I'm a personal stylist spring summer edition

[frillseeking]

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

[frillseeking]

@astorsback a bit of a bank
Holiday blow out option but this gorgeous Maje dress would be a great option. The shape would be perfect for you with the v neckline and the volume on the bottom part of the dress. The waistband detail would help bring you in and balance your top to bottom. I'd pair back with a leather jacket and a block heel

[astorsback]

That's gorgeous but Ive had my colours done and neither black nor forrest green are in my swatch. I might just rebel though!

[Wordlewobble]

@frillseeking - I had my colours done (30 years ago) if that helps and I am or was bright spring but my hair is now grey/platinum naturally now. I still suit coral, bright orange red, bright green, teal, aqua, purple, cornflower blue, navy as opposed to black and cream as opposed to white. If that helps but yellow or mustardy colours or pale baby pink look wrong.

[Cismyfatarse]

I am going to a very posh, all female, charity lunch. I want to avoid looking like the mother of the bride circa 1987.

I am 53. Tall. (5ft 10) and blonde. I am a size 16 but have long arms so prefer either short sleeves or ones without fitted cuffs. The event is inside, but in Scotland in May, so I may need a second layer. I am also quite busty.

I used to buy from Long Tall Sally but the new owners now sell very trashy, cheap looking dresses. I prefer brighter colours and might need shoes too (low heels). I buy a lot from eBay / second hand so am happy to bid on anything that looks good, or buy new.

If it was something that would do for a child's graduation next year too, that would be good.

Thank you so much.

[ApolloandDaphne]

I'm age 59, 5'6" and a size 16. I am looking for nice t shirts for the summer but drawing a blank. I need cotton or linen and I don't want stripes or frumpy patterns. I have loads of basic ones for really casual wear. I want something a bit nicer. If you can point me in the direction of some shops I would be very grateful. Thanks.

[frillseeking]

@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. 😊

I understand. It's very difficult when you feel self conscious. It's about taking steps slowly to introduce items to make you feel good, you can't reinvent your wardrobe over night That's why I said you should keep the jeggings if they feel comfortable and look initially to inject a few new ideas so that you don't feel completely restricted to that one look. So for example try a nice utility style blouse www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/tops/curves-khaki-double-pocket-short-sleeve-shirt/p/822861834

If you like the neckline of the top from the date night outfit, try this in other styles such as this jumpsuit

https://www.evans.co.uk/plus-size-jumpsuit-ity-212305black?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzZg6ryT9wIVGODtCh0S3wC-EAQYESABEgIsoPDD_BwE

Would you try something like this? www.riverisland.com/p/plus-navy-floral-bardot-maxi-dress-773284 not too much arm exposure and the shirring pulls you in and gives your upper body some shape and it's a nice cotton fabric which is cool for summer days

[frillseeking]

@Redruby2020 you need a lightweight everyday shapewear garment such as this piece www.net-a-porter.com/en-gb/shop/product/skims/lingerie/bodysuits/seamless-sculpt-sculpting-bodysuit-sand/42247633207844060

[frillseeking]

@astorsback

That's gorgeous but Ive had my colours done and neither black nor forrest green are in my swatch. I might just rebel though!

Use the colours as a guide, don't let them become too prescriptive!

[Dinkydoos]

OP, where is that cardigan from on your board?
It’s lovely!

[frillseeking]

@Dinkydoos

OP, where is that cardigan from on your board?
It’s lovely!

Rib-knit cardigan
www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1045751004.html


It's from H&M and I've just noticed there's 15% off!

[KristinaYang]

This is so lovely! Fab advice!
Please can you help me?
I’m late 30’s, 5’ 2”, 10-12, holding weight on belly and hips. I used to live in skinny jeans but they just feel so tight and restrictive so now just wear workout leggings (but without doing the actual workout!) I bought new straight leg jeans and they look stupid on my shape and also ‘girlfriend’ jeans but I look like mc Hammer back in the day.
I walk to from school and have a baby so tend to wear trainers or dainty converse as need to be comfy. I also feel the cold!
Any suggestions on bottom half’s please or dresses I can layer up with? I don’t feel my age but certainly look it!
Thank you so much!

[frillseeking]

@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

A smart summer suit like this Reiss one would look great if you're a confident dresser. Or a fail safe option would be a smart spring jacket like this Me and Em boule style with a smart day dress, which you could incorporate into your wardrobe after the event to wear with jeans as they have styled. Zara do great little jackets if you want to keep £ down.

[Redruby2020]

Thankyou so much for your follow up reply, I will go and have a look at those bits now and take on board all the advice you have given me, it's helpful and something I can use going forward when looking at clothing to give me some new ideas!

[Redruby2020]

@ApolloandDaphne

I'm age 59, 5'6" and a size 16. I am looking for nice t shirts for the summer but drawing a blank. I need cotton or linen and I don't want stripes or frumpy patterns. I have loads of basic ones for really casual wear. I want something a bit nicer. If you can point me in the direction of some shops I would be very grateful. Thanks.

