Ideas for a simple wardrobe of outfits - going shopping tomorrow!

[Littlemiss74]

I have too many clothes & yet nothing to wear. I’ve always been terrible for sale ‘bargains’ & impulse buys but without thinking what the item will go with. I have a wardrobe full of random items that don’t go together.

I’m 46 work f/t, 2 dc’s, & perimenopausal so struggling a bit with my body changing & feeling too tired to deal with mountains of clothes.

I would like to start again & have less clothes but more that work together. I want to look modern but not like a teenager. I’m 5’3” and size 12.

I’m going shopping tomorrow. Could anyone suggest some ideas for some staple items i could buy and where from? There aren’t loads of shops where I’m going but think there is a Zara, Mango, house of fraser, new look, tkmaxx, oliver bonas, next & a few others.

I’d like clothes for casualwear when at home or wfh & a few smart casual for when I need to go to office.
I don’t go out much but I’d like one outfit for an evening out & one outfit for a day out/lunch with friends/family. This should do to start with!

Really would appreciate any suggestions or maybe some instagram pages I could follow for ideas of how to put things together as this is what I struggle with.

You sound like you need a capsule wardrobe to start with. So one pair trousers, a skirt, a dress, two tops, a shirt, a jumper and a cardigan. Everything has to match everything else and be more classic than trendy, so t doesn't date quickly. If you've got loads of things you could even shop your own wardrobe first and then see what's missing ready for your shopping trip tomorrow. Once you've got your capsule you add in anything else that works with it and you like, such as more dressier pieces for special events or a couple of more fashionable items that you get rid of when they've dated, or you're bored of them, and replace with something more upto date.

Hummingbird that's a good idea. Shop your wardrobe doesn't really work for me somehow.

I have this dream of the perfect pair of fashionable cut yet comfortable pants that look both smart yet edgy. The reality is for me as an apple Shap I can get stretch casual pants easily but nothing smart or evening

Thanks @Hummingbird1950 to be honest I haven’t got anything really nice in my wardrobe, it’s all cheap stuff I’ve had for ages and has seen better days. I really do think I need to start again from scratch with some basic items that I can mix and match.

I don’t have lots of money for clothes which is why I’ve always gone for cheap but lots of it.

What sort of things will not date quickly? If I set myself up today with some ‘basics’ for example from Zara, how long will these last before they become ‘out of fashion’? I think that’s what I’m struggling with as I can’t afford to replace my whole wardrobe each year when styles change.

Maybe start with 2 pairs of jeans: light for day and darker for evening
A silky top to wear with jeans to go to a pub/casual restaurant
A long sleeved top for day
A lightweight jumper
A midi dress that can be worn with trainers or boots

M&S is quite reliable for jeans
Next might have a couple of dresses
House of Fraser might have Mint Velvet, for a 'going out' top

If it was me I’d start off with something like:
2 pairs of jeans - light and dark or smart and more casual
2 good jumpers - chunky/warm and finer knit
1 smarter pair of trousers - suitable for work or dressing up a bit
2 nice tops/blouses/silky tops that will go with the jeans for dressing up a bit at the weekend and also with the work trousers

See if you can make sure it all goes together as much as possible.

Definitely recommend writing a list and being strict with yourself - e.g you need X outfit or Y item - and don’t buy it unless you’re 100% that it fits the bill and gets worn. I used to buy too much stuff and then not wear it all/not wear it enough and the way I manage now is by setting myself a much stricter brief. If you can’t get everything in one shopping trip then don’t get stuff that will just about do as you’ll not get the wear out of it. I’ve bought stuff that was just ok in the past and then regretted it - now I try and wait til I get the perfect item (fits well, well made, works with other items I already have etc).

Thank you so much @RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie and @Salanda this is really helpful. What style of jeans should I go for do you think for day & evening. I’ve worn skinny for years but I can see there are many more styles now just not sure if I have the confidence to wear them or what style of tops go with which jeans..

I’m here now so am going to take your advice @Salanda and only buy something if it ticks all the boxes - hopefully I won’t go home with nothing as has often happened before😩

I've done this and come out the other side. Sorry this is so long.

Don't forget footwear and coats so important at this time especially and something that I never prioritised as so expensive. My favourite item is a denim jacket.

