Starting Over...where to start?

kellyanne

Okay so....I need a major wardrobe makeover. My wardrobe needs to "grow up" if you will. I'm a stay at home mom, but I'm in my 30's now and I'd like to look sharp, smart and put together. However, I am completely overwhelmed when I see how much it will take to get a great closet full of clothes! Help! I don't have a big budget AT ALL. This is going to have to be a slow process. Where do I start? I will say that I have three dark pairs of jeans-in a short length (for flats), another boot cut, regular length for heels and a straight leg pair. What's next? Thanks for your help!

17 years ago

General

5 replies

Latest reply was from April

sinead

Active Member

Good for you kellyanne! I know from experience that in being a stay at home mom, it is really easy to let things slide, wardrobe-wise. My suggestion, before you start buying anything, is to really take some time to figure out what looks good on you. I actually started trying to work on my wardrobe last year, but I did it backwards- started shopping for things without really analyzing what would work for my body. So I have some great pieces that would look really good- on somebody else. YLF has helped me stop that. And it will help tons if you methodically read through Angie's past posts and go through the forum where people have put up pictures and asked for advice. It helps to see how people are doing things, what works, what doesn't. Angie has blogged about SAHM's several times with great wardrobe advice.

The only other advice I have is, when you are having to do this on a tight budget (like me) you have to make up for lack of money by investing more time. Scouring the racks for affordable pieces that are ALSO perfect takes time. Just think if it as a treasure hunt. Oh, one other thing- it's really smart to have a few pieces that work for events- dinner party, wedding- so you don't have to run out and find something quick, which is how we often end up with not so great pieces.
Good luck with your makeover!

17 years ago

Louise

Veteran

Take a look at Angie's blog for wardrobe essentials :
http://youlookfab.com/2008/02/.....ssentials/

This will give you a starting point

Also http://youlookfab.com/2009/02/.....-formulas/ is worth a look.

I'd go for pieces that can be mixed and matched loads of different ways perhaps stick to a small number of colours so everything is really versatile x

17 years ago

Robyn

Active Member

Hi Kellyanne - this is going to be a fun project! I fully agree with Sinead and Loulou's advice about looking at Angie's posts and forum entries. Under the "Categories" list on the main page you'll also find "Frugal style" and other topics to get you quickly to where you want to go, and of course the advice for Stay-at-Home Moms is relevant.
When you've done a review you'll be able to make a list, perhaps with priorities, which you can carry round with you. Sales, bargain tables, thrift shops will all be your friends. Sometimes the online stores have really good discounts too. The main thing is to build things up carefully and not feel you have to have everything in place quickly. Perhaps you can encourage family to give you small items - accessories, for example - as presents, or gift vouchers for clothes shops. Good luck, and have fun!

17 years ago

shiny

Veteran

Start with the links LouLou provided. Figure out your body type. Then go through your existing closet and pull out items that fit and flatter and are worth keeping.

Make a list of things you think you are missing. Start with seasonal items, so you don't get too overwhelmed.

Next, go shopping - but with a purpose!!! Wear one of the pairs of jeans, perhaps with a top and/or shoes you already own that fit and flatter, but just need a layer like a cardi or jacket, and some accessories to pull it altogether.

When you shop, buy outfits instead of individual items. This is a "shop with a purpose" strategy that works particularly well when you are building from scratch. Let's say you see an awesome blazer or cardi that fits great. Don't buy it unless you also pick out a blouse that will work under it. And maybe even a necklace, if you don't already own one you think will work.

I study mannequins and displays in the store for inspiration, but I don't stop there. I'll spend a long time in the dressing room mixing and matching and experimenting. Initially, I would not buy a top without a cardi or blazer and a cami and a necklace to work with it. This helps you build up a truly workable wardrobe fast, eliminating wardrobe orphans. Don't buy anything that you "figure you can find a cardi to match" later.

If you are wearing the jeans already, then you will be able to see in the fitting room if they truly work with the tops/cardis/etc. Always save receipts and don't take off the tags until you are sure you want to keep items. When you get home, try your new purchases on with other items in your
closet.

I don't know where you are in the process, but sometimes it can help to set rules like "don't buy anything that won't work with at least three other items already in your closet." This tends to work better when you already have some good pieces.

For spring if you are in a cooler climate, a great coat is an excellent place to start too. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, coats can cover up less flattering clothing and pull everything together.

17 years ago

April

Veteran

Good for you, Kellyanne. I didn't know this when I was a stay-at-home mom, but because in that role there are no professional evaluations, no raises, no peer review, you have to be highly self-motivating. That's not easy to do, which I think is why it's so tempting to fall into the "who cares what I look like," sweats-and-tee-shirts rut. Looking good will keep your spirits up and remind you that taking care of yourself is important.

I see that the wise women of YLF are recommending thrift or consignment shops, and I will second that and add a piece of advice. When I shop secondhand, it seems that I try on a lot more items than I would if I were in Ann Taylor or Banana Republic. Maybe because they are so reasonably priced and it's a chance to try something new with little monetary risk -- who knows. I do know that trying on a lot of things and finding one or two good ones sometimes feels like an unsuccessful shopping trip because the "try-to-buy" ratio is low, but it's important to remember that one or two good items at extremely reasonable prices is a fabulous outcome! Don't get discouraged and give up.

And when you feel ready, please post photos of your new outfits! I haven't done this yet due to camera issues, but I know that the members here are helpful and generous and you won't be sorry you did.

17 years ago

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