Casual outfit ideas - sorry it’s long!

[Phoebee]

I’m going to have to spend the weekend with my ex and the woman he left me for. Really not looking forward to it. I would absolutely love to look good! Im not trying to win him back and I don’t want him to want me but I’m usually a bit of a mess and I don’t want to feel self conscious around them.

I’ve never been good with clothes. I don’t know what’s “in” or what goes together and as a result I never buy anything new (and if I do it gets sent back). Most of my clothes are ones I still had when we were together.

Is there anyone out there willing to give me some tips/suggestions? I’m well overdue a wardrobe overhaul. I’ve spent the evening trying on outfits that I have and I just look frumpy. I’m early 30s and a size 8 so I’m hoping I can do better than frumpy!! It’s just a couple of casual outfits I need so probably skinny jeans (I’m going to order some Joni/Jamie topshop ones) but no idea what colours are in or tops to wear? And I have black ankle boots I could wear with them....and a biker jacket. Or a casual dress and tights with the ankle boots?

I know this post sounds very pathetic - but wouldn’t most people want to look good faced with an ex? For what it’s worth I feel like I’m happy and doing well in life at the moment....I just want the outside to project that.

Never mind the outfit: why are you putting yourself through this?!

Jamie over Joni. Orson and Mom styles are really nice too.

Hard to advise outfits when you haven’t mentioned what you’ll be doing - casual can range from a day dress and heeled sandals to a t shirt and trainers! Staples for me are a leather jacket, denim jackets in black, light blue (the cropped style is very popular!), khaki shacket, faux fur jackets, long wool coats (beige, black, tan etc). Teddy coats are nice too. You can wear jeans, trousers, culottes, skirts, long dresses etc. Tops could range from a silk cami, off the shoulder tops, bodysuits, sweatshirts etc.

There’s literally so many options for ‘casual’. Maybe book in a personal shopping appointment or check Instagram for inspiration?

Don’t want to give too much detail as I’m worried it’ll be identifying but it’s to do with a mutual friend. There will be lots of other people there and aside from pleasentries I do not intend to spend much time with them.

Thanks! I’m no good at searching Instagram for inspiration as I don’t know what to look up. Any accounts or hangstags you can recommend?

So I will be staying with friends in cabin type accommodation. Self catered so not going out for dinner - no need for anything fancy. Weather looks set to be rainy so won’t be going outdoors so just casual every day outfits. There will be spa facilities but I have a wide selection of bikinis so I’m sorted for this (the only area I’m confident with my taste).

I just go into shops or on to websites and feel ovrwealmed - never know what to try on or pick.4

Keep it simple. Wear things you feel comfortable in. I'm very boring / basic so would concentrate on grooming (nails/ hair, just so you feel tidy ' put together) and wear something like black skinny jeans with white top & beige lightweight down jacket, or khaki chino type trousers with black shirt & lightweight parka style jacket.

Primark are great for lightweight down type jackets.

I like gap jeans, but topshop are good too.

How tall and what size / shape are you?

Not sure if this is your sort of thing but I would buy something fantastic in cashmere to wear with jeans, a plain top, wear nice accessories and as others have suggested get hair etc done.

Don't worry about what's 'in'. Go for things you like and feel comfortable in. That way confidence lies!

I think Magnolia has hit the nail on the head. Get the grooming right and you'll feel more confident and then can carry anything off. It works for me. If I've had a good hair cut and my nails and eyebrows done I feel put together in just jeans and casual t shirt.

Hair, nails, good skin and make up will go along way.l to making you feel better. You’re a size 8 so most things will look good on you.

You don’t say how old you are so these might be well off the mark. But I’d do outfits like this, nothing too try hard just simple, casual and comfy but still on trend.

Go on Pinterest and search women’s fashion and just keep clicking through links of stuff you like.

