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...

Use em for everything - and my youngest baby is nine!

Thatsnotmymonkey Nice coat - do you have it? If so, how do the sizes measure up?

Bobbiewickham - bet you look fab regardless of the season! I dread having to bare my legs tho'! May have to explore fake tan thread somewhere on here...

I wouldn't buy that coat - the studs will make it look dated easily.

No jules, may have to start my own advice thread come the warmer weather.

Am as pale as a ghost, and go pink and sweaty in summer. The clothes I would like to wear in summer look crap on me.

Am always glad when we get a rubbish summer and I can wear jeans and t-shirt.

Have too often strayed down the boden route and gone all...frumpy.

Am thinking about it already [not enough to worry about emoticon]

No, I have a GAP one which is similar. I think because a pea coat is quite structured I would get it in "your" size, but YMC is a bit of a designery brand, so maybe go a size up? Order 2 diff sizes so you can chose.

Bobbie I am with you re the colour palette. Netral colours look far more luxe & make putting outfits together a lot easier. I occasionally go for a flash of colour and it looks wrong.

Yep, monkeysmama.

Black, white, grey, and neutral the way forward.

Dark muted colours for tights.

Mind you, my hair is bright red so it kind of does the colour thing on its own!

Can't believe I am saying this, but I am actually now looking forward to going shopping at the weekend, plus doing a bit of online browsing tonight. Thanks all, you've been fab!

Come back and tell us how you got on.

Gap is on a bit of a roll at the moment, as is Whistles.

Enjoy!!

Hello - me again! Been mulling things over this afternoon, checking websites etc - oohhh excited still!

Another question - if I go for skinny jeans/jeggings with tunic/long sweater/cardi what do I do for a coat/jacket with it? Long enough to cover or short with the longer underneath item showing? Thanks all!

I'd go for a knee length coat.