Help! I need a new wardrobe!

[Ilikefrogs]

To cut a long story short, I have 3DC, youngest is 2 and I threw out all of my pre pregnancy clothes and shoes in a fit of madness and now have a few things I've bought that have kept me going for a while.
I literally own next to nothing, other than evening dresses and summer dresses so I need an autumn/winter wardrobe.

I have £500 to buy it all. I don't need coats as I have plenty (10!!) but I need everything else.
I'm rubbish at casual and prefer to wear heels but would consider a nice pair of trainers.
I'm 5'9, size 12, 32G boobs, bit of a tummy, good, slim legs and a small bum.
Green eyes, dark hair, pale olive skin.

I suit bright, strong colours and one of my favourites is cobalt.

Marls and oranges look awful on me.

I love red lipstick and like to look a bit glamorous if I can but have no natural style or ability to mix and match clothes and rarely accessorise.

I'm desperate for help!!

Anyone?

Are you at your pre-preg weight or are you hoping to lose more?
I think I would probably spend £50-100 each on a well - fitting pair of jeans and a pair of charcoal trousers you can dress up ir down. Possibly also a jersey tube skirt (I have a lovely one from Baukjen which goes well with anything! )
A decent cashmere sweater in a colour that suits you and then a selection of cheapish tops/shirts from H&M. Oh and a jersey blazer.

Thanks for replying!
I'm at a natural weight - I don't have to do anything to maintain it. If my weight changes it goes down but I'm not 'trying' to lose weight.
Where are good shops to buy the staple stuff like jeans/trousers?
I think id like to invest in some half decent stuff, like you say but with other less expensive things.

I'm not in the UK I'm afraid, but my first stop here would be Esprit (they have stores here but may just sell online over there, I'm not sure) or one of the big department stores where you can try on a selection of different brands.
I'd definitely spend more on decent quality bottoms which will last and then you can buy slightly trendier, cheapish tops and switch them around more.

Oh and a smart leather belt will make any outfit look classy.

I've recently bought some jeans from Mint Velvet Granite grey which can be dressed up or down and also a very dark navy. Seattle is the style and although they are jeans they're not denimy if you know what I mean.
15% off code at the moment and free delivery & returns.

Ponchos and capes are very fashionable this autumn and easy to throw on over a long sleeve top or a jumper depending on the weather. Jigsaw do a really nice ribbed edge one, in about 8/9 colours. None of them are bright but grey/ camel / navy etc but they could be worn over lots of different colour tops (jigsaw have a fab cobalt blue long sleeve t) and make an outfit quite classy looking.

What about a jumper dress - again can be dressed up or down, worn with flats, boots or heels. ( Gap have one in a variety of colours and Jack Wills have a gorgeous navy one)

Flat shoes - there is another thread about animal print ones which again are very 'in' this year which when worn with smart jeans etc to add interest to an outfit.

Hope some of this may give you ideas...

Hush also have lots of colbalt ( although i think they call it Blue Iris) tops and dresses.

Thanks - this is all really helpful. The problem is, as I have nothing I don't know where to start!
Recommendations for shops also appreciated!

Thanks nearlyadoctor - I would never have looked at hush but I really like some of their dresses.
What's the sizing like? I'm a big 10- small 12.

Look at capsule wardrobes on Pinterest. That way you can plan out what you're going to buy. The Vivienne Files is (are?) also a good website for helping to plan wardrobes though sometimes the selections are a bit more mature in taste - good at getting an idea on what colour selections to put together though.

I'm A fairly average 10 34d bust and I buy s/m which fits me well with a little bit of ' growing room' so to speak.
Recently bought Rosie Dress from them which is great as looks like a jumper and skirt but can be thrown on to give a well put together look. The skirt part is very lightweight but nice with thick opaques. Also got the short pine one necklace and hey presto complete outfit.

Pine Cone - bloody predictive text!

Thanks nearlyadoctor!
I've ordered a couple of things so hopefully I'll like some of them on!

ilike let me know how you get on and what you've ordered as there is a lot on their website I fancy.
Fingers crossed it'll all be good !