Please help style me - black Stan Smiths purchased!

[CluelessStan]

Hoping that you wonderful women can help me out!

Background - mid 40s, no clue on fashion and style, recently lost a fair chunk of weight, so now a pear shaped size 8 with horrific tree trunk legs. I do not show my legs at all, not even an inch of skin! Very fair skin, blue eyes, mid length blonde wavy hair. Tend to suit jewel colours. Usual style is dark blue or faded black skinny jeans with ankle cowboy type boots, plain t shirt or jumper. Slightly towards rock chick in style. Very boring and not adventurous in the slightest!

Yesterday I decided to go shopping to refresh my wardrobe and it was an unmitigated disaster. The fashion seems to be so shapeless (I need structure and waisted clothes) and the colours are pale and don't work for me at all. I left feeling bloody miserable.

The only purchase that I am happy with is some black Stan Smiths (only other purchases were faded black skinny jeans and a plain black t shirt - I'm hopeless!). Not sure what to wear them with though, other than my usual boring uniform. I was wondering if any of you wonderful people might have some suggestions?

Thinking of trying a John Lewis personal shopper, but I won't be able to manage that for at least a month, so any suggestions would be much appreciated. I think accessories are something I particularly struggle with, and wonder whether I could do with making more of what I usually wear? I don't mind investing in key pieces, but generally my budget is more along the lines of H&M, Next or Zara.

Thanks!

Here's an article on how the black Stan Smith's were styled.

trendsurvivor.com/mom-daughter-street-style-how-we-styled-the-adidas-stan-smith-sneakers/

What/who do you want to look like? Where will you be going with this?

I’ve recenly worn a pair of black stan smiths to death (replaced with white stan smiths and black vans hi-tops). They go with anything kind of jeans or trouser (I’ve graduated from skinnies to wide leg jeans as well as linen and wool cropped wide leg) as well as maxi dressesand shorter skirts. So really - given you have a very adaptable pair of shoes - the question is more what sort of other clothes you fancy.

I can really recommend Vinted for finding reasonably priced clothes that are not tied to current fashion. Though if you can point to looks you like I am sure people here can recommend brands to look at, whether used or new.

How tall are you OP?

I've got some black Stans and find them difficult to wear without feeling a bit like I'm wearing a little boy's school shoes tbh.

Things they work with:

• black tights and a leather mini for a casual night in the pub

• black tights and a floaty mini dress for a day when I'll be walking a lot and need to be comfortable, but also don't want to just wear jeans

• wide-legged black trousers where you can only just see a bit of the shoes

Things they don't work with (on me)

most midi dresses with tights - an exception to this is a black floral midi dress, with fishnets

jeans, unless they are rolled up black skinnies

@RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie - I ordered some black Stan Smiths and immediately returned them as I had the same dilemma as you - school shoes!

Any black trainers I wear (Nike runners, Internationalists) I mostly tend to wear with black jeans, jeggings, etc. But don't really wear them out out.

@Gonnagetgoing

Here's an article on how the black Stan Smith's were styled.

trendsurvivor.com/mom-daughter-street-style-how-we-styled-the-adidas-stan-smith-sneakers/

What/who do you want to look like? Where will you be going with this?

Thanks for the link. No idea who or what I want to look like! Not very clued up on trends and celebs It's just for everyday wear, school run, work is pretty casual (jeans, top and trainers is fine). I rarely go anywhere that needs anything smarter!

@1frenchfoodie

I’ve recenly worn a pair of black stan smiths to death (replaced with white stan smiths and black vans hi-tops). They go with anything kind of jeans or trouser (I’ve graduated from skinnies to wide leg jeans as well as linen and wool cropped wide leg) as well as maxi dressesand shorter skirts. So really - given you have a very adaptable pair of shoes - the question is more what sort of other clothes you fancy.

I can really recommend Vinted for finding reasonably priced clothes that are not tied to current fashion. Though if you can point to looks you like I am sure people here can recommend brands to look at, whether used or new.

In terms of a "look", I was wondering about thick black tights, ditsy/floral tea dress and denim jacket, but no idea if that's a bit past it now?

I was thinking of trying to go beyond my usual skinny jeans, but really can' work out these new shapes, and due to the legs issue, anything cropped or with rips that show skin is out too.

@Gonnagetgoing

How tall are you OP?

5ft 5in - neither tall nor short!

@RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie

I've got some black Stans and find them difficult to wear without feeling a bit like I'm wearing a little boy's school shoes tbh.

Things they work with:

• black tights and a leather mini for a casual night in the pub

• black tights and a floaty mini dress for a day when I'll be walking a lot and need to be comfortable, but also don't want to just wear jeans

• wide-legged black trousers where you can only just see a bit of the shoes

Things they don't work with (on me)

most midi dresses with tights - an exception to this is a black floral midi dress, with fishnets

jeans, unless they are rolled up black skinnies

Thanks - the floaty dress with black tights sounds like the kind of thing I have in my head.

Interesting about the wide legged black trousers, I may need to try some on. What tops would you wear with those?

For me, they work with black tights and a mini dress but not with black tights and a midi dress.

