Mid 30s mum, feel like I have no style any more

[OneTrackMindToday]

Where do I start with developing a 'me' style? My body hasn't changed hugely since having kids (slightly wider around the middle perhaps) but I've barely bought anything new in a long time and many of my favourite things have become a bit shabby or given up the ghost.

I used to live in skinny jeans but I don't have any that fit any more and to be honest I'm not super keen on squeezing into tight trousers again.

I'm very tall, 12 on top and 14 lower half. I don't really wear dresses/skirts day to day, as I don't like tights. I wear a few midi dresses in summer with sandals.

Really it's jeans/trousers and top combinations - I probably need to develop a capsule wardrobe. I could probably spend £50-£100 per month with careful planning.

Can any stylish people suggest how I can find things to look 'put together' while still being fairly comfortable and practical for looking after a toddler?

Thanks!

It might be worth reposting in Style and Beauty as you will probably get more replies.

Recently I have purchased a few wide legged trousers with matching tops in black, cream and beige. I don’t have to think about what matches (and they can be mixed and matched) and it makes me feel quite put together.

Oh thanks, I'll try that 👍

Totally normal — style can always be rediscovered.

Well, yes, but I'm after advice on how to do that. I've tried buying various things but I just can't seem to find what works.

For me, as I’ve gotten older and changed shape thanks to kids, I’ve discovered that we really need to focus on styling our shape. For me, I have a small waist but carry weight on my lower belly and hips. This means, wider leg trousers and jeans suit me best as they accentuate my waist but slim over everywhere else. I have a few pairs of lighter summer trousers that are so comfortable that can be paired with a vest or tshirt and I’ve just bought some Abercrombie and ditch loose jeans that will do me through autumn with jeans and trainers.

I’d also consider getting your colours done so you know what colour swatches suit you best. I’m saying this even though I haven’t had my own done yet but I think I have a good idea.

I am late 30s, tall and same size as you. Same thing I've had young kids and didn't have time for any style. I wouldn't say I was stylish but do like reading this board for ideas.

But what I have liked doing is buying things from Vinted to try. So I'm not spending a fortune in clothes and finding they don't suit me. I've found a love for Vintage repro wide leg trousers as some of the brands do longer length. You can pair them up with modern tops or casual.

@PumpkinSpicedTea thanks for the suggestion. Are there any brands you'd recommend looking out for that fit you well? Do things tend to fit ok? I've been a bit reticent about using Vinted as can't send things back if they don't fit.

@PumpkinSpicedTea thanks for the suggestion. Are there any brands you'd recommend looking out for that fit you well? Do things tend to fit ok? I've been a bit reticent about using Vinted as can't send things back if they don't fit.

@OneTrackMindTodayHigh street brands that have long length/tall I like are Next, New Look and M&S. Not sure how tall you are but New Look do super tall now. I bought Adalae Wide Leg jeans from Vinted in tall but they were too tall!! So I just resell if they don't fit. Bought the Adalae jeans New from New Look in leg length 34" but they do up to 38"!

Vintage brands - Weekend Doll and Vivien Of Holloway do longer length.

Oh and I discovered Seasalt do a tall section. Got a couple of nice dresses.

I like asos tall and returns are really easy if it doesn’t work on you. I’d look for wider leg trousers and more fitted tops? ’

For jeans / trousers look at Stradivarius. DD17 is 5’11 and these are reliably long enough.