Could you look for ‘nicer’ versions of your well loved and used clothes?
If you’re a jeans and jumper type person then that’s what you’ll feel most comfortable in. (I’m sure you’d look great in a dress - but maybe feel less like you). If you look for a really flattering pair of jeans and a couple of nice jumpers in colours you already love then I’m sure you will feel comfortable and confident. It also narrows down what you’re looking for so it’s less overwhelming.

Good luck! I hope you manage to enjoy your weekend.

Gosh, I feel for you.

Definitely get inspiration from Pinterest. I would also not go out of your comfort zone, you don't want to look like you're trying too hard.

Jeans - well cut, skinny, ankle length (I like Topshop Jamie or Joni) with a decent vest/Tshirt (thick, quality) and a long cardi or casual jacket.

Look at the outfits on Topshop, Zara, new look for fashion inspiration. But stick with casual.

Ankle boots, pumps or decent trainers will look nice.

Don't try too hard - look feminine and casual but definitely nice nails (subtle colour) neat hair, natural make up. With nice jewellery. Make sure everything fits and is not too tight or too big.

Wear a smile - ignore them as much as you can, be polite though and try to relax.

You don't need to prove anything then, but if you feel comfortable, you'll look good.

Post ideas and looks on here first for opinions (with you in it - if you feel comfortable to)

Very best of luck.

Hendricksy - I’m 5’3. not sure how to describe my shape? I’m not quite straight up and down as I do have a bum and boobs on me. I’m petite though.

Mynameisjune - im 31 - REALLY like these. They look comfy and like Not much effort was required will have a little look online for similar.

Will definitely take on board the comments about hair, nails etc. Thank you for replies!!

I would think everything would look good on you . What sort of things do you like ? I use Pinterest all the time for inspiration.. maybe if you fancy a biker jacket for example put in biker jacket outfits .. it brings up loads of different pics ..

I'm the same size as you - but way older!!! Always being told I look great so here are my tips. Also, look on Pinterest as it is the best place for style photos.

Skinny ankle jeans in navy / dark denim / dark grey or black

A really soft comfy pale grey knit sweater - nice and cosy and a little baggy - yes to cashmere if you can afford it but I bought 2 versions of this type of sweater in an Irish chain store last week and I'm sure M and S and Topshop have loads.

Wear the ankle boots if you are out and I would wear something more comfy and casual inside the cabin like trainers or ballet pumps.

Then make sure your hair, nails and skin look fresh. Wear a nice nude lipstick.

Take your leather jacket and perhaps a sparkly t-shirt for evening time if you are going to a pub?

I bet you will look amazing. Enjoy - I know this will be hard but you can do it. Keep us posted.

Did you manage to get some outfits together?

Hope you enjoy your weekend

Outfits sorted I have some grey jeans (Joni - which are really nice on. Couldn’t get Jamie although I got Jamie in black). A cardigan similar to the pink one in the picture someone posted earlier and a casual white top. Also plain white trainers. I also have a very casual little black dress which I’m taking with ankle boots and sheer tights for if we go to a pub at all. Getting eyebrows waxed today and then doing my nails tonight. My skin is quite temperamental sadly (oily ) but it seems good at the moment fingers crossed. My hair is my best feature so thankfully I don’t have to worry too much about that!

Thank you so much to everyone who replied. Who knows how this weekend will go but I actually feel confident! Amazing what some new clothes will do

Have a good time Op, remember to wear your smile

Have a fab time, well done. And as others have said, wear your smile.

How did you get on? Hope you felt confident and held your head up high

Had a great weekend - his girlfriend didn’t show she was ill so didn’t have to face her in the end. My ex avoided me most of the weekend until he’d had a few too many pints and then started with the “I miss you” “we had some great times” chat. I think he was trying his luck which is very off considering there was speculation that his girlfriend might be pregnant!!

That aside I’ve decided to completely overhaul my wardrobe as I’ve realised shiny new clothes that fit well do wonders for my appearance and confidence. I may be lurking on style and beauty for a while

Satisfying update!

What a nice thread. A joy to read. Best wishes to you OP.

Yes! 10/10 for the update

Brilliant update! So pleased things went well