40 & time for a fresh start - any tips please on what to buy & where

[Jemster]

I'm going to be 40 in a coupleof months & my family are getting me some John Lewis vouchers.
I desperately need a fresh start as I hardly have any decent clothes as since children most of our spare money goes on them, paying the bills etc.
I just don't know what to wear anymore. I don't want to appear like a fashion victim but also not ready for more mature lady's clothes.
I am 5'3 & pearshaped. I have trouble getting anythingto fit me nicely.
I work part time & mum at home in afternoons so need clothes for both.
Most of my stuff is tat from primark & similar.
I have completely lost any idea of how to dress well & want to make the most of these vouchers.
Please can anyone offer some advice how to start?

I hear good things about the personal shoppers at John Lewis. They will pick stuff out that you hadn't considered trying.

I'm 43 and my wardrobe staples are good jeans, decent trousers and well-cut tops and cardies in natural fabrics. You can funk them up a bit with fashionable shoes and accessories: I bought a £15 coral clutch bag from Miss Selfridge for this year, and it looks great.

I think that choosing good fabrics and a decent cut is what it's all about.

I second the personal shopper route - they will show you things you wouldn't look twice at on the hanger, and recommend shapes and colours for your future reference.

I would also recommend following some fashion blogs - it may take you a while to fond one or two that you chime with / has a similar lifestyle or budget but it can be really useful to see a "real" person wearing clothes rather than stick thin models in catalogues.

try
www.mymidlifefashion.com/
susiesoso.blogspot.co.uk/
myfashionable40s.blogspot.co.uk/

If those blogs don't appeal, have a look at their "blogs I follow" list for other ideas

Thank you for the ideas. FinancePrincess which shops do you get your basics in or which makes? I have liked Oasis & Warehouse in the past but I think their clothes are quite pricey for what you get & so 'in fashion' that I'll only get one season's wear out of them. Staple items is definitely what I need but I'm worried about looking frumpy.
Homebythesea I really like the look of some of those blogs thanks. That's what I need is sometching visual to get ideas as I am hopeless at putting things together.
I'm planning to spend a day at a John Lewis store. I think I need to make a list of what I'm looking for otherwise I will just wander around hopelessly!

Staples like T shirts, button shirts, cardis/jumpers- try

Uniqlo
Landsend
M&S
Woolovers

For jeans and trousers I absolutely rely on Next Petite or M&S short length (I too am short!) and stick to the tried and tested.

You can mix things up with accessories once you have got the basics

Don't wander round the store- book a personal shopper or take a trusted friend. This will mean you avoid making rash decisions! And don't buy things "for best" because they will languish in the wardrobe. Buy things you would wear day to day so you can actively enjoy them and feel good on a regular basis!

Have you had a look on Pinterest?

I'm a fan of M&S for skinny jeans at a decent price. I'd start with a couple of pairs of those and some nice cotton or cotton/silk mix tops. And a light Spring jacket of some sort.

I am also 40 in a few months and have felt the same way . I have started creating a better wardrobe with less stuff but better quality and more timeless ( i hope) type stuff . I am no fashionista so feel free to disregard but i have gone for neutral colours mostly .

Dark jeggings , more like jeans really from M & S as they have petites and i am 5ft 1. a variety of white tops , like a blouse , a tee , a silky vest top because i always feel good in white . breton tops in black/ white and navy / white and a few white tops with prints on .

Ive kept shoes to tan , stone/ beige and black . got some nice striped pumps from primark ( first thing ive ever bought there ) in navy and white and some white trainer type things from Aldo .
ive got a stone / beige blazer and a trench coat (same colour) from warehouse last year that have been great because they go with everything .

for summer ive got some gold sandals (well flip flops really) and a chunky gold bangle .
I think a leather biker style jacket is good for any age too . ive got a brown one .
I have a tan shopper bag that i wear with tan sandals . i know its all a bit boring and matchy matchy but i feel like i look better than i did and can always add bright accessories if need be .
I have a cashmere cardigan from john lewis in 'toast' which is lovely quality , has lasted ages and goes with everything .
you could try looking on pinterest for ideas

Both DH and I have had great experiences with the JL personal shopper