I'm a personal stylist spring summer edition

[frillseeking]

Following on from the previous thread, this is a new one for spring summer requests

[onemomento]

I'm looking to casual day outfits but seem stuck in the jeans/jumper mode.
I'm 5'4, very small bust with a large abdomen post baby. Nothing seems to fit on top or exaggerates my fat. Any ideas? Many thanks!

[frillseeking]

@hellswelshy @SirChenjins this is my spring summer key items board.

[frillseeking]

Key pieces are the linen shirt, which is massive this season and a really versatile piece that can work for all ages, shapes and sizes, the printed midi dress which looks great with white trainers but equally with a longline blazer and heels, the spring summer cropped cardigan which is a great every day piece, the relaxed trench which is a great transition piece and the relaxed leg trouser.

[hellswelshy]

Great thanks for that! Was actually looking at a linen shirt ( as well as a gingham one but can't find exactly what I want in gingham!), toying with either white or pale blue. Plus a gorgeous cropped cardi in orangey red from H&M. Good to know I'm not too far off Thanks again.

[Redruby2020]

I would love some advice as every summer, where by I have got bigger(trying to currently lose some weight) I never end up buying much and feel like I spend the hot summer in heavy full clothing. I live in jeggings so I don't want to say I would go too adventurous. But I want to look nice without feeling self conscious.
5ft 7/ size 20-22.
Don't want frumpy(early 40's, but not too young either)
Also some outfit ideas as just started seeing someone new recently and I want to look nice for not only myself but for him too.
Thankyou so much!

[Mama1980]

I would love some advice please. I'm 5'7 size 6-8. I have a series of london meetings with publishers this summer and usually wear nothing but jeans and t shirts - if you could suggest some key pieces I'd be bp wry grateful. I need to look professional, summery and smart. I have long dark hair, blue eyes and have partial paralysis so heels are absolutely out. Thank you so much

[mubarak86]

Any ideas for a 40 year old 5 4" size 18-20 with very flat chest? Every top in this size tends to have very ample boob room which I can't fill, and ends up looking silly.

[JW13]

I would love some help for a wedding outfit for a friend's wedding in Italy in June. It will undoubtedly be quite glam so I was looking at longer dresses, sleeveless as I imagine it will be hot, and flattering for an apple shape (lockdown has not been kind)! I'm almost 40 and size 14, 5' 9" with long dark brown hair. Willing to spend £300ish for the right dress and bonus if it can be used for other special events! Screenshots of things I've liked but are too £££ and a Reformation dress I thought might work are attached. Feel like I've lost my fashion mojo since having a child and then lockdown. Thank you for your help!

[timoteigirl]

Thanks - some of your suggestions remind me of 1983 fashion!

[Nadamar]

What a fab thread!

Looking for some modest wear ideas please?
I currently live in jeans, bodysuits and checked shirts but want something lighter for spring/summer.
I’m v pear shaped but lately carrying weight around my middle

[asparalite]

The blue v neck spring summer cropped cardigan you showed in your board;how would you style that, is it worn without anything under it?
Thanks

[ConfusedGin]

I'd love some ideas if you can!

I have muscular calves - genetics, not exercise - and cannot find nice trousers for work. Anything tapered seems to just hug my calves which looks odd and wide scares me as I'm 5'3" and clumsy with a tendency to trip over wide leg trousers.

I live in dresses, skirts or skinny jeans and a nice top as they fit. I'd just like an alternative, don't have to be super smart, but a suitable alternative to jeans. Open to jumpsuits.

I'm mid 30s and a size 12 - rebuilding a wardrobe after losing a decent amount weight so any thoughts on the basics / good capsule wardrobe gratefully received too!

[Magpiecomplex]

Would you say that tiered maxi skirts are still on trend this summer? One of the things in my fabric stash would work well in this style but I may be behind the times! Also, what are your thoughts on tulle skirts?

[frillseeking]

@Redruby2020

I would love some advice as every summer, where by I have got bigger(trying to currently lose some weight) I never end up buying much and feel like I spend the hot summer in heavy full clothing. I live in jeggings so I don't want to say I would go too adventurous. But I want to look nice without feeling self conscious.
5ft 7/ size 20-22.
Don't want frumpy(early 40's, but not too young either)
Also some outfit ideas as just started seeing someone new recently and I want to look nice for not only myself but for him too.
Thankyou so much!

