Need to start dressing like a grown-up. Where do I start?

[wem]

I live in jeans, trainers and t-shirts and carry round a black rucksack style changing bag for dd.

Please help me understand the following things:

shoes
skirts
tops that aren't t-shirts or zip up hoodies
jackets
bags
general accessories

I have a bit of bonus cash to spend as I've been made redundant when I was about to quit to become a SAHM. I want a whole new wardrobe - where do I start?

check out Toast.
they have a sale.
relaxed, efortless, easy to wear, look amazing, long lasting, high quality.
would love a whole new wardrobe

What age, height and size are you?
How old is your DD?
Do you do your own housework and gardening or are you a lady of leisure/who lunches?
What is your budget?

Am loving whistles at the moment.....

I had a brief look at the Toast website the other day when there was a thread about it. I'll have another look around.

I am 30, about 5"5 and a size 12. DD is almost 9 months and I'm still breastfeeding so my boobs are much bigger than pre-pregnancy. I am no lady of leisure, but can't say I do much in the way of gardening.

oops, didn't put my budget. I think around £500 but maybe more if I get on a roll - I hate shopping for clothes normally and can't imagine spending £500 in one go!

What is wrong with jeans, trainers and t-shirts?

I love IKKS for online shopping - the clothes are not too fitted.

Nothing wrong really, but it is all I wear. I want options!

Cos is great too (have no idea if they have online presence, know they are on Regent St and in Westfield in London.....)

Do you like any of these looks?

Reiss is my 'grown up' shop of choice.

You need to ease yourself in to dressing like a grown-up.

Start small by swapping the trainers for black and white Converse or nice flats like these.

There's nothing wrong with jeans but go for slim fitting darker denim if you want to look smarter. Leggings under tunics or short dresses work well.

Toast, White Company, Zara and H&M are all good for tops. Make sure you get fitted shirts. If you are larger or nork go for ones that come in under the bust - far more flattering. Belts can work well too. Oh, and get a decent bra. makes a huge difference.

Bags - spend a reasonable amount on one decent leather bag that goes with everything. Brown or black is your best bet.

If you can, avoid Next.

I like the blue dress, tho not sure about the silver jackety thing.

In the past I'd have gone for the slouchy trousers above and below but I've decided I don't actually hate my legs so I want to try skirts/dresses more

I live in jeans, t-shirt tops etc too, but once you shop quite carefully for these things (as opposed to slinging on the old gap/primark shapeless stuff you've been getting by on for years), it can suddenly make a big difference. Whistles great for jersey t-shirty tops and tunics that go well over jeans. Topshop good for jeans, also koodos.com great for discounted sevenforallmankind jeans (fit brilliantly, very flattering). Cos doing lovely jackets, coats, etc at the moment, plus quirky jersey tops. All Saints good for drapey assymetric knitwear, though not everyone's style. Also, sweater dresses over leggings with boots good for the winter. Can hide a multitude of midriff sins.

I like this, which I guess is quite jeansy/slouchy and a grown up version of jeans tshirts and trainers

Try browsing web sites - it's easier to look at brands on websites, and to buy whole outfits in one shop/brand, than to look at magazines that have put complicated looks together, if you aren't used to shopping.

Yes, I agree, that's isn't too huge of a step up from jeans and trainers!

But try on some dresses and skirts too - you might surprise yourself.

Jeans with more glamorous tops is quite a good start too.

Look at La Redoute they have some stylish pieces

Thanks orangina, one of the things I do want to get along with all sorts of new stuff is a really good pair of jeans. Trying to look at the 7 for all mankind jeans but koodos is running really slowly

BUT - I will get away from jeans IwillIwillIwill

And KingRolo, just seen your post, thanks - good advice. I keep meaning to avoid next but seem to drift back there. Think I'll be able to stay away for this little project tho.

How much is a reasonable amount to spend on a bag??

Thanks for all the websites and suggestions, plenty to keep me busy

I have just bought the roxanne skinny(ish) jeans from there for £40... I tried on a load in somewhere like john lewis first, as I had no idea what size i was.
koodos having a giant sale just now so are low on decent stock, but they are worth checking fairly regularly. Also, Joseph Essentials are having a big sale just now, including all their seven jeans, but they will be more £££ than koodos (but will have much better selection). where are you wem? Lots of people swear by paige jeans too but i've never tried them to be able to advise....

(tk maxx has superfine jeans in a few weeks ago but i didn't like the fit or feel....)

I have said it before and I will say it again:Anthroplogie.

Gorgeous clothes.

LOVE Anthropologie. And there is a shop opening in London in the fall (can't wait......).

Bags.... very personal choice. Any of these grab you?

here

here

www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Kenneth+Cole+Reaction+Don+t+Tassle+Me+large+leather+hobo+bag./122483437,defa ult,pd.html?cgid=30042here

here

£150 for a handbag. Wish I had that sort of money...but then again I shop in Next so I guess this section isn't for me.

They aren't all £150 addicted! I have no idea what OP wants to spead..... loads of people spend MUCH more.... anyway, it was more an idea of what style she might like.....

(typing away in topshop jeans and top...)