Just thrown out half my wardrobe - what should I buy and from where?!

[yoshiblue]

My wardrobe needs a serious refresh, having WFH for the past 2 years and not having the need to buy anything new. I've just had a big clear out, getting rid of bobbly jumpers and lots of old clothes.

I've finally got the memo that skinny jeans are 'out' and I think my classic breton stripe tops are rather ageing! I'm 41, size 12 top/8-10 bottom, and would describe my style to date as classic/conservative! I think a white t-shirt/jeans/trainers a good look!

I need some good basics - quality t shirts, jeans, other comfy trousers suitable to WFH, some 'work' tops that look smarter than a t shirt.

Most appreciate suggestions of what styles to look out for and where to look.

I'd start with slim jeans or girlfriend so they aren't too far from what you are used to. My advice is try the true din a cheaper version to see if you like it ( eBay) and if you do, invest in decent denim brand ( Levi for example). Good t shirts from cos maybe? Look at Arket or weekday for pleat front chinos or similar comfy styles. For trainers, Stan smiths are a classic and people love Nike Air Force one. Make sure you buy what YOU like not what other people do. Look at Instagram and Pinterest, buy Red, Grazia, or look on their websites. You can use a personal stylist ( free in John Lewis) to help you work out what you like.
Sounds fun, good luck

Oh and look on the outfit of the day thread here!

Jeans - M&S are good, or Levis. Maybe try a slim flare or slight boot cut.
Jacket - maybe a cotton khaki one?

Don’t bin all your bretons - it’s a classic for a reason. I’ve filed away a few pairs of skinny jeans for the inevitable day when they’re back ‘in’ again. All jeans shapes go in and out of style on a regular cycle, even bootcut is back! Take a look at vintage shops for good quality (and ethical/sustainable) denim.

What's your budget? Do you work?

I'd bin your Bretons. Unless you are actually a Cornish or Northern French person, it's pastiche.

There was no memo about jeans. Wear what you like.

You're a young woman still. Go mad and get some straight leg jeans and a white t-shirt.

@poulicey

What's your budget? Do you work?

She says in the OP she WFH

Bretons will not go out of 'fashion' they are a classic like a trench coat. MN doesn't seem to like them but I've lost count of the number of 2022 fashion articles I've read pushing them

I would say follow a couple of people on Instagram who have an eye for putting together outfits. I like thestylefairy, Charlottexbeer and marksandspencersam.

Bretons have changed but are still in - different cuts, and the stripes go all the way to the neckline (there was a phase when they stopped at the armpit). So, a “Breton” is classic but it’s constantly updated with cuts, fabrics etc.

M&S is good for basics, as are Uniqlo. I tart things up a bit with & Other Stories, Whistles and similar.

I’m in the same boat OP, I hate most of my clothes and need a major refresh. I’m 37 and one of the things I do like is my Breton top 😂 I will be prised out of my skinnies when I am dead - I’m only 5’2 so the baggy ones make me look like a barrel

Uniqlo
I don't like the website , I find the shop so much better .
Good quality , colours can be a bit odd , but youll get your basics
I have threee of the shirts , loads of TShirts, some jumpers .
Recently bought some trousers to take on holiday .

Jeans M&S ( jeggings mainly )

What’s your budget?

You can either go cheap eg Primark, mid range Uniqlo etc or higher end Tommy Hilfiger etc.

I’ve found since WFH that I like Breton T-shirt’s but a navy with white stripe (Tu), and a relaxed jumper top in same colours from &other stories. I don’t think I suit as much the white with navy stripe combo. Pick colours which suit you re T-shirt’s. add blazers, jackets etc for meetings, running errands etc.

Jeans - I love mom jeans and have them from Levi’s, H&M and Top Shop. I have the Levi’s and H&M in a higher waist and the Top Shop in a normal rise. If you suit skinnies just buy them.

I also live in sweatshirts and leggings/jeggings now too. Smarter meetings I do smarter tops/jumpers.

Have a look at M&S for smarter comfy work trousers.

Thanks everyone, I've had my parents to visit so have just grabbed five to catch up on your thoughts!

I've grabbed some time over the weekend and put through some orders on Tu, M&S and Uniqlo for starters. I've also been real life shopping and bought a pair of M&S mom jeans tonight. Loved the grey/blue colour and I liked the comfy fit ( similar to the several pairs of Gap chinos I have).

Agree re: breton striped tops, I will retire them to the back of the drawer for now. I think I mainly I'm sick of wearing them TBH!

I've also pulled out my colour wallet (I had my colours done pre covid) to remind me what colours suit me. For me, I wasn't really in tune with what colours suited me at all! Though after leaving I realised they were all the colours I put my son in naturally (same pale skin and warm hair tone!)