hi and style advice please

[jesy]

I guess a bit of background information is needed.
I'm in my 30s not got a lot of cash and I need advice on how to dress.
I've never really k n ow what to wear, even as a kid I'd not go to school on non uniform day as not know what y wear.
I was out on Sunday with a bloke been seeing I picked up a top but I wasn't sure about it so put it back bit later we talked and he said it old and not me at all.
I'd like to get some new things , I have some nice . Stuff but stick to same . Old things, not worked in a while so lot of my Stuff is tatty , holes in it ext.
I'm 5 ft 6 , top heavy with 32g boobs
I went out t he other night but felt frumpy in the dress I'd got after going to bathroom where all the so.enter were all glam.
I do have self esteem issues a prime example . To day took kids to have hair cut and had to sit in front of the mirror but couldn't look at myself.

[Itscurtainsforyou]

How about making an appointment with a personal shopper at debenhams/john lewis or somewhere? They should be able to advise on what colours/styles suit you. I don't think you are obliged to buy everything they bring you, so it doesn't need to be expensive.

[jesy]

The type of shop I go in don't do stuff like that

[scotswoman]

What kind of shops do you usually go in? What do you have now that you like or what do you currently own that you feel best in?

[MsAspreyDiamonds]

I would agree with Itscurtainsforyounow & suggest that you book a personal stylist slot at John Lewis or Debenhams. You can then pick up tips on how to style clothes together, accessorise them & choose colours which suit you. Then when you go shopping in your usual shops, you can use the dtylist ideas as a template.

www.johnlewis.com/our-shops/bluewater/john-lewis-bluewater-services

[Theoldhag]

Shopping on a budget can be hard, however I would suggest that you go to somewhere like John Lewis or a height street with lots of different fashion shops with a friend, have a play dressing up with clothes there, you do not have to buy. Take a camera get some snaps with you in lots of outfits and take a note book. You can always go to oline places such as eBay or if you have access to some good charity shops (the ones where I live a fab for picking up beautiful bargains) and use your photos and notes as a reference point. I find that it is worth trying to keep to natural fibers makes a whole lot of difference, not long ago I found a lovely 100% cashmere lightweight knit for £3 in the cancer research shop.

I would suggest buying some nice basics, a couple of tops, jacket or cardigan, good fitting trousers and a dress or a skirt, making sure that they all go together colour and style wise so that you can mix and match. Maybe tie it all in together with a pretty belt or scarf.

It doesn't have to cost the earth, just be creative!

[Theoldhag]

*oline, ment online!

[Theoldhag]

Oh and sewing up holes and re-dying clothes also helps

[jesy]

I tend to wear dresses a lot as it hides the fat ,jeans and vest tops
Shop wise it's Tesco , peacocks , New look .sometimes asda I bought a lovely dress at weekend but regret it now as its bright x

[Eastpoint]

Can you go shopping with a friend who is a different shape to you? I have a friend who has different hangups to me & who will look at my body more dispassionately. V necked tops, floaty shirts with a fitted dark vest underneath to give you decency & make you looked shapely.

[Boltonlass1972]

I know it's old now but Trinny and Susanna's first book 'what not to wear'was really helpful to me for how to dress for my shape. Always cheap and in charity shops now.

[scotswoman]

I really like tesco for clothes sometimes. How about this?

[jesy]

That's nice top ,I do like it.
Unfortunately my friends not the sort to go shopping with.
It was the bloke been seeing who got me thinking I'd picked up a top n he said it wasn't me n well he was right I wore a similar top today n it made me look frumpy

[coffeetofunction]

Are you my sister

New look do some fab jeans that are £9.99!! The dark blue or black I find most flattering... These can be teamed with simple t-shirts/vest tops for day to day. I have about 10 blazers, 8 from charity shops. To me there the most important part of my wardrobe as the can make even my 'scruffs' look cool...

A killer pair of black stiletto can dress anything up, it's summer so primark sandles & pumps are cute & practical.... primark have some loose vest tops for about £4 that can be layered over longer vests & some gorgeous floaty shirts...

Also if you are larger on top a good bra is a must plus it makes you look thinner...

Every women needs a scarf or 2 or30

[jesy]

Good bras expensive but I . Know what u mean

[coffeetofunction]

Try debenhams clearance or house of Fraser clearance, I've been known to get them for £6-£7

[jesy]

I bought some from asda hopefully they'll fit
Had a look through wardrobe some ok stuff but I look pregnant as I have a fat tummy .
Sorry to be so moany, I am sort of seeing this younger bloke and I feel fat n frumpy when we go out.
I have one stand by dress but I wore it for our first three dates lol

[coffeetofunction]

I have hold in knickersprimark specials would they help with your confidence? No one else needs know your wearing them

[jesy]

You lot are so lovely when I went out other week my date said I do t need them but still wore them lol
It a confidence thing

[MsAspreyDiamonds]

Please don't think I am suggesting that you are over weight but have you thought about a home fitness programme to build up your confidence? If you feel good then you will start to look more favourably at yourself.

www.jillianmichaels.com/fit/

Have a look in charity shops particularly in posh areas as you might pick up real bargains.

Start small & build up your wardrobe gradually which is what I am doing at the moment due to tight budgets. I just bought two pairs of sandal shoes from Primark for 10 each similar to these:

m.newlook.com/application/product/view?cat=309248418

I like my toes to be covered & this style is perfect as I can't wear traditional sandals.

[scotswoman]

Can you link us to your stand by dress you mentioned so we can see what you like and maybe use it to help fins other things?

[ohms11]

Also, I recommend polyvore and pinterest. I have been sorting myself out with a "capsule wardrobe" and got loads of ideas on those sites. Polyvore is particularly good in that if you like something but it is far too expensive, it can show you similar items which are cheaper.

[jesy]

No I am over weight I know it.
I can't find a dress similar to my stand by one but ifs a bit like a skater dress its blue with over dress bit made of floaty material .