How to look trendy

[Samb79]

I’ve just turned 40. I thought I’d hate it but in fact I’m quite excited about finally being me and doing stuff I’ve always wanted to do!
However, I’m in a rut with clothes and have zero style. I buy cheap because I’m skint for the most part, and I buy generic really.

How do I begin to develop a style? Where do I look?

Is there a particular person or look you aspire to emulate

Not particularly no! Not helpful, I know!

What sort of shops do you like ? I know you haven't got much to spend but you could copy high end looks on the high street.
What do you like wearing ? Trousers , skirts ,
dresses ?
Could you ask friends what they think looks good on you. Good
Luck

Have a look on Pinterest, just type in capsule wardrobe and you'll find something you'll like.
I've got loads ( too many!) clothes and I'm skint too, so I have a look at the styles then try and replicate with stuff from eBay or supermarkets. You could call it a hobby

Hope that helps.

Following because I am in the same position

If you go with classic ‘trendy’ I would get:
A faux/ leather biker jacket
Dark blue skinny jeans
Distressed mom jeans
Teddy coat for winter
Converse or Vans
White shirt
Fitted t shirts
Black or navy blazer
Camisole tops
Pencil skirt
Ballet pumps
Fitted black dress

Jazz it up with interesting belts, scarves and jewellery

Pinterest is good for ideas.
Watch someone’s style you admire and copy their ideas on how to dress!

I am 54 and just went for a John Lewis personal shopper session. It was great come out with some lovely trendyish stuff (classic with a bit of trend). I did spend quite a bit but haven't spent money on clothes for ages and was buying the same old thing.

Charity shops are amazing for good quality pieces at a low price

lexiepuppy that list is just so 'every-woman' though. How can a wardrobe of clothing that next to every woman of a certain age owns, be in the slightest 'on trend'. Surely the very fact that you can list it suggests it is so mainstream to be frumpy, no?

I think a faux fur coat/jacket, either leopard print or just plain fur, always makes someone look quite trendy, regardless of what they are wearing with it.

@damnthatanxiety
Personally I dress from second hand / charity shops. That is my basis for my wardrobe, but I am 51 years old!

I used to wear vintage many years ago and was always an alternative dresser..... I just fade into the background now, except for my wild hair!

Without being snarky what would your advice be?

I

I'd have said that everything @lexiepuppy said nails the 'classic trendy' look.

Waiting with bated breath for some actual style advice from @damnthatanxiety now though...

Instagram helps!

I work in a secondary school so I keep an eye on what the sixth formers are wearing

I actually find the websites of certain retailers, like Topshop and Asos, quite useful too. Topshop has a blog etc.

I also thought @lexiepuppy list sounds like a great starting point and not frumpy at all! I might go shopping

Ballet pumps have been “out” since 2003
Mum jeans ✅
Boots with some sort of detail, I had almost pirate type ankle boots that I wore to death they were amazing .... just something that’s got a bit about them
Bodysuits providing yourself haven’t gotten a layer of flab I guess (I have) rolls don’t work with them

Magazines, Instagram, Pinterest, people in the street. What do you like the look of and what would suit your lifestyle.

I wouldn't aim for trendy - slug eyebrows are trendy but no one with any sense wants them! I'd get on Pinterest and look for things you actually like and that you consider would suit your figure and colouring.
Leather jackets are classic and always look good, do are worth the investment imo.
I still like my ballet flats Someone starting from scratch could do a lot worse than to buy classic base items.

I've just turned 40 and love Allsaints (via Ebay if you need it to be bargainous). Emma Willis always looks lush so maybe look to her for inspo?

I suggest you go to some high street shops aimed at younger adults. See what shapes they are selling. Leg shapes, high or low waists, blazer cuts etc. Don't let your age stop you going into shops aimed at younger people. Just be judicious with what you try. But do try stuff on. You would be surprised what looks good on all ages. It's about being honest with yourself about your body shape and what flatters you and see what current fashions would work. Often it is subtle things that make a look on trend or dated. The fullness or lack of fullness of trousers, jackets etc. The cut of jeans, necklines. Don't fall into the trap of doing what do many older women do. All that V-necks and wrap dresses and waterfall cardigans for over 40s, they just make you look ....old.

Unfortunately, biker jackets have become every over 40 year olds go-to jacket. So they are now a bit of an indicator of an older person following older people's fads.

Surely the very fact that you can list it suggests it is so mainstream to be frumpy, no?
No, because mainstream means what the majority of people wear, and frumpy means old fashioned and unflattering.

But usually things go mainstream when they have gone past fashionable and become passé

Thanks so much for advice and input. @lexiepuppy that list was a great help to have a starting point to go from, and have now had a little eBay splurge.

Looking on Pinterest for capsule wardrobes was also useful, as I’ve realised that I can use a lot more of what I’ve got and style it up a bit. I need a bit of a clear out I think and go from there.

I’m never going to look high end, but a bit more put together will be nice!

Damnthat - don't be ridiculous. Lots of people from 18 to 80 wear biker jackets and they can very easily pull a dress from dull to a bit more interesting. I also like them because they hide my boobs if I'm wearing a print, because otherwise I feel a bit too busty and obvious.