Please help someone who is totally clueless

[Princesspeony]

I was always that kid who dreaded non uniform days as I never had any idea of what was fashionable or not so I always just wore jeans and a hoodie and I’ve never stopped. Almost all my clothes are 10 years plus old.

I just want nice jeans and tops to wear to school pick up and I’ve been trying to look at what other mums are wearing but I just don’t know where to start or where to get stuff from and it doesn’t help that we live very rurally and it would take 1.5 hours to get to nearest shopping centre so everything has to be bought online. It’s little things like suddenly everyone seems to have turn ups at the bottom of their jeans (do you buy them like that or buy long length and turn them up?) and no socks (or maybe trainer socks?).

I’m 30, size 8/10 and 5 foot 6 with small children and I just feel so unstylish and have no idea where to start. Does anyone have any suggestions for specific brands or styles? Any help appreciated!

Why can’t you just be who you are rather than what the idealistic perception of a school mum.
people wear PJs, tracksuits, skirts, jeans. Socks no socks, trainers, flip flops, sliders, heeled shoes

but clothes of course but buy what you like - be you not a clone

Nothing wrong with hoodie and jeans, if that's what you're comfortable in.

But if your clothes are ten years old then it's really time to treat yourself (and get rid of the old stuff).

H&M and matalan do quite nice hoodies. For jeans I like New Look 'Hallie' ones or the 'Molly' from River Island - both skinny jean styles so not bang on trend, but comfy.

Hi OP, I think you should just be true to yourself when it comes to style - pick out a few items you like & wear them with confidence. If you really don’t know what you like then maybe look on the internet at celebrities whose style you admire & use that for inspiration.

EBay & charity shops are great for experimenting cheaply with your style & it’s a more ethical way to shop. Once you find the basic items that make you feel good you can experiment more with colour etc. Fashion is fun, don’t take it too seriously.

Also have a look at Pinterest and see which looks you like, make a board and start from there?

I bought DD a sage green and white top, heavier than t-shirt but not as heavy as a sweatshirt from M&Co yesterday, reduced in the sale for £8.99. She's also 30

M&S does a good range of jeans. So you could just go there and try every pair on to find what you like.

If you live in jeans and hoodies, then just upgrade your jeans and hoodies. And maybe get some new trainers and boots, plus a new Autumn jacket and winter coat.

If you want to look up to date why not just buy what you feel comfortable in (jeans and hoodies) from a mid range high st shop like Zara of H and M? The cut and shape of the garments will be more on trend.

Ha! OP I guarantee the other women at the school gate are looking at you and thinking

“God - she’s so effortlessly stylish! If only I were 5 foot 6 and as slim as that I could wear whatever I want too …”

As for the rest - I live within easy reach of several cities but for at least the past decade I’ve bought about 95% of my clothes online, by choice. Because there is so much more choice.

I can imagine you do feel a bit out of the loop if all your clothes are ten years old. If you click on the website of any fashionable shop you don’t have to worry about buying the right thing because everything will be in style.

An easy place to start would be

Community Clothing

because their ethical production ethos means their very simple clothes are way ahead in terms of … hip-ness, if that matters to you.

Otherwise:

& Other Stories
Carhartt
Eat Dust
Massimo Dutti
Mango
Uniqlo
Zara

would all provide uncomplicated but fashionable everyday clothes at various price points. Measure yourself first and pay attention to every bit of sizing guidance on each individual site. It’s unlikely you’ll have much trouble with sizing!

Dressing should be fun - it’s not a task at which you pass or fail, it’s an ongoing experiment.