Just had a large clothes delivery - I looked shit in everything 😒

[SugarandLime]

Hi,

Just that really. Bought several items from Matalan (I know not high quality etc, but just wanted a few holidays bits, i.e shorts, skirts etc) but I looked horrendous in EVERYTHING! I think there were 10 items overall and I kept thinking, "it's ok...maybe the next one will look passable', but nope. All shit.

I'm a size 10, reasonably slim, but with a bit of a tummy I suppose. More so than I thought! These kind of clothes and fabrics have really highlighted all "imperfections".

I have good legs, one of the few features I like, so wanted to get those out, but nothing seems to be cut for my body shape, which is high waisted with broad shoulders (inverted triangle??) I just seem to look like a bloke when I wear shorts or mini skirts. It's floaty maxi dresses or nothing apparently ☹

I have a decade old c section scar which is really quite thick, but I'm sure it's got worse with age and it certainly keeps that pouch prominent. I just saw my body completely differently today and now feeling very deflated and well.....unattractive. Never had a huge amount of body confidence, but was certainly feeling ok about myself recently.

Really wanted to feel good about myself and a bit sexy this holiday. Well that ain't gonna happen now, given there's only a few days to go. Oh well, on the up side the flip flops look great! 🙄👍 so you know, every cloud...

Not sure why I'm posting really. I guess just for a rant and sympathy 😂

It's not you, it's the clothes. Most of what's in the shops is awful right now. It's why I prefer to shop in person and find online doesn't work for me. You have to really hunt out the few gems.

You need to find your go-to brands OP, and obviously Matalan is not one of them for you.

I've had times like this where I've done a big order online and sent every bit of it back. It does feel a bit soul destroying!

I'd definitely aim to buy fewer items but better quality. Unless you have a perfectly toned body then the thinner materials used in cheaper clothes are unlikely to be flattering (I'm in the same boat).

Have your hair done and a pedicure before you go. Get a fab new bag and a pair of sunglasses.Try some different shops for clothes if there's time

It’s the clothes. I have a tummy after my muscles never recovered from having twins and no clothes are designed for my size 12 but with a tummy frame. I can’t find anything I like to even order at the moment, the clothes this season seem pretty rubbish.

Clothes at the minute are shit! I was looking for a new top and they all without exception were cropped or really short ! All designed for teens. Or else there were really unflattering old lady blouses lol.

And the sizes are just bizarre. Feel for you OP, have had very similar experiences. So disappointing when you have a haul and fully expect some of them to work.

@ImAvingOops I absolutely hate in store shopping. I hardly ever find what I'm looking for and usually end up irritated and upset. At least in my bedroom no one can see me weeping with despair! ( slight exaggeration )

@INeedNewShoes , clearly it's not! I'm not sure where else to try tbh.

I’ve been buying off Vinted lately. Better quality clothes much cheaper. I’ve got some lovely stuff and if I don’t like it I sell it on

@SugarandLime my sympathies I've been there! Have you shopped at Lindex before? I really like their clothes and find them good quality but not too pricey 😀

The patterns right now can be described as: curtains/ worst of the 70s/ hideous 70s curtains. And crop tops.

Agree with everyone upthread. Styles, sizes, material, everything seem to have gone to shit recently. Structure will be your best friend, stiff material, with shape and flare, more a 50's vibe. Even my teen kids are starting to wear dresses like that.... hopefully it will become a trend.

It might be the clothes that are currently in fashion don’t suit you. I have found that with high waisted trousers and wide leg jeans. I must have ordered about ten pairs and they were too big, too small and the style accentuated my stomach. I can’t wear full skirts or pleats either. Good advice from pp about a bag and sunglasses. Can you also dig out what you already have?

Clothes are supposed to fit you, you're not supposed to fit the clothes!

I can't shop in matalan or asda as their clothes do nothing for me, sainsburys I can wear some of their tops and jumpers and for trousers / jeans it's next only.. don't even mention primark. I look like a beached whale in their clothes.

Shop around, find what fits you properly and stick with it.

It's the clothes. I look fat in everything but maybe that's because I am fat.
I tried Roman dresses recently and they look as good as dresses are going to look.
For real quality I like House of Bruar.

I know that this won't be of immediate help , but this is exactly why I learned to sew. I got to the stage where everything new felt awful on me. I was buying secondhand on ebay with a degree of success , but that wasn't a reliable way to clothe myself.

It's something to consider op.

I had the same matalan moment. But was with a friend who is a bigger size. There was so much for her to buy that fitted and naf all for me. Size 8to 10.previous c section etc. Nothing fitted

I buy clothes in two shops. That's it. I've found shops that suit my budget, style and comfort and I'm sticking with them. I even buy multiple colours of the same thing if I like it and it fits. Might not suit everyone, but it works for me as I find clothes shopping a chore and this is my way of having clothes I like. I'm no fahion icon though, so feel free to ignore me.

I sympathise op.

I've given up with new clothes!
Sainsbury's used to do nice ones, but they have gone a bit downhill lately. I don't mind buying winter clothes, but summer ones always look terrible on me and dresses are dreadful on me too. Some people can carry it off , I can't

Matalan and Asda are great for undies, basics, lounge wear and PJs.. which I wear 95% of the time. If I need actual clothes that people will see me in I like Fatface, White Stuff, Wierd Fish, Roman & Wallis.

Good underwear can really help too. Now I've moved over to big knickers I'm never going back.

Me too. I have no idea where to shop these days. I see some things I like but they either don't fit or cost a million quid so I don't buy them.

I'm size 12 on top, more like 14 on the bottom. Overweight, depression and anxiety comfort eater who is stressed and struggling. Most of my weight in on tummy, arse and thighs.

Trying to find trousers or jeans is a nightmare. I ordered 7 pairs that came yesterday, all sent back today. The 14s had that lovely flap of excess fabric and folds at the crotch but the 12s resulted in a series of rolls of flesh.

Attractive.

Clothes are disgraceful now. I can't find anything decent. I'm sure you have a lovely figure but they are just not making clothes properly anymore. Try not get disheartened.It might take a little longer to find something now but will be worth it. For what it's worth I'm a big fan of Tesco summer clothes.

I also have a (rather larger than size 10) tummy and find when clothes are cut like that that sissify up is often much more flattering. For me clothes that skim need to be big enough that they don't actually touch me.

Oh, and Vinted. Had a couple of duds but for those prices you can afford for no not everything to be great

That is crap, much sympathy. I'm sure as others have said that it's because the clothes are rubbish, and there's lots of things you'd look great in. But think of the money you've saved if you return them all!

Last time I went to Matalan I bought bed sheets but the clothes were awful. I usually order a lot on line and would maybe keep 1 or 2 items but the rest go back.

It's the clothes. I'm afraid I can't wear cheap clothes anymore they all look terrible and I don't have a bad figure, sound a bit like you.

Buy less but from Better quality shops.