Please help me build my wardrobe. I'm frumpy and on a budget. I need a miracle.

[JavaJava]

Hi. I'm in my twenties and already seem to have let myself go! How has this happened?

My clothes are crap. I dress like a scrubby teenage boy (bit unfair on teenage boys really). I need to get my shit together. I want to start by taking care of myself, working out, making effort with hair and make up, and getting a small, but nice new wardrobe. Unfortunately I'm on a small budget!

Can anyone help me pull off a miracle? I'm slimish, but not as slim as I was, taller side of average, and naturally tend towards grungy/biker style. But would like to somehow convey this in a classy way. Can you mix the two?

Any help would be amazing.

Why don't you try making a Pinterest board? Search for images and pin whatever you like - don't try to analyse or think about it too hard. Then see what sort of clothes tend to crop up most often.

I would imagine for grunge style you'd be looking at things like leather jackets, distressed denim, chunky boots, slouchy bags, artfully tousled hair, etc.

Thank you makeupmaven

Any advice on where to get clothes on a budget that won't fall apart after a few washes?

Charity shops in naice areas are usually a good start on a budget...

Sales.
This is the Boden clearance for example
www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/clearance/womens-view-all#nav

If you pictured yourself in your dream outfit, what would it be? That might be a good starting point, and you could track down budget versions. I would probably start with “basics” (for example, a good pair of black jeans, a leather or faux leather biker jacket, some nice boots - I am thinking towards autumn already, can you tell?!) which you can then use as the “building blocks” of outfits.

This may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I think it’s also a good idea to think about if there are things you see as “investment” buys that are going to work hard for you, so it’s maybe worth spending a bit more on. For example, I buy jeans from Whistles and All Saints, because they are the best fit for my shape, and wash really well. I’d rather get one more expensive, perfect pair of jeans than several cheap pairs that don’t last.

Ime it's better to get a few good pieces than a lot of mwoah pieces that are cheap. A good haircut with an edgy biker style jacket could look good on jeans or a coloured dress. Jeans and dress don't have to cost much. The jacket will then have to look good. This is just an example of course.

Thank you everyone. Youve given me some good ideas. I think I should invest in a good quality biker jacket.

If I picture myself in a nice outfit it's usually either a blazer and jeans look or a biker jacket and jeans look. With nice shoes/boots. I used to dress like that. I don't know why I accepted slobbing about in a hoody and trainers day in day out.

I have an edgy haircut but I'm guilty for just shoving it up and out of the way and I rarely bother putting make up on. My nails are a disgrace I've also moved up a dress size in the last six months.

I feel your pain. Check out my last thread.
I have, as people advised saved images from Pinterest. I've also purchased myself a fake leather jacket from m&s which sounds dreadful but actually it looks real and doesn't smell fake. I'm currently dieting but plan on wearing it was a dark coloured dress thick black tights this autumn

Spend on noticeable items (jacket, shoes, bag), save on basics. M and S does great budget t´shirts - head for the 6.50 cotton ones, and sme of the modern slim trousers are nice material. Zara also do a good basic pair of cigarette trousers which I find doesn´t need ironing even after being in a suitcase.

I think there was a good thread on here about New Look blazers being good, although I haven´t looked at them.

Woolovers often does great offers on knitwear for winter.

I often do dress, tights, biker and boots in winter. Big scarf maybe.

Oasis and Warehouse good for dresses. Occasional hits at H and M and Wallis (of all places).

Sainsbury’s had a really nice tiny leopard print dress for £20.00. Also some jeggings that were black embossed with snake print. Looked better than it sounds. Buy a good coat, leather biker jacket or similar and good boots and work from there. I like bougois make up and MUA both collections in Superdrug.

It all starts with a good haircut and a good, clean pair of shoes. Have that and you can generally pull anything off

What kind of body shape are you?

Thank you Margaret, that is incredibly helpful.

Thanks user, I think you're right, boots and jacket first.

Yaff, I am 5' 7", small size 10 now, good bum, but broad shoulders and tiny tiny boobs.

Just reread and I meant the print is tiny, not the dress!

Faux leather Biker jacket brill with skinny jeans, a skater dress etc.

There's a jumpsuit on amazon for £13 that MN has been talking about. Looks good.

Get some equivalent to vans , sandals and a nice pair of boots. Bad shoes can destroy an outfit

Next online do some good bargains. Order stuff to just try and you can return if not suitable.

Oasis and warehouse sales are good too.

Basics primark skinny jeans , vest tops.

Topshop and river island sales are good too.

Charity shops.

H and M is good too.

As money is tight try to buy one item a month as this helps build your wardrobe up. Scan websites for sales of your favourite brands and make a list of what you would like. Good luck, have fun

What colours do you like to wear? Restricting your palette means more things will go with each other, which stretches a small budget further.

I wear grey, navy, cobalt, black, dark green and burgundy. There would be no point me buying a brown dress because I wouldn’t have shoes or coat to go with it.

Could you get some really nice ankle boots to break free of trainers?