capsule wardrobe for the older woman !

[doughnuts]

I'm 48, 5ft 5,broad shoulders,curvy but not fat,slim hips and bot - ie. 14 on top 12 on bottom - I work from home so don't need workwear, but would like to construct a capsule wardrobe to see me through autumn/winter. Bear in mind that I have very limited funds at present but would like to buy good quality things which will last and not go manky in the wash. I am not one for patterns and like navy,blues,greens,pinks and white - I would like to look chic but not dressed up -so relaxed but a bit smarter than I am now. Think French ladies !! Can anyone help me with some ideas - I'd be soooo grateful. By the way, I have short hair - just cut from a bob, so am feeling a bit insecure until I get used to it. Don't like too much jewellery or accessories but love bangles and always wear them. Also sometimes wear glasses which are v nice Lulu Guinness ones - so feel quie groovy in them. Don't want to sink into middle aged frumpishness - help !

[Carnoodleusfudge]

Ah but you can add colour and pattern with a brightly coloured scarf or similiar accessory couldn't you...

[MrsBadger]

Get your colours done

I have Pattern fear too and tis nowt to be ashamed of, but cowering in dull colours that don;t suit you is. Ask for it for a birthday present or soemthing.
ALso means all items in the capsule wardrobe will go with each other thus multiplying outfit combinations...

[bundle]

i think patterns can work really well if quite funky in say an a-line skirt, teamed with trainers or pumps

[Idreamofdaleks]

doughnuts I think you can do pattern and colour in lots of different ways, it doesn't have to be loud and look at me!

I think accessories are pretty important to the chic look too, as is general grooming...scarves and necklaces are really useful to get the look you want

[doughnuts]

I tend to try to accessorize to bring colour/pattern but still find it hard - I'm funny about necklaces for some reason - love them on others but can't get on with them myself ! Scarves I like a lot.

[aloha]

And that is why you need a personal shopper! Extend that comfort zone!

[doughnuts]

you've convinced me aloha !

[Hideehi]

Debenham's personal shopper dressed me like my grandmother (i'm 31) and stupidly i bought most of it and gave it to a charity shop, some of the jumpers will do for work this year but I should never have been at college looking like a blooming granny (and I did tell them that's what I want the clothes for).

I don't think i would use the service again.

[Tutter]

just picked up one thing from your op - the fact you are bigger on top than on bottom

i too have narrow hips and thighs, and smallish arruss, but wide waist. i avoid bright colours or white on top plus dark colours on bottom, as this accentuates top-wieyness

if poss go for darker tops with lighter bottoms - e.g. chocolate top with beige trews

[Pannacotta]

Agree with all the good advice and following on from some other posts how about getting a patterned skirt in colours which will go with the tops you buy and already have. Do think pattern can really enliven a look.
I too used to buy plains only but I think they can be a bit boring/aging, gentle pattern is more youthful/fresh but not in a muttony way.
Good luck with the personal shopper and work too. Def think its worth buying some nice clothes, its a way of showing you believe in yourself which I am sure somehow encourages good karma and therefore more work...

[doughnuts]

thank you tutter and pannacotta - yes I do think that if I feel I look good then I have more confidence and more of a positive outlook which will draw work to me - or at least make me feel more confident about my work...makes sense really.

[nappyaddict]

i think every woman needs

a nice black dress
a suit
a pair of good fitting jeans
a pair of stilettos
a pair of good boots (knee high are best imo)

how do you feel about polo kneck jumpers? i think they can look very classic but some people don't feel comfortable in them.

[nappyaddict]

oh and i second a trip to john lewis or selfridges for that personal shopper.

[doughnuts]

don't like things around my neck at all !

[bundle]

i have some funky coursage things (which I've crocheted ) that look good on jacket/cardi if you don't like necklaces they might work

[MrsBadger]

(nappyaddict, poloneck jumpers are an absolute nooooooo for the top-heavy. Or anyone with norks at all, in fact)

[nappyaddict]

sorry i only read the title!

[Mog]

I've visited a personal shopper at Debenhams three times now and I think they're brilliant. Because they co-ordinate your wardrobe, it is cheaper in the long run. I now never impulse buy as I know exactly what colours and style suit me and I save up and try and visit the shopper in winter and summer. I always hated shopping and now it's sitting down with a coffee, almost everything they bring suits and I'm in and out with a whole wardrobe in under 1.5 hours.
If you feel a bit unsure at first (I did) go in with a definite event in mind. I asked for an outfit for a christening and got everything (shoes,dress,necklace,cardi,jacket) in under an hour. Would have taken me days on my own, she dressed me in colours I never would have tried on my own and got loads of compliments at the christening (that never usually happens).
I think Debenhams is good because most of their clothes are affordable.

[doughnuts]

there's a Debenhams nr me, so will try that - thanks all !