Help me define my style based on what I've just bought!

[Brieandbeetroot]

So I'm trying to dress, well, better! Stuff that looks nice, suits my shape, just generally make more of an effort.

I'm 34, 5'8", size 8 on top, size 10 on bottom, pear shape.

Here are links to stuff I've just bought. Any thoughts on whether it works for someone my shape/height and what I should be looking for to build my style? I suit warm, bright colours.

leather ankle boots

wrap top

bootcut jeans

wrap dress

midi dress

navy top

tan ankle boots

wide leg trousers

Thank you!

It all looks nice, if a bit safe. What is your lifestyle? Do you need 2 pairs of heeled boots as we head into May? I’m a spring too (warm and light) and the last trousers are not a shade I would consider, they’re very muted.

Yes, safe is my problem!

Work in a professional job, creative/smart so have a lot of choice, only have to commute into the office once a week but it includes a 35 minute walk each way plus train so have to be mindful of that re footwear (I like heels but my feet don't much these days unless it's block heeled boots etc).

Outside work I have a toddler, like to garden and be outside. I've never figured out casual dressing for my body shape, I either end up looking a mess because the shapes and styles don't suit me, or really inappropriate for the activity. Wide leg long trousers not really suitable for gardening or muddy walks!

Colours wise I'm a blend of autumn and spring. I think clear, warm, bright was the description. Those trousers may be too dark when they arrive but if they're a proper olive they should be ok for me. I also hardly ever find wool trousers that are wide leg without pleats or side pockets so I think I just grasped at the opportunity!

Re the ankle boots, I will probably send one pair back having tried them on, although I can't really wear flat pumps as they either make me look stumpy or hurt my feet so I end up in either boots or sandals.

You say you're a size 8 on top, but do you have big boobs? I don't think wrap tops or dresses are great unless you do.
I'm a fair bit older than you, and the only thing I would wear is the wide-leg trousers. The rest looks a little bit dated to me. Sorry, I don't mean to be rude and it doesn't matter what I think!

I don't have big boobs at all! I keep trying to follow the "rules" for pear shaped but then end up as you say, looking dated.

They're clothes my mum would wear and look amazing in, but she's 64!

I used to wear quite fitted things, interesting shapes and textures and a pair of heels were my best friend as they elongated my legs and balanced out my body, but I just can't replicate with the lifestyle I have now, and I don't want to always dress like I'm ready for a stomp round the woods.

I think they're classic rather than dated (except the wrap top, which
does seem a little dated) and it depends how you wear them - boots/ wedges with the wrap dress, for example is better than a heeled shoe. Accessories are also key- an on-trend bag/ jacket/ jewellery/ glasses can change the look. And remember, hair is an accessory- I have a short, interesting hair cut and I think I can wear my classic things/ things I've had for a while to work because I have an up to date haircut, if you get what I mean.

I wear wrap dresses on occasion, do not have big boobs (very average) l, am size 14 and think they look great. It all depends on your shape.

I have returned to my roots (haha) and am now naturally curly which is a whole other ball game as I'm not sure I like it or know how to make it look good!

I'm just a bit of a mess I think. I look at photos from a few years ago and think I looked good. I've put on a couple of kilos since my daughter was born and not very toned so definitely not looking or feeling my most stylish!

I think at 5'8" and an 8-10 you are tall and slim and not really pear-shaped. I am a similar size although a little taller and maybe slightly more hourglass due to my boobs! I wear a lot of wide leg trousers or jeans (cropped ones are good in bad weather!), and tend to pair them with shirts (mainly from Sezane) or waist-length t-shirts/cashmere jumpers. I wear chunkier ankle/calf boots - I have some great ones from Russell and Bromley and Penelope Chilvers. I follow Lydia Jane Tomlinson on Instagram and I think she is really good at creating basic, flattering outfits.

My first thought was safe too and pretty boring sorry. Except for the wide leg trousers (which I do like), it's exactly my dsis style who is 62 and not been interested in fashion or style since her 20's.
It's a bit 'smart but dull' but without personality or a bit of an edge. It's not really classic either tbh. Try on stuff out of your comfort zone until you find what you like. Is that how you ended up with the trousers? If so carry on doing that.

The trousers I love but can never work out how to make it work more casually. I would need to wear heels to lengthen my legs which then renders it largely unsuitable for my weekends.

Bootcut jeans are the only type that kind of suit me and even though I'd rather not wear jeans as they don't flatter particularly, they kind of feel necessary with a toddler and being outdoorsy.

I do really appreciate all your thoughts. Any links to stuff would also be very welcome!

younger inspiration possibly 😊

globalimagegrp.com/pear-shape-how-to-dress-a-pear-shape-body-and-look-fabulous/

What do you want to look like?

