Need clothing help!

[ChiefBabySniffer]

Hey all, first time I've really ventured on these boards. I've always been a comfort first , bit of a chunk..... but I've just become a grand mother, lost a bit of weight and I feel like my typical summer style is very dated. Previously it's all jersey neon prints from Asda/Tesco/primark. I feel totally ready to grow up a bit and change my style this year. I hope some of you lovely ladies can help me out.

So- I'm early 40s size 20 on the bottom and 20-22 on top (huge boobs). I've got shoulder blade length red hair. Kind of very confident, alternative and tattooed. I'm not fussed about that "clashing" with the sort of style im after as I'm pretty good at making my own vibe work with tweaks and the odd funky bit added on. I just have no idea where to shop for what im after. It's been a LONG time since I spent money in any shops other than what I mention.

I'm looking for a colour palate that I would say is kind of Greek/Santorini inspired. Fresh bright white and blue. So good quality, comfy, denim shorts in blue and possibly white. Not super short but not knee length. Like lace detailing possibly ? I love love love broderie anglaise shirts/tunics . I love white cotton fabric tops that are embroidered with blue/floral details. Also need to pack it out with decent quality vest tops (better than primark). I am a huge fan Birkenstock's . Jersey harem pants. Long summer dresses, love Boob tube style but also boho /gypsy style. A swim suit/bikini or two. Maybe a beach wrap and a cardigan.

I would prefer not to spend more than 250 -300 for a wardrobe that could be rotated/swapped over a week/ten days. I am happy with one or two "better" bits and mixing with cheaper but I lost my sense of style when I got pregnant 23 years ago. It was all about my kids after that.

Oh and I already have some white two strap Birkenstocks I got for a gift.

So does anybody have any suggestions?

Would you wear jumpsuits?

I would wear jump suits but not necessarily dungarees . It's got to have a defined waist otherwise it looks like my bibs and stomach just blend into one giant tellytubby belly.

When I was looking today I found some bits I like on eBay, in one of those "last. Season" our "catalogue return" shops. I've attached the photos. I've just got no idea how you make a cohesive look out of them all. I'm not one for fancy dining or any of that. I just don't want to look like a hobo.

This dress would fit your brief www.marksandspencer.com/pure-cotton-lace-trim-waisted-dress/p/clp60444097?color=WINTERWHITE#intid=prodColourId-60444097 as does this blouse/p/clp60505871 .Congratulations on becoming a gran

I think you've got a good grasp on what you want op. Are you looking for guidance on how to pull it into a capsule wardrobe?

Great dress goose!

@goose1964 that dress is GORGEOUS! Will be ordering out as soon as I get paid.

I think I'm looking for advice on where to buy from as I'm totally out of my depth. And also how to pair these Capsule items together. Are there rules? Certain fabrics that don't work?

Best place for best tops? That was well and don't distort after two years and washes.

I'm a size 20 on the bottom ,top heavy and am 5ft 5. What sort of shorts would be flattering?

I normally just twist my hair into a roll and put a crocodile clip in the back. Would I be better getting it cut short?

That should say best place for vest tops. And yes I do want to know how to pull it into a capsule wardrobe. I'm far from flush and can't afford to buy twice. I'm hoping that this will mean I can just buy a few new vest tops and one or two key items every year to update it a bit. So nothing that will obviously date.

Try Seasalt. Plenty of styles and patterns to choose from.

That M&S dress is lovely.

Just a quick update. I ordered some bits and bobs and they have arrived. I got a pair of denim shorts but hated the way the women's sat on me so on a whim I bought a men's pair and they are brilliant! So comfortable and with big pockets. I got the pieces listed above and will add pics other items I've got. Up to now my favourite, which I was really worried about hating, is the linen striped jump suit. It's BEAUTIFUL and makes me look pretty good too.

The hanky hem dress is also beautiful and hangs lovely. I also got a few plain white vest tops and royal blue vest tops. I'm going to get a pair of stone or khaki coloured shorts and a pair of indigo jeans and I think I'm done. I feel like a C prettier grown up, I even bought a hat 👒

That’s lovely - you sound amazing OP.

This os a lovely thread

You’ve picked some great stuff!

Love what you've chosen.

Anybody have any suggestions for what colour bag? And what sort of make up? I get my brows and lashes done once every 4-6 weeks.

Are you normally a make up wearer op? If not then I'd suggest a cream blusher (Max Factor miracle touch/small round pot), soft dewy foundation (Clinique CC cream), concealer (Estee lauder double wear with the pink serum at one end) and a lip tint (Clinique chubby sticks).

Thanks @BusterGonad I'm going to order all those.

Love your choices! I would go for a raffia handbag, something like these from Zara although a navy trim would work better than the black trim in the first one.
www.zara.com/uk/en/braided-tote-bag-p16785510.html?v1=78515287&v2=1719106

www.zara.com/uk/en/woven-metallic-tote-bag-p16115710.html?v1=105581819&v2=1719106

I love the style you've gone for.

Op please check out the reviews first as they might not be what you're looking for! I don't want to feel responsible if you don't like my choices! The chubby sticks come in normal (very sheer) and intense which are obviously brighter. They also do chubby eye sticks too (well they did a few years back) whixk are nice but they do go funny and loose and mess up in the lid after a while!