Where to start with wardrobe update?

[jules2906]

Hi all

Hoping for some advice and inspiration!

Need to update my wardrobe as I am turning into a bit of a frump . So, where to start? What mags are a good idea for usable but stylish ideas? Terrified of looking like mutton dressed as lamb but at 40 I don't feel like I'm totally over the hill - yet! I wander around the shops in a bit of a daze and go home empty handed and feeling even worse!

I work PT in a school and have 2 young ones myself so need stuff that is practical but that gets me out of the dull stuff I seem to spend my days wrapped up in.

Thanks all, really appreciate your help...

you need three things

1. a "bluntfriend"?
2. ful lenght mirror
3. bin bag

Coloured and black opaques.

Some Fly boots or similar.

Go for knitwear in black, grey or neutral - looks more 'luxe'.

Long sleeved tshirts for layering.

Long cardie in thin material.

Long scarves for wrapping round or trailing artily.

Perhaps a pretty dress to wear casual or dressy, but haven't achieved that yet...

Erm...

Have done a halfway binbag thing but now need to get the 'bluntfriend' who will no doubt tell me that 80% of the remainder should go too.

Thanks for the list Bobbiewickham - erm, what are Flyboots . Told you I was a bit rubbish at this sort of thing!

you need some smart casual boots
notpointy heels
that fit your legs

and the right skrit/dress com,bo for your shape

Fly are a make of boot/shoe. Quite chunky without being too chunky. Would do a link but am tech-challenged

They are quite £££ but the pair I'm wearing now are on their third winter and are like new.

Fly London boots Most people here who mention them have either the Mol (knee high) or Mes (mid-calf).

I have Mol in brown and love them, they are comfy, the leather is really soft and they are casual without being scruffy exactly.

Was initially concerned by Roland recommended you get "bo for your shape"

I like your list Bobblewick. I have tried to do this but even with all the time I waste spend on S&B threads, I still can't quite get it right.

What can I a person do if they don't have a blunt friend though?

Thanks both! Have googled Flyboots - some are lovely! I like these

Might be a good starting point with opaques & dress/skirt...or am I barking up totally the wrong tree?

Tunics! Lots of. To wear with jeans or leggings. Great for fat days (necks chocolate peanuts).

Jumper dresses too. But go for black/grey/neutral. I spent yonks doing what Trinny and Susannah told me and wearing COLOUR.

Now realised spent most of my time looking shit/toddler-like/pretendy cheerful.

No, right tree, jules.

You will look great.

Although perhaps flat boot with skirt/dress?

Denim skirt. Just above knee.

Skinny jeans for tucking into boots.

Boyfriend jeans to wear with converse when weather gets better.

Really good coat - one nice wool one, one more lightweight

A few 'throw it on' jumper or jersey dresses

Decent boots

Bobbiewickham - you're on a roll and your ideas are getting me excited! Think I will order some boots and then get some bits to go with them. Hope they are not too flappy in the calf - I don't have legs I have sticks!

Have been reading thread about jeggings and might give those a try too with long jumper dress/tunics. Or is that just me now getting carried away?!

Thanks all, you've been an inspiration! By all means keep 'em coming!

You mean youmet trinny and susannah Bobbie???

Good coat/jacket and scarf (will cover a multitude of sins), decent boots (agree that Fly London boots are good choice) and flattering everday jeans.
The Martha jeans from Top Shop are often suggested on here and they would be perfect for smart, everyday wear.
www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=19551&s toreId=12556&productId=1258703&langId=-1&categoryId=&parentcategoryrn=

The develwearsprimark - coats are my big downfall. Need to get this sorted - too many 'anoraky' type things on my coatpeg. Need one that's a bit of a multi-tasker: playround - work - and general out-and-abouting.

Franca - no! But I was a disciple for a while

Jules - Gap have got some brilliant jeggings in at the moment. They have a zip and button, so are more jeans than leggings, and fit great.

Coat v important, I agree. Spend as much as you can afford and get a good classic style that will last forever. Finally learned this after many many cheapo mistakes. Nearly drowned in coats.

Then splashed out on a Vivienne Westwood one and have worn it to death, will never need another winter coat. Goes with absolutely everything and will never ever date.

Get a nice pea-coat, they are pretty flattering on most shapes. Get a wool one in the sale. www.asos.com/countryid/1/Ymc/Ymc-Felt-Wool-Studded-Pea-Coat/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=727070

This with a nice chunky scarf, skinny jeans and fly boots is a winter staple. Pea coats never fall out of favour either.

I got all star struck for a moment

I agree with bobbie re the coat. Investing in a coat can be worthwhile. A good coat looks both nice with a smart dress or jeans and flat shoes.

Franca - Sorry to disappoint!

Ace coat can also cover multitude of sins if having bad wardrobe day.

I did a wardrobe revamp towards the end of last year, and the key for me was definitely getting some comfortable casual knee-length boots that made it easy to wear skirts/tunics. And some leggings.

Honestly, boots and good coat key to looking great.

I like dressing in winter much more than summer.

Struggle with summer clothes. Worry that now I've jettisoned colour will resemble smaller Nessa off Gavin and Stacey.

May have to go navy/breton type thing.

Oops, sorry, hijack.

ooh am excited- I already have some Fly Boots, I love them. Rest of wardrobe is totally out of date though!!

My Fly boots are a sort of dull leather, almost a brushed look if that makes sense. They need a good old clean bit not sure how to go about it as dont want them to loose that 'brushed' finish- any ideas anyone??

Babywipes.

Brilliant- got plenty of those- thank you!!