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Dumpy image for work:HELP!

12 replies

jardy · 06/10/2009 16:29

I am 54,51,and weigh 9st.<br /> I have just brought out my winter wardrobe.<br /> Aggggggh.It consists of black trousers, blouses,and per una cardigans (lots of).<br /> I also wear small heeled black shoes.<br /> I have quite a number of NEXT blouses in different colours as well.<br /> I have block`dyed brunette hair.My nails are bright pink,although I have them done.
My image is very stale but I have to admit when I go on courses everyone seems to be wearing similar outfits,ie per una cardis,jewellery,black trousers,and they are in their 40s and 50s too.
Can you style gurus give me some good advice,like the clothes you buy.I want to look a bit sassier.
I did have my hair blonded and layered,flicked etc but soon become despondent as it looks flat straight after I have washed it.I have it in my head to grow it and keep it shiny and mid length.I have a hectic work life (full-time)and home life (disabled adult son and dh),and I have very little cash to spend on myself hence the corner hairdresser and ebay.Any tips very gratefully received and I will try to acknowledge as many as I can and update you on my progress.Many thanks.ps 9st is a bit overweight for me.I do try and exercise but the fat thighs and flabby arms are not helping my self-esteem either!!

OP posts:
BoysAreLikeDogs · 06/10/2009 16:35

okay

what shape are you - brick/skittle/hourglass/apple, that kind of thing

can you wear a skirt for work?

jardy · 06/10/2009 16:49

Hi Boys,yes I can wear a skirt for work.
I am getting all excited now,I think you have hit the nail on the head.I am skittle,perkyISH bust,slim,then big bum and thunder thighs.Not great legs but not too bad.

OP posts:
IsItMeOr · 06/10/2009 16:52

It doesn't sound too bad to me, so I'm sure you can give yourself a bit of a boost.

I'm assuming you want a classic look that suits your shape rather than fashion. I think Boys is right in asking about skirts - ones cut on the bias tend to be flattering to curvier thighs, and make you look shapely rather than dumpy. I also like knee length boots with skirts - a simple black pair with a small heel tends to look classy with a skirt and will keep you snug in winter.

You don't mention jewellery - a lovely costume necklace can really lift an outfit. I also love brooches. They're not cheap, but there are some really pretty pieces of jewellery available here - this necklace is always admired whenever I wear it.

Hope that gives you some ideas. Good luck!

BoysAreLikeDogs · 06/10/2009 16:57

oooh righty-oh

firstly thank gawd we can get you into skirts and maybe even a dress

hurrah

now have a look here

and report back

BoysAreLikeDogs · 06/10/2009 18:06

Supper time/bath time here, I'll be back later jardy

BoysAreLikeDogs · 06/10/2009 21:02

right forgot to ask size but am thinking 10-12

yy to bias cut skirts -

show off your waist on sale too

this top is bloody lovely, great over smart black trews

BoysAreLikeDogs · 06/10/2009 21:13

long flattish boots - this is where you must spend as much as you can afford, they will last for years

something like these. om nom nom

BoysAreLikeDogs · 06/10/2009 21:14

skirt length - take a tape measure, try on a few, measure the best length then you can note it for future online/ebay shopping

janeite · 06/10/2009 21:21

That woman on the M and Co site is v scary!

Are your calves and ankles good? Little flippy skirts would be nice in that case - just around knee length.

How about some cute and colourful ballet shoes as a change from black courts? Or some wedges?

M&S Limited Collection and Autograph have good basics for fairly decent prices and some bargains at sale time - better than Per Una and actually, often cheaper than Per Una too.

Deffo invest in some boots to wear with skirts: I find I can cope better with a heel in boots than I can in shoes.

jardy · 08/10/2009 20:28

Boysarelikedogs,thank you very much!
Also,Isitmeor for the jewellery suggestion.
Janeite,I havent got great ankles or calves no.Thank you too for your kind suggestions.<br /> Think boots theme is coming out a lot and I will follow that up and let you know.I really like the idea of wearing a skirt from the interminable daily black trousers.<br /> I am so grateful to you for all the trouble you are going to sending me sites etc to look at.I am going away this weekend and have to start packing but I will look at each of them.<br /> Please dont let my slowness in replying put you off,I really do appreciate the encouragement!

OP posts:
jardy · 08/10/2009 20:33

Wow Boys,that site Littlewoods is amazing,not sure I want to look like Sharon but when I get time I will look carefully,thank you again,ur a Star!

OP posts:
Crapweasel · 08/10/2009 20:42

Definitely second the necklace suggestion.

Some fairly striking beads in a toning or contrasting colour to your cardigan/top can really lift a "trousers & top outfit" cheaply and easily.

Something like this?

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