Getting a brand new wardrobe!!! Help please?

[needsome]

Ok so this isn't a stealth boast, it's a huge deal to me and I feel extremely lucky to get to do this.
Last few years have been spend having DCs and finding our feet.
It has taken a toll on my body and I just recently got it to a place I'm ok with. My clothes are all a bit frumpy, unflattering and old/cheapies to tie me over.

So we have a significant date coming up and lovely DP has just announced that as a gift for me he has carved out a child free day for us on Wednesday and is taking me to a huge shopping centre where I can basically go wild and get a brand new wardrobe

Today I'm sorting out through my current wardrobe and getting rid of 90% of it.
I want it to be a fresh start. It's been a long time since I felt like myself in an outfit.

But I'm not sure where to start.
I think I'd like to make up a bit of a capsule wardrobe rather than full blown fancy clothes/go wild on all sorts of random stuff. I want some very good "basic" pieces that I can wear all the time and that keep and wash well and a few "nicer" pieces I could wear at weekends/days out.
I'd like most things to go together.
Also shoes! And maybe a nice bag.

I'm lateish 20s and usually about a size 12 but fluctuating between 10-14 depending on the shop.

Can you lovely fashionable vipers point me in the right direction?
Any pics/links or suggestions of pieces I should look for would be very appreciated!

My advice is to go to a department store that has lots of different brands and have a personal shopping session. You need to book ahead. John Lewis is really good at this sort of stuff.

How exciting! I'm early 30s and have just had DC2 and am also feeling in need of a total overhaul but money is tight and ideally I'd like to lose some weight!

I would get some really good basics that will mix and match with lots of outfits... nice dark wash jeans, a blazer, good quality t-shirts, a couple of blouses, boots and handbag. Personally I like Uniqlo and GAP for basics like jeans/t-shirts and agree about having a look in a department store and getting a personal shopping appointment for some ideas.

Did you see the live personal shopping thread which was on here a couple of days ago? A lady went to John Lewis & Debenhams (?) for their personal shopping service. They did pick out a couple of nice bits for her but completely ignored her shape & own sense of style.

I’m working on my capsule wardrobe at the moment. I had my colours done recently (v pregnant but I’m a pear pre-baby) which has really helped me hone in on what I want in my wardrobe.

My aim is to have 4 seasonal capsule wardrobes.

My plan of action is:

1. Throw out anything which doesn’t suit my shape
2. Throw out anything that doesn’t suit my colouring UNLESS I love it regardless (can always make it work with accessories)
3. Put my remaining clothes in my Stylebook app so I can see what looks I can create with what’s left & see where the gaps are. Aim for clothes which can be worn 3 different ways or can be worn in different seasons by layering, wearing boots instead of sandals etc.
4. Buy what’s missing

By doing the above I’ve seen that I love a particular style of dress (flowy, long sleeve, belt) so I have built up a bit of a collection! I want 3/4 trousers/jeans & 5 jumpers which all fit in my colour palette so they all mix & match easily. Then 2 pairs of boots (one black, one tan) which go with both my jeans & my dresses. A faux leather jacket with some fun scarves. A few belts to wear with jeans/dresses. A couple of crossbody bags (works best with young DC for me).

Thank you for all the suggestions, I have never had my colouring done.
Probably too late to book in a personal shop as we can't do it another day.

I've attached a few pics of outfits I really like. I like a bit of smart casual (I think that's what it's called) but also love a ripped jeans and chunky jumper look.

And also I'm very aware I'm not a size 6 like the ladies in the picks so hoping to try lots of things on.
Any shops I should definitely look in?

Another

I just went to post almost exactly this, but the site wouldn't let me for some reason, so I'm going to follow yours instead as we seem to have the same idea of style and are almost the same size, so thank you!

A day is not long to completely renew your wardrobe. I agree that a personal shopper experience is a good idea but if they are all booked up just go to one of the High street places and ask for help. I'd suggest Jigsaw or Hobbs.

Firstly, don’t feel under pressure to buy buy buy on Wednesday. Online shopping is also an option. Take your time to look for quality stuff rather than feeling you’ve only got this one day to get a whole new wardrobe.

For actual shopping and for the kind of look you’re going for, I’d go to Gap or Levi for two good quality pairs of jeans (and some good cotton basics from Gap) and H&M have some decent 100% cotton shirts in at the moment. Zara have a couple of nice faux leather biker jackets in now too. Office have some animal print flat shoes in currently, similar to the bottom picture you’ve posted.

I won't be pressuring myself to buy loads but we're going to a great shopping centre and will literally have the whole day!

So I do hope I can get a decent amount of stuff especially since I rarely get a chance to browse and try on without lugging a child around or online shopping and faffing about with returns.

I’ve bought some lovely oversized jumpers from Topshop before

I would get good staples as a priority eg well fitted white and black t-shirts, selection of jeans, jumpers, black coat.

Hopping on this and watching with interest.

I’d go to TooShop for jeans - their Jamie skinny jeans would be perfect.

Top Shop

Start with jeans; we wear them all the time. Try on all the styles in your size to assess which fit flatters. Then buy three pairs: one in black, one in unwashed indigo (which will fade with time and washing) and a prewashed pair for casual. The black and indigo will cover smart and smart casual.

Look at Uniqlo for cheap tops. And simple jumpers.

Think about proportion. If you prefer skinny jeans, tops should be looser and more relaxed, but this is not the current look, which is fitted tops and flowing below the waist.

Stick to a colour palette that makes you look alive and vital. A joyous colour that works with your best neutrals is likely to give the most mileage. I like coral pink, navy, grey and white this summer.

Get a beautiful cashmere jumper which will look classy with any skinny jeans and will be a long term investment

Thank you just trying to get a little list together.

Does anyone have any pictures or links to any specific pieces I could look out for in the shops?