Rubbish wardrobe, money to spend - what should I buy?

[shoppingblah]

I wonder if anyone can give me some advice!

I have about £400 to spend and I think I should improve my wardrobe. It is very basic, functional, made up of low quality supermarket/Amazon/multi pack stuff. I have decent trainers, handbag and some nice formal dresses and that's about it for the decent quality stuff.

But I don't know what to get? I am a rubbish and impatient shopper 🤣 I need to order online I think as I have young children so getting time to shop is tricky. I don't want to buy anything that needs delicate care - it needs to be machine washable.

I am 5'8", size 10-12. I like high waisted jeans/trousers and tucked in tops, classic shapes and silhouettes. I don't like high necks, assymmetric hems, or holes in weird places!

Does anyone have any advice please, or could suggest anything? Thanks in advance!

Can you say which shops you’ve been looking at online?

I would use a service like: https://lookiero.co.uk/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ads&utm_campaign=prospecting&utm_term=clothing%20subscription%20uk&utm_content=search_nonbrand&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23044219128&gbraid=0AAAAAC1-ZFWoMPs1d7gLwbfYZGQxssCii&gclid=Cj0KCQiAy6vMBhDCARIsAK8rOgmSYNbDqqOu8Njf_GXBKyHD6wPneybQTGOZYZPO6PxUwiHHDmaDAEQaAjHSEALw_wcB

When I came back from working abroad where I basically lived in hiking boots, jeans and fleeces I realised I had nothing smart, so I used Lookiero and ended up with some really nice pieces.

Are you looking at Vinted? I must admit that to get the basics absolutely right, I would want real shops and be prepared to spend a little more. Cos = excellent for basic T-shirts, as below.

Re boots, I meant that black would probably be more durable than neutral ones. It depends where from as well though, obviously.

I’ve never met a person pair of camel trousers that I’ve liked, so can’t help there!

I'm not sure what you mean - I built the list above by looking at different shops? I think black looks classic, not garish!

Haha I think this is proving that everyone has different tastes 🤣

A pair of black trousers is a good place to start, as is a pair of jeans. Whatever you choose to buy after that, make sure that the things you are buying can be worn with several other items. I think that camel trousers would be quite limiting. If you are ordering online then make sure returns are easy as you don’t want to be keeping something that isn’t quite right just because it’s hard to return it.

Ok I've ordered. I've ordered both pairs of trousers! Can easily return if I don't like them. I've gone with all the tops and the jumper, but nixed the dress, skirt, and boots for now. I'm excited! 🤣 Thanks for all the help!

The likelihood of success if ordering online is slim. I'm remembering the funny story by Shirley Jackson about taking her two young children along when she went to a department store - but can't you arrange for them to have a playdate to give you a few hours off? You need to try things on, feel the fabric, and see how they drape on you.

Classic is good, and high-waisted pants are good. (Very few people understand that they're more flattering and make your legs look longer.) But how about a few good-quality pants, including lined wool pants for the winter? They won't be machine washable, but they won't require cleaning often.

https://www.meandem.com/pouf-sleeve-v-neck-tee-soft-white?clickref=1110lUSBvu6&app_clickref=1110lUSBvu6&utm_source=partnerize&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=skimlinks_phg&utm_content=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mumsnet.com%2F

A nice simple, fitted t short which you can dress up or down. Also have a look at Mango as they're reasonable priced, current but not too whacky.

I’m same height and size as you and highly recommend these basic staple jeans, have searched high and low for the right pair for my height shape etc and they’re so comfy and go with everything! I got a 10 long

https://www.marksandspencer.com/the-wide-leg-jeans/p/clp60504942?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

In case link doesn’t work it’s the M&S ‘wide leg’ and I have the classic denim blue denim colour

Sainsbury's has some nice clothes. I'd buy outfits for different occasions such as lounging at home, coffee with friends, office wear(if you go into the office). Copy some outfits of an Instagrammer you like. My go to look is tapered jeans and jumper

this is going against the grain a little of what others have posted but ive recently been experimenting a bit more with my clothes and moving away from all the dark and plain thigns I had and started wearing bright pretty dresses and blouses! I had a terribel breakdwon and I was trying to life my mood a bit

If you’re not a fashion person and find shopping difficult and end up resorting to buying off Amazon, my advice would be to go to John Lewis. Book a style consultation and let them advise you,
Work out your body shape and build your wardrobe around that, I’m an inverted triangle and it really makes a huge difference knowing what looks best on me.
If you don’t fancy John Lewis, I would go to M&S and try on in store. They have some great flare jeans that are super flattering plus lots of decent basic thin roll necks that look great with a long coat and blazer.
Do you have a decent coat and blazer?

