I need new grown-up clothes but am completely clueless...help me direct my shopping urge instead of buying a load of useless random tat

[cyteen]

So now that I have a kid I think it's probably time to stop shopping like I'm a 15 year old and start trying to look a bit more grown up. You know, maybe spend a bit more on something that I might get more mileage out of, rather than spunking £50 in H&M on shit that doesn't fit properly and will fall apart in 3 months' time. The trouble is, I'm even more useless at shopping now that I have a baby and always end up just buying him lots of adorable tiny clothes instead. Which means he looks fab and I look like I just stole him from some nice middle class parents.

Therefore I call upon the stylish mums of MN to help me sort my life out. What I need to do, I reckon, is put together a list of things I actually want and need, then do some directed shopping one weekend when DP can mind the baby. What should I have on my list and where is good to go to get it?

Alternatively, tell me your inspiring stories of how you learned to dress like a grown-up

(I am 5'4", brown hair, olivey skin, size 12, and can't have anything that needs ironing (too lazy) or is liable to retain cat hair (cats too hairy).)

TIA

Firstly whats your style?

A good coat and pair of boots is a must.

Get a few pairs of New Look Hula £10 jeans.

A wrap cardigan

Basic long sleeved t's (Gap)

This is part of my problem...I don't have one! All I can think to say is 'not frilly' I don't suit wafty wispy delicate stuff, more strong lines and colours.

At the moment I'm wearing black straight leg jeans, a black tshirt over a red+grey striped long sleeve tshirt and brown trainers.

Fimbo, thankfully I have a decent coat (at last) and a couple of nice pairs of boots.

Shall look out the jeans you mention

Message withdrawn

cyteen I can empathise - pmsl at the stolen baby from middle class parents, I feel the same re. DS! Thing is, I've been noticing that a lot of mums are like this - noticed 2 beautifully dressed children today in John Lewis, looked at their mother and she definitely wasn't, which made me feel better!

I second the knitted dress suggestion by christiana, I've just been looking at that thread! Have also just bought myself a couple of cheap wrap dresses from ebay to wear with boots

Lol at stolen baby!

Firstly, ditch the trainers except for long walks and get some decent boots, that you can walk easily in, instead. Ankle boots if just to wear under trousers, knee boots otherwise. Get them in a colour that matches or coordinates with your coat.

A couple of pashminas or scarves that contrast with your coat would be good too, as they can help you look "pulled together" even if you're a mess under the coat!

A few pairs of dark jeans in a style that suits you - maybe straight-legged which are easier to wear than skinnies or flares, though I must admit, I still love my bootlegs. Gap, Topshop, Oasis and Next (gasp!) all have a good range of denim.

To go with the jeans, jumpers in a range of colours (M&S do cheap basics although the colours are sometimes hideous) and white or black T shirts or camis to wear under them (easy then as they go with any colour!).

Maybe a knee length denim skirt with a flippy bottom and another skirt, perhaps cord or thick cotton, to wear with knee length boots.

A couple of pairs of wide legged trousers for when you need to be smarter than jeans - lovely grey ones around everywhere at this time of year.