I'm not 27 anymore. And it's all overnight.

[TwinsandTrifle]

I wouldn't have really thought about this before, but I've looked more and more on the fashion threads on here and I've got up this morning, looked in my wardrobe, and sort of recoiled. I don't know where to start, so I'll be as direct as possible.

Three years ago (before DTwins and lockdown) I was 36. Looked 26/27. Genuinely. And dressed like my peers who were all around that age. I also worked in the fashion industry and was pretty used to traipsing round in comfies and being put in outfits.

Roll forward a mere 3 years, just turned 39. But I now definitely think I look much more my age. Lockdown and twin pregnancy have definitely shown. So now I have a wardrobe for 26 and I'm 39. I'm stood here looking at it and it's all a bit cringe.

Where do I start. I think I get stuck because of what I look like, compared with the style I like. For example, I love Kate Middleton. Classic, elegant, but it works because she's quite tall and stringy, and pencil shaped. Imagine JLo in KMs clothes. She'd look ridiculous. I'm a JLo. Same skin tone, hair colour, small waist, big behind, fake boobs. I've always been a size 6, and after DTwins I'm an 8, so whilst I appreciate this is still small, my age 26 wardrobe doesn't only look too young, it now looks a bit too tight as well. Brilliant. Tops I probably need a 10. I don't know where this has crept up from.

I went through a phase of trying to dress a little older and more classically, and got some Fairfax long boots and a pretty gilet, and honestly, I looked stupid. My body shape is quite "sexy" so I can dress easily for the rare occasions we go out in the evening, but day to day, it's like I've woken up this morning and realised, I've got nothing to wear. And I don't know where to start, or what's right for my appearance and shape. I'm suddenly 13yrs out of date.

Where do I even begin?

Also really like MaryLennoxsScowl's links. I've been thinking about that whistles stripe jumper too - @BuffySummersReportingforSanity can I ask how you found the sizing? I'm a size 8 and want it to be oversized but not swamp me so dithering between xs and s.

River Island package has been dispatched. Will cross fingers that things fit.

Have also booked into dentist for a good clean and freshen up, and will get Botox done again this month. I think covid has turned me into the stereotypical slummy mummy from the woman I used to be. It's actually very little to do with being a mum when I step back and look. This rarely leaving the house seems to have become the norm, and it's hard to be motivated to dress well and make an effort when you aren't going any further than the kitchen. And yet it doesn't help, every time I pass a mirror, seeing an unmade up face, hair pinned up, and some form of tracksuit or comfy house clothes.

@KipG

Also really like MaryLennoxsScowl's links. I've been thinking about that whistles stripe jumper too - *@BuffySummersReportingforSanity* can I ask how you found the sizing? I'm a size 8 and want it to be oversized but not swamp me so dithering between xs and s.

Just went and checked it from the wash basket I'm also an 8 and 5'2" and I have the XS. I'd characterise it as slouchy but not baggy. It's cut quite wide by design.

I had this issue last year. I caught sight of myself in a window in town and wondered who the grey haired (I'm 30's and allergic to hair dye) anorak wearing, sensible back pack wearing woman was. It was me.

I immediately went into Ted Baker and bought one of their classic wrap coats (on sale). I felt instantly better.

My hair is shite due to the colouring issue, so I make sure it has a decent cut. My nails are kept short but neat. I wear mint velvet to soft play. I buy nicer trainers. I've replaced my sensible backpack with a lovely Ally Capellino shopper. I spend £££ on retinol and vitamin C.

Baby steps, but it has helped.

I also think Baukjen do a good line in "home but not with flu" clothing. I like this outfit for soft play/tesco/office and already have the pants in a similar colourway which I also wear to work when I need to be smart but comfortable in the office. They look equally good with a casual jumper, or a smart white top in a French tuck.

www.baukjen.com/products/georgette-organic-sweatshirt-walnut

Thanks Buffy! I ordered both in the end. I need to tread the line between slouchy and sloppy carefully so it works for office, wfh and weekends. I'm finding it quite challenging getting things that work for all three but hoping once I crack it I'll have a wardrobe of harder-working clothes. At the moment it's filled with seldom worn dresses, never worn smart tops and constantly worn trackies!

Love that baukjen sweater. Sadly the colour would be horrendous on me.

Well. The entire River Island package is going back. The jeans are so tight my legs look like sausages piped into skins. The tracksuit. Dear God.

I'm going real life shopping on Thursday. Heading to Hobbs and Reiss. Pray for me.

Just read the thread, I started a similar one a few months ago when I wanted out of my mat wear. Similar shape and have to go to bravissimo for underwear. They do white shirts if you want one.

I can see wrap dresses got slated, but have you tried different brands? Like DVF and I bought a cotton one from Manon and Rose recently, I love it.

