What should I be wearing?

[Footsontheotherboot]

I know I look a mess, I'm a size 16, post menopausal with a belly to match (but young) and my uniform for home and work is such a mess whenever I wear something new people compliment me and put me off wearing it again.

I have had a bit of extra money come my way this month thanks to vinted (only £200, not a huge amount) and want to start making myself look human in clothes that fit, what brands do I need to go for?

My general style is Art teacher meets social worker with a dash of Jo Brand thrown in. It's where I'm comfortable. Are there any nice brands that make this style that will make me look a bit less homeless?

With Toast you really need to know what you’re buying - and, ridiculously it helps if you’ve known the brand since its inception and can compare the quality now with the old stuff.

For instance I had t shirts from them in the early 2000s that lasted years and years and years. Probably made in the UK or Portugal, pure thick cotton or linen. Now their t shirts get bad reviews and neither provenance nor quality are the same.

Things changed for the worse when the original owners sold the brand - for several years I stopped buying anything other than bed linen, nightwear and Christmas decorations. The quality of the denim still seemed great but the design of everything was just - mad, and hideous and Made in China.

Right now, I do think they’re trying - but they can’t replicate the production situation of those early years so far too much is still being made in the wrong places.

I had long ago moved on, but moving back to an academic city that has my favourite actual physical branch I find the clothes suiting my new life. And they are much nicer in the flesh than in photos. There’s probably almost no need ever to pay full price given the extent of their sales. But every season there are a few items that really are worth whatever they charge for them.

(True story - in a bakery last week someone complimented me on my straw basket. I had bought it to carry a picnic to an 11 year old’s sports day. Said child graduated from university last year - and I’ve never felt able to buy another basket because mine still looks as good as new. Old Toast.)

Are Toast and Palava paying people to advertise on here btw?

I know it’s really steep. The stuff is fantastic though and I wear it loads. I buy in the sale.

Not me! I’m a name change but have been here for ages. I don’t like all of Toast’s stuff - it can be a bit earthy. I’ve got maybe 6 items. It’s got a put together art teacher vibe, which is why I recommended it.

Joe browns might fit the bill.

Also look at Cos, quite plain but often interesting shapes and good basics.

That's a shame. KT is all about owning your space and declaring your presence!

Don't be ridiculous - why not ask the same for the endless reccomendations for Roman or Joe Brown's ?

With all the prints and patterns and quirky shapes and zany fabrics she’ll have bought following our recommendations - I’m imagining the OP decked out like a travelling fairground.

Have you ever looked at

American Vintage

@Footsontheotherboot? It’s not the style you’ve described but the stark, unfussy shapes would ensure you never look … twee. Masses of brilliant colours but you could also choose plain t shirts in neutral colours. Again, the clothes may seem surprisingly not cheap - with good reason. However, there’s a permanent sales outlet on the site which is worth regular browsing.

For more colourful plainness you could look at

Community Clothing

Impeccable ethics and careful making.

With both brands things like coats and jackets don’t date so are worth looking for pre-owned.

This will teach me not to compliment people.

Colenimo also, although pricey and they don't seem to have sales

I think the OP's is a rather extreme reaction.

No don't stop complimenting people! My reaction is my responsibility, no one else's.

It can be very lovely. They still have sale stuff.
Lots of it is layering tonal colours and patterns with just a bit of contrast.

Look in your wardrobe, what do you need to make it work?
If that dress is ok but a bit short, put a coordinating under skirt with it.

Do you have jeans / trousers that fit? Take your bottom to a shop and try on loads, M&s or Tu at Sainsburys is a fine place to start.

Look at your basics, t-shirts, jumpers etc... Do you have the option of fading into the back ground, do you want to stand out a weeny bit or does it make you feel uncomfortable?

What colours do you like? Think of your favourite neutrals plus a couple of accent colours.

Forgotten Tribes has some boho arty stuff at reasonable prices.
Tu also has gems from time to time amongst a lot of crap.

If that dress is ok but a bit short, put a coordinating under skirt with it.

For someone who already feels they look messy, and who would rather not draw attention to themself, that doesn’t see the kindest advice - though I’m sure well meant.

I agree with the Cos recommendation. They are very simple with some interesting shapes. More cool art teacher/architect vibe. That would dial down the messy but you could still add in pattern.

Why are people recommending hugely expensive clothes when the OP has 200 to spend ?
Oh wait " I'm trying to inspire her - she can then go and look on vinted for that style" 🙄

Joe Browns
Seasalt
Toast and Brora at the pricey end
Anthropologie also pricey

Am thinking of my old art teacher who would wear rainbow coloured tight fitting tops... and no bra .

What's wrong with that @veraswaistcoat ?
That seems to be exactly how the op could (should) get nicer, better quality clothes!

From Vinted? When someone posts with a budget then I always try to post things that are within that range. If someone doesn't know how to dress themselves then the LAST thing they need are OTT recommendations and go search .

You don't get this on property - I have a budget of 200k with people posting 2 mil houses ! Oh go and have a look and try to get something similar.

When someone is down about themselves the last thing people need to see is " here is what you could have won if you were as well off as me". 🙄

I have never had luck getting a version of an expensive item on Vinted in decent condition. Everything on there looks in poor condition, crumpled, sweaty and poorly displayed. And I don't often believe the new with tags claims. Maybe I am just incompetent

But I have had great luck in posh charity shops. Particularly in Marylebone and St Johns Wood, if OP is anywhere near London.

How do you feel about spending all your money on one of these? £175 in the sale.

https://nrbyclothing.com/products/jodie-painted-floral-velvet-coat

@Garlicnorth

Has a touch of Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen about it

Did you miss the serve me well for this cold and wet part of the OP’s post, @Garlicnorth? Obviously it would be a fine thing to have in a wardrobe (of the OP’s preferred style) for a spring wedding - but I doubt an unproofed cotton velvet coat would be much use today.

I do agree though that buying one (possibly one and a half) really good thing(s) would serve her better in terms of actually upgrading her wardrobe than a haul of cheap stuff that will look ragged and sad in three months time.