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!

I love the wide trousers too, but they're going to be very warm unless you're somewhere chilly?

Please return the boots, even if you keep the other stuff.

I've bought the trousers for next autumn/winter really as they had a discount and I never see trousers that style without pleats or side pockets.

I have taken on board that the stuff I've ordered is not good so I will send it back!

I will have a look for some other stuff and update to get your opinions!

Sorry op , I’m almost 66 and I wouldn’t wear any of them, but if that’s the type of clothes and footwear you love then wear them it’s your choice, bit Kate Middleton to me.

I like the trousers. I like the dresses. I think the wrap top is very aging. I'm 62.

I don't like the boots and don't see the point in May.

I like the wide-legged trousers too, great shape and fabric. The rest is very bland. Some of the Karen Millen work dresses look quite interesting, expensive though, like this. Is orange too bold?

Have a watch of the trinny Woodall videos for ideas . Even if you cant afford the brands the ideas are great . She wears white trainers with suits, block colours , mixes and matches . She did a great video on a holiday capsule wardrobe. Unfortunately it woul not look so good on me as I am short , however if I had her figure even at my age I would use her ideas .

Wow, I'm 35 and my mum would probably wear everything you've linked. I don't know anybody my age who would wear that stuff BUT I do totally empathise with the difficulty of blending toddler safe clothes with occasionally looking more polished. I've come to the conclusion that I need to buy washable stuff but can still look smarter/how I want (I personally detest 'Athleisure' clothing), as long as I resign myself to things needing a bit more washing.

I think you just need to look at some different brands? Sezane, Whistles, Cos, Sandro, Maje etc, at least for inspiration. Definitely never go anywhere near Dorothy Perkins ever again.....

Agree with others it is very kate Middleton. Feminine, classic, quite safe. Which is fine if that's what you are aiming for! I love the wide legged trousers but agree with others that quite formal. Zara has amazing clothes at the moment and do brilliant wide legged trousers- I will link some but they do really good elasticated waist draw string ones - I wear with tshirts for casual days and shirts to look slightly smarter eg work and lunch. I'm similar shape to you and these shapes definitely suit me - my style is quite minimal though so depends what you are looking for really!

Here are some examples of the zara trousers be lovely with a white blouse or plain tshirt?

I'm a fellow pear, although I'm 48 and 5ft5 with a size 12 bottom and size 10 top. In the Winter my favourite look is a short A-line skirt and a bodysuit, usually with flat boots. See links.

Dark Green Leather-Look Mini Skirt | New Look
Black Jersey Crew Neck Bodysuit | New Look

They look classic and relatively formal. It entirely depends on what look you're going for. I don't think Kate Middleton is a bad look! If those are your style I can't imagine a green leather mini skirt being your thing. Which is fine! Why do you feel you need to change your style?

'Definitely never go anywhere near Dorothy Perkins ever again',😄

I would say you’re veering into ‘the mother off Friday night dinner’ territory, and you should return them all and book a personal shopper appointment.

Also I think all of these things can be bought veeeery cheaply off vinted as they’re all pretty classic (dated 😬) and you could save yourself some )£££

I'm a fair bit older than you and the only thing I would wear are the wide leg trousers too. And I don't usually even wear trousers !

It's not that the other items are "dated" as such but that they are safe to the point of blandness. The trousers have a bit of pizazz to them.

I like the second pair of boots. I don't know why everyone is saying send them back because it's almost summer. It's not as if they're going to self destruct before autumn!

I really like the skirt.

I saw the word "blazer" and thought "boring" but I like it too.

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.

Then don't wear jeans. It's not obligatory. I haven't worn jeans since 1991. There's plenty of other things - even if you have toddlers and are outdoorsy- denim dress or skirt for starters- hard wearing and doesn't matter how often they are washed.

Ok... I went to Zara first. And here are some things I like. No idea how I'd wear any of them, especially footwear, but maybe some insight into what I'd like to wear if I was just choosing based on things that I think are nice. Any thoughts?

culottes

top

midi skirt

yellow trousers

brown trousers

linen dress

teal skirt

Am prepared to be told they're all awful and I'm a lost cause! I just have no idea anymore.

Love the yellow trousers and the culottes Brieandbeetroot

How would you style them? I don't want to look like someone who bought yellow trousers then panicked and tried to rein it in 😂

that just isn't me. It just makes me look deeply try hard.

I bet it doesn’t. It’s just not a version of you that you’re used to. You need to try things you like that are right out of your comfort zone, you’ll surprise yourself. It’s great that you’re returning all those safe things.

@Blossomtoes you're right, I'll never be happier with my look if I keep reaching for the same things. The pink Monsoon dress arrived today and I tried it on and it looked bloody awful!

I love everything in your first post, modest and stylish clothing! I bet you look stunning and confident.

Personally, I always recommend to wear what you’re comfortable in, a lot of styles are very try hard but everything you’ve already got is classic and will last.

The thing that really stands out from your second lot of links is that nothing goes together or is cohesive. They are all relatively 'smart' - I wouldn't have enough smart events/activities to wear these to - do you? Do you WFH?

We are coming into summer, why not just get some simple summer dresses which are so versatile? Find a trouser style which suits you and then go with it, changing out t-shirt, blouse, shirt etc? I feel like you're selecting things which are so different to each other, you're making it difficult for yourself. How about looking for one whole outfit, first?