Wardrobe overhaul help!

[ashamed1235]

I need some help!

I have spent a number of years WFH, young kids etc and settled into a uniforms of lounge wear at home and jersey dresses with tights/boots/trainers etc.

i have to go back to the office. It’s casual ish but no jeans etc. Public sector. Lots of being out and about and in clients homes, some of them in poor condition. So practical also needed.

I have lost loads of weight, size 18 to 10/12. So I need clothes! And I want to move away from the sea of jersey which TBH was a coverup beforehand. I also have sensory issues - so love linen and wool but I can’t manage them. I also struggle with tight waistbands, bras and so on. My only footwear are DM chelsea and NB trainers plus birkies.

Budget - not a great deal really, but nor do I want crap quality, fast fashion, sea of polyester so would rather buy a few better quality pieces and build on it. I would usually shop at Fat Face, SeaSalt etc but they don’t fee right anymore.

I’m in my late forties and like jewel colours - strong pinks, purples, greens etc. Not keen on patterns really.

Where should I start?

Do you have any large department stores near you ? John Lewis , M & S etc ?
If so have a wander around there and see if anything is floating your boat .
How about starting with a few basics - for work perhaps some wide leg 3/4 light weight (linen like crops ) and a couple of tops . Would you feel comfortable in a smartish jumpsuit ?
Add a dress and you've got a small start off back to work wardrobe.
Jealous of your weightloss, congratulations .

My friend had a job similar to this and she told me she wears the sort of clothes her clients (on benefits,) would wear but slightly smarter. If you go too smart they will think you think you're better than them.

I was going to show you the bright red version of a slightly different model to this dress but they seem to have sold out. Doubtless there’ll be more jewel colours soon. Exemplary brand, from every point of view.

American Vintage has a sale on at the moment. Things are still not the cheapest but if you have the patience to check fabric content they do have beautiful colours and shapes. (And can no doubt be found on pre-worn sites, too.)

I would take a look at the Next Website - they have a lot of brands on there now and quite a good way of filtering by style/colour/fabric etc. this link is dresses in size 12, proper colours, short sleeves, and solid rather than patterns

For trousers, look for things with elasticised waist. It's not like back int he day when those sorts of trousers were hideous. You can get quite nice cotton style trousers with that sort of waist. Or buy trousers in fabrics that are a bit stretchy.

Oh, and I only selected cotton or cotton blends.

Thanks all. Will have a proper look after work.

Love that dress @Aixellency and never heard of the brand so will have a good look.

I didn’t know Next had such a good search filter. I do look online and M and S and JL - as no decent options to visit - and just get overwhelmed by the choice. Plus I never know what sizes to buy, partly because they vary and partly because I am still convinced I am bigger.

thanks again all.

any other thoughts welcome!

Yes - they overhauled the website a couple of years ago and it's a LOT better. Combined with the multiple brands they now sell on there... it's become quite useful. And returns are easy because you can just go down to your local store rather than faffing about packaging it all up and getting down to a postoffice.

Years of boycotting their website have been turned around and I'm now a fan. I should buy shares in Next because I bet I'm not the only one!

Was advising someone just the same yesterday, OhBling.

Such a wide range of brands on the Next website and such good filters that they are nearly always my first port of call these days, even if I've no particular intention of buying directly from them (will always buy where I can get Avios if possible LOL).

Depending on finances, another option is Stitchfix? It can be a bit pricier, but it's a good way to try a few different brands and styles and you can be very specific on what you like/don't like? Unfortunately, it can be erratic in that if you get a less good stylist you'll ask for no yellow and she'll send 3 yellow things which is annoying, but if you get a good stylist, it can work well.

Glad you liked it - and yes, the Community Clothing website is well worth constant browsing. Trying to think of some brands that would be worth seeking out on pre-worn sites - maybe jewel colours, hardwearing, excellent fabrics and cuts, but not ostensibly showy. Three that come to mind:

https://www.and-daughter.com/collections/sale/products/geelong-tank-in-green

https://www.massimoalba.com/en-uk

Raey @ https://www.matchesfashion.com/products/Raey-Oversized-lyocell-blend-shirt-dress-1503602

For footwear you might look at

https://lanxshoes.com/

If you want decent quality stuff that will last, there's a sale on at thought clothing - I've found that their bamboo/organic cotton is good quality.

I would get some basic cotton chinos/wide leg linen trousers/non-iron tops from M&S/TU (Sainsbury's) then probably some smarter tops and a couple of dresses from Mint Velvet, Oliver Bonas and so on. Stitch Fix is also a good suggestion. I found Sugarhill Brighton through Stitch Fix and have bought another couple of items from them direct.

uniqlo is good for basics

https://www.oliverbonas.com/fashion/puff-sleeve-pink-midi-dress

https://www.oliverbonas.com/fashion/tiered-v-neck-blue-midi-dress#selection.color=15

https://www.sugarhillbrighton.com/collections/shirts-blouses/products/alva-embroidered-top-navy-rainbow-floral

https://www.sugarhillbrighton.com/collections/midi-dresses-1/products/flissy-jersey-midi-dress-multi-sundown-stripe

Love the colours and materials of the Oliver Bonas dresses but can’t be doing with puff sleeves and tiers.

Some sites I’ve never even heard of so will enjoy a browse!

and will definitely check out next.

love both Sugarhill options and may try and will certainly look at the website - again I had not heard of them. Fashion isn’t really my thing.

thank you so much everyone for taking the time, I really do appreciate it and each and every one of you.

What is Boden quality like these days? Used to have some before children . I am much poorer now but nor do I want Primark really, I’d rather buy quality and ethical brands.

Toast has started its sale today. Not everyone’s cup of tea but some great timeless pieces in good quality fabrics that stand the test of time.

I used to wear a lot of Seasalt, Fat Face etc and like Baukjen now.