Whole new wardrobe

[tinkerbellesmuse]

OK so I need a whole new wardrobe - everything really....so where do I start? What are the essentials/can't live withouts etc.

I am 5 3" size 10 with a bit of a tummy. I don't work and have loads of posh frocks so need an "every day" wardrobe.

I know I need to approach this in an organised manner or I'm going end up with a bunch of stuff that can't be worn with anything else.

So Please save me from myself and tell me what are your 5 absolute must buys?

I think it depends on what your individual style (or the style you would like) is really. What I'd do is think about the kind of look you'd like and work from there. Is there a celebrity style you like or maybe a look in a magazine?

Once you've decided on a look or maybe a mix of them it should be easier to decide what to buy.

My must haves would be:

A really good pair of jeans
Lots of long sleeved, scoop necked tops
Some leggings
Long, bright tunic top(s)
A great day dress (wrap or similar)

But I suspect I'm a lot older than you and/or a lot scruffier (and I'm a size bigger).

As you're so petite you could do the Kate Moss thing or go the other way and do an Audrey Hepburn!

i've pretty much done this recently. have you had your hair done lately? i made a dramatic change and it's completely changed which of my clothes suit me. so if you're planning on doing anything along those lines i recommend doing it before you go shopping.

this time of year i'd say 5 must haves:

jeans
boots
coat
knitwear item - either jumper dress or long cardi
suitable top(s) for wearing with jeans depending on your style - mine are tunic-cut t-shirts.

I'm guessing from your 'loads of posh frocks' that you like to dress up, so everyday style would be casual but with an element of smartness to it? Apologies if I'm off the mark, though. Anyway, that's my everyday style, so how about this. Jeans; knit dress (which you can dress up or down, with leggings and low heeled boots/flats or tights and heels); denim (or, my preference, cord) skirt; nice jumper for layering (so not too bulky, but cosy - cashmere best); nice jacket, smart style in warmer thicker material looks great with skirts, dresses and jeans). All those things you can find at Uniqlo/Gap for good prices (even the cashmere).

Then just long-sleeved tees and vests for layering, and a couple of cardigans. Oh, and I do like a nice well-cut parka for snuggly warmth. My casual footwear essentials are nice biker-style boots (Russell & Bromley did some lovely ones last year) and Converse.

I have been overseas for a while and have lived in summer dress and flip flop combo for so long I have no idea what my style is anymore! Hardly any of the clothes I have now will be suitable for back in the UK (apart from the frocks!)

I do like to look nice, but not necessarily smart - I probably wouldn't wear heals in the day, prefering converse and flat boots.

I don't want to be overly fashion led - I'm 32 - so whilst I like the short shorts over thick tights look a la alexa cheung et al it is probably best left well alone!