A few key pieces for re-entry into the world!

[Redhanded]

After a long and stressful divorce I've added a few dress sizes and spent the last year hiding in unflattering baggy clothes and generally trying to disappear! I need to drag myself out of this rut- My budget is pretty tight but please can anyone suggest a few good key pieces to look for that might drag me out of hiding and make me fashionable again!

What's your lifestyle like @Redhanded? Do you WFH or go out to work? What was your previous style like? What things have you seen recently and liked?

I work in a very fashionable office but most women there are at least ten years younger than me and several dress sizes smaller so I can't really translate what they wear to things that would work for me if that makes sense? And due to putting on weight I've not stepped foot in a clothes shop for well over a year. I'm not a high heel fan as I'm pretty tall- DMs/ trainers, skinny jeans, blazers or big jumpers used to be my go to but is this even "in" anymore?! I'd love to be a bit more stylish and smart by finding a few good items to take me through autumn/ winter

DMs are always in fashion, trainers too.

I feel like fashion is a pretty broad church, e.g. lots of different styles of jeans seem to be in fashion at the moment. I've just moved from skinny jeans to really dark blue 501s, and these feel like a nice level of smart casual to me. I also bought some really wide leg Levi's trousers recently - they're called XL chinos, but they're not chinos at all to me.

What sort of tops do you like - shirts, basic long sleeved tops, patterned, plain? I run screaming from patterns 😄, and am currently wearing Jigsaw's plain supima cotton long sleeved tops and Borden's V neck slub t-shirts.

What about coats? I've got a long velvet White Stuff coat and a dark grey wool boxy White Stuff coat.

Big jumpers sound good, and it's pretty much Autumn now. I need to get my two out of storage.

Slightly random ramble, but I wondered whether me saying, I like a, b, and c, might make you think, Actually, I'd prefer d, e, and f 😄.

Thank you! I think im going to treat myself to a new pair of DMs on the basis of your reply 😁. And haven't considered Levi's but will definitely now be having a look. I love velvet so maybe I need to head to White Stuff and have a look? Tops wise I have no clue- I'm not adverse to pattern but need something that will hide a newly acquired apple shape- ideas appreciated.

A new pair of DMs sounds great. I'm trying to embrace the things I love and that I feel comfortable now, so sometimes that's buying a new version of something I already own, or a duplicate of something that I love.

Definitely check out White Stuff for a velvet coat, it's something that they consistently do well.

I'm not sure re apple shape, but I suspect I might be becoming more of an apple as I get older. I think I look good in a fairly close fitting long sleeved top and then Levi's or wide leg trousers. I hope I do at least! The Boden V neck slub t-shirts can also be fairly forgiving too (I sized up because I wanted a looser boxy style).

Karla velvet coat -

www.whitestuff.com/p/4308/karla-velvet-coat/DK_TEAL

And for a splurge -

www.broraonline.com/uk/cashmere-gauzy-snood-black-tlq9045-a900

From your second post I think you could just make a couple of swaps to start with to update your style. Instead of skinny jeans, try some wide leg or straight ones, if the blazer is fitted then try a slightly looser longer cut. New pair of trainers? Accessorise with some jewelery and I think that will already make a difference to how you feel.

There is an influencer called Anna Cascarina, I love her style and she mixes pieces from H&M to designer. She is on insta.
A lot of 90s stuff is in at the moment so very relaxed fits and flat shoes (inc DMs) are 100% the way to go. My go to shop is Cos as they have lots of simple bits that work together and lots of it is looser fitting. They also have some great jewellery and accessories which as a PP said is really key to feeling great.
Congrats on completing your divorce!

@Redhanded what size are you?

How much are you able to spend?

Where did you previously shop the last time you were happy with your wardrobe?

If you want clothes for work, what level of formality is required? If for (new?) leisure pursuits, how do you want to look? Bohemian, sexy, utilitarian? Colourful silk dresses, denim boilersuits, a camel coat? What is your idea of your best self?

Loving all these recommendations thank you! Budget would be no more than £50 per item for tops/ trousers, no more than £100 for coats / shoes. I'm a size 16 with no waist at all so wide leg trousers seem to be making me look like a square 🤣.

The last time I enjoyed shopping was a long long time ago (thanks to a terrible marriage) so back in the day it was Warehouse and Oasis. Totally lost now as to where to go. I do love a boho dress. I'd want to look feminine and edgy. Office wise anything goes- no dress code!

Just looked her up- she's brilliant thank you!