My mission to reinvigorate my wardrobe and refind my missing style mojo has begun. Yes, that means I’ve been shopping. Something I used to love but now dread. I didn’t want to get carried away and just buy anything I saw so I thought I would start at the beginning and create a list of the basics. Not necessarily the most exciting pieces in the world but we need to start somewhere and I figure if I have these then I can get on to the more fun shopping afterwards.

Don’t worry, I’m not saying go out and buy everything on the list, after all we are all most likely surviving on limited funds now, but you will probably find that you have some of the pieces already. Take a look thorough your wardrobe and keep things that you know you love and fit you well. I simply emptied my wardrobe out on the floor and had piles of things to keep or take to the charity shop. If it was on my basics list it definitely stayed. Unless of course it was covered in those unidentified stains that children seem to leave behind (could be biscuit, snot, sick or a mixture of all three). I also kept things I loved for one reason or another and of course I had to keep a few comfies for those days when only slouchy trousers and a cosy sweatshirt will do.

When I say basics I simply mean those items that are great for every day life with kids. Whether that be a trip to the park, rushing off to the office or a cup of tea with the girls. These are simple pieces that should see you through most scenarios.

So what did I decide to keep and what did I need to buy?

Jeans

I know I said I wanted to get away from my usual look but I still feel a good pair of jeans are a must. That’s not to say that they need to be pricey. I have tried expensive jeans in my days and have to say my absolute favourite ever still are my trusty M&S skinnies. They fit well and aren’t too low so they cover my tum and with all the running around after the kids I’m not afraid to bend down! The Limited Collection Limited Lift ones are so good but I equally lovely the classic 5 pocket leggings which come in a plethora of colours and are a complete bargain. I quite fancy a nice coral coloured pair for summer. It’s all about finding the jeans that work for you and these just do. I know a lot of the team rate Topshop Leigh jeans so they are probably worth a look. I also want to get a pair of boyfriend jeans. Ones that are just a bit looser and comfier for when you want to lounge around a bit more (which is frankly most of the time!). The Next ones are nice and a good price. I also like a slightly shorter pair for summer, around the ankle, and have a gorgeous Cobalt blue pair I got in the Hobbs sale last year. If I’m going to splash out it would probably be on another of these.

Trousers & Cullotes

I may be channelling my inner 80’s child but for a while I have been lusting after a good pair of culloutes. Sort of a cross between a skirt and trousers I figure they will be ideal for running around after the girls and not flashing my knickers as I bend down to pick up yet another dropped piece of childhood paraphernalia. I think they would look great with a cami, cardigan and ballet pumps for work or with a cute t-shirt and flip flops for a more casual daytime look. I don’t think I am quite brave enough for a full of patterned culloute yet but these camel ones and these striped ones, both from Zara, are really nice. Or not quite so full on are these Ada trousers from the Alexa Chung at M&S range. I know I am tall and therefore can probably get away with this style but I actually think they look best with a heel (which I’m no good at) so ideal for all heights.
I also need a few pairs of trousers for when I don’t fancy jeans or for now the weather is warming up. I normally like a pair of slouchy chinos and the team all rave about the Next Jersey trousers so I think some of these may be in order. I am also loving these super comfy looking Monaco Trousers from Hush. Ideal for chasing kiddly winks round or just lounging on the sofa (which we get to do all day, right?!!).

Blazer

I used rock a good blazer in my old job but for some reason have stopped in recent years. I have no idea why as they are the ideal for popping over jeans and t-shirts to give you a smarter look. This look is pretty ace teamed with your comfiest shoes too. I have decided to keep one of my favourite Navy blazers that I got from H&M years ago. Navy is a good option for me but I am wondering whether to update to with this version from Zara. It’s a slightly lighter colour, lovely texture and I rather like the elbow patches! In fact I would rather like that whole ensemble. I am also on the look out for a nice grey blazer. It just goes with everything and looks equally good with your basic white and black, muted pastel shades or all out brights. Again, Zara seem to come up trumps with this option although this soft Jersey version from Hush could be just what I am looking for in. On that note, how nice is all the Hush stuff? I blame the Rock My Style team for introducing me to that store.

