Are these ok?

[Rosti1981]

Like many other posters I've seen recently, I feel like I've lost my sense of style (if I ever had it!). I've just bought the following things but I'm a bit arrrrgh am I getting this right, are they too safe / boring, will they go together? I would ideally send some back as well as I can't actually afford all this!

I'm 10-12 (12 jacket/structured tops as I think I have broad shoulders, 10-12 waist). Fairly toned but tummy a bit wobbly/prone to bloat. 5'7. Shape probably quite rectangular/up and down, not that much boob going on.

Lifestyle is wfh most of the time, office 1 day per week (try to dress a bit smarter on those days - Hobbs dresses or just some plain black trousers and a top), quite active (walk/cycle a lot locally and also go to the gym), have 9 and 12 year olds so beyond toddler/baby sick phase. Like to be outdoors/camping etc. Colouring is classic summer I think.

These are the things I've got - are they ok / is it overly safe/boring? / how would you style (and have I got everything I need here without buying yet more stuff?!). Have sort of collected together the things that I'm hoping fit together and hoping this is a reasonable wardrobe for spring/summer.

These navy chinos
A white/silver lace Mint Velvet top from Vinted
This jacket, will go back unless I absolutely love it because it is so £££
Silver/teal belt
With a silver necklace, possibly this though I am also looking at necklaces I own already including turquoise/blue ones

Khaki zip top (I can't see that much green in this, it's more a dark grey)
Grey sparkle tshirt
These black wide trousers
These black espadrilles with heels

White/pink trainers
White short t-shirt from Hush to be worn with a green pleated midi skirt I bought in Spain for next to nothing. Could do with a different belt as it has a ribbon tie which hangs weirdly.
With Hobbs light blue denim jacket from last year
Green dress from Hush
Pink sandals
I also already have some pink trainers (like these ones)

And a couple of jumpers - this one and a stripy grey/white one with nice zipped wrist sleeve (Mint Velvet) from Vinted, white M&S jumper from charity shop. To be worn with jeans (have M&S Lily Bootcut, could possibly get a different cut but not sure what... I like bootcut as 90s girl at heart, but then don't wear with boots which I think is a no no!)

Also have some cream/navy vest tops from last summer and hippy/harem cotton trousers (Thought I think) which I will pull out for this year as well.

Am I channelling boring/safe, children's TV presenter inanity, or mix-and-match-that-will-never-work??

Love the MV palazzo pants

I like wide leg trousers from M&S, my barrel leg jeans from there get lots of compliments. I also LOVE the ragan jumpsuit by Lucy and Yak with a long sleeved top underneath. And always wear with my gold docs or high top converse. Today I wore a vintage bed jacket over a black t- shirt from Uniqlo, my barrel jeans and docs and got lots of nice comments. Key style tip of the moment is to tuck your tops in I find.

M&S looks great this year, and the one near me has a wide selection of trousers/cuts/styles to try so I do think this is probably my best bet for finding what I want. Not sure jeans by mail order is really working that well!

Though I am quietly hopeful for the fatface bargain girlfriend ones. I bought in long which is possibly pushing it a bit (am about 5'6/7 so could just about fit a "long" but it's borderline) but want to see how they look rolled anyway.

The jumpsuits are nice, which colour do you have?
I've got a navy blue Seasalt jumpsuit from last year which I have dug out, it's pretty (plain so needs accessories, but I am so comfortable in it).

I've surprised myself as I really like the Hush green/pink dress worn with the black leather jacket. I think I may keep the Hush dress as it fits well and I like the length.

Unfortunately I also like the silver/white top from Vinted worn with black trousers and the blue/grey suede jacket!

So now I like both jackets, recognising they are both very different, which wasn't supposed to happen :D. I got 15% off both so need to try with some other things to be sure as don't want to pay full price for either.

I think I'm leaning towards the grey/blue suede one as better for this time of year, and although my colouring probably doesn't suit it I do love to wear black- this jacket seems to work well with black to lighten the overall effect (just found an old black skater style dress with biker zip pockets, I think it came from a charity shop and originally from Kew, with the blue/grey jacket it is far more forgiving and less harsh than pure black).

So pretty!!!!

I want them all

@Rosti1981 I have that All Saints Cargo biker jacket and I have to say it's been very useful over the years. It's versatile because it's not too shiny/not too dark/not too short/not too anything, I find - it's a sort of very dark grey-black, and just a bit lived-in.

Having said that, I love the paler suede one you've linked to!