I think it’s a good idea to start with what you’ve suggested and then maybe give yourself a budget every month so you can by something on trend if you want to.
I definitely agree with the Uniqlo and M&S suggestions but I quite looking at other brands to see how they’ve styled things.
Accessories are worth looking at too, especially for a low investment update. Think about how the sling bags, triangle scarves, layered necklaces have all updated people’s basics over the last couple of years. Don’t forget earrings and belts, they can really bring an outfit together.
i fo think footwear can make or break an outfit too, I like to have a selection with my latest being these New Look knock offs! £20 if you’re a member and I think they’ll bring lots of my outfits more up to date going forwards.
https://www.newlook.com/uk/p/943963317?extcam=UK_SOC_APPPDPSHARE
Lastly, definitely agree with @RemusLupinsBiggestGroupieabout investing in coats and boots.

Also look at Ladyofthemanor77 on Instagram, I think she does a classic capsule look very well

Once you've got a range of basics that you like, try to find some"finishing" pieces. These can be a jacket or a top that can go over jeans and t shirt too make them look more polished. Then you have something for going out but you still feel in your comfort zone. These can be a bit more fast fashion and things that you will change with seasons and fashions, and may be more eye catching if you want a break from the norm.

I second M&S jeans.

I think the other poster may have meant that colourful tops with black trousers make the colours look garish, other people might say cheap. Not that black clothes look garish.

Again, how do you spend your week and your weekends?

This will really inform what you wear, and therefore need to concentrate on first with your £400.

A scattergun approach nabbing things you like the look of isn't far off what you've been doing so far, so to get a different result, and feel like you've got a few considered outfits, you might want to give it some thought about what you're buying and why, and when you're wearing it. You may have loads of call for a pencil skirt and a dress, I don't know, but similarly if you spend 7 days a week in sportswear currently that's going to be a big shift.

Thank you, I might do this if I ever get some child free time! I do know my body shape and what shapes/silhouettes I like. My coats are more function over style, so that's something I should look into next really. I do have blazers/jackets but I would say they're "okay" (i.e. cheap!) rather than good. I tend to only wear them for formal meeting, interviews etc.

I said upthread that I'm starting with work and drinks with friends, I wouldn't be buying dresses and skirts if I usually wore sportswear every day would I! But I said I nixed the dress and skirt anyway, so 🤣

I have taken others' advice and looked at Pinterest and Instagram, looked at lots of shops, picked things, compared colours, checked fabrics, made sure I can easily return if needed and gone for it. So I have given it some thought. I am excited. Thanks for your help

Thank you to everyone who's suggested items, or tips/tricks etc. I'm making a list! ❤️

I think I decent coat would be a good starting point - Now is the time as they’re all on sale.
a wool belted or double breasted coat perhaps in a neutral colour (maybe not black)
Mango have some great ones for £100
Then focus on a the shoes and bag. I would look at Dune for decent quality and price for both bag and shoes - again snap something up in the sales asap.
Next, a decent wool cropped cardigan as you can wear that on its own without a blouse, with a blouse, or a light weight roll next underneath. Then, decent trousers (you have that covered) M&S or Uniqlo are great for all of these at the moment - and maybe a silky blouse if you have anything left over.

Does black suit you? I have many garments, 99% of them were really thoughtful purchases that I am happy with and I only have three black items, that includes shoes and bags. Black works for few people in real life.

What colours suit you is a good starting question. It’s much easier to collect an effective wardrobe of clothes which work together once you’ve got that sorted.