The main thing is to broaden your horizons and give yourself some options. You don't have to struggle on in clothes that you don't like! It can be difficult when trying to lose weight as you've got a long term idea of yourself in your head but you need to feel good about yourself in the here and now.

I obviously only have limited info but I've pulled together a few options.

This is a lovely dress for a day out/ holiday/ garden party
https://www.inthestyle.com/curve-jac-jossa-white-broderie-anglaise-tiered-milkmaid-midaxi-dress

A good 'jeans and a nice top' outfit option

https://www.dorothyperkins.com/curve-ivory-spot-sweetheart-neck-top/BQQ05153.html

A really easy every day dress
https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/dresses/curves-black-jersey-frill-midi-smock-dress/p/817557901

A great every day jumpsuit but in a fashion colour
https://www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/linen-shirred-cullotte-jumpsuit/UU759/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=6014#colour:,size:

I've attached an image of my favourite look which would be great for date night

[frillseeking]

@mubarak86

Any ideas for a 40 year old 5 4" size 18-20 with very flat chest? Every top in this size tends to have very ample boob room which I can't fill, and ends up looking silly.

I can well appreciate this issue- most retailers equate larger sizes with a larger bust. I've attached three styles to demonstrate how you can find tops to flatter worn by a model with a modest bust. The stripe detail adds to the bust and the frill on the shoulder draws the eye elsewhere. The soft v neck style is good because it is cut to quite a slim pattern around the bust and this neckline is flattering for a smaller bust (as opposed to a plunging neckline or wrap.) Lastly, the jacket over the top is a great look as it will draw attention to your waist and the print adds depth to your top half.

[frillseeking]

@asparalite

The blue v neck spring summer cropped cardigan you showed in your board;how would you style that, is it worn without anything under it?
Thanks

I'd wear a little vest cami underneath and wear with jeans for a casual every day look. You could also wear with a shirt underneath for a smarter look and pair back with a smart black trouser. Equally it would look great over a pretty summer dress

[frillseeking]

@JW13

I would love some help for a wedding outfit for a friend's wedding in Italy in June. It will undoubtedly be quite glam so I was looking at longer dresses, sleeveless as I imagine it will be hot, and flattering for an apple shape (lockdown has not been kind)! I'm almost 40 and size 14, 5' 9" with long dark brown hair. Willing to spend £300ish for the right dress and bonus if it can be used for other special events! Screenshots of things I've liked but are too £££ and a Reformation dress I thought might work are attached. Feel like I've lost my fashion mojo since having a child and then lockdown. Thank you for your help!

I love the options and can see how all 3 of these looks could work. It sounds like a great event to get dressed up for!

I love the simple elegance of this style and with your height, you could really pull this off.

https://www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/borgo-de-nor/dresses/midi-dress/joana-gathered-sequined-jersey-midi-dress/42247633208367366

A statement silhouette in a standout colour:
https://www.flannels.com/rotate-noon-midi-dress-656944?cqsrc=googleeads&cqcmp=10757034655&cqqterm=&cqplac=&cqqnet=g&cqplt=gp&gbraid=0AAAAADy3WnidlwAq05Wax3pNB9ttaWuuC&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhY2B4seQ9wIVh6ztCh2oiQL-EAQYASABEgKq2vD_BwE#colcode=65694406

And I've mentioned them a few times on this thread but self portrait are so good for event dressing and sit just above the £300 mark.

www.self-portrait.com/products/metallic-floral-tiered-midi-dress

I'd also look at Hope and Ivy and Asos edition for high street options

[hairymclarey152]

Hi I am attending a university awards ceremony in July

It's formal but not evening wear and needs to be comfortable as the event is all day

I'm struggling with being too dressy or mother of the bride

Any ideas? X

[RubyRubyRubyDiamond]

Please help, pretty please! 3 stone rapid medical weight gain has knocked me for six. 55, 5’2’’ used to be an hourglass shape but that’s disappeared as there is about 2 stone on my stomach now which brings it inline with 36Gconfused. I used to like quirky, Uniqlo, palazzo pants, 30’s retro but now I’ll settle for anything that vaguely fitsblush If you can find a smarting workwear jacket I’ll be forever grateful- even more so if you can find anything else. I usually do high st but happy to pay more for something that fits

[astorsback]

@astorsback

Any suggestions for 'night out/drinks & dinner in town' dressing for a 50 year old 5' 7" size 12 blue eyed blonde inverted triangle? I have big shoulders and boobs so need to be careful i dont wear baggy things or i look like a box on stilts.

