I'm going charity shopping tomorrow, I need some ideas.

[TotallyAddictedToLurking]

I am a size 18, big chest, stomach and thighs. (desperate to try and hide it)

I need work, home and going out clothes and I want to take a list of ideas so that I have an idea of what to look out for.

I hate my size and I have been wearing unflattering loose clothes. I want to start looking nice.

What should I be wearing?

I am 5'4.

[TotallyAddictedToLurking]

Anyone?

[nevergoogle]

sorry i did read earlier then got distracted.

for me, i'd probably head to a department store first to get an idea of what styles suit you. then once you know what you are looking for, go to the charity shops.

also sounds like you're looking for a lot of different types of clothes on one outing. could you break it down to just work clothes this weekend and going out clothes the next?

you won't know until you try things on. what about taking an honest friend along? somebody who dresses well and get their opinions.

[Sunnyshine]

The problem with a list is that you won't find them in charity shoos! Youd have to just go and see. I love charity shops but you have to ge open minded. Most let you try on too.

[Sunnyshine]

The problem with a list is that you won't find them in charity shoos! Youd have to just go and see. I love charity shops but you have to ge open minded. Most let you try on too.

[Mumelie]

Hi - oh I love a good complete new wardrobe shop charity shop or otherwise.

I know its been said a thousand times before, but why dont you take a look on Pinterest for work and casual capsule wardrobe ideas?
here
here
here

Look for classic lines and decide a colour scheme before you go so you dont end up with lots of unmatchable items.
Would you base your work wardrobe on black, navy or dark brown for example? Then pick a few accent colours and try not to stray - that way it all goes together and you can mix it all, i like navy, coral and cream coming into Spring/Summer. Black, tan and red in Winter.

Do you need smarter tailoring or more casual dresses with cardi/jackets? I think fitted with out being clingy clothing is more flattering than lose baggy things.

I'm not great with casual clothing so sure my suggestions of jeans (in a style that suits you - I like skinnies - but you may prefer boyfriend or bootcut), a breton top and a jersey blazer will get shot down !

And yes if you can take a good friend to help all the better. Do come back and share your bargains.

[TotallyAddictedToLurking]

Sorry I'm impatient, thought I'd bump the thread

Sunny you are right, I normally just go and see but I'm struggling with my weight and I have no idea what would suit me anymore.

Mum!! Pinterest!! Thank you! I use I a lot and it didn't even occur to me

[Flangeofmingetown]

I think Charity shops are great but more of a lottery sort of thing. Taking a list in can be frustrating in this case and they are getting more expensive.

I have had some joy lately with Crazy Clearance. They sell off Simply be etc clothes very cheaply and their trousers are cut to flatter. Most of the other stuff is a bit meh. Anyway I would start with wide leg trousers or super flare trousers. They have various lengths for about £10-15. The super wide flares don't look like flappy retro flares on (more subtle wide leg) and they have a bit of elastication on the sides of the waistband (it's subtle) but is useful because they won't go too baggy too quickly. They are made from material with a bit of stretch in too but not so much they loose shape. So I would buy a navy pair and a black pair of trousers to start with.

Another find from there is the vest style jersey maxi dress. This is a great design as you can put a jumper over it and dress it smartly for work and then a slouchier top and converse for casual. It looks like a tube skirt when worn like this. I find cropped jumpers also work as they don't bulk you out across the stomach. Size up in this one so it skims rather than clings.

If you have the funds the Boden boatneck 3/4 sleeve top is great for casual but you could even pull it off as smart if you wear it with wide leg trousers and some silver jewellery. It is worth getting this in navy and black. If you bung it over the black jersey maxi with some converse style pumps it looks casual. The ivory and cream Breton is flattering and versatile too. For work wear with navy trousers and red lipstick.

A cropped denim jacket can look flattering to layer up and worth seeking out.

I would also buy some long vest tops in beige,bright red,black and navy and a couple of v-neck jumpers that you can layer up.

Look for scarves in charity shops.
New Look sells the most comfiest converse like shoes for £10. More comfortable than converse and mine have been through the machine numerous times and they come out great. Their ballet pumps are good too and around £7 a pair. A nude or tan pair will serve you well.

Cashmere is always worth taking a punt with from a charity shop. Autograph cashmere is good and often in them.

I'm an apple shaped 14-16 and 5"3 and it has taken me years to work out what flatters.