help me to reinvent / restyle (please)

[itsmeafterall]

Hey you inspirational people please can you help?

I'm a young attitude 60. Have never bothered 'dressing my age' . Have recently retired so now have the luxury of ditching boring work clothes and having an entirely ' me ' wardrobe. It needs to cater for pootling around (and being warm), as well as popping to the pub /casual socialising.

I've also put on weight so many of my current togs are a bit snug. So there is an opportunity to relaunch me. 😬 some of my wardrobe items have been with me for years!

I've been wearing chunky boots, wide leg trousers, bright scarves to Jaz things up a bit. Nice array of cashmere jumpers in lots of bright colours (I suit bright). I have a few good staples - leather jacket, good coat, velvet blazer and new wide leg jeans. But I feel frumpy. And boring. And in a rut. Winter is a pain - especially everyday tops and trousers - I never know what to buy and wear on an 'ordinary at home' day.

Please help me with suggestions of what I can try to mix things up a bit and stop getting into a rut.

I'm now a size 12 (?) but some 10s fit. Biggish boobs. 5 foot 6 so not too tall and not too short. I can't wear heels at the moment as my knee is disintegrating 🙄

My budget and previous hunting grounds have been m&s , Zara, Uniqlo, tk max. I always like the look of cos / &other stories but their stuff always looks a bit weird on me - big and baggy doesn't suit. I Like natural fibres and decent quality - built to last .

I'm feeling drawn to crisp Japanese style stuff but not sure what and where to get it (or patterns to sew).

Any help, ideas or inspiration would be most welcome stylistias. Feeling a bit discombobulated on the old clothes front. And a bit blobby round the middle too (am working on that but wine keeps tempting me......).

Thanks for any and all ideas and suggestions.

I’m your age. Don’t hate me but I’d honestly address the weight gain and disintegrating knee before you buy another thing. I know you say you’re working on it, but if you accept being one size bigger now, you’ll be needing two sizes bigger in the New Year. And that’s no good for your knees, or hips or any part of you, especially when retirement probably means you don’t have to leave the house looking your best every day. (Ask me how I know …)

Also - Japanese clothes can be tiny …

I’m sure you’re familiar with Issey Miyake Pleats Please and don’t need directing to it - but for further inspiration, particularly as you sew, immerse yourself in these sites and maybe consider accessing some patterns:

Apres Paris

Cawley Studio

Colenimo

Envoy of Belfast

45 R

Gentlewench

https://www.pollyannabarnsley.uk/ Pollyanna
Barnsley]]

Rennes US (Obviously don’t order from them, just observe styling and brands, many of which are European.)

Toogood

Wright and Doyle

YMC

To reiterate - these links are for inspiration. You may hate all of them or you may find one or two that prompt wardrobe revision - as in re-thinking colours and proportions or just wearing something you haven’t worn before.

@TroubledBloodyMary that's absolutely brilliant thank you.

The knee will take at least a year so I won't hold off on that front. Re weight I'm working on it and only want to shed about 3 kilos but it will make all the difference to how things fit and how I feel.

I think you are right though and waiting is a good idea. I seem to have stabilised in current weight but when I shift the middle then I'll pounce into re-clothing action. This planning stage will help and you've given me loads to look at.

I spent yesterday evening looking at patterns. Most of them are dull as shit though 😂 . Your links will be a good start.

Much appreciated

Just looked.

YMC end wright and Doyle are fabulous.

Might try some draping on my mannequin to see what I can imitate. Such fun!

Glad to help!

I’d be interested to see what other people suggest.

I am a similar age and have been retired a while. I was delighted to ditch work clothes but it’s taken me ages to find casual clothes that I like. I am careful now to buy for my lifestyle and that means I am in jumpers and jeans a lot. I like skirts and boots for going out. A satin skirt or pleated one with a jumper. I do like sludgy colours though and pretty plain classic clothes ( not Japanese style ) so I suspect we have different tastes.
I am only 5 ft 4 , and similarly always found cos too big and shapeless, but this year they have loads of lovely things in that suit me well .
I also look as Sezane for everyday things, and I like Maison 123. Jigsaw has been terrible for ages but is a bit better this year.
https://www.maison123.co.uk/c/collection/skirts/
https://www.sezane.com/en-en/product/sami-jumper/burgundy#size-xs

I’m with you on the clean lines of Japanese style but also struggle to find affordable clothes in the UK. Here are a few pattern sites that might be inspirational. I don’t sew but wish I did and keep thinking I’ll start one day… but then one day never comes 😜

https://merchantandmills.com/uk/

https://theassemblylineshop.com/collections/modern-minimalist-sewing-patterns

https://drapersdaughter.com/collections/patterns

https://thefoldline.com/collections/modern-sewing-co

Also look on Etsy for more unusual sewing patterns that you can download.

Hello to everyone !

I spent a lovely few hours with my DD today, going through my whole winter wardrobe. We've come up with a few new combos of existing things, ditched a few. Also came to the realisation that I need a decent pair of everyday jeans plus base layers that will allow me to wear thinner things without the eponymous 'little cardigan ".

Will deffo look at those patterns though.

Your help and ideas are so helpful. Love the MN vipers.

I'm similar age but size 14 also have terrible knees, but that's an ongoing problem! I can only wear trainers really and Doc Marten type black boots which I wear with insoles 🙄

I love a jumpsuit and have purchased a couple of great ones in cord (Vinted Next) and love Oliver Bonas for gorgeous dresses and swishy skirts. I layer up too with a black or grey long sleeved stretchy top (M&S) and a colourful tank top (I think they are called sleeveless jumpers these days!) with my palazzo jeans (M&S) can look great. Also enables you to ditch the cardi. Also have started to wear big mens jumpers (M&S) over my favourite summer and spring dresses, with tights and my boots. I put on the dress, then the jumper on top and have a thin belt that I do up around my waist. Then pull the jumper over the belt so you can't see it. Looks great. I'm also a fan of the French tuck! Also Elizabeth Scarlett do the most incredible cross body bags which can really enhance your outfit too - love a handbag! https://www.elizabethscarlett.com/products/sun-goddess-crossbody-bag-1?variant=54993550541173&currency=GBP&tw_source=google&tw_adid=&tw_campaign=23031519721&tw_kwdid=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23021474541&gbraid=0AAAAACC6VR3B5mCiF-eMRQSxizz8EEK1I&gclid=CjwKCAiAz_DIBhBJEiwAVH2XwODyasLlm5L4mHjZPGg8nsMXFZ6xeGcK24G7fqJc-1UjjdI2BNh2kBoCgrsQAvD_BwE

I'm probably way out of fashion here but it works for me and I do get compliments on my outfits so I must be doing something right sometimes! Good luck with the styling OP :)

Japanese: Muji and Uniqlo, some Plumo.

The Nani Iro Sewing Studio: 18 Timeless Patterns to Sew, Wear & Love (Japanese Dressmakers) by Ito, Naomi: good (2019) | ebooks Keystone