Lost my style, need some help!

[RhubarbRocks]

I have a two day conference in Spain in a couple of weeks and have no idea what to wear. Two days with a lot of time on my feet and one evening dinner.

It will be the first time I’ve seen a lot of my colleagues in person. I’ve had a rough year with illness and want to feel good about myself. I’m mid 40s, size 10 but pear shaped and probably more of a 12 on the bottom half now, 5ft 7.

I need to be on the smart end of smart casual - it’s not a suits type of company. When I’ve been to the office recently I’ve worn Paige black jeans, Theory jacket, low heeled black boots. Can get away with white trainers.

I used to get complimented all the time for my style at work but those days seem long gone. I just want to feel stylish again but don’t know where to start! I have an image in my head of nice barrel leg trousers or skirt, smart tshirt and jacket but can’t turn it into reality.

Any ideas very welcome please?!

How about a personal shopper experience? There's another thread running by a woman who has booked one and I'm seriously considering this as I feel like I've lost my sense of style over the last couple of years - too much lockdown dressing. I've also ordered Kat Farmer's Book 'Get Changed - finding the new you through fashion' which is out next week and I'm hoping this will give me some pointers. I always like her style.

I lost my way a bit after having my last child.

I've got it back by watching what others are wearing by people watching and looking at Instagram, Facebook and here then buying things I like but also they must fit nicely and if they in anyway don't feel quite right or are annoying then back it goes.

@DwightShrutesgirlfriend that’s a great idea. I’ve got covid at the moment so won’t have time before the trip I think but one to think of for the longer term. Will look at the other thread.

@Sickoffamilydrama anyone in particular on Instagram or Facebook that you would recommend?

I'm bigger than you at a size 16 so follow some that are size 14/16 but it still might give you ideas.
I like this one for a dose of what is real and what isn't on the internet.

A goth/ rock vibe

Good for seeing what some younger ones are wearing

Loves dresses

Sleek modern 40 year old

When I'm going away for the weekend or will be on my feet all day, I usually start with shoes and build my outfits around them.

I went to the Ideal Home Show yesterday, wanted to wear my navy 327 New Balance trainers as they're so comfortable, so built my outfit around them.

What shoes would you ideally like to wear?

I like Kate Hiscox (@wearsmymoney on Instagram). She does a good blog on a Sunday. You don't have to buy the exact items that she shows but get a good idea for the way that she puts clothing together.

I think that you need to be comfortable with your look. Can you order a load of cheapish new things and have a try on at home, and use some of your current clothes to make up a few outfits? You can replace them over time with better quality stuff once you know who you are again.

Get better soon and hope your trip goes well.