Wide legged trousers - for casual, I just wear with a fitted, fairly short hoody. Or with an open, slouchy but not very long cardigan over a fitted-ish t-shirt. I'm going to try them with a denim shirt too, I think.

I wear mine much as @RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie - they kind of work as brogues in my book. I also wear them with black denim dungarees, and with barrel leg jeans if that helps any?

I agree with @RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie and @Judystilldreamsofhorses re what to wear and what not to wear with them.

I do think black trainers sadly can be not as versatile as white when it comes to looks.

So I’m same height as you, not pear shaped but size 12. I wear my black trainers and would wear black Stan smiths with:-

Black, grey or dark/lighter jeans or jeggings. Add a black top - can be anything from T-shirt to polo neck. I like to either cuff jeans or not and then add a long cardigan like this - mine is I think Ichi and is more of a black and white chunky knit.

[[https://www.hush-uk.com/elle-supersoft-longline-cardigan-palest-grey-marl/003126-2803-XS.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjw3IqSBhCoARIsAMBkTb32RHEmLb9_kQaeeorFXL5cAU-MR9S89b8C4qET0Q4a1Oyzpg8ujp8aAkinEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds#fo_c=1586&fo_k=7c8560350d6fcaed14ae32140746c3f3&fo_s=gplauk]]

You can also add jackets - you could add a jewel colour jacket. I’ve seen some nice bright pink blazers in H&M which might work or you could go plainer colours.

You could also try a denim skirt or pinafore with it, you could do a shorter denim skirt in black or dark blue or a longer one. Again try jewel colours either as tops or jackets. And add black opaque tights.

You might be able to get away with a long dress with them but I’d ensure there’s some black if it’s a print or maybe a brighter colour would work.

Just out of interest do you have white trainers?

The great thing about classic Adidas, like your Stan Smiths, is that they go with everything and look good on everyone.

[quote Gonnagetgoing]@RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie - I ordered some black Stan Smiths and immediately returned them as I had the same dilemma as you - school shoes!

Any black trainers I wear (Nike runners, Internationalists) I mostly tend to wear with black jeans, jeggings, etc. But don't really wear them out out.[/quote]
I agree. I bought these black vans slip one recently. The white sole stops them looking like a school shoe and they look fab with black skinnies/leggings and an oversized shirt.

Thank you, I have a far better idea of what I’m going for now! Unable to sleep, so trying to work out outfits on my phone.

I wore the new trainers yesterday, and they are really comfy, so I’m keen to work out a couple of looks that I can manage to pull off! But mat need more help! Sorry for the rubbish links, on my phone!

Wide leg black trousers outfit: I can see this with a plain, slightly short and slightly fitted t shirt. Maybe with a cropped cardi, or denim or biker jacket? But, what should I be looking for in the trousers? They seem to be either very smart or very casual? Palazzo pants?

Are any of these close to what I should be aiming for?

1: www.next.co.uk/style/st891139/A44765#A44765

2: Amazon Brand - Find. Women's Full Length Flared Palazzo Trousers www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B093TGDZF7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_BMSCBH3Y0HF8SJ123GK8?psc=1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=mumsnetforu03-21

3: femiss Womans Wide Leg Trousers Tailored Office Work Smart Formal Relaxed Fit Trouser www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07DW6RLYW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_KKHASNXBK6N5V2VRF8PJ?psc=1&tag=mumsnetforu03-21

4: Roman Originals Women Wide Leg Trousers Palazzo Pants Ladies Formal Work Office Smart High Rise Elasticated Pull On Stretch Tailored Flared 1940s Loose Regular & Plus Size www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B074SNRL6Z/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_D0TVKNQHH1T119B0BK84?tag=mumsnetforu03-21

And is this cardi totally wrong? Women's Ladies Long Sleeve 3 Button Cropped Chunky Aran Cable Knitted Grandad Cardigan www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08L85JCH3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_P3KKQT98RW2MHMKNPQ7J?psc=1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=mumsnetforu03-21

I’d love to try a dress. Not worn a dress in ages. I need one with a waist, so imagining a tea or skater style dress, thick black tights and denim or biker jacket. What do you think of these dresses?

1: fhwt.app.link/7itFXgYfOob not sure I have the guts for this.

2: fhwt.app.link/cbk9Jl0fOob less sure about this one.

3: fhwt.app.link/RjC3bV4fOob Really like this one!

Also - any suggestions on accessories? I’m think small bag, scarf and long silver funky necklaces.

Thank you so much, this is so incredibly helpful!

Opps, those dress links don't seem to work, hopefully these do...

1: www.next.co.uk/style/ls240486/P72347#P72347 Don't think I have the guts!

2: www.next.co.uk/style/ls267131/P82084#P82084 Not sure!

3: www.next.co.uk/style/ls287914/p94867#p94867 Think I like this one!

My wide black trousers are from M&S and have a stripe down the side. There are lots around. I think the stripe stops them looking as if you're just wearing work trousers.

The dress links aren't working for me on my Kindle.

I like the shape of the cardigan but would be reluctant to buy clothes from Amazon unless it's a brand I know.

Can you get to a town and just try lots of things on?