I've spent a year in shorts and thongs.. what do I need for winter in the UK

[robinpud]

I'm coming back in 36 days time . I need to update my winter wardrobe, not having bought anything for 2 winters.
What key pieces?
What colours- is grey still in
I do not want to look like my 11 year old dd.
I need smart casual- shops I like are white stuff, principles, jigsaw,
size 10 top and 12 bottom.

HELP!

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I would say you need a lot

What are you coming back for at this time of the year though? Wait till summer (such as it is)

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Thongs are flip flops here.. although when dd yelled at dh to hit a cockroach with her thong his face was a picture!

Seriously
do I have to wear jeans tucked into boots
what shape trousers...

Back for ever- this was only ever a sojurn in the sun whilst dh did the work!

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tbh I'd just get a good wool coat in a current shape or colour as you won't wear anything else nearly as much

people will say oh you must wear skinny jeans / mary janes / patent etc

but in reality most of us are wearing stuff that's at least two winters old

I'd love to stay but it isn't a choice. Back at work on January 5th

so what is current shape then Mrs B?

either trapeze/swing and double breaseted (avoid if large norks), or high-buttoned and belted

or get a reliable shape in a fabulous colour - purple very hot

Jigsaw has a great collection this year. As does Joseph. Buy:

4 slim fit polo necks (plain, stripes, etc)
4 pairs trousers (military, slim fit)
2 sweater dresses (one over boots and tights, one over trousers)
A tunic top or two to wear over polo necks
A couple of tunic shirts with scoop neck thin sweater
2 pairs of boots, one black leather, one brown leather or suede
4 pairs Wolford black satin opaque tights
6 pairs Gallo socks
Pair ballerina flats in gold (LK Bennett)
Large gold leather bag

Yes, and a coat and a mac.

anna - you are scary, girl!

you need a hat like mine

@ anna

You need these

You will be freezing the first few months weeks days until you acclimatise.

Hotwater bottles.

I'm just off to put mine in the bed, and I'm fully acclimatised!

Gold Ballerina Flats??? Gold bag??? Am I completely out of date or has someone got really strange taste?

I'd save the shopping till you get back as the sales will be about to start

Just re-read op. I don't think I've bought anything the past two winters and as long as I've got my cashmere Windsmoor ankle length winter coat on, no one can tell whether I'm up to date or not.
Ha ha imagine your husbands delight if you went about in a big coat, boots,.... and thong for a while!!!

Ok- anna has very authoratitive approach..the Trinny of the moment. Thanks everyone so far.

So if slim fitting trousers are worn- ballet shoes absolutely no good on wet days, which shoes with straight trousers?

doesn't look like I'll be flaunting the tan much.. the thermals look lovely!

robinpud - if you buy slim fit trousers and military style boots you can tuck them in. Very warm and smart. Ballerina flats are more for when you get home and take your boots off.

Colours are very muted this year so gold accessories look fantastic. There are loads around.

Thin stripes are in, and look great on knits - polo necks, scarves etc. Otherwise for accessories (hat, gloves, scarf) go for cream wool - maybe with a hint of gold - especially if you have a dark/muted coat or mac.

Anna you sound very French sometimes!

Like the sound of the cream and gold accessories, although as someone with "winter" colouring, I'm not supposed to wear gold.

Actually think I will look into the polos. I need some new jumpers.

SSSandy2 - yes, years in Paris have taught me how to put a wardrobe together for all seasons .

I even took my father-out-of-law shopping in Brussels last weekend and told him what to get - which shirts, ties, winter coat etc. And I dress my stepsons - their mother, strangely, doesn't care.

Robinpud, I know how you feel. I've been in Paris for a week, after being in W Africa and I seriously underestimated what 'cold' is like! I was forced to go buy a lovely new jacket.

Anna, I think the women here are so stylish, inc those of my...ahem...more mature years. Fashion is so much more wearable than in the UK, imo. I had my hair cut this week and it is fabulous and makes me feel a million dollars as well as slicing about 10yrs off my age. 20yo dd had hers cut too and was amazed that there was not a pair of straighteners in sight, lol!

Also, I'm beginning to think that the woman who wrote that book 'Why French Women Don't get Fat' is right - I could count the number of overweight people I've seen on one hand. I reckon there's also room for books on 'Why French Children Don't have Tantrums' and 'Why French Dogs Don't Bark' hehehe! (Wish they didn't poo on the pavement quite so much, tho.)

I'd bring some Uggs back with you - everyone is wearing them where I live (despite them being deeply unfashionable blah blah blah). People just seem to want to keep out the cold and anything else goes.

A constant seems to be straight or skinny jeans, boots over the top. Lots of lovely knitwear around.

I agree, Jigsaw is good. (but what do I know, I'm in hugely unflattering maternity wear atm ).