I'm fat. What should I wear?

[Campaspe]

I'm a size 18 -20 and about 5'8''. Somehow, I need to summon up some motivation and wherewithal to lose some weight, but that's a whole different and difficult area for discussion. I've been putting on weight gradually over a couple of years, and have got to the point where my size 16 stuff doesn't fit. Whilst I think about losing the weight, what should I wear that looks most flattering?

I am pear-shaped, and consider my upper half to to my best feature. I don't mind showing off my cleavage. I've got a big, pregnant looking stomach, and a big ass and thighs, so I'm very much pear-shaped and bottom heavy.

I'm not into fashion at all (hence posting here hoping for some advice!), and my style is low maintenance. I like jeans and jumpers/tops/hoodies at the weekend and skirts/jumpers/blouses for work. I don't get on with heels. I recently got myself some elasticated jeans from Evans (oh the shame), and am quite depressed at how frumpy they look.

Please recommend some reasonably priced (Next, Evans, supermarkets, New Look to give you an idea of my price range) outfits I could wear to make me feel a bit better about myself and flatter the shape I'm in.

Oh, and to make it all even more fun, I'm 40 this year. I am worried that I am too frumpy for my age, but definitely want to avoid the mutton look. Please help.

[comeonpilgrim]

You could try dressipi.com for some ideas. You put in your sizes and get loads of suggestions for what will suit you. It might point you towards things you wouldn't have thought of.

[mirpuppet]

Pears tend to look great in dresses. Try some.

Personally as pear I don't get on with tunics.

[Campaspe]

Thank you for recommending dressipi. Have signed up and am impressed. Got some ideas now. Thanks everyone.

[OneLittleLady]

Recommending it again but there's a brilliant, plain black wrap dress in New Looks plus size section. I'm slightly smaller than you and I have the dress myself. It's very flattering on the old stomach area, shows off a bit of cleavage and washes and wells well. It's not expensive either, was £14.99 when I bought it. Can't find it in store but it was definitely online last time I looked.