It is very safe.

Though some interesting accessories could jazz it up.

Heels of any kind during the day are very dated now.

Anyway, what other stuff do you like? Music, books, films? I take inspiration from those a lot.

Oh gosh I’m 36 with 2 small ones and I consider jeans smart these days 🙈 I only wear them for weekend social occasions really. I work full time and have to dress smartish for that (no jeans) and otherwise at the weekend I’m in leggings, nice ones such as sweaty Betty.

do you want to dress to follow the “rules” (colour and shape), which can look dated, or do you want to look a bit on trend? It’s hard to do both. I think though that when you’re slim like you are, you don’t need to consider your shape so much. You can get away with so much more.

Can you book a session with a stylist at John Lewis or similar? I found it really useful, and no pressure to buy/ only look at expensive items etc

Great 🔗

It's very safe.

I'm 39 and wouldn't wear these outfits, and I'm not quite sure if they are for work or weekends?

Two pairs of low heeled boots going into summer seem impractical and dated.

Smart casual office/weekend wear where I live and work consists of trainers, chunky sandals, block colour dresses, Dr Marten shoes, wide leg cropped full length trousers, oversized shirts etc.

That's for all shapes and sizes.

I would return, go on Pinterest or Instagram for ideas of what you like, and go and book a JL personal stylist.

I'm so glad you guys can on and where honest! I'm such a people pleaser untyped what I thought as kindly as I could and then deleted it as it was negative. You have all managed to be constructive rather than critical and offered solutions. I will take a lesson

Came on and were honest.

Can't book a John Lewis stylist appointment as no John Lewis shops near me anymore unfortunately.

I think one of the things I'm identifying is that I can recognise what's on trend (I hear you re trainers, cropped trousers, chunky sandals) but to be honest, that just isn't me. It just makes me look deeply try hard. What I'm struggling to do is find my own style that can be updated with up to date touches as and when.

I am going to send back everything I've bought though based on this thread except probably the jeans as I need a pair before my others wear through and I've owned a pair of girlfriend jeans for a while and every time I wear them I see a photo of myself and think "god they're so unflattering". I might also keep the trousers if the colour is good.

That link does look good thank you @beetr00 so I will scour that for ideas.

I'm not sure I'm any closer to getting an idea of my personal style but at least I know what not to waste my money on!

It's all very casual Kate Middleton! So maybe type her name in on Pinterest.and see what casual outfits appear :)

@Lemondrizzlerain sadly I do not have the glossy athletic look of Kate Middleton so definitely don't think that should be my goal!

Some stuff I have in my wardrobe that I love in case that helps:

blazer

www.johnlewis.com/reiss-frankie-wool-cashmere-blend-ruched-sleeve-jumper-teal/p109614166 www.johnlewis.com/reiss-frankie-wool-cashmere-blend-ruched-sleeve-jumper-teal/p109614166]]

skirt

Conservative, safe, dull. Sorry OP. I'm 43 and wouldn't wear most of those items. Can you follow some good insta accounts for inspiration? Like TheSilverKat or InStyle_Helen. It may help you find your style.

Do that and you'll end up looking like everyone else

You are young slim & tall. You can wear things that will reflect that. I'm early 50s & the only thing you've linked to that I'd wear are the trousers!

And I love them!

I think you need to look at sites like Sezane, ba&sh, sandro, maje, anthropologie, me+em, &other stories, the kooples etc

Use these sites for inspiration & ease into it. When you change your style it can feel a little self conscious. But you can build to it.

I'd start with finding the perfect jeans. Build 3 outfits around them - a beautiful blouse from sezane & leather ankle boots, decent bag & accessories & tiu have a great non -office smart outfit for shoping / drinks / lunch etc

Same jeans teamed with lovely trainers & a great t-shirt/ casual top & a cool sweatshirt = casual everyday outfit

And so on. As you get used to the change you'll find yourself getting braver with colour, fabric, texture etc

This stuff might suit you:

www.allsaints.com/women/new

As others have said, they are all very safe, which is fine if you are looking for basics but not if what you want is a few key items to kickstart a new wardrobe.
I have to say they all seem very strange choices to buy near the start of May! You won't really get a chance to wear them much for at least 5 months by which time trends might have already changed - the tan type boots for example already seem quite dated. I would personally send most/all of it back, spend the summer having a think about what sort of image you want, bookmark some styles on pinterest and follow some vlogs on ista etc. then book in a free adviser session at somewhere like John Lewis at the start of September when you have a bit more of an idea.

Obviously you can wear whatever you want, but at 34 and a size 8/10 you could look amazing in so many different styles, why limit yourself to background dressing? If you're going to spend money on new stuff, make sure it's stuff you like!