I need a completely new wardrobe HELP!

[llareggub]

Amazingly after getting gestational diabetes I am 2 sizes smaller 2 weeks after giving birth than I was at the start!

I am now a size 16, none of my clothes fit and so I need new ones. I'm not back at work until next April, so I need clothes that will withstand toddler and newborn activities, are easy to wash and wear and aren't too pricey.

I like Monsoon, Boden but accept that I am probably a bit stuck in my ways. I've been through my wardrobe and I have accumulated lots of black t-shirts and little else.

I'm 5 foot 6, curvy and still have a tummy. I desperately need ideas for outfits. I wandered uselessly around town today and came away with a pack of new knickers as I was so overwhelmed.

HELP!!!!

Hi, Have you tried Fat Face or White Stuff? Or H&M? I don't mean to hi-jack your thread, but I have the same problem. It's been 5 years since I wasn't pregnant or on maternity leave in the summer, so I have no clothes and have completely lost the ability to shop or make decisions about what looks good. Also have lots of black tops. I think I need to be Trinny-and-Susannahed (although I'd probably punch them!)

Start with new underwear, a good bra that fits properly should be a priority.

make a list of essential pieces you will wear day to day, in colours that work together for example my "uniform" is as follows:-

jeans that fit properly
black jersey skirt
jersey wrap dress
linen trousers

cashmere cardigan
selection of tees, camis and long sleeved tops - 3 of each in plains and a few patterns/prints/logos

accessories in appropriate colours to include big beads, scarves, earrings, corsage etc.

I too am fond of Monsoon and Boden (v. pricey though, only shop the sales) also like Per una, East and Long Tall Sally.

My wardrobe is a mess too, but i've found goks fashion fix good, each week i love the capsule wardrobe he does and i've got a few ideas. Would love him to makeover a sahm, as the casual outfits him comes up with i would say are still too smart for everyday wear with the kids or doing the school run.

Definitely agree with a decent bra, but can be difficult just after having a baby to find a bra that fits from one hour to the next!

John lewis firm control tights are a godsend for my wobbly tummy and are comfortable.

I would concentrate on finding a decent pair of jeans. Possibly x2 (apparently oasis are the best)
Shirts are way more flattering than t-shirts, also makes it look like you have made an effort when you haven't
A knee length skirt is very versatile and Boden do loads of different variations of this.
Scarves are very in at the moment, and quite practical too.
Long sleeved t-shirts for layering
Cashmere sweaters are great, but not with baby sick on, so perhaps get some cashmere mix ones that wash better - M&S are good.

Really, just as jemart said

Gok Wan's new programme has a capsule wardrobe each week. He recommends starting with around 36 key pieces which all co-ordinate.

These usually include:-
2 x scalfs
2 x jackets / coats
2 x dresses
7 x tops
4 x shoes
2 x belts
2 x bags
3 x trousers
2 x skirts

Sometimes the numbers vary depending on the persons style but they usually have one or two colours as a theme which co-ordinate through each piece.

that should say 26 not 36!

36 is better, more shopping!

For underwear try figleaves or Bravissimo, they also do nice dresses.

Sounds good. I'd better look out for Gok, hadn't I? Thanks everyone.

Shirts are no good because I have v big norks!

Gok is on channel 4 Tuesday 8pm. The website shows examples of the capsule wardrobes although if I had to survive with only 26 pieces I'd fail! I dread to think how many clothes I have stuffed away!

I reckon if you had two capsule wardrobes in different colour pallettes you would manage better. Love the concept though.

Also the whole "buy less, wear more" thing is a great way to rationalise the purchase of items that are more expensive. A £50 item that you wear alot is better value than a £5 item that gets ditched after two wears.

Of course £5 item worn alot is even better, but mustn't buy just because of cheapness.