Need help to be stylish yet practical

[ItsAWhitewash]

My life is quite outdoorsy. I live rurally and spend a lot of time walking/being around animals. For example, when I go to the pub (regularly), I walk 20 mins through fields with my dogs to get there. I have always worn basics - shorts, vest tops, jeans, jumpers, trainers, boots etc and that was fine as I've always been slim (and young I guess!). Now I'm 45, peri-meno and frankly, fatter. My legs look saggy, my stomach is bigger and I generally feel frumpy and out of date.

On the school run I see gorgeous wide leg linen trousers, white linen dresses etc and people look so lovely. I just don't know how to adapt my 'style' (lack of) to my age and new body shape. I will never be high fashion, but I'd like to look vaguely stylish.

Can anyone suggest brands, or key pieces which might work for me? Anything from shoes upwards. I tried on a load of dresses and wide leg trousers in Next today and none of it is me 😞 but I don't know what 'me' is now I'm older. Thanks in advance.

How tall are you, what size and shape are you, and what is your colouring?

5'8, 65kgs, dark blonde hair, blue eyes.

Hourglass, pear shape, apple, flat chest or large boobs?

Oh sorry, fairly average. I have always been very slim (8-10) now a 12. I gained weight around my hips, bum and stomach. Boobs are DD, but small frame.

Outdoor person too and I went through the same thing as you.

Getting measured for a proper bra was a game changer. Honestly, I went into the shop feeling matronly and came out with boobs that seemed six inches higher and three sizes neater. John Lewis and M&S offer this service but I found them useless compared to the proper lingerie shop in my local county town.

I got shoes I really liked. They just seemed to make everything feel better. I have a brand of boot I wear all winter and a style of sandal I wear all summer. They've just become my go to and always make me feel right.

I gave up on mainstream shops like Next and found local country town shops where often there are really lovely helpful women who can advise on what suits me. One woman said that now I'm a bit (ahem) less svelte a stripy top might not be the best for me - it changed my whole way of thinking about clothes.

You sound slim and tall to me so I bet you look fantastic and don't realise it.

Take a look at everything on the

Community Clothing

site. Link is to trousers but they make everything for everyday wear. Nothing to frighten the horses, but it’s all up to date, carefully designed, hard wearing and ethically made. (So not bog standard cheap, but absolutely fair prices.)

For dressier items, and dresses, have a look at

Justine Tabak

Again, beautifully and ethically made in lovely natural fabrics.

Thank you so much, I'll take a look at those links. @Bridport i live close to a market town with a few independent clothes shops so will try them. They always seemed so middle aged, but now, that's me!

Should have said, my budget is more high street than those links allow for! I'm sure they're gorgeous but I couldn't stretch to those prices for everyday clothes.

For ordinary days not spent in a field, maybe taking children to a gallery or a play or meeting friends for drinks in town,

Cos
American Vntage
Plumo
YMC
Kemi Telford
Eat Dust Clothing
Toast

could all be mixed with more basic things - depending on your budget and preferences.

Footwear:

Grenson
Lanx
Dear Frances

And get yourself some knitted accessories from

Jo Gordon

to brighten up autumn weather.

@Bridport can I ask what your boots and sandals are please?

Missed your follow up. Look for sales or pre-owned stuff online, rather than wasting money on cheap things that will need constant replacing. (I’m afraid one of the consequences of maturity is that it’s hard to look good in the throwaway garments of one’s youth. It’s wise to take a deep breath and re-prioritise …)

I'd go here for outdoorsy but not full on hiking up mountain

https://finisterre.com/collections/womens Good sales, good quality

https://rapanuiclothing.com/womens-sustainable-clothing/ Good for lots of basics

@WTHJH thank you so much for those suggestions, I will take a look

Link is for a top, but I think the cropped jeans could look great on you too.
These linen trousers are not too wide, but would be comfortable and a little smarter.
denim dress
Print dress

That is really good, much more my price range and probably style too, thank you

The sandals are these - I have them in three colours now (not the white!). https://www.moshulu.co.uk/t-bar-wedge-sandals-p381#attribute%5B1%5D=32

My boots are Blundstone.

Perhaps too old or not right for you as I'm a bit older than you but I reckon if you get your shoes right then everything else will follow. They sort of suggest a look and then it all falls into place.

I know what you mean about about 'middle aged country town shops'. Some of them really are aren't they, but I live in The Home Of County Ladies and have still managed to find some that really aren't like that 😂

I found Instagram a great inspiration for a new look when I realised Top Shop was never going to work for me again.

Would you invest in a colour analysis/body shape analysis? I got one online and it’s helped me know what style and colour clothes will suit me. Gradually as I buy a few pieces each month my wardrobe is becoming more coherent!

Just one other idea - might this be for you?

They sell this range in my local farm supply shop (I know!)
www.brakeburn.com/collections/womens-clothing