Help! How can I look a bit more up-to-date? What should I buy?

[MrsD28]

I am just coming out of five years of pregnancy, baby, slow post-pregnancy weight loss, then pregnancy and baby again! I have just realised that everything in my wardrobe aside from maternity wear, harems, leggings, nursing tops and some smart work clothes is at least five (and often more than ten) years old. I look as if I got dressed a decade ago

I would love to get a few key items that look a bit more "current" - I am not super trendy so not looking to be high fashion but I am thinking of things like more up-to-date styles of jeans, boots, dresses etc for casual and smart-casual wear. However I really don't know where to start - please help! What styles of jeans should I look at? Shoes? Dresses? Skirts? Tops?

If it helps, I am 38, 9st7, size 10 on top and 12 on the bottom. I have good arms, neck, shoulders and collar bones and a slim-ish waist but a large (and not very firm) bum and heavier thighs for my size. Fine, curly, can't-really-change-how-it-looks hair so the get-a-sharp-haircut option doesn't work for me, sadly.

Stylish women... please help!

I would buy....

A shirt....
A dress short,midi or maxi....interesting colour, pattern, style you like.
A thin belt
A jumpsuit
A casual pair trousers striped, check, plain etc, etc,
A skirt midi
A pair of slim leg , boot cut or slight flared jeans
A coatigan

Just go for what you like avoid overly fashion things like frou,frou dresses, puff sleeves, white trainers. etc Good luck ...

I’m a similar shape to you...I would go for:

Chunky ankle boots - Chelsea or lace up Dr Marten or similar (H&M good for budget versions)

A classic pair of trainers - Veja do nice simple ones

Jeans in black and blue - would suggest trying New Look Tori Mom style or straight leg jeans (Topshop are good)

A couple of basic t shirts (Arket, Cos, H&M, Topshop) to tuck into jeans, a front tuck is flattering

A couple of sweatshirts to tuck into jeans

Slim leg black trousers for work, a couple of blouses to tuck into them

Block heeled black ankle boots

Midi dress - can be worn with flat chunky boots or ankle boots

A couple of chunky jumpers or cardigans to layer over t shirts

Also a few nice pieces of jewellery and a couple of good handbags. A small cross body for your bits if with the kids, or a decent leather tote for work)

Hope you find some things you like - I find some of the Instagrammers who focus on capsule wardrobes really helpful for inspiration!

So basically the things that have changed are:

• skirt lengths have gone way down - to midi most notably, but even shorter skirts are now past the knee not on the knee
• the core silhouette has moved UP from the skinny jean and loose, long top to the straight leg or barrel jean with a shorter, tighter top.
• boots are ankle - long boots are out (prolly because skinnies are out)
• suit jackets are long long, past the bum and mannish 80s cuts

-- cocoon shapes are in, with long coats cocooning down to that mid calf length, lot of camel happening

You can of course still wear any of these things but if you put skinny jeans with knee boots and a loose long top, all together? It's a classic look but it's also a dated look now (which I mourn a bit cause I liked it).