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Finding your style/ building a wardrobe.

5 replies

Lostin30s · 25/03/2024 21:31

Hiya,
in desperate need of help with where to start clothes shopping! Essentially I’m a 33yr old mum of 2, I haven’t shopped for clothes for myself asides from when I have absolutely had to for years. I’m now luckily in a position where I can look at getting myself a some bits each month but I have no idea where to start! I know I want to start with good quality basics & build up from there; so a good pair of jeans, some basic t-shirts that will wash well & keep their shape, a good spring jacket & eventually a winter coat that’s actually warm! Ect. What shops are good for quality long- wearing pieces?
I used to love fashion, before kids I was a visual merchandiser, I loved experimenting & trying new styles. Now I feel completely out of my depth! Everything seems to be full of cut outs or gives of teacher vibes. I want to look cool & effortlessly put together again 🙈
Many thanks, from someone completely clueless!

OP posts:
Travellingislife · 26/03/2024 04:25

Following! I feel exactly the same, I’ve just started putting a wardrobe together but I find it difficult, for now I’ve bought jeans that suit me, cashmere jumpers and cardigans, a classic trenchcoat and a camel coat. I’ve still not found t-shirts that wash well and look good, I’m tempted to try M&S or H&M’s higher end range. I’ve seen people on here recommending a John Lewis personal shopper but not tried it myself yet.

Frumpitydoo · 26/03/2024 05:42

My advice is buy the winter coat now, in the sales!

ToriTheStoryteller · 26/03/2024 05:54

I've bought a few t-shirts from John Lewis and do far so good: no twisted side seams or wiggly hems after washing!
Also their wide leg black jersey trousers are good quality and keep their shape.

Still on the lookout for vests that are good for a long torso, though!

https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-organic-cotton-short-sleeve-crew-neck-t-shirt/p109877583

https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-jersey-wide-leg-trousers/p110247739

Cally62 · 26/03/2024 06:06

I don't think you can go wrong with Fenwicks. They have a really good choice of everything. I picked up some Rag & Bone jeans in the sale last week, £63 instead of £210. I love a white shirt and daren't count now many I have. So good fitting jeans, a white shirt, trainers, good shoes. I don't go high fashion but buy what I love. I'm 61 and my youngest dd who's 33 recently said she loves my style. Yes, it's a good time to buy a winter coat, but also sweaters and boots.

Theothername · 26/03/2024 06:44

It’s hard to get back on top of your clothes after a break, particularly if your shape has changed. My advice is to make a nice cuppa and spend half an hour on Pinterest, pinning anything you like without over thinking it, and then take a look over it all. This always helps me figure out what I’m going for.

Then go through your wardrobe (and laundry basket) and separate the things that fit, and flatter into what’s seasonal now and what to put away. What’s left will probably have some sentimental pieces, identity clutter etc. Unless you’re in the mood to sort it, just pull out any obvious donations and put the harder decisions to one side for now (but not back in the wardrobe) What you want to concentrate on is your right-now wardrobe.

There are probably things that fit and flatter but you can’t wear because you lack the right shoe, bra, or something to go with it. So at this point go through your wardrobe and make a list, thinking about outfits and what you need to buy to make everything work. And add to that whatever extras you’d like to buy.

It’s so easy to go shopping, and buy lovely things but still have nothing to wear. The list really helps because it keeps you focused on the (often slightly boring) foundational pieces that make a wardrobe great.

If you can afford a colour and style analyst I think it’s money well spent, but otherwise go shopping and try on stuff in as many shops as you can stand. If you have a truthful friend bring her. What you want to find out is which shops’ templates suit your figure best. And which ones don’t. I know that eg. Monsoon doesn’t fit me well so I don’t ever start my shopping there. If I really want something from there I would try it on with a view to the cost and practicality of alterations. And I know there’s absolutely no point in ordering from there online.

Good luck finding a decent t-shirt - I’ve taken some of mine back out of the charity shop bag because they were better quality than I can buy right now. I don’t want to name names but in the last two years, shops and brands I would have trusted have dipped in quality so I would recommend buying nothing you haven’t felt, handled and tried on. If you don’t already know, there are plenty of resources online to learn how to judge quality from the seams, stitching, etc. One of the questions I ask is could I get this repaired - that gives me a reference point for what I’m willing to pay.

Hope there’s something helpful in all that

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