Starting wardrobe from scratch

[Runningupthehillagain]

I have to build my wardrobe from scratch. I’m stumped with dealing with the paperwork so I’m just not in the right frame of mind for shopping. Plus, our high street has hardly any options.

I need help building my wardrobe. Are there any online resources that can help do you know? Something that make it easy so I don’t need to spend hours on my phone searching the internet?

I’d start with working out how you spend your life. What you need is going to be very different if you work in corporate in the office all day vs WFH vs SAHP etc.

Then - do you like colour? Pattern? All black wearer? What’s your preference in terms of trousers vs dresses vs skirts etc? You want to buy things you will wear not aspirational items. A personal example - I live in a generally wet and windy place in winter - I’d love a smart wool type coat but realistically I live a mostly casual outdoor life so if I choose one coat I’m going for long, windproof waterproof.

Then look at YouTube and find people who dress broadly the same. There’s lots about capsule wardrobes on there but you have to pick and choose. For instance I love colour and I love having lots of options - those capsules which are 7 items all black/white/camel are so not me.

when it comes to buying - work out your budget and look for shops or sources that fit that.

Upload a photo of yourself to ChatGPT (the paid version will allow you to do more), describe your lifestyle and ask for ideas for a wardrobe from scratch. It will give you links if you ask. Keep correcting if it doesn't give you what you need at first.

Work out what type of life you have - do you work / what kind of work is that - do you need to dress formally for work?
do you wear / like dresses?
have you got a dog or little kids ?
I was told (and took it on board ) black can be replaced by brown / navy / grey which is very simple but suits me better and mildly more interesting!

how many clothes do you need and what function do they need to fulfil?

I think op would like a service or an app that does this for her if I understood right?

have you lost everything, or is this I need a new look?
I lost all luggage going on holiday a couple of years ago, so it was a what do I need whilst away.
If it is I have lost everything, I would start with what you need for the next 2 weeks, based on what you usually wear at this time of the year;
Nightwear
underware
gym stuff
trousers
tops
1 dress
coat
jacket
trainers
boots
scarf & hat

Yes, this is exactly what I need. I am completely starting from scratch and it’s overwhelming. I can’t think about colours and patterns- I need to be presented with complete outfits and told what items can be used with other pieces etc. I was hoping there would be a sort of online personal shopping ap.

I’ve got the basics for the next 2 weeks for us all - school uniforms included. It’s the longer term now.

https://www.marksandspencer.com/mid-rise-barrel-jeans/p/clp60728157?color=BLACK

What about looking up key items and using the M&S “buy outfit” option? Here’s a pair of jeans and if you scroll down, it shows you a range of outfit suggestions and you can literally just buy the whole thing - tops, jumpers, boots, earrings, coats.

Or if you give us an idea of price, occasion and size, we can find outfits for you.

If it’s “replace everything” (am assuming house fire or similar and you’re claiming on insurance), here are some key categories you need to think about.

Casual
Jeans
Cotton t-shirts (short and long sleeved)
Sweatshirts
Trainers
Knitwear
Denim skirts

Work/smart
Tailored trousers/suit
Dresses
Skirts
Shoes - loafers, ballet flats, ankle boots
Blazers
Shirts/blouses
Tights

Summer
Shorts
Vests
Sundresses/skirts
Sunglasses
Hat
Sandals
Linen trousers
Light coat eg trench coat, denim jacket

Cold/wet weather
Wellies/walking boots
Waterproof coat eg anorak
Hats, gloves, scarves
Winter coats - could be smart wool or puffer etc

Sports
Swimwear
Sports bras
Leggings/joggers
Sports tops
Hoodies/jacket

Occasions
Wedding guest dresses
Heels
Accessories eg clutch bags
Winter party dress/skirt/trousers

Could you go to somewhere like John Lewis personal shopper, explain your situation and get them to bring you whole outfits to try?

John Lewis personal shopper was going to be my suggestion too, if you have one near you

I’ve done the JL personal shopping before and it’s fine for an occasion but I wouldn’t use it for a wardrobe replacement - not least due to cost.