I would get (for A/W)

• 1x jeans
• 1x skirt
• 1x smartish trouser
• 1x midi dress (long sleeved)
• 1x blouse or top
• 3 x t shirts (short or long sleeved)
• 1 x fine knit wool jumper
• 1x joggers
• 1x lounge wear top
• new bras /pants
• 1x shoes or boots
• 1 x coat
• new bag

See what you have first and what you love to wear. I appreciate this list is long (expensive) so maybe just get a pick a few to form outfits.

I think that clothes don't really last more than 3-5 years as either look dated/ worn and faded/ don't fit dies to body shape changes. I know this as when I gained weight I kept my slim clothes and then when i lost it 4 years later none of it looked right. The waistlines were to low or hemlines to long/short. I did post about this before and one poster explained that even classic items eg Burberry trench would have subtle updates each year.

I aim for stylish and put together rather than fashionable. I love skirts and tucked in tops, high waists and ankle skimming cuts as I have a long body and short legs and am size 16 (plus a holiday podge)

Fwiw I still shop selectively from cheaper places. I get decent mid price branded coats/bags/ boots (from m and s / converse/ Nike/ rab)

Also I have the "will I wear it 30 times" rule and don't buy sale items as rule as often it was just an impulsive whim!

Is there somewhere you can go and try on a few different styles of jeans all in one go? Then you can compare and see what suits you best - I like straight, tapered, barrel leg jeans but I’m a different height and size so I’m probably not the best to advise! But at the moment like you say there’s loads of options so if you can try a few on and see what works. In general I’d maybe think of something that’ll be good for walks in the park/hanging out with the family/casual and then a smarter pair you could dress up a bit for lunch out/smart casual at work etc.
Pinterest and Instagram are also good for inspiration - eg if you try on a pair of jeans in a new style and not sure how they’ll work with footwear/tops etc if you google the shape then you’ll get some ideas.
Have fun! Let us know how you get on?

Op I'm also 46, peri, 5'3 and a size 12 so I'm going to guess your figure issues are similar to mine - loss of waist, bigger boobs than previously, and more matronly than petite these days... If that's you ( it is me!) I'd stay well clear of all the trendy jeans styles like mom or balloon leg, they looked terrible on me, and invest in a decent pair of straight leg jeans that are neither skinny or baggy, just regular, can be folded up or worn down, with a reasonably high waist to cover muffin top. I bought levis. They've been a revelation. Spend time on the perfect pair of jeans for you, ignoring what's on trend, as a base, and then the tops and shoes will follow and be easier to choose.

John Lewis do free personal shopping sessions. You're under no obligation to buy, but will probably want to. It's a good way to try things you might not normally try and find what suits your current style and body shape.

Done great ideas and suggestions above- I am watching with interest.

Also I would say try the JL thing - my neighbour did this and said when she saw the selection she thought OMG as there was nothing she would normally have gone for in there but when she tried on there were some styles/outfits that really suited her

There's an Australian instagrammer tash Sefton who does good videos on capsule wardrobe. She has a 15 piece smart casual video for instance. Ignore that she's very tall and slim, I'm not her shape either but find her ideas really useful
www.instagram.com/tv/CD5mqBIF3pB/?utm_medium=copy_link

It's incredibly helpful to pick a colour palette of one neutral and 2 tonal colours and stick with that... then everything you buy will work together. My faves are navy with navy blue and camel.

Quick update, I’ve stopped for a coffee! It’s going very badly, I haven’t got anything yet😞
So far been to Zara, tried a few things on but I’m clearly not the right height or shape for their clothes! Also I just found alot of it too fancy, I need simple and comfortable (but still on trend.. is that even possible). Tried one top on and got it stuck it was so tight😂 The only thing I liked was a plain white tshirt and then the queue was so long I couldn’t face waiting. The store is not that big so I don’t think the selection was that wide, not like others I’ve been in before.

Then tried Mango, nothing appealed in there and much of it was summer sale stuff.

Wandered round and found that actually lots of the shops aren’t here anymore, New Look, Fatface, French Connection all gone!

Am now having coffee in House of Fraser so will have a look in here after but not holding out much hope. Is it just me or do lots of the shops look like jumble sales with sale stuff just randomly everywhere..it puts me off

Anyway here are some the shops left; House of Fraser, M&S, Next, TKmaxx, primark, Oliver Bonas - I’m not very hopeful for any of these.

