My wardrobe tidy became a full on throw out

[hashbrownsandwich]

What started out as putting a few old socks and t-shirts into a bag became a full on throwing out session today and in all honesty I'm now a bit lost.

I had my 3rd baby just before lockdown 1 so I lived in leggings and baggy tops until I went back to work in the autumn. Luckily I'm back to my Pre-baby size and shape but unfortunately I just don't feel like the clothes I had before were 'me'.

But I don't know what my style is either.

I've never had any fashion sense. I've grown up in the country so always been practical clothes and minimal make up.

I made the mistake of doing a styled by susie analysis and they said I was a dork hourglass.

The trouble I have is I'm 5ft 10 with a long torso and I'm conscious of my tummy/hips. I'm size 12 top, 34E. A lot of tops are either too tight across the bust but fit the waist, or the opposite which make my waist look boxy but fit my chest.

I need a capsule wardrobe or at least some basics. Where the hell do I start? I'm willing to invest some money and time to research /get clued up.

Sorry if this is rambling!

Was that an on line analysis?

I envy you your clear out though! My wardrobe is bursting and I keep putting off a clear out.

Don't replace everything too quickly. Don't fall for the capsule wardrobe bullshit. That just makes you buy boring basics imo.

What do you need most right now? Find one you love and put the capsule wardrobe notion out of your head! One thing at a time, and only if you love it.

I don't know @Number3BigCupOfTea, a capsule wardrobe can be a good idea if you're starting from scratch, just as a core to build around, you can then personalise it more as you go along, but it's not a bad idea to get some great basics in place whilst you consider what you want and need from your clothes.

What's your general life-style in non-lockdown times @hashbrownsandwich? I think it's important to get things for the life you have, and make them the best they can be so that you take pleasure from wearing them rather than a 'this will do' approach.

It must be quite liberating to start all over again! I've tried something similar but didn't quite manage, mainly because I can't afford a lot of the stuff I like.

Maybe do a pinterest board of things you like, and soon you'll see a pattern emerging. Google some famous hourglass figures and see what cuts/shapes they suit to give you an idea. I wouldn't invest in a lot of expensive fabrics as you have lots of little ones - instead I'd go for cotton/linen stuff which tolerate frequent washing

Basics can be boring but they allow you to mix and match more "demanding "colours and patterns so I'd definitely get a good core selection of well-fitting t-shirts/tops/jeans/leggings etc

I think that's very true @ShrikeAttack I've had so much stuff from eras gone by in my life (I'm only 35 haha) that actually it just hit me yesterday that there was no 'me now' items.

I used to be 16 stone back when I was in my 20s. I'm now a healthy weight and size 12 but I looked at my wardrobe yesterday and realised I just bought shapeless items which I no longer need.

My work life if in healthcare so I wear uniform for clinic and I have trouser/shirt combo for my days on front desk. So I think that's covered.

Non-working days I spend lots of time cleaning the house and sorting various kids/animals etc so I think leggings/jeggings is a good place to start as I already have those. I need to focus on tops and outter wear. I'm going to look for a new coat right now.

What about those floaty sort of tops that fit over your shoulders then waft over the rest of you? I'm hourglass and thought they might make me look boxy, but I bought some on a whim after years of wearing fitted tops and surprisingly they suited me. I wear them with non-denim jeggings. Practical for everyday but feel dressy enough to cheer me up.

I want to be brave and have a big clear out. I'm terrible for hanging onto things just in case, then wearing things I don't feel happy in.

I recently did a capsule wardrobe to match a coat I never wear because nothing goes with it. It's a casual sort of coat in post box red. I picked the colours from the lining and bought clothes to match that. I got trainers two jumpers lilac and lime, sleeveless shirt and long sleeve shirt both white with details on, spaghetti straps A-line denim midi dress, long sleeve navy/mid blue plaid midi dress, brown jeggings, and something that looks like a cross between joggers and cargo pants in a sort of bright khaki green. Sounds hideous but it all works. None of it is smart (except the shirts could be dressed up I suppose) but it's not scruffy in the way jeans and a hoodie is either, it all complements each other in colour and style and matches the coat too. I feel quite pleased with my first attempt at a capsule wardrobe. I like knowing I have it to fall back on if the rest of my fashion experiments turn to shit 😆