In my late 30’s, want to dress stylishly but classically. What should I look out for?

[Nocakeinthishouse]

I am in the process of shedding a lot of weight-I was put on medication that contributed to me gaining 30kgs 5 years ago and ballooning to a size 20. I have lost 20kgs so far and should have lost it all by mid summer.

I entered my 30’s as a size 8 and wore a lot of Lucy and Yak, Topshop, Cos, Mango, Oliver Bonas, Zara and H & M. I’ve spent my “fat years” shopping at Sainsbury’s and primark because I couldn’t bear to buy nice clothes for my size.

Now I’m on my way back to a size 8 I’m a bit lost as to what I should be wearing, and what brands to go for. I have a 6 year old, so am past the stage of being covered in food and baby vomit, and want to look well presented and put together. Could you amazing people help point me in the right direction? Thank you.

Start a Pinterest board - search something like ‘classic casual winter looks’. You’ll soon spot a theme of what you’re pinning and can start from there

That is a really good idea!! Thank you so much! I’m so excited to enter this new chapter.

I lost a post so apols if I post twice

i wear a lot of classic clothes for work. I like to look expensively put together but also be comfy! I like slightly masculine tailoring and good fibres

i buy a lot at Cos (my no1), massimo dutti, H&M, I buy M&S men’s jumpers, I like whistles and jigsaw. Lots of tan and grey and navy and cream, with white shirts and tops. I almost never wear patterns except a bit of leopard.

I have a very classic style for work and now in my late 30s tend to mix phase eight, mint Velvet and Oliver Bonas with Nero giardini (shoes), co'couture, coster Copenhagen, Mos Mos, jigsaw. I get a lot of compliments but it is not exactly budget friendly so I don't shop v often and try to follow Claire Lopez - a stylist online who focuses a lot on classic wardrobe staples.

Amazing!! Thank you both so much. I’m glad to know that some of my old favourites are still go-to places. I’m like you @Workingmammabear , I tend to just buy one or two items at a time, but will manage to build up a decent capsule wardrobe before I know it. I used to use a combination of scarves, bags and shoes to change up outfits and make me look less repetitive. I can’t wait to get back to loving my clothes again. Thank you!

I wish you lots of luck! I had forgotten how to get dressed during the 2020-21/22 covid years(!) and hadn’t bought anything for ages. Last year, feeling fed up with how I looked (I was always someone who got a lot of pleasure out of clothes and planning outfits etc) I decided to deal with the situation! I ruthlessly went through my wardrobe and have spent the last year building it up again. I have made good use of sales and TK Maxx to replace basics, and have splurged on the odd star item - a couple of amazing summer dresses, some new trousers, jackets etc.
I’ve also been rediscovering accessories I already owned and making an effort to use them. It is such a joy again and I’m so glad I have turned things around! I wish you lots of luck and fun - keep us updated!

I’m also in the process of losing weight ( not as successfully as you though !) and have started a notes list on my phone of items for a classic/capsule wardrobe once I’m at my goal weight:

A&F Sloane pants
Satin midi (new look)
Zara olive blazer
Wide leg crop jeans (Zara/ Fatface Keswick/ Seasalt)
Levi’s ribcage straight jeans
Good quality jumpers - camel & grey (HM Mohair or Cos cashmere)
Good quality white oversized shirt
Good quality vest tops (Mango)
Black skinny belt gold clasp
Long sleeve stripe top
Trench - seasalt?
Long dark wool winter coat

I struggled with this in my late 30s- not weight related but I suddenly felt too old for where I used to shop, and too young for the others (not naming any stores or labels)!

Are you on Instagram? Look for women your age or style bloggers to follow, just click on the hashtags eg #fashion #zara #30sfashion etc. I deleted my account years ago, but used it when I wanted to get back into fashion after 2 back to back babies and maternity clothes!

Congrats on the weight loss