Aaggh why is it so hard just to get a few nice clothes. Feeling fed up now.

Don't be led by what's in the shops. Think really hard before you go about items of clothing that make you happy to wear.

Try to remember how you last felt trying to find an special outfit to go out in. What was wrong with the items in your wardrobe? Too tight, no cold and no cardigan to wear over it, needs ironing, uncomfortable, too worn, wrong colour? Then think about what the perfect outfit would have looked like and buy it today.

Shop for whole outfits that go together. Get a well fitted bra and smoothing knickers for foundation wear.

Work out your style, what you love, not what you think looks good on others.

I am same the age as you and really suit a funky relaxed style. I have a pared down wardrobe with really flattering jeans, joggers and dungarees with a complementary selection of good quality white t shirts and sweatshirts. For smart I have black jegging trousers and knitwear.

My primary driver is comfort and style. Find out what motivates you!

Oh & i’ve realised I can’t wear jeans without some stretch in them, just too uncomfortable & restricting otherwise.

Thank you @MrsBobDylan. Where do you shop please? I just feel stuck. I’m not young but I’m not old. My body has changed. I’ve lost confidence and put on a few pounds over lockdown. I just wanted to get a few nice bits today to start with but I can’t find anything I like or if I do it doesn’t fit/suit me.

Also knitwear is a problem a I get hot easily and also have sensitive skin so alot of knitwear makes me itch like crazy. I can tell just by looking at it. It’s a shame as Zara had some lovely knitwear but I just know it would make me hot & irritated - does anyone else have this problem and what do you do?

Willing you on think it is true about certain styles lasting only a few years...have held on to most of my clothes due to shifting weight/putting it back (illness related) and find it doesn’t really work anymore. Keep them because I spent £x.
As a result I really need to update my Autumn/Winter wardrobe. Have a slight advantage in that I wear scrubs at work, but that does make me lazy in terms of off duty clothes.
Good luck!

If there's a Next nearby try their relaxed skinnies. I'm your size and shape and they are either only jeans I can bear. They are straight enough not to give me parsnip legs but narrow enough not to swamp me. And they look OK turned up with sandals or trainers.

Im the same age as you and really recommend trying Levi 501s - they don't have stretch but if you have the right size they are so comfortable and practical and look better than other jeans. Pair with a simple 100% cotton t shirt or a simple shirt. If knitwear makes you hot and irritable don't wear it!

People on here are sneary about Next but I have linen mix trousers from them which I think meet your trouser brief and you might find comfortable even if you don't like my jeans suggestion

Try a demim or leather jacket if knitwear doesn't work for you.

I second/ third investing in well fitting bras too.

I am in your boat. I had a massive cull the other day. I then had to go out and buy some clothes as I had literally no outfits apart from some evening wear I kept, the odd blouse and skirt and dresses that are exclusively for work.

What has worked for me is hitting primark- sounds very odd as I don’t really want to fill my wardrobe up with cheap stuff but I really like their jeans and they fit me well.

I gave myself £60 to spend:

I got myself a…

PU leather midi skirt for work (I have a mini which is similar and very well worn so I figured this would be a good shout!)
2 pairs of the jeans I like
A fine knit jumper in my ‘colours’
A chunky knit jumper in my colours
2 of their ‘premium’ t shirts

Really happy with the quality of them all- and now I have some outfits I can wear and the beginning of a capsule wardrobe. Getting dressed this morning to take the puppy out and get a coffee was a breeze.

I’m on a buying ban now- but once I get used to this way of capsule dressing, I’ll add in some lovelier, ‘better quality’ things. I think some going out tops are next.

I recommend m&s Sophia jeans. They are stretchy straight leg not too skinny.

Oliver Bonas could be good for a nice top. Make sure it's viscose not polyester

Next might have some OK cheap tops to update your look. I find the quality awful and never last.

I prefer cashmere knitwear, m&s is good for this and make it last. Its not scratchy. Rest of the time I wear long sleeve tshirts from fat face

@Littlemiss74

Also knitwear is a problem a I get hot easily and also have sensitive skin so alot of knitwear makes me itch like crazy. I can tell just by looking at it. It’s a shame as Zara had some lovely knitwear but I just know it would make me hot & irritated - does anyone else have this problem and what do you do?

Totally agree, I'm really not a jumper wearer. My best place to shop is M&S.