Can someone help me sort out my wardrobe/style?

[Whatstyleami]

Hello

I've been looking in my wardrobe today and it's such a mess. I've got a mix of bright summer dresses, skinny jeans, wide leg trousers, muted colour midi skirts, typical 'countryside' clothes, joules tops, light jumpers, clothes from passenger - basically I've not got a style/it changes every week it seems.

I am moving house so planning on selling most of it on vinted and getting a new wardrobe (probably also from vinted!)

I want to look elegant, like Audrey Hepburn... unfortunately i have two large dogs and work from home. I went through a period over the winter of wearing thick neutral a line midi skirts with light jumpers and tights and I really liked how this looked (general idea is photo below), but I couldn't work out what shoes and coats etc to wear if I was going to use this 'uniform' to walk the dog, and then when summer came round I got some summer midi skirts, but they just looked tacky as too bright! I think this is the style I'd like to have- can anyone help me with what I need to have?
Eg - 5 x long sleeved tops (I'd rather spend a bit more)
5 x jumpers (polo/high neck)
Pair of boots for walking dog?
Pair of boots for winter going out?
Ballerina shoes for summer? They always make my feet sweaty though!

Basically overall I am a mess and I'd like to look like an elegant classy woman🤣

I am fairly religious, so nothing short/very low cut, but not a deal breaker as I can work round it!

Thank you

When it comes to working out your style personally the key thing is what fits your lifestyle. Then build on that & finds things you like & will wear. I also never buy a top or bottom unless I have something to wear it with as it just sits in the wardrobe. I think it's ok to have different styles, I dress very differently for going out whereas day to day i'm very casual.

Can you wear heels to walk the dog or do you need flat boots? What's more practical hiking boots or wellies?

I think if you are out walking the dog in summer, any footwear comfortable and appropriate. For winter wellies or a flat ankle boot. The skirt and jumper in the photo is what I'd like to look like in winter, where were you getting the skirts from?

I am a big fan of chelsea boots so would put the skirt with those, something on the chunkier side. Also Clarks Orinoco ankle boots which I saw recommended on here and really do like. Dr Martens obviously but not everyone likes those (or can get past the blisters). I am wondering if knee high boots will be coming back, like we used to wear in the early 00s as so much of the clothes are back.

Uniqlo for cotton/wool light jumpers. And possibly Gap if they have finally got their act together and start doing those things well again.

Thank you! Yes I think wellies will be needed once I've moved- not sure a midi skirt and wellies will work! I need to plan everything out, I just have so much stuff I don't wear!

I think Chelsea boots are a good idea- I have some lace up ones which are quite nice.

I actually have that skirt, it's from shien (but from a charity shop so maybe that makes it better...) when I looked on their website there are loads similar, but couldn't bring myself to buy direct from them.

Thank you, I've never heard of Uniqlo, will try them

No major advice except to say that finding your style doesn’t necessarily mean every day’s outfit has to be the same as the day before. It’s good to mix things up or you will get bored. So some lovely cords/velvet/denim trousers would work with that type of top too.

When I saw that photo, I thought Dark Academia. Have a look on Pinterest for more inspiration this - think there was a recent thread too on DA.

I would struggle to pull that outfit off and I’m 6/8 - would have to be rail thin for it to work I think. I can feel my tummy protruding in that skirt from here 😂

You've found exactly what I'm looking for!! I've just searched dark academia on Pinterest and this is exactly how I'd like to look- now just putting it together! Not sure how it would work in summer🤣

The skirt is actually quite flattering - I'm 8/10 and no bulge at all, but the material is really thick so that's probably why - I look like I've swallowed a whale in a lot of thin summer skirts!

That’s fab - it’s brilliant when you find your “tribe”.
Have a look for the MN thread - there was one kicking about last week - there may have been summer advice (although what summer???!)

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/style_and_beauty/4861009-dark-academia-anyone-who-loves-this-style

I have a small wardrobe of basics for around the house including dog walking.
I’d recommend: a couple of quality plain t-shirts (white and grey marle look better longer), pair of leggings (black), pair of joggers (black or grey) and suitable shoes.
Then add an oversized white cotton shirt, a neat pair of trainers and a pair of sturdy dark jeans and perhaps a cosy jumper or cardigan.
Pared with jackets and shoes from your wardrobe you’ve got days at home, dog walking and popping out to buy milk and grocery covered. Add a practical bag and sunglasses if you like.
Buy the best basics you can afford and use an apron for cooking and cleaning.
Then add your “personality”
items for going out.
I leant the hard way after years of buying clothes for occasions without covering the everyday and then never having anything to wear (or wearing unsuitable stuff which then didn’t feel special or was worn or damaged when I wanted to dress up).

Do you really need to look elegant when walking the dogs? Surely jeans or trousers tucked into wellies in the winter.