If you had no clothes at all what would you buy?

[TheDisillusionedAnarchist]

I'm kind of in this situation, of course I'm not actually wandering around naked but I currently own two pairs of jeans, a bunch of stained white shirts and two tops which are sort of okay to wear out of the house (but one of those I was wearing when my daughter died so I want to preserve it by not wearing it)

I have three meetings with doctors in the next two weeks, back to work where jeans are banned and I'm supposed to talk at a conference in June. I hate shopping! I hate clothes and I'm fat, no idea what size now but 16+

So if you were building a wardrobe from scratch what would you buy? And where from? Any help much appreciated!

What TanteRose said. Uniqlo for basics.

I'd suggest dresses for work. I'm size 14-16 ( though hope to be less soon) and find that a dress in a flattering shape with the right underwear looks best on me. Also very easy to chose what to wear for work if you are short on time .

I actually really like internet shopping on House of Fraser's website. Generally I hate internet shopping, and HoF are shit in store, but online they have good brands and you can order loads and return them instore there and then if you like.

Most days I wear at least one item from Uniqulo. I'm a size 16-18 and I find their XL fits me in most things. I'd get:
A few long sleeved T shirts in various colours and neck shapes
A few short sleeved ones
A pair of their jeggings
A hoodie
A couple of their Merino jumpers/cardigans
And some thermals (I'm permanantly cold).
For work I'd get a skirt or two, these are very forgiving (lots of stretch)

Finally, Phase 8 are generously sized, often quite stretchy and forgiving, and usually have something work appropriate.

Warehouse and Hobbs for work
H and M for basics (though it has gone down hill a bit lately)
Sloggi knicks and Debenhams for bras
Topshop, Superdry, Boutiques, Designer outlets, Charity shops for everything else.

Must haves- Biker jacket, parka, denim jacket, high and low ankle boots, Ugg boots, converse, flip flops, wellies, skinny jeans in blue, grey and black, tube and pencil skirts, jumpers, t-shirts in grey, white and black, going out tops, posh frock, plain black maxi dress and sundress.

Remus I just ordered that White Company skirt after reading this thread :-)

If had nothing , i wd buy i black of each necessary garment& footwear.

I am so sorry about your daughter.

I'm in the midst of a wardrobe clearout/buying new stuff and the 'putting me together' blog has been fabulous for ideas. She has a step-by-step guide to building a wardrobe from scratch.

I think you should buy some neat but comfy trousers. White Stuff and East are good if you need some volume to hide under. A couple of tops and a dress or two. Nice shoes are a good treat if you aren't feeling great about yourself.

I'm guessing you have a cupboard full of clothes and haven't lost your baby weight

You are suffering extreme grief and I am sorry about your DD and what you have gone through. Have you had bereavement counselling or been in touch with charities like SANDS

I would be kind to yourself and nurture your wellbeing. Eventually you will feel better again, inch by inch. At the moment your emotions are still raw but it's great you are taking these steps.

You are absolutely amazing and that shines through and will shine through whatever you wear. Buy yourself some nice things because you deserve them and are very special.

with love.

PS: My second son would be 19 this year and I understand what you are feeling - the pain eventually fades.

Is this any help? I thought it was cleverly done. You could do similar in quieter colours, but keep the idea - one plain skirt, one patterned skirt, neutral jacket, top to match, top to contrast, heels, flats, etc. Make sure everything goes together. And a lovely scarf or necklace. Try to get at least one good outfit with a jacket for your conference/meetings.

TBH I would take that page to John Lewis and book the personal shopper to sort you out with an equivalent "capsule" in shape and colour to flatter you. Tell her your budget, it won't be cheap but better than you dragging round the shops getting fed up when you aren't in the mood.

River island also has some nice stuff at the moment and does up to size 18 in normal range and now 18-24 in store too

a pair of decent and comfortable jeans (I like the Next skinnies)
Some longline vests-in black and white (H+M are good)
a few tops-a mix of long, 3/4 length sleeves, and tunics (Warehouse, H+M, Fat Face, H+M, New Look are good)
2 skirts (White Stuff, Fat Face)
a couple of dresses (H+M, Fat Face)
Decent boots in brown and tan (Fly)
sandals for the summer (Birkenstocks)
uniqlo socks-they are the best socks in the world!
a good bra!

I am not very smart and a bit of a hippy though!

A heater!

Watching with interest :)

The White Company skirt arrived today. Fits really well - love it and it was a real bargain too :-)

Belle that is a beautiful post.

OP I have seen pics of you & your gorgeous girl & you are not fat. I reckon you need:

Decent pair of jeans
Couple of decent tops
A cracking good bra
A blazer but not a bulky one
An ace piece of shape wear (I live & die by the slip things in m&s that you wear your own bra & knickers with.
You might need new knickers too if your shape has changed.

What about hair & makeup?
Xx

Whoops... & some wrap dresses (shape alwear always with these) from phase 8.

OP, I am so sorry for your loss. I've been there - I don't know how far down the line you are, but I remember finding myself in the odd position of having to go back to work 3 months after my baby was stillborn, with nothing that fitted. Shopping for a funeral dress was another surreal experience. I do care about clothes and like shopping, but at that time my head was all over the place and I hated the idea of being out in public. For casual clothes, I went to New Look and bought 2 pairs of jeans - swore to myself that I wouldn't care about the size - and got a few new tops. At the moment, I would get some basics - jeans and tops. Some work stuff - maybe a couple of dresses because they can be very flattering. I ordered some things from Asos in a size bigger than usual and it mostly worked.

I don't know your specific circumstances, but just be gentle with yourself. It can depend on what's going on - I had to wait a long time for the hospital to get their act together and wound up signed off work again very quickly after returning. I had another month off and by the time I went back, I knew I was pregnant again. So I went straight back into maternity clothes.