I am going shopping for a whole new wardrobe - who wants to help?

[mrsjuan]

I haven't really bought any new clothes in over a year due to being pregnant & then having a new baby. I'm supposed to be going shopping on Sunday (depending on weather) and have a reasonable budget to get myself looking presentable again!

At the moment I am stuck in jeans and v neck jumpers (grey, brown or black). I would love to be more adventurous and try dresses or skirts but don't really know how to & also would feel embarrassed meeting up with people who know what I normally dress like with a whole new look.

I am late 20s, a short 10-12 with small boobs, no waist to speak of, biggish bum and sturdy legs! (hmmm - great mental image for you!) My arms are ok.

Please please please can someone suggest some basic ideas for outfits?

I am on maternity leave at the moment but I suppose I should also start thinking about when I go back to work part time after Easter (I used to wear black trousers and v neck top in grey or brown so no great difference!)

How exciting!

You need some colour definitely - whats your colouring?

Do you just want day stuff?

And how reasonable is your budget

OK I'm starting without you.

I think it would be good to get a dress - perhaps something like this. You could dress it down with a cardigan and boots or dress it up with opaques and heels.

I'd think you need at least one pair of jeans - head to topshop and look at all the different styles there. Marthas are good - a nice straight leg style.

A few pretty tops for layering and a warm jumper/cardigan.

Then a jacket to smarten up your look with jeans/dress.

I'd personally go for dresses over skirts and tops as think they're easier and look more put together.

Not sure if you're wanting boots/shoes as well or a coat. I personally like a nice stone coloured mac for spring and just bought a gorgeous one in the sale in comptoirs des cotonniers.

Do ask a well dressed assistant for help though or use a personal shopper perhaps.

And don't forget accessories!

But have fun!

Colouring - hmmm - I would say pinkish! I'm not very pale but not olive or anything. I've got blue eyes and medium brown hair. I have no idea what colours suit me which is why I stick to brown and grey.

Just day wear really - maybe some things that would be suitable for a meal out as well.

Budget - more than Primark, less than Gucci

i wodltn do it now
nothing in shops

but those frilly dresses are icky polyester

this is nice to go out in and meet friends

I have that tops hop dress.its lovely..can be dressed up or down..have worn to dinner or with uggs..get it

topshop!

The dress I linked to was most certainly not polyester - it was viscose thank you very much

Do agree with ophelia though that its not the best time for a big shop.

Well not that I've left the house in bloody forever but i imagine its lots of sales crap still.

Ooooh I like this

I'm ordering these boots dune boots someone suggested in a thread the other day

Yes I was a bit worried about there not being much around - definitely don't want sales crap. There's no rush - it's just that it's supposed to be my Christmas present!

The topshop dress - I would never ever choose it but that's why I suppose I've started this thread! I'll try it on.

The warehouse dress - yes I like that and it's grey which is a bonus!

Next dress - looks ok on the model but I would feel like a prat. I'm such a clothes wimp.

this kinda thing would look good with opaques or leggings and those Dune boots (it was me who linked to them on another thread!!)
something a bit different to dress up jeans agree that martha jeans are really flattering
knitted dress are always a winner
boyfriend cardi goes with everything

Thanks Clure - all that looks pretty safe! I will definitely try on the Martha jeans and take a trip to Warehouse.

Those clothes are all very safe!

You need something to add a bit of sparkle or colour imho.

I know they're safe - that's why I like them .

I'm open to suggestions

Not going now because of snow

It means I have longer to plan what I'm looking for though so any more suggestions greatfully received.

If you're after something really different and less mumsy than some maternity/ bf clothes I really love naked ape dresses and leggings. My licorice leggings have lasted throughout pregnancy and beyond. Their dresses are gorgeous and have lots of stretch in them. A bit pricey but one or 2 items is all you need. I'm saving up for the hooded stretchy dress.

www.dontbenaked.com/products/dresses/

OOps sorry I just saw that you said you were after something safer. But anyway I really like these Naked Ape dreses and they are so comfy. Maybe if you start feeling bold?