Finding me again

[SaturdaySummer]

Hi
Please help... I'm looking for a new style as everything from before the baby just doesn't feel like me anymore. If ideally like to create a capsule wardrobe where pieces can be mixed and matched. I don't have much storage and am happy to buy fewer, good quality things rather than 'fast' fashion.

I'm early 30s, 5'4'' and a size 12 (hourglass shape). I have dark blonde hair, very pale skin and blue eyes- does anyone know what kinds of colours I could go for that would suit me and which other colours could I pair them with, baring in mind the capsule wardrobe idea.

Thanks in advance

Someone posted a guide for this on here a few weeks back, I copied it. It was genius..

Firstly, pick your favourite neutral and stick to it - so ideally navy or black, or it could be brown or grey. EVERYTHING you buy has to go with this. You can branch out into additional neutrals later.

Then buy yourself:

2 or 3 pairs of jeans
A pair of smart trousers - warmish
2 casual jumpers / sweaters
A denim skirt or pinafore (or both)
4 well-fitting short-sleeve tshirts
A light denim or other light shirt
3 or 4 long sleeve tshirts / polo necks
A belt
A cardigan of some sort, short enough to go under the coats
A weatherproof coat
Some new socks
Some casual trainers / pumps that go with everything
A couple of pairs of nice thick tights, try knitted, something with a bit of colour
A pair of flattish ankle boots that go with everything
A smarter, longer coat
A large thin scarf
A chunky winter scarf, hat and gloves
A casual handbag
A smarter handbag
A couple of pieces of 'funky' costume jewellery

Everything MUST fit and match. Don't worry too much about the quality for now. Aim to get all of the above over 2-3 shopping trips (NOT online!) - try everything on and only buy things you feel comfortable in straight away.

Wear all of this over the autumn / winter and then gradually replace with things you like better / seasonal pieces / better quality items or as things wear out.

Like a PP has said, get a good hair consultation.

Get newer up-to-date glasses if you wear them.

Take EVERYTHING out of our wardrobe and ONLY put back things that you feel good in, will definitely wear, and are in good condition - get rid of everything else. Put out-of-season stuff away till next year.

Just do a small amount of upping your game on skin and hair - e.g. some sort of style everyday (mum bun for cleaning / gym only), moisturise, minimal makeup / lip balm, look after your nails etc.

Have a look at Summer or Winter palettes- you sound cool toned.

Just as aside- ifyou have space put some clothes in hibernation. As your style evolves you might decide something is worth keeping.

What was your style before? Fundamentally your taste has probably not changed but you may need to update it. What colours? Did you like patterns or not? Did you wear dresses and skirts or always trousers?

As well as the list above, I'd start trawling Pinterest. Pick something you have always liked it definitely want (black jeans/maxi skirt/biker boots/winter cardigan) and then look at outfits, this should give you ideas on shapes and styles.

Shops depend on what style you decide on, if you give some ideas I'm sure people can help.

There is a wonderful stylist called Emily and she runs a personal styling business called stylemehappy. She's down to earth and loads of tips on her Facebook group or Instagram. She also does online styling sessions where you cam find out your colouring and what will suit you etc. She also does 'mini shops' each month and picks out clothes/make up for each season and body shape. 🥰

I don’t think you can be prescriptive about the items a capsule wardrobe without knowing someone’s taste and lifestyle. What do you spend the majority of your life doing ? What percentage needs to be casual and formal for example. That’s where the investment needs to be. Someone might have a biker jacket and someone else a blazer for example. Two influencers I follow with capsule wardrobes are Use Less DK and A Small Wardrobe ( both on You Tube and Insta ). They both have different styles though so it’s worth checking out their content. One is a mother and one isn’t. One lives in Australia and one in Denmark so climate plays a part in what they need.
I’m also cool toned with similar features and I look better in navy than I do black ( although I still wear it) but also grey and olive green. You can pretty much wear any colour but if you’re concerned about it not suiting then it’s the shade you pick that’s relevant. There’s usually a cool toned or warm toned version of any colour so stick to cool versions. I’m giving my sister a brown sweater that’s too warm for my complexion - I can do a chocolate or grey / brown but not this orangey tan colour. I can wear stronger or less flattering colours if I keep them away from my face - so an olive green top is OK but emerald green or this tan colour I’d only wear on my bottom half. Personally I would be bored with a capsule wardrobe but I understand the benefits.. the 2 influencers both have content on how to build your own wardrobes so that would be my first port of call even if you’re not wild about their own clothes