Refresh ideas

[Margo2023]

One of my long weekend items is to do some wardrobe refresh, a mix of charity drop off and might give Vinted a try. However, I've feel feeling so stuck in a rut style wise. Since the pandemic which then moved to full time WFH, I've just been so used to buying comfies from the supermarket. To the point now where I think nothing of going to a cafe most days in gym gear (absolutely fine but I just feel I made more of an effort before).

I'd like to make more effort in the way I dress, I have the same outfits when I go out for lunch or dinner or drinks. Skinny jeans or skirt with black tights paired with a nice jumper or blouse.

Any good recommendations for style advice? I've heard John Lewis do a free consultation and wonder if anywhere else for the same.

YouTube, Instagram and TikTok. Do not be tempted to buy anything yet, you need to do a full deep dive into what's in style now as it's completely different to pre-pandemic. Looser silhouettes all round. I've made so many poor purchases over the past few years as I was buying random items without knowing how to put them together. I'd recommend looking at Lydia Tomlinson, Kate Hutchins and Harriette Jones if you're looking for a modern classic style. A lot of it is in the accessories.

Thanks good advice, I will have a browse of those ones. I agree, even with my limited knowledge of fashion, the gap seems so wide from 2019-2024! I've noticed the late twenties - thirties crowd love the white black socks over a legging with a retro trainer, who would think that would come back in ... I just feel a bit grubby wearing a trainer into a bar or restaurant, but it does seem all the rage.

You don’t have to wear trainers @Margo2023 if that’s not something you’re into. I agree that you should hold off buying until you know what you’re aiming for. I think you need to work out what your life looks like, what kinds of activities you do . Then have a think about what you currently own that would work going forward and what gaps you have. I was always guilty of buying “ going out” clothes or office clothes when I was WFH and I was going out to low key places like the cinema / cafe/ gym. There are a couple of influencers I like who are focused on helping people find their personal style - one is Janine Jacobs who is quite quirky and one is Allison Borstein who is quite minimalist. (Obviously their style is slightly irrelevant because it’s about finding your style.) It’s better to think about that rather than trying to copy someone else’s style imo. ( I have book recommendations too but they both have a lot of content online)

I’ve come across the French stylist recently. She’s actually got some good ideas here:-

https://m.youtube.com/watch?si=hB3NclbIFJznhHcm&v=piM6RniUq3g&feature=youtu.be

Remember that what often works for a younger crowd won’t work on an older crowd.

You can easily elevate gym gear if you stick to things like wide leg track pants and things with no logo. My favourite low effort outfit is fleece track pants with a matching top draped with a bright scarf or pashmina