This is where I'm at with the jackets...
At this rate I am going to be getting both, which had not been the plan!
I do like both very much, for different purposes

The things you’ve linked to are not frumpy, whoever said that is just trying too hard. And I don’t really see the problem with “safe”. It’s another way of saying nobody’s going to point and laugh, which I’m pretty sure is what most of us are aiming for most of the time. And then every now and again you find something amazing that is either just beautifully done, or you fall in love with for some reason- and it all just works and is no longer safe, but just right for you.

Got to say, out of everything you posted, I’m not a fan of the espadrilles. The studded leather and the rope soles just don’t work together imo- two different aesthetics thrown together.

You see I’m terrible at styling myself. I live in jeans and band T-shirts and hoodies on a weekend with Dr Marten boots. Work I wear skater dresses with leggings and my Dr Marten boots. Usually stretchy skater jersey type but also have some nicer materials. I’m 47. Work with sen kids so never wear anything expensive or too smart as need to be comfy and often things get stained or ripped. I absolutely hate shopping. I had to get an outfit this week for a formal event and luckily the shop assistants helped me out a lot as I had no idea. I have tried some of those boxes you can order online where a personal shopper picks things out for you. I’ve kept a few bits here and there which I wouldn’t usually buy so I am widening my look. The stitch fix one seems quite good but don’t always ‘get’ the even you explain you want something for. The Lookerio one also has some nice bits but boxes don’t seem to arrive on the dates originally booked for. I do like the idea of someone picking things out though. I’m probably on a tighter budget than the OP.

My budget is currently a 0% credit card for 48 months which is terrible, but I'm so sick of having 3-4 year old clothes and looking a mess. I will definitely be returning much of my order too!
I have reluctantly filled in the return form for the dark leather jacket, just can't justify it given we are heading into summer and I assume it's a classic that I may be able to get come the autumn/winter/lottery win...
The &other stories dark blue patch pocket crop trousers are back in stock in my size so I've just ordered those.
I have four orders going back, and about four more out for delivery.
I'm going in person next time (if there is a next time) as all the mail order keeping track of prices and what I'm keeping/sending back is stressing me out!

If you are a summer why are you wearing black?!

Have a look at fb group

style me happy

it’s a great group where you can buy an analysis for shape and colour and once you know this it’s so much easier to get ideas of what looks good

plus the people on there are great for sharing tips on what’s great

I seem to be in the minority here, I love those espadrilles! Would buy them myself if they weren't so expensive...

I love them too. I can’t do heels so I find the wedges work better. I like those ones. I guess we all have our own styles.

OP I’m 37 and quite style conscious, I’d absolutely ditch the canvas trainers (both pairs!) I’d go for either Alexander McQueen white oversized (really nice quality and pair with ANYTHING from a beachy dress to a blazer and smart chinos or jeans!) OR a more budget friendly option is the Mallett GRFTR both come in loads of colour options, I have the white with very pale pink heel McQueens and love them and wear them a fair bit in spring and summer. Really light and comfy to wear.

I knooooow! Because I really really like it, and always have! I think I'm a failed goth. Trying to compromise with dark grey instead or break it up with lighter colours by my face (which is why I like the grey suede jacket).

I like the espadrilles too including on (work better with trousers though than dresses so far) and similar for me with heels. I also like that they have a covered toe, I struggle with summer shoes as don't want full sandals always but like something that is still a bit lighter. I get what people are saying about the contrast between studs and the wedge but I like it and on it isn't too glaring.

Thank you, I'll take a look, that sounds great.

I'm 39 and have just started tucking in my tops and it's changed my whole look!
I feel I've wasted so much precious time, when I could have been tucking in!! 😆
I also thought it looked odd to start with, but stuck with it and realised it looks good.
Have you tried just tucking in at the front (a 'French tuck') to ease you into it?

I've not read the full thread, but saw that you are looking at AS leather jackets. I can definitely recommend Vinted and Depop for those - I saw several of the leather style you posted while I was searching a while ago for around the £120 mark. I got a very similar style in Oxblood from Depop for £125 and it's immaculate. Then you'll free up some budget for other things ;)

You are totally right, and this helps with my decision to return the black/grey leather jacket as well. It's pretty classic and I don't need it right now.

Alexander McQueen is definitely over my budget though they are lovely. I like the Mallet GRFTR you suggest, though overall I do think I prefer canvas in a trainer. White stuff trainers have gone back, but the pink adidas ones are an earlier purchase from couple of months ago and so they are definitely staying.

I found some sale Oliver Bonas Superga white trainers yesterday. £38 which is more my budget, and they had one pair left in my size so I ordered them.

So I will then have, as footwear/trainer options for casual - the superga white trainers (canvas) assuming they fit, pale pink adidas, and a pair of navy Converse. Feels like a reasonable balance of colour options and comfort.

And running trainers for the gym/runs but I don't count those as they serve a different purpose.