Need new clothes…. Where do I start

[Poppyblush]

I haven’t bought any clothes for years, pre-Covid, aside from a couple of tops in the supermarket which I hate. I’ve got £500 to buy some new outfits - including shoes. Any suggestions for something for going out to dinner with friends, smart/casual jeans and tops? I’ve got no decent tops anymore. I’m 5 foot 10, size 14, and 50 next year. Not feeling good about how I look. I like blues and greens. Where’s good for clothes these days?

Zara has some great bits in atm, as do H&M. Where are you based? I will happily shop with you if you are near me! Central London based 🙋

Plan out what you'll need. I don't mean specific items but things like jeans, formal top, casual top, jacket, sweatshirt, leggings, trainers, sandals.

Once you have the list start looking but bear in mind what will go with this.

Primark jeans will probably work for you as they're long, they're also a good source of tshirts. If there are any shops you love see if they have a sale on.

This top, for instance would be fine with jeans and trainers for the day but would equally dress up with a skirt or smart trousers for the evening.

I agree with making a list. For me in the spring going into summer as basics it would be…
white trainers
sandals
loafers
blue jeans
black jeans
’going out’ top/blouse x 2
Cap sleeve t-shirt x 3 (white navy and black probably)
vest top x 2 (white and navy)
blazer
denim jacket
casual cotton dress x 2
nicer ‘going out’ dress

I’d invest more in denim and blazers/jackets and less in simple dresses/t-shirts/vests. I’d get mid range shoes as your budget allows!

If you have a mooch round real life shops they have outfits on mannequins still- I bought an entire styled ‘look’ from river island the other day as I loved how it looked together