What colours suit you? Start with collecting together your clothes in these colours and see what you have. Can you make outfits that look similar to the look you want out of them? If not, what do you need?
Try to stick to a limited pallet if you are going for this type of look. Add just the pieces you need and make sure they link in with the chosen colour scheme. (If you’ve chosen cream/ navy/ charcoal for instance, don’t buy a purple shirt “because it’s pretty”- you’ll just get cross when it doesn’t work with your other clothes).
Patterns- classic is fine, with plain clothes as a contrast. Don’t try to clash them. Again, think about the colours in any patterns.
Coats/ Jackets- these are often what people judge first. Go simple and classic, you don’t need foot long fringing or thick chains dangling. You do need well cut, decent fabric and colours that go. Are you s scarf wearer or do you hate them? If you hate them, a v-neck coat isn’t much use in the uk.
If you possibly can, get rid of the clothes that don’t fit in with what you want to do. You’ll wear them (you know you will!) and them feel depressed when you haven’t achieved your look. If you buy 1 new thing, get rid of an old one.
Make up? Even if it’s just a bit of powder, mascara and lip gloss. This look generally needs to look as though you’ve groomed today. Ditto hair- it only looks casual. Nails- clean and shaped if not painted. Not usually long.
I have totally overhauled my wardrobe. It took about 18 months and I really need to review again (may make the most of DH being out tonight). It was really worthwhile, and-because I didn’t obsess about where stuff come from- not as expensive as it sounds.