Help re-style me after baby and lockdown wasteland!

[WonderWomansPants]

Hi all, just looking for some tips and advice on my style from those in the know! Thank you 🙏

I'm a 40 yo new mum. I've gained weight after baby and in lockdown without pools and gym etc, so currently training hard to get back to my old figure. Needless to say I have been feeling a bit rubbish, and not looking my best lately. Feeling like a bit of a "zhuush" up of my wardrobe and haircut will be well deserved in the summer!

I'm normally a tall size 12. I have long legs and biggish boobs but not much of a defined waist so not really hourglass. My waist is my least fave feature followed by my upper arms, but I'm trying to be body confident after having a baby!

Style-wise I'm currently rocking the tracksuit bottoms and post c-section leggings look, with a baggy jumper! In normal times I work in a casual creative setting so I'm nearly always casual apart from on nights out (not much of those lately).

I like things with a slight edge, and used to think I was fairly fashionable! I gave up skinny jeans a few years ago and nearly always wear straight leg TopShop Editor jeans, but as I've gone up a size they are looking a bit mumsy round the middle. Hopefully will be better once I'm back to size 12. My default favourite things to wear include lot of white sneakers, Vejas etc, vans and biker type boots, and leather or denim jacket. I would like to wear more long dresses. I started getting into those before pregnancy. Not sure if this is in style though, or where to find them.

I am usually on the cusp of Topshop / Zara and &OtherStories etc but feel that I'm in the middle. Not ready for Jaegar or M&S yet but too old for New Look?!

Anyway, overall I've lost track and have spent far too long in comfy clothes! I'm ready to go on a bit of a spree once shops are open. Any tips for key things I should get, key looks to try? Also, this might sound like a stupid question but where can I read up about what's in style now? Not to be a slave to fashion but just so I know and can pick and choose. Pinterest is rubbish as it just shows generic fashion images and when you search for size 12 it shows plus ++ size fashion. Are there any decent blogs, websites etc I can check out?

Please help me focus on what I need in my shopping spree, and where to shop! Thank you

I’m a similar age, a touch older and recognise what you are saying having been through it. I think the issue with fashion at the moment is that it’s centred around lockdown loungewear so it’s all a bit samey.
I used to live in a wardrobe of black and grey but I’ve realised that it doesn’t make me feel upbeat and happy and actually washes me out. Over the last two years I have started shifting my wardrobe to brights, almost neon in some cases (I am a cool winter)
I actually have a pair of orange dungarees out for delivery right now. (We will see if the dungarees look survives lockdown)
My recent discovery for clothes is Wolf and Badger which is actually a shopfront for small independent brands, and Lucy and Yak not just for my bold dungarees though, you might be interested in their Alexa trousers and their waist creating cut.
Otherwise I find Cos, Arket and Uniqlo best for age appropriate style that is forgiving of my figure (and wash well).

Thank you @Procrastatron that's very interesting! I'm a cool person too- possibly summer though (eg coral looks best on me, and muted or autumnal colours dreadful).

Yes lockdown fashion is fine but I'm looking to move on from that now! Hopefully there will be more inspiring looks out soon!

@Procrastatron just had a look at Lucy and Yak - loving those trousers!!

A browse through Instagram might help you get some new ideas. This article www.whowhatwear.co.uk/older-fashion-bloggers could give you a starting point - even if you don't anytihng they're wearing having a browse through who they follow and who they're tagged in pictures with with increase the circle!

Thanks @ClaudiaWankleman that's a good idea. I already follow a few on Instagram but I do need to refresh and maybe have a closer snoop around their follows as you suggest.