin crawl

i buy everything from atterley road

I am nearly 50 and I like their stuff

Thanks everyone!

Love that crochet top amber

I'm going to look at atterley road.

What other shops am I missing out on? Literally all I can think of is topshop and Zara (and uniqlo of course).

You could do much worse than Sainsburys or Boots for a "starter" statement necklace actually. Charity shops are great for scarves IME. I know you've got a decent budget but for something that's going to be on trend for a matter of months you might as well go cheap.

I've bought a few cheap but pretty scarfs and statement necklaces from amazon.

I was thinking a couple of cool relaxed tops like this

www.atterleyroad.com/white-3-4-sleeve-relaxed-fit-tee.html

Oh gad you all hate it don't you

Not keen to be honest. Not sure if you are tanned or not, but it could make you look quite washed out. What's your colouring?

I'm blondish and tannedish. I've no idea about clothes really! Am just trying to add a bit of edge to myself rather than be particularly on trend. Am a bit of a style disaster! ??????

For me:
New trainers, prob Converse
Skinny jeans
Top I know I would wear lots, either Oasis or Warehouse
Necklace to go with it
Always trying to find my dream, ultra flattering swimsuit!

How about having a slightly different haircut? That can update your look a bit, even if it's just a few layers or a fringe.

Have you looked at asos for wide leg jeans and black trousers? I spotted plenty on there that looked nice but of course you have to wade through the trillions of items! I used to have lots of wide leg trousers from Mango when they were in fashion (12 years or so ago!).

Ps. I don't mind that tshirt but can't really do white!

Mind you I love a tshirt from new look at the moment...can't link as on phone but google Rainbow tshirt and you should see it. Actually New Look had several rather nice cotton print tshirts if that's your thing.

1. Black wide leg trousers - try Next £35 Slouchy trousers I think they call them but they look fab on, great weight, side zip, flat front, kind of stretchy crepe.
2. If you like long sleeve tops - how about one of the sleeveless jackets that are around at the moment? Would look great with your skinnies and boots. £50.
3. I'd also get some white flat plimmies to wear with rolled boyfriend jeans. £30.
4. Floaty patterned maxi skirt with black background (Zara have a gorgeous one at mo) to wear with boots for now, t- shirt and cropped jacket and then flip flops and vest tops as it warms up. £40. Covers the pheasanty look out now if you don't like the pheasant tops.
5. Cross over blouse from River Island - they have loads in. You can wear with boyfriends, skinnies and black trews. £30.
6. I'm also loving the poshed up joggers - comfy and look good. Can be worn in the evenings with heels. Warehouse have a nice grey pair, but most shops have them - again great with your long sleeve tee's and a little jacket for day. £25.
7. Think you also need a little dress - I like the denim ones, ASOS have a great one. Can be worn over skinnies or just with tights and boots. If you get a button through one it can double up as a long jacket. £30.
8. Lastly I think I'd get a thickish waterfall cardigan which can be worn with all of the above. ASOS. £30.

I've gone over budget at £270..............we need to shop around and max the discount codes!