I've just thrown out most of my clothes - please help me not be naked.

[OhYouBadBadKitten]

After reading a thread in AIBU about people looking polished, I've snapped. I'm fed up of looking like a scruff bag. I've evaluated my wardrobe. All my every day clothes are ill fitting, old and very very sad.

Almost everything is in ragbags now. I'm starting again. Down to my shoes.

My usual style is jeans, plain t shirts and hoodies with sketchers or converse. Im still dressing as though Im a student despite having left that behind 20 something g years ago. I'm 5' 5" skinny, but top heavy. I need stuff that is comfortable, practical (for things like cycling into the shops) but looks nice.

I've no idea where to start without replicating my usual style, My total nemesis is shoes. I like leggings for instance but have no idea what shoes to put with them.

I need serious intervention for anyone who is willing. I'm going to make a start shopping on Sunday.

Check out Instagram for ideas. Stealmystyle40, mothersofdaughters, fashionmumof40, thefashionablepan are some places to start. Their looks might inspire you, they're generally high street and affordable, and they link to the products online too. Good luck and have fun!

Bad kitten! Haven't seen you for ages! What's the weather going to be like?

Good look in the clothing hunt

managedmis looking much better next week :) I have trouble balancing everything in life at the moment, so less time for forecasting.

Hadn't even occurred to me to check Insta! I'll have a look. I did have a moment when I saw my wardrobe today, but the reality is I wasn't wearing most of it anyway.

I've not worked out whether it is worth me travelling up to Westfields (shepherd's bush) I've not been before, but none of our town centres here are any good for things like shoes.

Thank you for the PMT link Fleur.

Oh, I meant the dm lace up shoes (I like the boots too). In warmer weather for casual wear skater shoes, kind of similar to trainers, or sandals?

I wear kind of smarter casual stuff, iyswim, mixing up say a blazer with jeans with a raw hem, tee and trainers or smarter trousers with biker jacket etc.

I think I could wear that look, it's not far off from what I wear in terms of practicality. Just need to wean myself off my hoodies.

Here are some outfit ideas from Fat Face

Fat face

More from Fat Face

Sorry having problems with photos

I think jackets are really important & often overlooked, most of the time I have to wear some kind of jacket due to the weather. I have a lot, different lengths, fits, colours etc what works with a dress, doesn’t necessarily work with a playsuit or skirt.

I absolutely love fat Face, but struggle with their sizing but maybe there are similar shops out there?

We used to live a stop away from Westfield Shepherds Bush and I absolutely loved it... and I’m not a shopping centre/shopping kind of person. If you go when it’s quiet it’s quite relaxing (disclaimer - haven’t been for three or four years so may have changed), v handy to have lots of shops under cover in one place, and good for lunch options if you make a day of it!

I would look at Toast, whistles, Jaeger, Jigsaw, Reiss, Hobbs, Barbour, Joules. If you pick well (sales and reduced) you can get good bargains on much better quality.

Sainsbury’s TU is good for staples, especially if you buy when they’re doing their 25% off.

M&S has some gems in amongst all the rest. I buy a lot of my jeans, jeggings and leggings there. They also do good shoes and sandals that aren’t too pricey - I usually buy when they’re doing their 20% off. There’s a great range of chunky brogues/loafers I’ve got my eye on which I think might suit your general style.

Also Hush. Not for everyone, and quality can be questionable for the price. Again I always wait til sales or %off to buy. But I think for comfortable casual clothes they can be quite good.

Sounds like a plan then. Thanks :) I'll head there on Sunday - my only free time over the next few weeks.

I was thinking about sorting out: jeans, t shirts, shoes and dresses for leggings as a priority, with a jacket and some sort of cardis as the next one?

I like the look of hush but think it's overpriced so I recreate the look from other places

Maybe I should have waited til sales before having a crisis!

Is uniqlo still good for t shirts? I get my jeans from there when I get the chance.

I'll make a list of shops to try and download a plan of the centre so I can work out where I'm going.

For smart/casual footwear my go-to is Timberland. Similar to DM but a little less chunky (just my preference and goes better with my general style). Expensive but they last well and again, I never buy at full price.

You also need a good quality leather bag that goes with everything!

I like the look of the Timberland boat shoes. It looks like they would go with anything day timeish?

My budget is looking challenged

Heh yes, you may need to up it a little. But like you said, it’s been a long time coming.

Once you have a small wardrobe sorted, you can then add one or two pieces every month or so, which is a little kinder on the budget and also means you can plan your purchases more carefully.

Swap your boots for Stan Smith white trainers in the spring and summer. I live in mine.

I also wear these trainers with skirts and dresses - it looks polished but casual, and is really comfy. I just bought an amazing summer skirt in H and M - navy, midi, huge pockets, cotton, and full skirt. Will look amazing with a t shirt and trainers. And is as comfy as leggings.

Add a nice long-line t-shirt and a short sweatshirt over your leggings.

Just buy the trainers, a couple of nice sweatshirts, good quality t-shirts and one pair of either jeans or comfy capri trousers this weekend. I have navy capri trousers from Zara with a red and white stripe down the side - so comfy, and everyone from college students to co-workers has loved them.

Then as time goes on find out what suits you and what is comfy to wear. I did this 4 years ago on the back of a Marie Kondo clearcut and I lived in 2 pairs of jeans, 2 pairs of leggings for 6 months. I had 4 jumpers / sweatshirts, one pair of ankle boots, 1 black pair of trainers and one white.

As time goes on you will get a bit more adventurous.