Shirt dress

I have a new found love affair with the shirt dress. It is quite possibly my new favourite thing so apologies if I am a bit late to the party. This style is ideal for all body shapes and is also the most perfect outfit if you are breastfeeding. Pop a nursing vest underneath and you are set. You could go for a more fitted number, a la Charlotte O’Shea’s favourite ASOS dress, and they have updated it to a sleeveless version for the summer months. Personally, I favour the slightly looser variety that doesn’t hug my tummy. I initially picked up a great soft denim one from New Look which was super cheap and has been worn loads with tights and ankle boots during the winter. I’ll hopefully be swapping those for sandals if this weather continues. I also just purchased this lovely duck egg blue one from the M&S indigo collection (as spied in the over smiley cover photo!). It’s such a pretty colour and I’ve been adding a nice belt to give it more shape when I am out and about. I also picked up this Autograph Watercolour dress in the sale and it is beautiful. Plus it’s now only £23 and lots of sizes left. This pretty peach version from ASOS would be ideal for meetings or for the odd occasion out. I’m after a short sleeved version for the warmer days and have my eye on this striped one from Zara. It has a cute palm tree print which makes it a bit more fun that my usual stripe.

Pinafore

I also rather love a pinafore at the moment. I got a great little black denim one from New Look which has a few sizes left at £15 in the sale. It’s a bit more forgiving than some styles so I found it much more flattering on me. However, it is a touch on the short side. Fine with tights but if I want to get my pins out then I may need to invest in something more modest. Has anyone spied any slightly longer length pinafores?
This striped blue version is really nice too as is this gorgeous pale pink one from ASOS, although both quite short. Pinafores are another great option for if you are feeding. Good with a long sleeved t-shirt underneath or a vest top on the warmer days.

Skirts

One thing I have always struggled with is a good skirt. Most skirts in the shops are either super short on me or that odd mid calf length that I can’t quite figure out is flattering or not. I also need a flatter front/waistband as all these lovely pleated skirts out there look gorgeous on the models but just stick straight out over my tummy and really accentuate it. I have decided an A line skirt seems to be a good option. There are some lovely options around at the moment. I could opt for denim, like this Boden skirt, which probably should be a staple but I’m thinking this navy skirt from Autograph is a lovely style for a midi skirt or for a shorter option this pink Whistles skirt is just beautiful. Yes, it is pricey but it’s sooooo pretty. If I was going to go for a pleated number it would probably be this electric blue number from Mango. I rather like how they have styled it with a sweatshirt for a more relaxed vibe.

Shirt

I am still to find a shirt I really love. I have been after a nice white shirt for many years but for some reason have ended up with striped, denim and any number of colours except white. Yes I know white isn’t the most practical with kids but just sometimes I manage to leave the house unscathed. I have heard good things about Boden shirts and although pricey I think they may be worth a try. Plus if I wait till there is a 30% off day that should all be good. I don’t want fitted but not ridiculously loose and baggy. Sort of in between and the girl fit seems ideal. Great with jeans or even some shorts in the summer with the sleeves rolled up. Plus smart enough for the office if needed.

Plain t-shirts and vests

Every wardrobe needs a good white t-shirt and vest top. Although I have a lot from good old H&M I find they sometimes go out of shape (or is that just my washing?!!). I will still stock up on a few extra’s from aforementioned H&M as they are ideal for popping under shirts or cardigans. Plus, I am well aware that the cheaper the better where white is concerned as you don’t mind replacing them when they have one too many biscuits smeared on them. I also rate Next for their comfies and stocked up on some nice slub vest tops and t-shirts in lovely colours for our recent holiday. I also can’t go without my Breton stripe completely but might add a few prettier shades for the summer months. Maybe this pale blue or even a lemon.

Knitwear

I haven’t been able to find a good cardigan for a long time. There are always lots in the shops but non that really tickle my fancy. I don’t want a cropped one, or a long one, just a normal length one that wasn’t designed for a grandma. I find v neck much more flattering than a round neck should you choose to do the buttons up. I ordered the Alexa Chung one from M&S in a lovely lemon colour but sadly it has gone back. It’s just a bit on the cropped side on me. The search continues.
I also love a nice lightweight sweater for when it gets a bit cooler which to be honest is a lot of the time. Whilst on holiday I popped in to the local Mango, it would be rude not too, and stocked up on a few pieces. This cross front sweater is really great at only £17.99 and this ribbed jumper looks ideal for going with most outfits. Plus it comes in the prettiest shades.
I can’t go completely without my favourite sweatshirts but feel perhaps I need to catch up a bit and switch it up for this fun Mama Sweatshirt or the ‘Winging it’ one which is available on pre-order. I’d be doing my bit for charity too as all profits go to Women for Women International so it’s easy to justify the shopping.

So that’s the basics I have decided to start with. Next time I’ll get on to more fun additions to give a bit of variety and probably add a bit more colour. I do love colour!

Any good finds that I should check out or something glaringly obvious that I have missed from my list?

Image by Anna Clarke Photography