I'm with you on that! A bit younger, and bigger size lol, but yes I want to know why do I see so many frumpy cotton tops etc and yet the rest seem to be Polyester etc, what is the point of that for summer?! So I keep looking, and hope I will find some, even a couple to start with, but I don't like a really short sleeve because of my arms, so I was lucky last year to find a few elbow length t shirts, that are cotton, from Tesco's but too short on the belly front 🤦‍♀️so hopefully I will get there in the end! Hope you find something too.

[frillseeking]

@Whitney168

My whole wardrobe desperately in need of an overhaul - actually, that's not even true really, if I could fit in to the nice stuff I'd mostly be fine.

However, shoes is where I really struggle at the moment. What shoes should I own for the dreaded 'smart casual' - lunches out with friends etc. I really seem to struggle here - I own smart and I own scruffy, but I don't do well in between (clothes and shoe-wise, to be honest).

So - my ask is recommendations for some shoe suggestions that are 'current'. (Big feet, so nothing too clumpy.)

I've felt pretty uninspired by the footwear on the high street this year but I'd highly recommend having a look at Massimo Dutti. They have so many lovely styles in and I think because they're quite a 'smart' brand, none of the styles are too chunky. www.massimodutti.com/gb/flat-leather-strappy-sandals-l11756050

These are also very current but not too chunky:
https://www.stories.com/en_gbp/shoes/flat-sandals/product.diagonal-slingback-leather-sandals-white.0617984006.html

For a nice summery casual boot to wear with jeans or a dress/skirt https://www.zara.com/gb/en/share/-p11125910.html?utmcampaign=productShare&utmmmedium=mobilesharinggiOS&utmsource=reddsocialmovil&v1=144428507

And a classic white trainer is an absolute must if you haven't already got one!

[Daisydoesnt]

Ooooh yes please! I’m totally stuck in a rut when it comes to jeans. Been wearing skinny jeans forever, I’ve tried mum jeans but they make me feel so frumpy and short of leg. I can’t work out if that’s because I’m wearing them with the wrong tops and shoes? I’m often in my trusty white trainers.

I’m 52, 5ft6 and size 8. Unfortunately I’ve got a long back/ waist, a bit of a pot belly, and short legs. Thank you

[frillseeking]

@ApolloandDaphne

I'm age 59, 5'6" and a size 16. I am looking for nice t shirts for the summer but drawing a blank. I need cotton or linen and I don't want stripes or frumpy patterns. I have loads of basic ones for really casual wear. I want something a bit nicer. If you can point me in the direction of some shops I would be very grateful. Thanks.

I only had a quick look but Boden had lots of options and they do this type of thing really well. You said you've got basics covered so I'd look for interesting sleeve details such as the broderie to elevate your every day tshirt. I love the colour of the linen top and this also comes in a printed option.

Hush and toast are also good in this area
Printed option https://www.hush-uk.com/camo-linen-t-shirt-soft-pinks-camo/002437-3531.html

Also love this but it looks like everyone else does too! I always find things in store though so worth a look if you like this https://www.marksandspencer.com/pure-linen-puff-sleeve-blouse/p/clp60525246?intid=mobileappppdpshare

[ApolloandDaphne]

That you @frillseeking I am going to have access to John Lewis this weekend and I know they do Hush. I really like that camo t shirt!

[cleocleo24]

[quote frillseeking]@MaryB90 these are two that I love. The blue floral is a great spring summer look that I'd wear with a leather jacket and the leopard print I'd wear with a statement tshirt and trainers for day time and a smart top for evening [/quote]
Where are these from please?

[frillseeking]

@cleocleo24 links for you below
Leopard style

https://www.zara.com/gb/en/share/-p02769643.html?utmcampaign=productShare&utmmmedium=mobilesharinggiOS&utmsource=reddsocialmovil&v1=173717402

The blue printed style is a brand called Zibi which you can buy through Next https://www.next.co.uk/style/ls287646/p94814#p94814?utmsource=google&utmmmedium=organic&utmcampaign=organicshopping

[frillseeking]

@ApolloandDaphne

That you *@frillseeking* I am going to have access to John Lewis this weekend and I know they do Hush. I really like that camo t shirt!

Great, please report back!

[ConstantlyCooking]

What would you suggest for a mid-50s apple with long slim legs and a big bust but I have a very short body so my top half is not long enough for many dresses and tops.

[frillseeking]

@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?

Yes they're very much on trend! Particularly in lovely little ditsy prints. I am not a fan of tulle skirts myself but I've seen others wear them and thought they looked great. You've got to enjoy what you wear and make it work for you :)

[frillseeking]

Ps @Magpiecomplex I love the sound of your fabric stash!

[Magpiecomplex]

@frillseeking Thanks! It's a printed Indian cotton lawn - quite fine and floaty.