<<<So what should the aged 30 something size 14 SAHM have in her capsule wardrobe>>>

[JingleyJen]

Help - don't ever seem to have the right thing to wear.

Good fitting dark blue jeans, bootcut.
A line skirt. In denim or whatever you fancy.
Long sleeved t-shirts for everyday.Ditto jumpers
A spangly top should you ever get invited out anywhere!
Nice pair of trousers, black to go with sparkly top. Or lovely skirt.
One pair posh shoes.
One pair everyday shoes,conversey trainer things
Nice pair boots.
Cool coat. I have a leopard print trench coat which when I fling it on makes the dullest of outfits look better.
Nice necklaces/earrings can make the boringest outfit look nice.

Thanks maidamess,
I just feel I stumble from one fashion mistake to another.

I really should get the occasional evening out outfit set I bought a lovely posh party dress before christmas but it is too formal for dinner out with Dh / girlfriends.

Couple of nice cardies/tank tops.
A really smart white shirt.
A good winter dress

Do you buy 'fashiony' things?

Moondog - what kind of winter dress? - sorry to be thick but it is already perhaps obvious that I haven't a clue about things!

Could be anything but maybe a long jersey one?

Theres a lot of jumper dresses around which look good with thick tights and boots or over jeans.

Maidamess - tends to be Kew / Principles / Jigsaw.

I have a pair of Jeans from Next and 2 pairs from Gap that are too small I really should update them.

I bet you've got loads of nice stuff if you shop there. Have a really good look thru what you have got and think of maybe one or two bits that are missing that would really jazz things up. I usually go for shoes or a coat to update an outfit.

Perhaps that is the answer - If I get chance in the next few days I should chuck out all the stuff that doesn't fit and sort stuff into outfits and see what is missing.

I think:
decent dark jeans and cords,
lots of nice coloured tops, I like viscose jersey as its softer than cotton (look in Top Shop, H&M, M&S and Principles),
decent belt,
good low heeled and comfy boots in suede which I find more flattering and more comfy than leather,
well cut coat (Hobbs),
nice bag
and some pretty earrings and necklaces (Accessorize).
Monsoon is great for party/evening clothes.
Might be worth booking an appt with a personal shopper in John Lewis, House of Fraser etc so you can get some help finding outfits which work together.

Thanks Pannacotta

I think I will - I sorted undies in there just before christmas so now have good suckyouin knickers and scafolding type bra's no reason I shouldn't sort the rest out as well!

Reading this with interest as I went out to buy a "capsule work wardrobe" today to make my life easier. Instead I came home with three silk dresses and some gold tights for dd! However, I will wear the dresses to work, with boots and a jumper, so not a complete disaster.

Where do people get "really good white shirts from" then please and do they always look stupid on anyone with boobs? And is it just me who looks hideous in anything white anyway? I quite fancy layering a sort of slightly-billowing-of-sleeve white shirt with a short sleeved cardi or tank top to hide some of the whiteness.

I got a very nice stretch white shirt from Uni qlo. But my foundation rubs all around the neck so have to wash it every time I wear it. Then iron it. So Grrr

Janeite - am with you on the boobs and shirts thing - not sure where to start - (32g boobies)

Silk dresses sound lovely - where did you find them?

I have to say that IMO white shirts are not wildy flattering unless you are size 8-10 with small boobs, also not too practical if you are a SAHM - I would never dream of wearing one as DS2 is always grabbing my arm mid-meal, so all my tips are generally decorated in food stuff!

Pannacotta - not been a size 10 since I was 18 so I guess I will steer clear for now.

Thanks

Jingley - silk dresses from M&S and Oasis. The M&S ones were only £9 each but no pics on the sites anymore, so can't link.

Panacotta - yes, I agree. I have a v tall, v skinny colleague who always looks lovely in them - I just won't try to compete!