Capsule wardrobe for 35 yo, where to shop?

[friendswiththemonstera]

Hello all. I'm sure this has been done to death but I'm very tired of my wardrobe. I don't have any clue about what is fashionable any more or how to find out. I want to create a timeless capsule wardrobe that focuses on a fairly "mumsy" but smart style - e.g. black jeans or trousers, a white button down shirt with a thin jumper layered on top. Does this sound appalling?? Where should I shop for the basics? Thanks in advance for any help.

I'm also thinking of a glow up generally as I've suffered a recent break up and will soon be earning more money. Maybe laser eye surgery and teeth whitening. Is there a particularly good skin treatment I could do to make my skin appear younger? I don't suffer much with lines or sun damage yet so my skin probably isn't too bad, nothing too drastic needed.

Whats your budget OP? Do you know what type of clothes you like and suit you?

I’ve had my colours done by a stylist on Instagram called Style my Happy for about £35 and I found it really helpful for putting together a core wardrobe. I think she also does a shape analysis for a similar amount.

I then sold all my old stuff on vinted and used the money to buy better things.

I like stores like Arket, cos, Uniqlo for good quality basics. Ted Baker, Sezane , Baukjen for stuff that’s a bit nicer, but I get loads of things on vinted from higher end places. It’s worth figuring out what you like and what suits you.

Also nice bags and accessories can really make an outfit!

Oh also, have a look at wearsmymoney on Instagram or via her website, and Lydia Jane Tomlinson. They both focus on putting together very nice outfits (can be expensive but they do cheaper options). I find them really helpful for inspiration.

Enjoy your glow up!

Budget is maybe £1k for some immediate basics. Accessories is a good point - I never accessorise and I think this makes me feel quite plainly dressed.

£1k is a lovely budget, you can have great fun with that!

I’d definitely recommend a good bag or two. And shoes. And a coat or three.

Why not try the personal shopper at John Lewis? It's free and they'll bring you things you'd never think of picking up yourself. They're very helpful.

How exciting OP! I had a mini makeover a few years ago and felt a lot better for it.

Main things for me were: teeth whitening, professional eyebrow shape and a trip to the hair dressers.

I treated myself to a new blazer, handbag and black leather knee high boots (definitely the hardest working items in my wardrobe).

Really like these shops: Sezane, & Other Stories, Arket, Reformation, Massimo Dutti, Cos and Everlane.

This round-up might be worth a look for inspiration:

https://www.whowhatwear.com/uk/best-basics-for-women

Re. skincare, I think the main things are retinol and spf. I also wear my sunglasses religiously to stave off further wrinkles.

I'm about to add an led mask into my routine (already bought my eye protection as prep) - probably either the Omnilux contour mask or Qure.

Putting a vote in for jigsaw. I recently bought quite a few things from there and they look good time and time again. I do recommend going in though because I never am that encouraged to buy from jigsaw online - even in the sale - but being in their shop there were lots of things I liked and it’s a very capsule wardrobe kind of place imo.

Depends entirely on your style. I love Scamp & Dude but it's not everyone's cup of tea. Mint velvet is a fave too. Bit more funky

I recommend this insta account for inspiration, I think a lot of her looks fit what you're looking for.
https://www.instagram.com/sophieclarewhite?igsh=bTRpYzQ4MGw0ZDJz

F

Agree that Lydia Tomlinson is great for styling tips, she has a style similar to what you describe too but has ways to put it together without looking boring. Her brand recommendations have got ridiculously £££ lately but she does often give similar high street recommendations too. I'm in the process of doing something similar and have found Arket, &Other Stories, H&M and M&S pretty good for basics. Sezane is just not in my budget I'm afraid.

I'd seriously recommend watching a lot of videos and checking Instagram accounts for inspo before you buy anything. I've made a lot of expensive mistakes by buying things in the sale/because they were on a targeted advert but they don't actually fit my wardrobe or lifestyle. For example, Lydia Tomlinson loves a cream skirt or trousers. It's easy to be tempted as it looks so great, but I have a black spaniel so... Let's be realistic! Ditto splashing out on something like a leather bag but in a colour that doesn't go with anything else you own.

For face, I found AHA a game changer (similar age to you). It cleared and brightened my (admittedly pretty good) skin almost overnight. I'd recommend a good balm cleanser, REN Ready Steady Glow or Alpha H Liquid Gold and a good night cream at night, and SPF 50 for daytime.

I did a capsule wardrobe last year. My advice is focus on body shape and learn about what works with your shape. Then search for basics that fit around that shape.

When I first started doing this, I felt like all my clothes were plain and boring, but I actually love how easy it is to dress each day. Jackets, shoes and accessories help to complete an outfit. I am someone who tends to buy something I love in different colours. So I buy the same jeans in blue and black, my favourite t-shirt in black and white etc.

I focus on shops that have petite sizes. I've actually found a lot of stuff that works for my shape in Marks and Spencers of all places! I really like their wide leg and flared jeans. I got some wide leg linen trousers for the summer from next (bought them in black, khaki and navy).

Sorry to hijack but can you suggest other places with good fitting petite ranges @Heartshapedboxed?

ascolour is brilliant for basics. Their heaviest weight T-shirt is a fraction of the price of Arket and just as good. I wear them to the office because they hold their shape well enough to be smart but they're not too formal.