Reiss have casual wear though. They have knit dresses and can wear with leggings or tights.

For my “at home but not with flu” it’s leggings and then a boxy short (so stops at hips) knitwear. Underneath cotton T-shirt’s for those hormonal sweats. The knits skim and the leggings look tall and thin. Caterpillar style practical boots or on trend trainers.

No way to Hobbs and lk Bennett for me - if you’re struggling with identity I would avoid…

For our age, I think John Lewis And/Or, Karen Millen, Reiss, The Fold, Hush, French Connection, Temperley’s diffusion line.

I look at Boden a lot but have stuck to buying the baby clothes only!

You’re hilarious. Your posts actually made me lol. I’m sure you don’t look like Kat Slater. I love leopard and snakeskin but you do have to be smart about how you wear it. I’m 30 and have a 6 month old and love wearing leather leggings (Zara, the sizing is shit, just come to terms with the fact you’ll be a 12+) with leopard ankle boots (Dune) and a denim shirt of my husbands. I actually find shirts can hide big boobs if you have an extra button open.

Chloe does Friday twinning with Trinny on her YouTube/Instagram. She’s much bigger than you but I love how she dresses an hourglass figure with a short waist particularly as she has the same fashionable clothes as Trinny but styled differently.

I think Mint Velvet and Hobbs is going to be a bit old for you. I’d go with AllSaints (a lot is black so be careful), & Other Stories and maybe Arket.

Oh and if you like fancy tracksuits and your budget allows Me & Em is great. I don’t think it’s worth the cash but it’s smart. Asos is fine just pick your brands carefully (Whistles). And ignore anyone telling you to lose weight, you’re bloody tiny. I love jumpsuits but get they’re not for everyone. I know you said you’re not sure about print but I actually think it looks really young if done right. I get a lot of Equipment and Ganni from TheOutnet and love both brands. I’d also have a look at Sandro, Maje and Rag & Bone if you have the budget. Don’t go near river island or topshop - they don’t work on a non teenage body.

Last post I promise. Read Anuschka Rees “the curated closet”. I’ve read all the style books and this is the best. She gets you to think about your actual wardrobe and rate what you do / don’t like about your clothes (silhouettes, material, colour, styling) etc. really systematic approach.

Oh I lied. Make up - go to a department store and get them to do you up and buy the shit you like. I still wear benefit because it suits my skin. If you’re olive get hoola blusher, boi ing under eye concealer and a Nars pure radiant tinted moisturiser. Decent mascara (I like badgal but that’s just me) and some eyeliner if you’re going out (stila is the best) and you’re good to go. Mac lippies work for me but I actually love the paw paw tinted moisturising balm on asos. Goes on lips and cheeks and really easy to build up. Hope this helps x

Holly Willoughby.

She's about 40, right? Hourglass.

Although I suppose what she wears is ok for TV presenting, less for shopping and cooking.

Everlane does the best skinnies- high waist but plenty of stretch.

@Newmum29 I've just looked at the Em+Me lounge wear and it looks great. But the more I look at it, does it look great on those waify models. Stick Holly Willoughby in one of those set ups. Just wouldn't look good. And I think she's fab.

I love my boobs and bum. Just so hard to dress elegantly. I can dress "fun and sexy" which is great, ten years ago. It just looks a bit ridiculous now.

Maybe I'll try one Em tracksuit set, some of the cashmere is a bit more interesting but this is pointless as DTwins will wipe toast down it within an hour. Is the quality of the standard tracksuit stuff reflected by the price?

Really appreciate your posts btw. Will have a look at everlane next....

So I got mine in the sale - loop back sweatshirt joggers and they’re pretty robust in the washing machine for when Bub invariably vomits / shits on them. I’m also a similar build to you (36/30/36) and I think it still suits my shape.

A lot of mums embrace the “active wear” look when they have young kids. The bonus is you might actually squeeze in some exercise too. If the babies ever nap. So sweaty betty, lulemon etc. Really nice fabric, well cut, reassuringly expensive and feel gorgeous on. Pair with great trainers. You’re right that the more tailored and dressier stuff just isn’t practical with dribbling kids. I hated wearing jeans when mine were young because I spent so much time on the floor with them and jeans just weren’t comfortable for that. Now I love jeans because I’m “upright” again. It’s all a phase and don’t think that what you wear now is what you will wear when they are older. You will change your clothes to suit what you do most of the day. Investing in some great accessories (a beautiful bag) is also an idea. Winter is so easy, a great coat, bag and boots for when you need to pop pop out and it doesn’t matter what you wear underneath really.

OP, knitted dresses and boots or shirt dresses with a belt and knee length boots sound as though they’d be good on you.

@TwinsandTrifle really don't think Hobbs is what you need. Did you see earlier post about Spanx leggings?