Chucking it all out and starting again...

[Jubelteen]

I'd really like to throw out the entire contents of my wardrobe and start from scratch creating a new one. Has anyone done this?

I'm approaching 50 and want to look a bit more sophisticated. I live in jeans and t-shirts/jumpers but want to get out of my rut. I don't like frilly/fussy stuff and I'm an apple shape.

What basics should I start with? Any advice would be very welcome.

[MurtleTheTurtle]

No advice but I'd very much like to do the same thing! I am approaching 40, work from home so no real need to make much effort and currently expecting DC5. I am a mess. I also have a bit more cash than I've had before so I'm thinking of booking a personal shopper somewhere to find out what styles etc suit me and then building on that. I'm not sure how useful these services actually are though - if they really help you find things to suit or just take as much of your money as they can.

[Jubelteen]

Myrtle I've also thought about going to a personal shopper, but I think that they're more for getting a special occasion outfit? I'm also worried they'd pick things I'd never wear.
I can also dress very casually for work, so I'm stuck in my comfy jeans and tops every day and it's become my 'look'. Even on nights out I wear some smarter jeans and a glittery top. Wearing something completely different is quite a daunting prospect but I really want to give it a try.

[MurtleTheTurtle]

Hmmm, you could be right. I looked at booking one online at John Lewis (I think) and there were options for what you wanted from it - wardrobe overhaul was one option. I don't actually know of anyone who has used a personal shopper though.

I've wasted loads of money on ebay buying things I wished suited me but actually didn't.

It might just be me - some people seem to look well put together in jeans/tshirts and I seem to look dumpy and scruffy even when I make a big effort!!!

Watching this thread with great interest.

[costababe]

Watching with interest, I'm 44 and fed up looking just there! I get ready and go out and then see all these sophisticated people looking effortlessly glamorous even in jeans and a t shirt!
Would love to join you guys.

[mrgarybarlow]

Dresses? A blazer? Black/navy trousers.

I think you need to try on loads of things that you like but wouldn't usually choose and try them all on. Have a good look and decide what you like the look of and go and look for similar things.

That's where a personal shopper would work for you. Not just for special occasions. Let her/him choose you some things that they think fits your brief and would suit you and try them on.

Don't buy things just because you feel you should. If you don't like things or don't think they suit you say so.

If you have a friend that has a good eye go with them as well or instead and see what they choose for you.

If you don't want jeans and t-shirts then stay away from them and perhaps go to some shops that you wouldn't normally choose.

I think a blazer can smarten any outfit. I have lots of colours so also works with jeans if you love jeans. Scarves and nice jewellery can also totally change an outfit.

Enjoy it and don't let it stress you.

[GingerRodgers]

Could you start with pinterest? Search for 'capsule wardrobe' or 'winter wardrobe' or 'wardrobe basics' and put together a load of images you like.
Then, have a really good look at what you already have, try it all on and put back what items you like and look good. Put in a box anything you think 'hmm' and get rid of items you do not wear or you don't like. Have a big bag ready for these clothes! Throw them, charity shop them, whatever just get rid and asap (or they end up back in the wardrobe).
The items in the box can be stored for say, 3 months. When you look at them again you'll either think 'ooh yes I've missed this' or 'bloody Nora' and to can replace them or chuck as appropriate.
From the basic wardrobe you have left, you can begin building a new wardrobe using pinterest ideas. Ask your friends and family what items they love to see you in. Try a personal shopper but SAY NO!!! If you don't like the clothes! You're not obliged to take them.
Work out what colours you feel comfortable in and get basics in these. Have colours and items that work together.
Good luck and have fun! You need to aim for a wardrobe that you open and think 'oooh! ' not 'oh '.

[Jubelteen]

Thanks MrsGary I'm already a scarf addict! I'm also a bit worried about what people will think if I suddenly start wearing something different, which sounds daft I know.
I agree Costa about people looking effortlessly glamorous, that's who I want to be!
I'd love a day somewhere where I felt comfortable trying on different styles. I don't know if I could face a personal shopping experience.
I've tried Pinterest and guess what? My boards are full of jeans/tops, or really glam evening stuff that I don't have the lifestyle to match.

[Jubelteen]

Ginger that's it ooh not oh!
What strikes me is the word 'fun' whereas I said 'daunting' that seems to be the difference between the stylish and us frumpies. I can't imagine the personal shopper being fun, it seems like a bit of an ordeal.

[GingerRodgers]

Could you ask a friend instead then? Would you feel more comfortable with someone you know?

[Jubelteen]

Yes

[Jubelteen]

I

[GingerLemonTea]

I would recommend getting your colours done. I'm early 30s, found it great fun, shopping easier & it creates a capsule wardrobe as it all goes together well.

[Jubelteen]

Sorry not sure what happened there. Yes I think I would find it less stressful with a friend, and maybe go midweek when it's not as busy.
I think I'd like to stick with trousers but more classy ones, not jeans. I'm not a dress/skirt person for daily wear, but will keep an open mind. I also want items that can go in the wash, which is why I have always avoided suits.

[Mrsgrumble]

I would definitely get s good bra fitting. Get your brows done and a good cut.

I would recommend some dressy navy slim fit trousers or smart skinny jeans and navy ballet pumps (new look have lace wedges that re pretty and ideal for this time of year and into autumn)

Try oasis for pretty tops

www.oasis-stores.com/shadow-bird-viscose-top/tops/oasis/fcp-product/3710056661

You can still do jeans and t shirs but steer clear of polos etc. monsoon and oasis are the best IMO though sometimes I have been very lucky in tesco.

[Mrsgrumble]

Sorry didn't see the jeans thing.

[JenniMoo]

I did the wardrobe overhaul in a debenhams and was terrified, but it was great! The shopper was friendly and helpful and I came away with a few things and tried on stuff I wouldn't normally. I'd definitely do it again in future, and with a newborn it was a stress-free way to shop!
You can also return anything afterwards if you change your mind, not that I felt unde pressure.
I also had my colours analysed at the same time which really helped with the overhauling of the wardrobe.

[iPaddy]

Another vote for personal shopper. It's fabulous. You wait in a huge, comfy changing room and they run round the whole shop finding acres of clothes for you.

They will pick things off rails that you wouldn't look twice at, and because it's no effort, you end up trying it all on and surprising yourself. If it all gets too much you can go off for a cup of tea and then come back again. Bring different bras with you for colour/shape.

I like John Lewis (am 40) and my mum (64) likes House of Fraser, but that's more down to the personality of the personal shoppers. There's no hard sell. And it's free.

If you've got the money go and get your colours done and then go to a personal shopper.

[Oly4]

I'd do john lewis as they have own brand stuff plus all the decent brands. Also, look at the white company for great quality basics you can work around. I love their stretch jersey tops and basics. Somebody on mumsnet offers and promotions thread often has a 20% off code