Lost on what to buy

[Nellsbells173]

I’m 39, mum of three and I am just lost on what to buy. I don’t know what suits me, I keep buying but it all just looks awful. Haven’t had a huge budget to buy in the past but feel now is the time just get some pieces to actually feel human again but I just do not know where to start with anything. Any help or starting points to get advice on body shapes/ looking good before I waste more money on oversized sacks please!

I'm not sure myself! I know people always say to get some key, quality pieces that can be mixed and matched. Maybe try a personal shopper in a department store if funds allow, or shop with a friend who will give honest opinions about what looks good and what doesn't. Perhaps even Chatgpt would give some ideas if you input details about your age, bodyshape etc.

I'm in my 40s and just go with what I like and what feels comfortable to wear.

I was thinking about this thread. I think you haven't got responses as people are stumped by not knowing anything about you.

What's your budget?
What's your lifestyle?
Do you work?
Is there a rigid demarcation between work and non work clothes?
What's your social life like?

I wouldn't get hung up on body shapes. I think that "kibbe" advice is dreadful and fixating on body types is restrictive, prescriptive and limiting.

Absent that I'd suggest Uniqlo as a basic start point.

Hi @Nellsbells173

if I were you, I'd get an appointment with a stylist at John Lewis or Selfridges.
explain you budget. Then before you go, I'd get my hair done nicely and book a make up slot at Bobbie Brown or Laura Mercier just to enhance what you've put on. Wear you best underwear and go to appointment feeling ok.

get advise about shapes and colours and buy a couple of key pieces. Keeping adding to them as you can afford. IN between visits, have a few facials and get your eyebrows and eyelashes shaped and tinted.

Bigger steps are working out and getting fit, building muscle, upping your skin care routine etc - but that can happen alongside some good advice from stylist xx

All that is true re needing a bit more info from the OP.

I'd never heard of Kibbe body types before - just had a read & as soon as yin & yang were mentioned I stopped. However - I think knowing your body shape is critical to dressing well!! Ditto what works for your colouring.

Especially for someone who's not a perfectly toned, tall, super-slim model/celebrity/influencer. Many people seem to want to copy looks they've spotted on social media, without taking into account their own lives & looks, & I find it quite strange ...!!

Well I disagree about body shapes and "your colours". I'm a 5'3" size 12/14/16 depending on brand. If I like the look of something and it fits then that's it.

So far as asking Chat GP, as an experiment, I told it "I'm 66 (I am) size 12 to 14 with £1,000 to spend-give me some suggestions" .

The results were horrendous. I then told it the brands of my last 2 real life purchases and it came back with interesting suggestions, including brands I wasn't familiar with. So OP, if using Chat GP, proceed with caution.

Well, maybe you're already subconsciously taking into account your body shape & colouring when you like something ...?!!!

Chat GPT is only as good as the level of thought given to, & detail provided in, the questions posed to it - as you've demonstrated. I'm not a huge fan.

I think a good personal shopper/stylist is probably the best start for the OP, as she sounds a bit overwhelmed & bewildered. Chat GPT probably won't help!

I think a good personal shopper/stylist is probably the best start for the OP

I agree and maybe just browse around on threads here for a few weeks

I think whether clothes suit your shape and the colours make a big difference.
Your clothes also need to suit your lifestyle.

I'd book a personal shopper appointment at John Lewis.

Think about outfits and what can you mix and match.
You've probably got some good clothes already.