My apologies in advance for the long post.

It’s not quite time to say “uncle” but I’m frustrated and need to regroup for this wardrobe improvement process. I don’t have a “look” to speak of and am really struggling. I typically wear jeans with a knit top or shirt and maybe a pullover sweater or boxy cardigan. I’ve joined this forum hoping to improve my look and wardrobe as in the past it hasn’t been a priority because I often felt that since nothing really looked good, what did it matter? Being 5’4” and short waisted my goal in the past has been finding an appropriate high hip length for tops, not realizing how important the “shape” was. I’m having a tough time with what works for my body type.

I love seeing members’ photos and have been inspired, but am still lost. I’ve received helpful information from many members, have read Mona’s recent threads and Angie’s blog posts but haven’t been able to figure out how to connect the dots for me.

I have inventoried my existing fall/winter wardrobe by leaving out items that are never or rarely worn. What remains is in the pictures below. Picture 1 is sweaters, Picture 2 is tops, Picture 3 is other tops and some accessories, Picture 4 is jackets and pants and Picture 5 is shoes. I do have a black v-neck twin set (that is kind of snug) that is not in the pictures. While it seems there is enough to work with, it still feels bland. Top with pants, pants with top, boxy jacket with pants, etc. I don’t work and am not a lady who lunches, so a casual wardrobe with some color that can occasionally upgrade to smart for dinner out/party/funeral is what I hope to accomplish. Am I looking for the “third piece”? Ruffles and add-ons don’t typically appeal to me. I like the outfits in Angie’s power of classic wardrobe items post
http://youlookfab.com/2012/01/.....obe-items/
but find that woven shirts look sloppy on me because they don’t stay in place. Of course now that I look closer at the pictures in that blog post all of the shirts are plain and many of mine have pattern.

I’m afraid I was over eager and jumped in too soon with the shopping and K/R threads but don’t feel much further ahead because I don’t really have a plan.

To keep things simple for now maybe you could point out any glaring holes that you see so I can ease into making changes? The holes I’m seeing are:

1.Knit or stretch jacket to work with jeans and possibly black slacks, my black dress or pencil skirt. What color?
2.Color straight leg jeans – Khaki, burgundy or teal? – or trouser jeans
3.White collarless blouse – collars are bothersome to me
4.Pencil skirt - camel or black?
5.Heeled shoes for jeans/slacks – color?
6.Keep Petty putty colored booties? Love the boots but am doubting the color.
7.Black slacks – this can wait

My collection of dress shoes is fine for now.

Thanks so much, I really want to look fab even though getting to “kind of” will be an accomplishment : )