I have barely any money, but need to look better!

[Macademiamum]

A couple of years of lockdowns, health struggles, depression and low self esteem, I have put on a lot of weight so none of my old clothes fit and not been shopping really so wearing a combination of massive baggy tops (from pregnancy), supermarket legging and old cardigans. I need to look better because it's having an impact on my socially and professionally and as a parent. I am losing weight (slowly but surely) and have started wearing makeup again. But I basically need a whole new wardrobe, on a lemonade budget but that looks smart and put together.

Smart Works smartworks.org.uk/ may be able to help if you really have no money to spend on clothes. You said the way you look was losing you jobs so wondering if you are self employed so may meet their criteria if there is one local to you. They work with referral organisations, and mental health support organisations are included. You would need to do a bit of research.

Try selling /buying on vinted too, it's great!

OP
Vinted is really (too) easy. You download the app, and you attach a credit card to it

You can find some really good brands, but try and be discerning! When I first downloaded it, I went a bit trigger happy and now have a few items I probably will never wear.

I bought a black denim stretch skirt from French Connection which I live in for work. I just got a summer dress with tags on ( retail £59) for £6
Just don't be tempted to by the first thing you see that you like. Items tend to stick around a bit. Go for shapes you know suit and chose good quality items.

Have you had a look on Pinterest/ YouTube for styles which shape your figure?
Lots of inspiration to be had!

PS
On Vinted you can get items posted to a local drop off point- saves money and you don't have to be in for the delivery.

Tesco had some really lovely basics in, I was surprised how cheap they were. Lots of different styles too, definitely worth a look.

There's a thread on here about M&S clothes and these seem very popular for £15
www.marksandspencer.com/jersey-wide-leg-trousers-with-stretch/p/clp60506499?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share
Buy a pair in black and then go to charity shops for long-length tops to cover tum and hips. Add shorter cardigan/jacket to go over the top and wear with ankle boots/trainers - the jacket can have a nipped-in waist to give you shape. If you've got a posh area near you then the charity shops will have better pickings. Google pics of Sarah Lancashire in Last Tango in Halifax - she pulled that look off brilliantly.

M&S supersoft jumpers. I am evangelical! I have 8 in all colours, lots of bright ones after looking in my wardrobe and realizing I had black. And navy. And stop. They are about £18 each (I get them when there's a discount) fit beautifully, wash well (they're supersoft acrylic, people keep asking me if they're cashmere- I wish) Wear these for work with M&S wide legged jersey trousers (of which I have 6 pairs at £15 each)

Bought some earrings and a necklace from Fossil in the 80% outlet and a watch from Zalando at 70% off.

It sounds daft but I feel like a new woman.

Serendipitous cross post, there I am on that thread raving about my jumpers!

Primark have a sale on :p items from £1 and genuinely nice items I got jeans and a top yesterday for £5.50. Don't go anywhere without a plan. I.e what suits your shape , what colours compliment that lovely skin. Unfortunately whenever I needed new clothes I got the part about my shape perfect but always came back with a bag full of black navy and grey and ended up feeling frustrated. Focus on key items you can mix and match ( capsule wardrobe ) watch some gok wan re runs and bring back some retro styles 😀 😎 most importantly have fun and make sure you love finding your fashion identity again ☺

Unashamedly place marking.

I know it’s unoriginal but I’d have a look at m&s. They have a really wide range of sizes and price points. The wide leg jersey trousers linked aboard great as are the Mia trousers. Mia are smart but comfy and can be worn with a heel for dressier occasions or flats and trainers too.

Hi OP I feel your pain as this was me not long ago

Like pp I really rate the m&s jersey trousers but they also do a more structured straight leg trouser with elastic in the back so they fit better at the waist.

I have them in grey, black and navy as a wardrobe basic, often worn with t-shirt and slouchy blazer

www.marksandspencer.com/straight-leg-trousers-with-stretch/p/clp60506872?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

I have a couple of short sleeves maternity shift dresses i wear with a jumper over them so they look like skirts and don't billow out to much. I also do this with summer maxi dresses to winter them up a bit.

Another game changer for me are bright kimonos which I wear over the dresses or with the trousers - I got mine in the m&co sale. Will find a link and post

Kimono - can also be worn with jeans and leggings

@PadBurnup

Smart Works smartworks.org.uk/ may be able to help if you really have no money to spend on clothes. You said the way you look was losing you jobs so wondering if you are self employed so may meet their criteria if there is one local to you. They work with referral organisations, and mental health support organisations are included. You would need to do a bit of research.

That’s an excellent idea

@Moretodo
I just took that Kibbe quiz and it was so spot on. I came out as Soft Dramatic/Dramatic Classic and the examples of clothes for those types are exactly what I wear - so strange that I naturally gravitated to those styles when I had never heard of Kibbe before.
Even more strange was that I absolutely hated the remaining style category outfit suggestions.

I have picked up some really good quality budget pieces at Uniqlo. They have a lot of sales.

Don't underestimate charity shops. Do the kibbe test , look on Pinterest for outfit inspo and consider a colours test too ( don't pay, loads of free online quizes).
Then look for one dress, one pair of jeans, one pair of trousers, 2 jumpers, 1 fancier top and some jersey long sleeve tops. A blazer can pull everything together plus an oversized wool coat.
Take your list and go to a nice area and have a hunt in the charity shops.
Last week, I got a Jaeger wool blazer for £4 and an All Saints pirate jumoer for £2.

Sorry jumper! It had the label on still.

1. Throw away everything that's beyond repair, faded etc.

1. Buy a cheap shirt and trousers for work where you need to look presentable. Add a charity shop scarf if you want to look a bit more polished.

3.Neaten your nails and use clear polish.

1. Use a BB cream or tinted moisturiser to make you look a bit more smart. I use a lip coloured lipstick and use this as blusher too.

1. Wash and style your hair - get it trimmed if you can afford it.

1. Start looking for well fitting, good quality clothes in charity shops, on eBay or vinted.

I think you need to keep it simple - clean and tidy will do to begin with, then concentrate on more stylish things as you go.

Good luck!

@MoodySky
Great tips!

Look on this www.na-kd.com/en/sale I've a few pieces from here, and there good quality for the price
The non sale stuff is OK price but the sale is a bargain, you can also buy preloved stuff on the site

Agree sainsburys is great!
Buy a pair of blue jeans and a smart black pair in a current shape that fit you now.
One new dress.
A new jacket.

Old tops are probably more forgiving, try them all on with your new jeans.

Oh and prioritise new bras. Again sainsburys have good selection

Great tips on here.

Good posture is free.
Ironing clothes and repairing holes/missing buttons makes a difference.

I spend a lot of time browsing and planning online and use a spreadsheet to plan my spends. Reduces impulse buying.

Build up slowly Get some new recipes boring but I just stick to the same 6 or so Getting exercise into your everyday life Ask a friend to help you choose some clothes Go to no 7 Boots for a makeover