£100 JL voucher - what shall I buy to get me started on a new wardrobe?

[Poppysball]

I have had a stressful few months and look knackered. I have put on weight round the middle so my 'pear shape' has somewhat disappeared. I'm 5'3.

All my clothes are old tired looking and I have far too much grey and black. I look pale and haggard at the grand old age of 42.

My DH has kindly given me £100 in John Lewis vouchers to treat myself. I know this won't actually go far but I desperately need to feel better about myself so I'm wanting to get a few things if possible, maybe in the sale items.

I don't have a clue what to go for anymore and so would love some suggestions please. I work in an office which is smart casual but I don't really want to spend it on work clothes. I want some nice clothes that will make me look and feel good as a mum at home and on the odd night out. I literally have nothing that goes together and feel such a mess.

Please can anyone help? Thanks.

If I were you I would book a session with a personal stylist at JL . The6 are really good and there is no obligation to spend anything on the day. It’s a great confidence booster and they will come up with ideas you won’t have thought of .

Thanks SpeckledlyHen, unfortunately I'm not that close to JL so was hoping to order some things online.

I have heard a lot about Hush on this board and see that JL stock this brand. The clothes look lovely but not sure the style of clothes would suit my shape/height as the models look very tall/slim. Would I be right in thinking this?

Watching with interest as also just got a voucher for similar amount and not near a store.....

Look around for people your shape n size... Online or in real (we love gawking n coffee, otherwise known as people watching while we drink coffee).

I'd suggest a separate top n bottom and shoes, (that give height without snapping your ankle).

Given the right THREE items, you can mix n match as much as you like.

Avoid clingy stuff, but don't go all fluffy and baggy (both have the effect of making you appear bigger than you are and not in a taller way either!).

Go for a top, rather than a blouse, and avoid clashing colours, as you might not want to bring attention to yourself.

As for styles.... I ain't gok!

I was going to put mine towards a good handbag but couldn't see anything that wowed me and have bought a really nice leather bag in Next now so not sure what to get....

What about a summer dress OP?

Hush looks lovely in photos. In reality poor quality.

cuppycakey yes that's a nice idea. I have always fitted the shape & style of dresses from Warehouse & Oasis well but recently I haven't been as keen on their stuff. I feel like I'm at a strange age where I just don't know what brands to buy. Some feel too young and some too old! I really haven't a clue what to wear anymore.

Macblank I hadn't thought of looking at other people a similar shape and size to me. I will start doing that and try and make mental notes of things I like!

bonzo77 thanks for the feedback, I have to say it all seems quite pricey to me even for things like a basic t-shirt. Fed up of spending money on things that look awful after a couple of washes.

Is there any particular area you'd like to highlight? I would probably buy a nice knee length dress that you could dress up or down. Here's some ideas from the John Lewis website (all under £100).

What is your colouring Poppy ? Hair , eyes , skin ?
What colours are you naturally attracted to ?

Are you looking for dresses , tops , trousers skirts ?

IMO Hush is quite poor quality for the price point . I have tried a couple of shorter style dresses and the sizing is huge .

Have you tried Boden , Fatface or White Stuff ?

How’s your underwear? A decent bra will make everything fit better.

www.johnlewis.com/women/personal-style-edit

You could have a look at the personal style edit on JL website to get some ideas for your body shape/colouring.