Anyone up for a ‘fashion in my 30s’ thread?

[Jamtartforme]

Because I feel a bit too old for cycling shorts and crop tops, but too young for Next and Boden.

I like the look of Nobody’s Child and of course I have my beloved ASOS but was wondering if anyone fancied a chat thread for new ideas…

I also adore these shorts, if anyone finds a clone that’s under £40 I would be grateful if you could post them 😬

I tackled my wardrobe this week. I found that actually I had quite a lot I was already happy with. I'd been hanging onto a lot of things I love but don't really fit my lifestyle anymore. I have packed these away rather than actually getting rid and found that much easier. Maybe one day I'll want/need them again, or perhaps my daughter will want them when she's older. I find it hard to part with the things I genuinely love, but found them overwhelming my ability to actually make sensible outfits, so this is a good compromise. I did also get rid of some things that had had very little wear because they were bad buys, and some things that were just past their best, mainly wornout basics. Now playing around with styling, and I've found what's working best for me to update my style is to go for a slightly more minimal look - either a basic outfit with one standout accessory, or one stand out piece (the skirt usually; I love a printed skirt) with very minimal accessories. In the past I used to be quite maximalist, but it just feels a bit too much for a casual day in the pub or a playpark, rather than office/restauran/bar where I wanted to feel more 'done', and the minimalist vibe feels a bit more current as well. So now feeling I could probably dump most of my vast collection of costume jewellery, but I'm going to go through it in the same way as my wardrobe: pack away pieces I love that are still in good condition, move on the things I could live without and bin anything tarnished etc. Ditto my many bags. I'd say my 'summer' wardrobe is now in pretty good shape, and looking forward to doing the same when I get the winter stuff out in a few weeks. I already have a winter shopping list, but I am holding off buying for now until I can check it against what I already have, or I fear I'll just end up duplicating pieces!

Sound similar to me, I'm also constantly cold!!! so dressing for warmth = v important.
I found this jacket on Thrift Plus - 100% wool, paid £3.60 for it and I think I'll get a lot of use from it over winter as a "cardi alternative" that's a bit more tailored.
I'm trying to get more creative with accessories, any suggestions?
I'm a bit of a goth at heart so have started bringing a bit more of that into my style. Found earrings that look like big safety pins which are next on my "to buy" list!

Vero Modo have these on sale for £12, quite similar?
https://www.veromoda.com/en-gb/product/10286802_1991_1026482/baggy-fit-normal-rise-shorts

@Jamtartforme they have a preloved section on the website, might be worth looking on it and keeping everything crossed your shorts come up if they ship to you. Ulla Johnson Preloved

So I’ve been looking for a l non trend oversized blazer on vinted and couldn’t find one I felt was quite right. However I remembered I have an old top shop one I wore with mini dresses c. 2009! Not sure that was even trendy then, I thought I was edgy at the time 😂It’s not the heavy material I’d ideally like but it works!

maybe it’s true what they say about shopping from your own wardrobe first

@Mariposa123 if you're looking for heavy and oversized maybe a woollen mans one? No harm in having a lightweight summer version and a cosy oversized winter one that fits a jumper under.

That’s a good shout! I wouldn’t know what men’s size to aim for though? Is there any sort of equivalency? Or would I have I just work out my measurements.

I will keep an eye out for a wool blazer, thinking navy or grey as the one I have is black

It's generally a try it and see approach but they're usually around in charity shops. I'm a 10-12 ish and find a medium works best.

Just found this thread and hoping for some inspiration! I'm 38, 2 kids and have completely lost my way with fashion and clothes. Body shape has changed too, size 10-12 and over a stone heavier than pre kids, nothing fits right anymore and I don't know where to start! Even reading this thread is a little overwhelming, you all sound so put together and in the know 😂 any tips of where to start with brands etc? I barely go shopping or buy anything new at the moment, used to love it!

I know the feeling, I’ve only just recently found the interest in clothes again.

one high street shop I do really like is Uniqlo. I don’t really like prints so their block colour approach suits me quite well. Also I feel like I’ve turned even more into my granny (with the is it lined/washable questions) as I quite like a lot of stuff jn M&S at the moment?!?!? My 4yo loves going in there (she mainly likes the lift and escalator) but in seeing outfit ideas in there I like. Including their chunky brown loafers I’m trying to find on vinted so I can justify getting shoes I don’t need!

Oooh I did want to add that I found that blazer I was looking for. It’s vintage, wool and grey, and only £4! It arrived today but it was far too hot to try it on. Thinking it’ll work with a plain t shirt and some cropped, wide leg jeans?

@Mariposa123 amazing! I wear mine with a pair of jeans and a white t shirt then Chelsea boots. Barbie wears hers with Birkenstocks instead though...

Can I say I've found Thrift Plus excellent for blazers. Just make sure you set filters to "as new" "or new" condition. I also set the brand type to designer or premium then sort by price. I recently picked up a designer wool blazer (forgotten the brand but its fancy Italian one haha) and an immaculate &other stories blazer for £3.80 each! Sometimes the stuff on there has undisclosed faults but it's free returns if that's the case or you can just get it fixed urself and often still a bargain. I've paid to get poppers sewn on and areas of stitching re sewn before when I've picked up items that are high end designer for peanuts it's been worth it!

Also second men's tailoring!! I love the fit on men's stuff. Probably because I'm quite straight and thin so I don't need the accommodations for curve that are typically made for women particularly not in the upper body.

Ooh I missed this where did you get it from?? That's a bargain!!

I’m having real trouble with my thrift + account - my phone keeps setting an automated strong password but then the website doesn’t let me use my saved to keychain option.

I got mine off vinted, it was sold as vintage so not sure where it’s from originally, but it’s thick and heavy so hangs well! Of course it’s been far too hot to wear it yet!

Oh just checked the label and it’s Spanish! 90% wool

I've really got to have another go at thrift plus, it's just SUCH a clumsy site!

Love how thrilled we are at the blazer, nothing like a good bargain 😂

Thrift plus IS a nightmare to navigate but I think that gives you more of an authentic thrifting experience, feels like rummaging through a charity shop rail haha. Also means a lot of people miss some of the super bargains, probably because they gave up 🤣

Wool blazer sounds like an incredible bargain!!!

Haha, the thrift plus rummage is about right 😂 it is easier on the computer than phone or tablet if anyone else is struggling...

Can I join.. i struggle with trousers, i'm quite short and thin so look ridiculous in wide trousers so always in skinny jeans, joggers or leggings. I need more option. I feel like normal trousers look to formal on me and wide leg make me look shorter 😭

hi 👋 welcome to the group. What about straight leg trousers? Maybe cords? I’m curious to try cord trousers this winter, I feel they must be warmer than jeans

I had a realisation this week about how waistlines in trousers make such a difference to how I look and feel in an outfit. I’ve decided if I’m going to wear tucked in t shirt and trousers then I need a high rise waist. Mid rise trousers make me look wider round the middle, and much more frumpy!

havjng said that though my two worst culprit for this are cotton chino type trousers that are so comfy I don’t want to part with them! I might be able to get away with a shacket or blazer over the top?