[~*MESS*~]

So I've lost a fair bit of weight and have pretty much given away all my old stuff and I'm looking to start fresh.

What are the basics you would buy? What else would you get?

I mostly need casual stuff and work stuff (teacher) and I normally go for comfortable. I'm a bit sick of jeans and a tee but I'm trying to look a bit more grown up lol.

So, if you could go nuts, what would you buy?

[feliz6]

I really like cue and Verona Maine for work wear. I like Saba dresses and tops also. Country road has nice casual wear that can also double as work wear. I love metallic skirts and they don't need ironing.

[Tigerdog]

I'm in the same boat, except I've put on weight I usually wear jeans and denim capris, I want to go for some maxi skirts for work, and I always need new tops!

[cira]

I'm hoping to be in this position soon...

I plan to buy mix-and-match outifts in some basic colours - I think this is called a capsule wardrobe. On my wardrobe-fantasy list I'd like 5 pairs of trousers, 10 tops, 2 skirts, a few dresses and a couple of cardigans for layering up in winter.

[sammyv]

This is my top ten things I would buy
1 Coat or jacket
2 White blouse
3 Neutral trousers - black, charcoal, or tan
4 Neutral skirt (as above)
5 A good knit - cardigan or jumper
6 A good fitting jean
7 A little black dress that can be dressed up for going out
8 A pair of statement shoes - they can be a great pair of heals or a fun pair of casual shoes
9 A great "going out", like a funky top and trousers
10 Some accessories - lovisa has great cheap but fashionable pieces

[lamarque]

Mmmm, starting afresh, I'd buy the following basics:

- black pencil skirt (Laura Ashley do a nice one);
- tailored pants (wool) - David Lawrence, Jigsaw;
- Classic white long and short sleeved shirts;
- Shift dresses (plain - charcoal/black) or print - Myer (Leona Edmiston); Jigsaw (pencil dress).
- Diana Ferrari have really nice 'dressy' flats.

Casual:

- 7/8 pants (Country Road) - they also have beautiful tops out too;
- Tailored shorts (to knee);
- ballet flats.

Really casual:

Lorna Jane do some nice long cargo / yoga pants in black, white and navy. They also have a few lightweight jumpers.

Check out Seed too, they have some nice things out.

[~*MESS*~]

Thanks, getting excited

[fruitbat72]

I would add Sportscraft to that list of designers - I recently got a pair of wool pants from eBay for under $20 including postage and they are so comfy and will last for ages

Do you like tunics and tights? I have recently discovered this combination and find it really flatters and looks good.

What about some "statement" necklaces and pendants? You can wear the same neutral clothes and just change your accessories

[dogged]

This might interest you, OP:

http://www.theterrificthirty.com.au/

I've bought a copy and whilst I wouldn't treat it as gospel to live by, it has some good suggestions re how to make the most of a "capsule" wardrobe.

[gina70]

I am also a teacher and always like to start the working year of with a few new outfits. I just bought 2 very cool, pretty dresses from Laura Ashley, 1 even has pockets! My classroom does not have air con, so I need cool and comfortable clothes that don't show the sweat. I also bought 2 skirts from an arty shop, comfy and unusual. I bought 3 bright good quality t-shirts to go with them.

I already own tailored shorts, collared shirts and a- line skirts. My work wardrobe is quite large. I never wear denim to work and always look tailored and smart.

This post has been edited by gina70: 27/12/2012, 01:07 PM