Help please - what brands do I try?

[RacingDriver]

Hi everyone,

I’m new to the style board so apologies in advance if I don’t do this correctly!

I’m 45, 5’ 3” and have recently lost a lot of weight going from being a size 18 to a 12 top and 12/14 bottom.

I was never very interested in clothes - partly because of my size and partly I didn’t have loads money so lived in whatever I could buy from next.

I do now want to get some nice clothes and have no idea where to start!

Main things I need are - gym clothes, casual day to day bits (jeans, tops, jumpers?) and some smarter pieces for office or going out. I have no idea on shoes - just live in trainers. Money isn’t now an issue but I don’t want to spend money on super expensive things for the sake of it either.

I did have colours and shape done a while ago so definitely a spring and probably still an hourglass shape (or maybe a little more pear like).

To give you an idea of how clueless I am I bought a lululemon hoodie in the sale but now won’t wear it as my 12 year old thinks it’s really trendy and I’m worried I’ll look like I’m trying be 20 again!

Any advice gratefully received!

Head to some big stores in real life to try on styles/shapes and see what works for you. I'd recommend M&S (v good for many variable sizes/lengths of trouser and jeans); Uniqlo; And other stories; Mint Velvet and a big John Lewis so you can try the various concessions. Don't mix gym wear into everyday wear (ie hoodies/leggings are just for gym or walks). Footwear: core items include Chelsea boots; flat Mary Janes; loafers and small heel ankle boots. Buy one or two really good quality coats that are generously sized (fitted coats are really out of style right now). Vinted can be great if you want to test out new looks without the outlay of new clothes.

I’m same size as you. For workout stuff I’d say buy sweaty Betty leggings in a 7/8 length on vinted. They’ll fit you as full length and are great quality and flattering. I find Uniqlo and next quite good for casual clothes. Plus sometimes Zara trousers work too.

Well, firstly I’d rid yourself of the strange idea that fashionable clothes are only for people in their twenties. It’s tedious and mistaken - who do you think actually buys and wears couture clothing? Not 20 year olds … And you’re surely not going to be consciously searching for unfashionable clothes?

An actual budget would be helpful!

You could start with

https://communityclothing.co.uk/

for everyday basics. But beyond that, if you want fresh ideas on sources, spend some time browsing a curated platform like

https://www.collagerie.com/en-gb/

to see which brands appeal to you. Then seek out those websites.

Do arm yourself with a tape measure, and pay close attention to the garment measurements for every garment you’re interested in.

And try not to gatekeep your own enjoyment of clothes over the next sixty years!

Second the sweaty Betty leggings recommendation and buy from
vinted.
M and S is good for loads of things now- I like their barrel jeans, I like their per una range (!) and some of their higher end knitwear. The cloud yarn stuff bobbles like crazy.

Have a look at inpolife or carastruthers on instagram. I think they look good and a similar age to you.

ATM my go to is
barrel leg jeans
arket merino wool long sleeve
cashmere crew neck jumper.

either I will colour block and then do a bright sock and wear with my onitsku tiger trainers or chunky loafers.

work is-
thick tights
midi skirt
high collar shirt with a jumper on top, cuffs showing, sleeves slightly pushed up
loafers or dm chelsea boots

shops
Zara- buy carefully as it can be shite quality
M and S
Uniqulo
& other stories
Madewell
Me and Em
Massimo Dutti
Whistles

Thank you all that’s super helpful. Will look at vinted as definitely like the look
of sweaty betty leggings.

Thank you. I see what you mean about not worrying about fashionable per se but I don’t want others to be thinking I’m mad.

Budget wise - for nice bits that will last happy to pay up to £200 for a dress etc. So far I’ve bought a pair of black trousers and a blouse from Whistles that were £110ish each. Luckily I’m in position it’s not a huge constraint. I’m finding the idea of parting with £200 for jeans hard as I’ve been living in £25 bootcut next ones.

The new Oti Mabuse Reactiv range of sportswear in Sainsburys is lovely (and good value too). Women Reaktiv | Tu Clothing https://share.google/0Yz6c3pdpcGR5K5IQ

I have also fallen back in love with Levis jeans. Loads of style, size and length options

I like Reiss jeans at the moment, all sorts of cuts. Around 130-150 a pair.

I think fashion has changed from 20 years ago or so when there was a clear demarcation between what different age groups would wear. I’m a teacher and regularly end up wearing things my 6th form students wear, eg an H&M jumper or adidas gazelles, but I wouldn’t wear head to toe the same outfit as them (definitely no crop tops for me lol). My teenage daughters borrow some of my clothes as well but they would wear it with joggers/style it differently.

I would start looking on Instagram for some online fashion influencers, similar age/mid size bodies etc and identify a few whose styles you like. You can use these for inspiration and putting outfits together.

I like whattowearfor for inspiration personally and will replicate their looks and put things I already own to recreate the ones I like.

Ive recently discovered Pull and Bear.I love all their stuff.