Anyone want to help me overhaul my wardrobe?

[Prusik]

I've spent the best part of two years pregnant and am just about ready to ditch the maternity clothes.

I have almost no cash and my wardrobe is a medley of sweatshirts, t-shirts and a couple of knitted cardigans.

I do have a nice pair of brown boots and a couple of coats that I'm happy with.

Other than that, armed with a couple of gift vouchers, I desperately need to sort it out. I need clothes that are practical so I can run around after my twelve month old and my newborn but clothes that are easy to match together and make me look half pulled together.

Where the hell do I start? I could literally ditch all but about three or four items but just don't have the means to replace

Hi Prusik

I am doing the same thing although not because I was pregnant just because I put on a tonne of weight and lost mu sense of style.

I have started by searching pinterest and finding outfits I like and then trying to find similar items. This means you can think of what you want to buy and have a list rather than wandering around aimlessly.

Having some coats and nice boots is a good start . If I was you I would think about what I need so maybe jeans in style you like and suits you and then trawl pinterst for ideas for tops and accessories.

My problem is I've never invested in my clothes so while I might buy a t-shirt or top, I won't buy a jacket to go with it.

I also like tshirts, zip hoodies and trainers if I'm truthfully honest. But I'm nearly 31 and have two boys so feel I should start being more adult!

Pinterest sounds like a good idea, thankyou

I am the same, I used to be fairly good at 'style' in my youth but lost it along the way and just bought tops and t shirts randomly without any thought as to what to wear it with.

I don't think there is anything wrong with t shirts, hoodies and trainers if that is what you like. You could look at ideas of things to add to that sort of outfit to make you feel more pulled together, maybe a leather or faux leather jacket, oversized scarf and a slouchy bag?

I have an oversized change bag with animals on it, if that helps

Ds2 is only 13 days old and ds1 is 12 months so things like handbags are a bit beyond me at the moment.

I might get DH to buy me a couple of pairs of stud earrings for my birthday. That'll help.

So maybe if I pick one pulled together outfit to buy first? I might make it my priority to go through my wardrobe and see what jeans I have

I remember those days well, we are ttc again so I will hopefully be back to changing bags again soon.

Earrings sounds like a good idea, I recently got some nice plain brushed silver studs in accessorize. Really cheap and have loads of compliments on them.

I think sorting one outfit sounds like a plan, if you like casual outfits you could look at checked/plaid shirts with a slouchy vest? I am naturally drawn to casual outfits and wear those a lot and also striped breton type tops with a chunky grey cardigan.

To be fair changing bags can be cool! I’ve got this miss fong one which is lovely.

www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B01N10CWEH/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ref=plSrch&keywords=miss+fong+diaper+bag&dpPl=1&dpID=41p9ZZ54ztL&tag=mumsnetforum-21&ie=UTF8&qid=1517235959&sr=8-1

I think the easiest thing would be to pull together a casual capsule wardrobe.

Un-fancy is a good place to formulate a plan and she has stuff you can print off to think about what your core essentials/priorities are.

Things that I think are helpful to consider are your three best neutrals and be strict about only buying stuff in these so you have loads of mix and match options with fewer items of clothing, your body shape and your lifestyle needs.

I think if finances are tight you need to concentrate on only buying the stuff you need rather than stuff that takes your fancy.

www.un-fancy.com/

Get a pair of flattering jeans that fit really well. If you get black or indigo ones you can get a smarter top and jacket, for when you want to be less casual. I find that I can wear the same jeans and top, but if I wear a jacket, people instantly think I am more dressed up. Check out H&M, Primark or New Look for reasonably priced jackets in Spring.

Also agree a capsule wardrobe is a good idea going forward. Unfancy is a good place to start. She suggests you have a seasonal capsule of 37 pieces including tops, bottoms, outerwear and shoes (underwear, workout stuff, accessories, loungewear don't count) After each season you put into storage anything you don't need anymore and swop in some more seasonal stuff.

I'd suggest you make a list of what you want ideally. Maybe 10 tops, 10 bottoms, 10 'layers' and 7 shoes.
Tops can be tshirts, tanks, long sleeved, going out tops etc. Bottoms include trousers, jeans, skirts or dresses. Layers include cardigans, jumpers, jackets, coats. Shoes should include things like wellies, boots, trainers, sandels etc.
Split into sections and fill in what you already have, then fill in what you'd like to have where the holes are (Maybe in a different colour). This should tell you what you need to buy first, you can fill in the rest over time as you get the money. Try to make stuff match as much as possible.