Wardrobe overhaul

[PaperLanterns]

I’m on a mission to lose lots of weight. I haven’t lost all this weight so this is very much a speculative (and hopefully inspiring) reach out.

I’m 41 and for the first time in my life, I’m earning a reasonable amount. I’ve been diagnosed as a prediabetic and it’s given me the kick to get on with losing weight.

All my clothes this far are mainly from Crew, ASOS, M&S, fat face and the odd Primark - I use Vinted quite a lot. Currently a size 18 (from a 22/24) and I was wondering if anyone could give me advice on where to shop for some good quality, natural material simple clothes! And nice material ‘going out’ clothes.

Congratulations on your increased salary!

You’re bound to find you have many more options for clothes shopping at your new size, so it should be an adventure.

This post on another thread seems absolutely brilliant, and a good place to start:

Rebella · 21/10/2023 21:18

Like others have said really depends on budget/what ethical importance you want to prioritise. I buy a lot less and look out for sales some places/brands I shop/look at as out of my budget but might be in yours

Lowie
Community clothing
rapanui
69b boutique
smallable
Komodo
Thinkingmu
faithrowanleeves (small batch)
the walker and walker
Made by sjp (small runs from old fabric)
Asket
Ninety percent
kowtow

also to help you to think about your ethics priorities, has lots of brand recommendations
https://goodonyou.eco/

Can’t guarantee all those sites go up to an 18, but you should find one or two that might form the basis of a new wardrobe.

After that it’s really a matter of what you’re interested in and the lifestyle you need to dress for. Do you want bespoke suits and dresses, or the John Lewis experience, or something in between? And do you have any styling restrictions? Or a budget?

Thank you! I have had a look through old threads but there are so many ways of wording it, I couldn’t find what I wanted!

Lifestyle-wise, I have two small kids (2&4) and I’m a primary school teacher so no power dressing required. Got quite big boobs which I hate and try to wear as high necked as possible (I know it’s not right for my shape but it’s how I’m comfortable).

Just want to look a bit more out together on the school run without too much effort. I feel quite scruffy day to day.

I do plan to lose about 6 stone, taking me down to a 12/14 .

John Lewis, Cos. Why don’t you book a free personal shopping session at J Lewis.

Buy something nice for the size you are now. It may be you take it to the charity shop in a few months if you have lost more weight, but then it’s a win win.

Do you prefer dresses or trousers?

I think everyone has basics that they wear 80% of the time eg jeans, black trousers, nice blouse, fine jumper, jumper dress, etc. If you can identify yours you just need to buy a few.

When I had to pull a new wardrobe together I chose 3 looks I liked e.g.
Jeans, tshirt, hoodie, trainers
Slim ankle trousers, smart blouse, blazer/cardigan, loafers
Jersey/knitted dress, blazer /cardigan, boots

Then bought 2 or 3 mix and match options for each element. I have tons to wear.

If you're still losing weight don't do it all but it's a good mindset if you get overwhelmed. Maybe just one look and buy 2x bottoms, 3x tops, 2x shoes, 2x jumper/cardigan/blazer. You'll have plenty to wear and can mix it up a bit with accessories you won't slim out of.