Help me build a capsule wardrobe please

tori.k

Well to start ive never been one for clothes/hair/ makeup, but after spending the last couple of years feeling a tramp and living in my sister's hand me downs and whatever i can get for less than a fiver, ive had enough and determined to make more of an effort with myself for myself.

im 5'4 size 10/12 young 43 year old that doesnt know the difference between Prada and Primark and has a massive fear of clothes shop staff what are the essentials that need ?, i live out in the woop woops so clothes have to be practical but i want to be smarter than the pair of jeans and oversize jumper's i tend to live in.

Its a big challenge

missm29

How about getting yourself a next catalogue, have always found the clothes very good quality that wash well and even re-sell for a good price afterwards. I also like how the sizes are usually pretty standard i can pick up my size and know it will fit, unlike other stores which i can be a range of sizes depending on the item. Once you know your next size you can pick up bargains on ebay. I also find the clothing at george asda very good and they wash well. Have recently bought myself some cheap long jumpers from there as i'm pregnant and i'm surprised at how much wear i've had out of them.

I think the key is to buy a few well fitting pieces, and start with good underwear. Decent fitting jeans, splash out on a good coat that will cover everything for the next few months. I've noticed clarks shoes/boots are still quite fashionable, but practical and well made, have bought myself a few pairs and i'm only just 30. Treat yourself to a nice handbag too.

Get yourself to the local training college for a haircut and get it trimmed every few months, and start a simple makeup routine.

Its hard to suggest actual clothing items without knowing what your day to day life style is.

Isklar

Hi tori.k,


I started a thread a few weeks ago about how to improve my looks and personal style. It's not specific to wardrobe building, but you may find some handy tips there. I'm still working through all the advice literally a post at the time!

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=2080469

The jeans you already own, do you feel really great in them? Do you love the cut and the wash and the fit etc? Jeans can be a great starting point for a smart/casual wardrobe but it can take a lot of shopping around and trying on to get the perfect pair. Get some really smart ankle boots to go with them, and then you can get some new tops etc.

If you really want to move away from jeans then for the winter I'd suggest the old standby of a pair of black trousers. If you choose wisely, they'll work in the daytime but also with a dressy top and fab shoes you can wear them out in the evening too.
If you start with either a great pair of trousers/jeans/skirt you can then choose some nice tops to go with it, and then shoes etc.

poorandindenial

Maybe start off with a great pair of boots (flat and slightly slouchy would be practical for urban or country life), some smart jeans and a smart casual skirt (perhaps denim or cord in a neutral colour)

Then you can wear the boots with either the skirt or the jeans (if they have slim legs) then you just need a couple of tops that you can mix and match, maybe a fitted knit of some sort and a few fitted T-Shirts or a blouse or two.

Uniqlo is great for getting some basics, they aren't expensive and the stuff I have had washes well, I also quite like Esprit, they do basics and more exciting lines and they also have a pretty decent online sale section. Both Uniqlo and Esprit have fairly consistent sizing and they both can be ordered online which may be the way for you to avoid the sales assistants and crowds and try new looks in an environment that you feel comfortable in. You could even take photos of you in your outfits and post them on here if you want some advice on what works and what doesn't.

The other option could be leggings and tunic tops, they look great and you can change the way the tunic looks really easily with belts and chunky jewellery. They go with heels, flats and boots too which means they can work in winter and summer.

BitterAndTwisted

Susie Vaux who owns the store "Wardrobe" in London wrote a fantastic book about putting together a capsule wardrobe a while back but I can't remember the title right now. That was guidance for the working, professional woman but the tips can be applied whatever your lifestyle.

One of the most useful was to try and decide on which colours suit you best and limit them to about three, maximum. If you're not certain about the colours which do suit you, ask a good friend who knows you best or your sister. The actual, basic items will utterly depend on your work/lifestyle requirements

In my opinion you really can't go wrong with well-fitting undies, a pair of smart black trousers, some practical footwear of the best quality you can afford which will go with either trousers or skirts/dresses and to wear a jacket of some description rather than always jumpers, cardies or sweatshirts.

PolishBigSpender

tori.k wrote: »

Well to start ive never been one for clothes/hair/ makeup, but after spending the last couple of years feeling a tramp and living in my sister's hand me downs and whatever i can get for less than a fiver, ive had enough and determined to make more of an effort with myself for myself.

im 5'4 size 10/12 young 43 year old that doesnt know the difference between Prada and Primark and has a massive fear of clothes shop staff what are the essentials that need ?, i live out in the woop woops so clothes have to be practical but i want to be smarter than the pair of jeans and oversize jumper's i tend to live in.

Its a big challenge

Essentials that every woman should have:

- pair of good jeans
- several colourful tops (for casual wearing)
- nice shirt, preferably white
- elegant trousers or skirt and a matching jacket for official occasions
- casual but pretty skirt or dress (skirt is more practical as you can mix and match with different tops)
- warm but pretty jumper/pullover
- a nice scarf! it will change your outfit entirely
- pair of high heels, pair of casual shoes
- and a light dress for the summer
(oh, and good underwear!)

When you buy something new, try to think, if you've got anything you could wear it with. That way you avoid getting items that you don't wear anyway!

SailorSam

When i saw the title of the thread i thought the Op wanted to buy a load of Mdf from B&q.

Cazza

SailorSam wrote: »

When i saw the title of the thread i thought the Op wanted to buy a load of Mdf from B&q.

Did any of the ladies have the same misunderstanding?! :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

jenniewb

Agree with the good underware thing- get measured properly! Get some amazing stuff that will boost your confidence and help any outfit feel better!

I'd go to somewhere like Debenhams or House of Fraiser- book over the ohone for a personal stylist, explain your fear of shops and too much stuff/confusion/busy ignorant staff/name whatever issues you have. They will be able to see you, give you a cuppa and then select a capsual wardrobe for you whilst you wait. And it is very OK if you walk out having not selected anything! Its your money not theirs and they still get paid eitherway!