I need a whole new wardrobe...

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The vast majority of my clothes have died of old age and I've spent so much time travelling for work this last year that I've run the rest of it to rags.

I'm crap at fashion. Most of my stuff is basics from H&M and a few bits of bobs from... whispers Amazon and Tescos...

I really want to get some decent, high quality clothing to redo my wardrobe - I have no idea where to shop as the high street seems really hit and miss.

I've got a reasonable budget, and would rather buy fewer items that last.

I'm a Nanny/Governess and travel significantly for work (think 30+ flights a year), my wardrobe is most significantly lacking the summer department. I spend a lot of time around people far wealthier and more fashionable than me, and I'm starting to feel self conscious about my faded clothing.

If it helps I'm size 12, 5ft8 and an hourglass.

Is there anyone whose style you admire?

@SchnitzelVonKrumm I don't even know where to start to look for inspiration, I've tried insta but it's like slogging through a catwalk magazine

What kind of clothes do you need? What do you wear most frequently?

I would look for good quality- merino knits, cashmere jumpers, wool mix skirts or trousers. Are you more nanny or governess - ie how much running/ bending/ paint and play doh do you do?

I'm in the same boat in that I need a whole new wardrobe...I've spent far to many years pregnant/ trying to lose pregnancy weight so that I could wear what I've got, I've finally realised I may never fit my old clothes so I've ended up with nothing to wear.

I've found Pinterest useful and you can collect a look book of styles you like there. Just found this on there but there's absolutely loads pin.it/6soim3vimldiyr

Remember the richer people you are around may look stylish but they probably have more time to spend on themselves and don't have to run around after their kids ( that's what you are there for I assume?). I've spent time around some very wealthy people & yes they may look good but sometimes they don't have what I would consider style that's much more to do with being comfortable with you own personal style.

Okay so stores to shop there’s so many! I would most definitely say Zara. I adore Zara as you can get great pieces that last a good amount of time, you could choose more classic pieces so theyll last longer and they can look expensive to. If I only had to shop in one high street store it would be Zara.

I’d also say whistles, Reiss, jigsaw and mint velvet, John Lewis is a good store. They’re more premium high street. You can get great pieces from H&M, M&S and next.

Baring in mind that you work with kids, you still want to be comfortable and be able to functional. Less is also sometimes more, and having staple pieces you can mix and match is good that will keep you going all year.

For travel a good pair of trousers with maybe a plain or nautical stripe long sleeve tshirt/ top, a good cardigan or jumper is good to always travel with. You could buy multiples so maybe trousers, tees and tops in different colours and that way you have variation. Navy is always good and can wear all year.

Presuming you have flexibility on what you can wear. The summer wardrobe could consist of some dresses, which are smart you could try shirt dresses and these look good with a loafer style shoe which you could wear with trousers also. Chino trousers with a loose fit shirt or t shirt and you could have a light blazer to wear with it if need be. Also you can get smart looking sneakers that you can wear with dresses or trousers.

Autumn / winter - darker trouser with shirt or tshirt, or light knit jumper and a trench coat. You could wear ankle boots. If you want more style you could add a belt.

Do you have someone’s style you admire that you could replicate? You can be stylish and functional and not look overdressed, and you can still look smart without having to spend a fortune. The ideas I’ve gave have a consistent style all year round and just tweak according to the season on fabric choice. It’s key to dress to what your comfortable wearing! I personally love smart and smart casual, anything too casual I feel uncomfortable.

If you’re in complete doubt it maybe worth having a consultation with a personal stylist who can help you more specifically.

Underwear is a good place to start. Properly fitted bras will make clothes hang better and make the most of your figure so get down to Rigby & Peller or Bravissimo and buy one black, one nude and some nice pants to go with

Uniqlo is very good for basics and knitwear.

Not Zara. All the stuff looks cheap, and is usually polyester. I would agree with Reiss, Jigsaw and maybe John Lewis own brand - all reasonably priced and good quality. They have Pure and Modern Rarity, which are good ranges with basics. I bought 2 pairs of Modern Rarity trousers, flattering cut and reasonably priced.

Have a look at Annushka Rees’ website Into Mind or her book The Curated Closet - I found this a really helpful and detailed approach to defining personal style and what works for you

MidlifeChic is doing a series on capsule wardrobes which is quite thoughtful, less prescriptive than a lot are.