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Do you have a (self-imposed) uniform?

43 replies

Unicornsaregreat · 20/02/2023 14:33

I was struggling with getting ready each day with a little one, to be out the house each day in time for nursery drop off & work (casual wear fine for my work) looking presentable.

I had intentions of getting outfits ready the night before, but failed miserably.

So I’ve devised a kind of uniform and love it!

I have bought the same thick, supportive leggings in several neutral colours (black, navy, khaki) and a longer style jumper that covers my bum which I found super flattering in several colours and two pairs of the same boots in black & brown.

Its super easy to put outfits together, the style flatters my figure and is practical for my active days.

Does anyone else do this?

OP posts:
Willowtre1 · 20/02/2023 19:27

I have some thermal leggings from acai that are very supportive, if that helps anyone!

itswednesdayy · 20/02/2023 19:30

No, not at all. I do like items like an oversized blazer or shirt dress etc. But I try and mix my style up all the time, I might dress quite casual one day (cargos, trainers/boots, sweatshirt) and quite feminine the next day (dress, heels/high boots). And everything inbetween! I love fashion

whatnottowear · 20/02/2023 20:01

I've been trying to build a uniform for the last couple of years and it's coming together around wideleg trousers (wool culottes, cords and tailored trousers) and knitwear (merino jumpers for wfh, cashmere rollnecks and vests for the office, lambswool/fair isle for casual). With blazers and chore jackets. I've been gradually upgrading the stuff I buy and building a compatible capsule wardrobe of clothes I like to wear. I'm not finding it boring at all - actually much nicer to know what I'm looking for and spend time finding the perfect item and considering differences in tailoring and texture rather than shopping across a much wider range of items and then not having anything to wear it with.

georgethegeranium · 20/02/2023 20:13

@Unicornsaregreat sounds like we have a similar style! Any recommendations for the longer length jumpers, currently on the hunt for some like this!

FinallyHere · 20/02/2023 22:09

spend time finding the perfect item and considering differences in tailoring and texture

Absolutely agree @whatnottowear

Sometimes if I find my self tempted by something that's OK rather that perfect, I consider what I would want to remove from my existing wardrobe in order to add the potential new piece.

Very easy to leave all but the really perfect items behind. And amazing how much wear I get from some more out there items which really do fit well

FiftyNotNifty · 20/02/2023 22:51

@FinallyHere where are the high waisted leather look leggings from?

louderthan · 20/02/2023 23:43

I hate jeans so in winter my uniform is miniskirt, black tights and various styles of boot, with either a jumper/silk top and bomber jacket or a vest and shirt if warmer.

Startwithamimosa · 20/02/2023 23:46

WiltingLobelia · 20/02/2023 14:38

I do for work ;

Jersey dress in grey or black with a jacket the same colour. No patterns.

Home I usually have skinny jeans, a soft roll neck jumper and flat shoes in navy blue / dark green or burgundy.

One of my colleagues said once she never ever wears the same colours at work as at home. She only wears grey at work. That is so she has a mental separation for work and home based on colours. I really liked that idea so I have been doing the same.

I like this idea too, I always used to have work clothes and non work clothes bit now they've morphed and I hate it

FinallyHere · 20/02/2023 23:49

@FiftyNotNifty

https://www.marksandspencer.com/leather-look-high-waisted-leggings/p/clp60505311?intid=mobileappppdpshare

Ridiculously good value, good quality and very comfortable. I've worn mine when meeting up with the few fashionistas I number amongst my friends - they either already had a pair or bought a pair immediately.

Also tried a few other brands, not anything like as good as these.

Mañanarama · 20/02/2023 23:52

Joggers, zip up hoodie, decent top.

If someone comes to the door I look casual. If someone zooms me I whip the hoodie off and look smart.

FiftyNotNifty · 21/02/2023 06:58

@FinallyHere thank you!

NCagainandagainand · 21/02/2023 07:29

Yes! WFH, but I need to look smart-casual on camera and presentable enough to run errands and go to GP appointment etc as I work flexi.

Winter = dark jeans or cords and fitted jumper. Summer = fitted t-shirt/top and fitted round neck cardi with chinos. In both cases adding a statement necklace for big meetings. Once I find something I love that fits the bill, I get it in several colours which makes shopping pretty simple too.

Unicornsaregreat · 21/02/2023 09:20

The leggings I like are the Victoria Secret VSX Knockout leggings. I size down.

However I think it’s personal as I have found that lots of leggings / skinny jeans other people have recommended over the years slide down on me, the Victorias Secret ones just seem to suit my body shape (my waist is 10 inches smaller than my hips)

OP posts:
CouldIHaveThatInEnglishPlease · 21/02/2023 09:28

yep It’s skinny jeans, Oxford shirt and jumper with Chelsea boots for 9 months of the year. For work I swap the jeans for slim fit trousers and the boots for loafers.
in summer it’s chino shorts, polos and flip flops.
occasionally I throw on a tea dress with cardigan, or wear a tank top and knitted poncho, but the above is what I wear like 90% of the time

HiImTheProblemItsMe · 21/02/2023 10:24

Thanks @Unicornsaregreat I haven't heard of these and sounds like we might be similar shapes so I'll definitely check them out!

tellmewhentheLangshiplandscoz · 21/02/2023 11:01

Not quite the same thing but I went shopping at the weekend for an outfit for an upcoming family wedding. I've not bought "occasion wear" since well before covid and decided I'd treat myself.

Normally I'd get distracted by typically pretty wedding things like frills, flouncy fabric, prints and general fuss. Which actually I've never really suited and after the event will be consigned to the back of the wardrobe never to be worn again and make me guilty at the £.

This time DH persuaded me to try a jumpsuit on (all good so far) in just one colour (a lovely dark green) with a tie waste but barely any other fuss. Mmmmm, boring I thought but gave it a go.

It looked gorgeous. Cut really well and the plainness of it meant you could see how nicely it fitted. And the colour was lovely with my fair skin and dark hair. A revelation.

It's finally convinced me prints and other fuss (a bit of leopard or occasional Breton maybe ok) DO NOT SUIT ME. The occasion is a red herring.

So I'll be watching this thread for more practical suggestions.

Honestly you'd think that nearly being 50 id have this sorted Grin

FinallyHere · 21/02/2023 11:11

@tellmewhentheLangshiplandscoz

In my book, nearly fifty with a figure which shows just and showing how well a plain green jumpsuit fits is #winning.

Congratulations on finding a great outfit.

Don't you find that one you have something you live, all sorts of opportunities to wear it will show up

tellmewhentheLangshiplandscoz · 21/02/2023 13:48

Yes definitely! I'm hoping that by changing shoe style and adding a leather jacket that will help.

Although the toilet practicalities are an issue I do love a good jumpsuit. I got a great one from New Look a few years ago which is very versatile and doesn't crease so great for travelling.

Again in a plain colour. Which makes it easy to chop and change shoes:bag/extra layer. So much more difficult with a print of ruffles

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