Please recommend boring but essential things to "hack" your wardrobe

[wildery]

Sorry, I do hate the word "hack" but this is basically what I mean. So this spring, I discovered I could wear leggings under jeans and I was so much warmer. This was a revelation! I was wondering what other tips and tricks I'm missing. I feel like I only wear about a quarter of my clothes because they're just not practical/comfy enough, but now I'm wondering what I could do. Thermals? Insoles to make shoes more comfortable? What basics could I start amassing? Thanks in advance, new to these boards.

@tellmewhentheLangshiplandscoz, I do get mine in M&S, but I am quite tall and I don't mind if they look a bit oversized.

I also like Uniqlo for men's jumpers.

Try and get into the mindset of thinking about outfits, particularly when shopping, so you don’t end up with a lot of pieces that don’t actually go with other things.

If you look through your wardrobe thinking about outfits, you might spot that you’re missing some key pieces that would let you wear more of your clothes.

Machine wash black dye keeps black jeans and trousers looking smart

Fantastic thread. I love how so many posts are about keeping warm! It's the most frequent barrier for wearing different clothes for me. Will definitely invest in some alternative thermals.
I did come on to say vests under almost everything, and a scarf is nearly as good as a hat for keeping warm.

Bit of a relic from the 00s but I love my cashmere kidney warmer. If it shows it looks like another layer rather than thermals. It gives me enough heat without the bulk of a second jumper on a cold day.

I wish I'd never googled kidney warmer as now I really want one ! I had never heard of those before.

Mens pyjamas! Longer, better made, warmer and fewer kittens/unicorns.

Ooh I love this type of thing...

Try wearing your tops, dresses and knitwear back to front.

If you buy enough hand wash only clothes and wait until you have a whole (delicate machine) load, it’s no more of a faff. Helps clothes last longer too.

Tit tape or simply sticky fixers can plug a gaping bust in a shirt or blouse.

Wunderweb helps you easily shorten the length of a top.

Expander buttons on bras and trousers can give you some extra temporary room.

If a necklace is long enough, try it doubled up as a shorter, two row one.

Use butterflies even on drop earrings so they can’t fall out.

Try old fashioned starch spray for a really sharp collar.

Change the buttons on a cardigan or jacket to alter the look.

A detachable collar or ‘dickey’ gives a jumper a different look. Good for large busts as no bulk.

Haramaki belly warmers are amazing for keeping warm, especially in summer when so many tops float around your midriff and ride up up every time you stretch.

Bamboo socks are so warm and comfortable and get softer and more cushioning every time they are washed.

Yoga socks for when you don’t need full-on slippers, but bare feet or just socks aren’t warm enough.

Sheepskin insoles in all shoes/boots in winter are a godsend.

If you have small feet, trainers from the “youth” section go up to a 5, and are about half the price.

Wearing a vest in a size smaller than your actual size will give you a smooth line under clothes - I got this one from a pre-surgery trans-man and it really makes a big difference in minimising lumps and bumps!

Really boring, but a slip makes everything hang better, and while I know Mumsnet hates this, a lot of things do look much better after a good iron.

Bodysuits have been a revelation for me I may even get some thermal ones next winter. No more coming untucked or cold gaps and a little bit smoothing, even hold up my tights!

I'm now looking for some summer ones & maybe some underwear ones as well.

Id never hear of kidney warmers either, Im definitely getting one!

I don't have any really but the Call My Agent stylist said you should wear no more than 3 and probably 2 colours in order to look good.

I think that's a good rule of thumb.

Don’t buy new clothes that don’t go with at least two items you already own.

If you have small feet, trainers from the “youth” section go up to a 5, and are about half the price.

Next girls shoes go up to a 40. Nike kids shoes go up to a 40 as well and they have near constant sales and 20% off Codes.

A few if my favourites there @judystilldreamsofhorses sheepskin insoles and slips/underskirts. And I (reluctantly) agree on ironing.
Love this thread.

@thedevilinablackdress I hate ironing, but it really does make a difference!

Another couple from me:

If you have part of your body that is problematic to dress, invest in items for that bit. I'm a very hippy size 10 with a small waist, so finding trousers and jeans that fit well can be a challenge. I know that Cos, Whistles, and Levi's are good for me, and am happy to spend out on things that I know will fit nicely. I'd rather pay £90 for one lovely pair of trousers that will fit both my waist and bum, than three pairs from somewhere cheaper that don't look great and pull and gape.

And I can't believe I forgot this yesterday. If you like ankle length or cropped trousers, knee-high socks make them wearable all year round. I buy dark ones from the M&S school section, but also have coloured/patterned ones from places like John Lewis and Lucy and Yak.

Yes to these too Judy !! 😁

[quote NoSiree]@tellmewhentheLangshiplandscoz, I do get mine in M&S, but I am quite tall and I don't mind if they look a bit oversized.

I also like Uniqlo for men's jumpers.[/quote]
In fairness I ordered online as obviously couldn't try on. In future hopefully I can do that.

Felt great in my dress today with leggings underneath and two long sleeves tops Loads of compliments

The twist neckwarmers from Oubas knitwear are AMAZING as an extra neck layer on a chilly day! The cashmere ones are lovely, and the lambswool mix ones too, although they're a little bit thicker.

For warmer weather I like the Seasalt handybands, which also double as headbands/scrunchies/masks if needed.

These little things. They convert your bra to a racer back, invaluable for hiding straps.

@VodkaSlimline

Uniqlo Heat Tech thermal base layers are amazing. They come in lots of styles and colours - I wear them under everything!

I second this. Means you can go out in just the skin thin heat tech layer and a shirt or jacket and not feel cold. I am so sick of bulky winter layers with the changeable weather.

For this weather I wear a really thin linen tee under a shirt so if the long sleeves get too hot I can take the shirt ff, and then when the weather turns again the tee acts like a thermal layer.

When shopping, think in terms of outfits rather than just individual items.

Less can really be more. Get rid of everything you don't wear or doesn't feel good.

Those velvet hangers save quite a bit of space in the wardrobe.

Folding tops Kondo-style is also very space saving.

Bra extenders can be very useful and are cheap on eBay. (Or they were when I bought some.)

Don't iron anything (unless you really have to). Shop with ironing and laundry in mind and avoid buying clothes which will need more time to care for.

Don't limit yourself to 'trendy' (ugh) or age appropriate shops. I often find good t-shirts that have longer I. E more flattering, sleeves in shops that are aimed at a more mature audience. Tend to be better quality too.

Buy girls clothes from the boys section - especially joggers etc.

To be warm in winter you need insulated boots, gloves, hat, a neck warmer.

If you feel rubbush/ill/overweight whatever, make sure you wear a colour that suits you next to your face. This is why scarves are so handy. Makes you look instantly brighter.

Put bleach on stains.

Wear dresses in winter with a roll neck underneath. Looks kinda Boho.