I think you missed my question in the flurry of posts in the beginning of this thread. Please help me look stylish this summer.

[Redruby2020]

Thankyou for what you have said/ideas given already. It is hard as I am very self concious, worry what people think/comments I've had, looks I get, I know it seems mad to some, but the advice usually given, of 'wear what you want' that doesn't cut it for me. I see females big or bigger than me, and think you go girl! When I see them wearing anything that looks better than my security net of jeggings and a top 🤦‍♀️
I have thought about a day dress or 2 for this year, but then it's finding the right sleeve and cut, especially top half, so the date night pic you put, is actually nice I have to say, top half wise, it ticks the boxes! But then I worry about underneath with everything wobbling around, I know you can get various things to wear under certain outfits, but i have tried smoothing pants before, just a high rise kind of thing from Debenhams and I find they can be thick and hot, not what you want under a dress in baking hot weather.
What other info would help with advice? As you said you didn't have very much.
Thanks. 😊

[JW13]

Thank you so much @frillseeking you absolutely got my style as I've got a few self portrait items from my thinner days and I've had my eye on a rotate dress in that style for ages - love the sleeves. I've ordered an ASOS design dress (attached) which I think will hide a lot so I might keep that as a back up if my weight loss isn't where I'd like it to be!

[frillseeking]

@Hope90x

Hi, great thread ☺️

Any ideas for a 30yo, 5ft7 size 14uk female - currently 11wks pregnant. My body has always been hourglass and I carry excess weight quite well however, now that a bump is about to take over my usually slim stomach/waist area, I'm totally lost! Looking for some nice maternity styles for everyday wear. Also searching for holiday clothes as have one planned for Greece in June. Thanks x

Congratulations 😀 styling a bump can be tricky but I'm happy to help. Personally I have never over invested in maternity wear. It's often expensive, not very stylish (!) and a short term investment. A few key basics are vital such as a maternity jean and a good quality legging. Otherwise, it's good to search out styles that work for a bump and beyond and try to include items from your wardrobe such as a fitted jacket with a maternity dress. I've linked maternity styles so you can see how they look with a bump but some of these would definitely work from the main range.

I'd stick to a fitted silhouette as you're normally an hourglass shape and avoid the smock style maternity look.

I've attached three pics of styles for you. Topshop maternity has always been great and the first image attached is a great basic that will see you through your pregnancy as it's stretch fabric and will grow with you.

Similarly this style from Isabella Oliver (which is a lovely maternity label) is a great piece that you can build a look around. Dress with sandals and a linen shirt for a trendy daytime look or heels (if you can!) and a fitted little jacket for dressing up. https://www.uk.isabellaoliver.com/products/ellis-maternity-tank-dress-caviar-black

The second look is a great stylish look that could work for your holiday or for every day glam at home. The shirt tied at the waist is great for keeping that shape to your silhouette.

Third image is a super cute Co-ord that is a real holiday piece. I love that it's very on trend as maternity often equals frump.

A few extra options linked below:
https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/dresses/maternity-red-ribbed-jersey-maxi-dress/p/816929160

https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/dresses/maternity-brown-animal-print-frill-nursing-midi-dress/p/820022729

https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/dresses/maternity-black-spot-shirred-double-nursing-midi-smock-dress/p/820024309

And do look at styles such as a shirred midi dress, elasticated waist trousers or skirt snd button through blouses that will accommodate a bump. This dress from never fully dressed is an example of a style that would work www.neverfullydressed.co.uk/products/green-gingham-dress

[frillseeking]

Sorry to anyone I haven't replied to yet, I like to do these threads but it's hard to keep up with the day job as well 😀

[Wordlewobble]

How about mid 50’s plus (size 22) and tall (6ft)🍏 shaped meno belly clothing recommendations please?

What clothes (shapes/styles) would fit best, help minimise and not emphasise my tummy, whilst being versatile dress up/dress down would work best for me please? I know what colours I suit just not shapes and styles.

Thanks