I am too fat and feeling frumpy - please help me with a few autumn wardrobe staples

[hackingandhewing]

I am trying hard to lose weight but it is slow going.

I am a size 20 and usually live in jeans/black trousers/t-shirts.

I can't wear knee high boots as my calves are too huge.

I want boots, I want nice trousers.

I want to wear skirts in winter but don't know what to wear on my feet because of the boots issue.

Please help!

[Faaamily]

What sort of trousers do you want? Smart or casual?

Evans do some nice flat fronted wide-legged trousers in black and grey. They also do a more 'fashiony' trouser style called something like 'slinky' (cringe, I know, but they're nice).

New Look for tops? They have some nice ones in at the moment in their Inspire range.

What's 'the boot issue'? You can wear boots with skirts or dresses! Explain...

[hackingandhewing]

I mean I don't know what sort of boots to wear with a skirt because I can't wear knee high ones.

Trousers sound good - I need work ones and casuals so will have a look - thanks!

[scampadoodle]

@Faamily h&h means she can't buy knee-high boots because most places make them for people who have twigs for legs.

h&h: I'm only a size 12 but my calves are too big for 'off the shelf' boots. However, my sartorial life was transformed a few years ago when I discovered Duo, who make boots in different calf widths. I can wear knee length skirts in winter now, & it's fab! They're not particularly cheap though (about £120 upwards).

I think the website is Duo.com.

[muddleduck]

viva la diva are also good for boots in calf fittings.

you must by some knee high boots

[Faaamily]

Ah, I see. yes, Duo are good for chunky calves. I have twig ankles (I am not a twig, though, sadly) so knee boots are often as baggy as a pair of wellies on me

Could you do mid calf or ankle boots, or is that not your thing?

[hackingandhewing]

I have looked at some mid calf boots, plan to go and try some on tomorrow.

I never think ankle boots look quite right with a skirt but maybe I'm looking at the wrong sort?!

Thanks for being stern muddleduck I need a bit of a kick in the pants when it comes to shopping.

My lovely DH has just seen this thread over my shoulder and has promised to come shopping with me - he is always honest but also useful when shopping!

[polyhymnia]

Sounds good. I wouldn't rule out ankle boots with a skirt - there are lots of great ones around and ankle boots will give more scope for you to wear interesting coloured or patterned tights with skirts. I certainly enjoy that sometimes (I'm a 22).