Advice on wardrobe update and where to shop. Just turned 40

[Runforthehills82]

I have recently turned 40 and it has been surprisingly difficult, I am feeling really quite frumpy and un put together.

I have booked myself a haircut which is definitely needed and I’m trying to up my skin care game.
I would also like to update my wardrobe.

I have some decent quality dresses, slim fit jeans, shoes, boots and bags but I’m really not very good at pulling outfits together.

I have spent a while trying to work out what I think I need to be able to make my wardrobe work and I have listed them below.
I was wondering if people could recommend good shops to look at for these items? Or if I’m missing anything?
My budget is healthy but not huge.

I guess I am aiming for a fairly classic look but I am also drawn to the boho, I don’t work in an office and spend quite a lot of time on boats and by the sea.
I am 5’3 and a size 8-10 if that helps.

Any advice much appreciated

Smart/nice T-shirts and vest tops
Nice linen shirt x2
Wide fit jeans x2
Good quality jumpers in beige/cream/navy/black
Nice spring jackets - denim and smart (trench coat?)
Ballet flats

I generally find Toast good quality. John Lewis own brands sometimes also.

Look at Isabel Marant on Yoox or Ebay.

Thank you for your relies, I’m off to check those out now.

Forget your age for now.

T-shirts - Uniqlo for basics

Ballet flats - get ones with arch support not the completely flat ones. Yoy have another 45 yrs or so mileage to get out of your feet

Marks and Spencer has improved and can be good for classic basics

I recommend watching/following FashionandStyleEdit on YouTube & Insta as Jess has the kind of style for 40+ that I think you are describing: https://youtube.com/@FashionStyleEdit

I'm 36, also size 8-10 and I have bought all of the things you listed from Whistles and Arket. They are my go-to shops now. Whistles for slightly smarter stuff but cashmere, cotton and denim for Arket

you are the same size and height as me. Although I’m in my 50s. I dress in a similar style.
John Lewis definitely, also M&S for some basics, Mint Velvet, Zara.

These are great replies, thank you everyone.
I am currently pulling up tabs for all of these shops and getting comfy with a glass of wine in hand.
I will also definitely check out the YouTube/insta as that is just what I need as I am completely rubbish at putting outfits together.

Look at Celtic & Co for sweaters.

A black leather jacket. It just ‘picks up’ an outfit, I find.

I agree about the pumps.

I am 5 ft 2 and size 10. Just bought the M&S ankle grazer wide legged jeans in white and blue denim. They are fantastic - beautifully soft and lovely high waist. Go with so much I have and can be dressed up and down. They are hard to get online as sold out but I found some in my local shop.

I'm similar age and size. I get a lot in M&S: their jeans good in short and the merino jumpers excellent.

Also try Arket and & Other Stories for jeans and T-shirts particularly.

Hobbs do fantastic trench coats.

Not BoHo but, Mint Velvet have some lovely blouses. They’re beautiful quality.

for classic with a twist - plus, for me, the best quality/price ratio of any shop, it's got to be cos. Not boho, bit definitely interesting classic.

I'm 36 and feeling similarly about my wardrobe.
H&M website now sells Arket and And Other Stories so I find that a good place to browse.
M&S too

Great thread

Agreed - definitely upped their game!

No advice on where to shop but I think finding out your kibbe body type will help you dress for your shape rather than what's in fashion. It will save you plenty of money in the long run. Watch that video on YouTube it will explain your body type and what to wear.

It meant to say watch the video and you will find out your body type and what kind of clothes you should wear based on your body type. It's great. All her videos are . I was dressing completely wrong and it changed my whole style plus gave me loads of outfit ideas.

For the more boho look and some good basics, FatFace is worth a look, quality is generally good in with heavy discounts in regular sales. Also White Stuff.

Baukjen has really nice stuff atm and I just spent quite a lot of money there revamping my wardrobe.

A quick caveat about Mint Velvet OP - I'm roughly the same size and height as you, but have an hourglass figure and Mint Velvet tops always makes me look 2 dress sizes bigger as they cling in all the wrong places.

Another vote for Arket. I really rate their straight leg jeans and tops.

I also think Jigsaw is having a bit of a revival.

Also, Cos, Uniqlo and Whistles.