Autumn essentials, but not too fashionable!

[Abouteffingtime]

My wardrobe is spectacularly outdated. I have gained some weight and panic bought the wrong things. Im struggling to dress my new size and while I aim to lise weight, I would like a few basics that can cross over work to non work. Work is office but fairly casual (no jeans, but trainers ok for example)

I have recently bought some loose black trousers - i havent worn trousers for a couple of years.

Id like a light jacket, some tops. Shoes (i only own sandals, trainers and boots!)

I wear a lot of dresses.

I don't want things that will date really quickly, but more updated classic look i think.

Size 16, 5ft 7 . Late 40s

Brown is the in colour!!

I think brown is out. Brown was last season surely? All I see in the shops are greys and berry type colours.

Olive green and poonami mustard/brown is around quite a bit I suppose.

I really like barrel shape trousers - I’m not sure how flattering they are but they are wide on my widest bits and more fitted where I’m slimmer so I feel really comfy in them.

I'm seeing a lot more brown than grey, I'm actually looking for some light grey knitwear.

I haven't tried amy as yet, I fear I will look clown like.

Uniqlo’s new Uniqlo U collection comes out in a few days. It should be ideal for your purposes; inexpensive essentials designed to be classically fashionable. I would browse with attention from now, using all their sizing tools and a tape measure, so you’ll be ready to order the minute the things become available:

https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/women/special-collaboration/uniqlo-u

Brown and burgundy are going to be big this year.

What shape are you - Apple? Pear? Etc

Saw these posted on another thread.

Im probably more apple currently, the excess weight has gone to my middle. My legs are comparitively slim. A couple of st lighter and Im very much in proportion.

Still a lot of brown around. Also olive.

I bought some of the M&S barrel legged cotton rich trousers. I was fighting against the wide leg that were everywhere so I wasn't sure about these but they work really well . I bought a pale pink pair too , these do need ironed though.
Nice for summer , not wide legged / flared but looser than chinos. I like them 😀

It's launched onthe 11 th , I will have a proper look as there will be some nice things.
Not the first item that came up though an oversized coat .
Cannot link as on a tablet , but what in tarnation!

You may like this thread for inspiration.

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/style_and_beauty/5569920-what-autumn-buys-have-you-got-your-eye-on?page=7&reply=154479598

Brown is always in. It’s a modern neutral.

This entire collection is depressing. Like dressing a dour, depressed police sarg.

place marking

@70isaLimitNotaTarget I deliberately omitted the exact date.

And perhaps other people like oversized clothes? (I do, for one.) Maybe best not to put the OP off from considering a site that might be exactly what she needs?

@Sunbringer- thing is, for other people it may be a great celebration of the designers who have led that collection for several years. (I have very little need for anything from Uniqlo, but I do shop from Lemaire so fully appreciate the effort to make that sort of design accessible at a much lower price point.)

I would be utterly, utterly depressed if forced to wear the things most often suggested on the S&B board.

Oops. 😳
I had another look at the jacket , in the lighter colour it looks a bit better.
It looks liked they asked the model "what size are you" and when she said " small usually" they gave her a 2xl and said " oh just wear it !
DD likes Uniqlo for work wear she's tall with very long legs/ short torso so the tops are least suit her . Trousers she sometimes finds something but not easy to get the length

Regarding colours for A/W
I liked brown, rich chocolate brown , not mad keen on grey.
Like navy , some black .
Like olive and khaki
Burgundy, red, most pink shades
Cream , winter white

Glad to see the back of yellow !

I would look at things you normally like and find more recent versions. So, you say you like dresses - what style do you normally like? The same with colours and accessories - are there any current colours or accessories that appeal to you.

If you want something more classic you could always update it with accessories or how you style it.

If I was you I'd buy: a shirt with a pattern that can be worn undone, like a jacket, or buttoned, tucked into the trousers, or tied around my waist, as an accessory. Something with black in, to match the trousers. I'd buy a mid-weight blouson zip up jacket with a funnel neck, probably in black, to match the trousers, a pair of black leather/waterproof sneakerinas, a few long sleeve t-shirts in different colours, 2 vests that match the shirt, a patterned cardigan that matches the vests, and a pair of black balloon trousers. That'd give you a few outfit combos that you could dress up or down, would be good for work and play.