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 😂

I am a similar size to you- also with a c section tummy. An absolute must is a pair of really good fitting denim shorts. Always size up in denim shorts and go for 100% cotton- no stretch at all! Levi’s have some fab ‘mum’ shorts which sit high on the waist and have a slightly wider leg. Honestly, so flattering. I wear with bikini tops on the beach or a vest/ t shirt for days out. I have 3 pairs! Light wash, dark wash and white! 😂

Thanks for all the replies. Feel slightly better knowing that it really could be the clothes and not me. Saying that, my 15 year old just tried on a couple of things and looks gorgeous in them 🤔😁

Actually I have tried Vinted and had quite a bit of success with it, but was getting a bit "buy now" happy 😂 so stepped away for a bit. I started feeling like I missed new clothes, but after today it's reminded me that I'd rather have used and good quality than new and poor quality.

Off I go to scroll again 😬

Buy fewer items of better quality. Find your style and stick to it. And teenagers often look gorgeous, the rest of us just have to live with it!

Agree you have to pay more and buy less. Buying cheap is a false economy. I have items that I've bought from Mint Velvet, Fat Face, White Stuff, Boden etc etc that I've worn year after year including holiday wear.

Matalan stuff is really frumpy...i bought a lovely dress in Tesco that im currently wearing in Portugal on holiday.

Matalan has the worst car in clothes of any shop ever. Do not despair I've just tried warehouse.com and got some excellent it's all very flattering and I am a size 14!

Have you tried Shein? I have always been nervous but placed an order recently of summer clothes and kept everything apart from one that made me look like I was wearing a tent. I have slim arms and legs but a belly on me, so can't wear anything tight around my stomach!

We’ve all been there! I had an order like that a few months ago that was all returned and made me feel so gross about myself but then the next order (from the same shop funnily enough) I kept 10 out of 11 things! It’s not just you

I had high hopes for a dress ordered from Crew. It's quite a loose flowing tiered dress but the fabric it's in doesn't lend itself to the style. It hangs well as it is lined and quite a heavy fabric but for the couple of summer events I wanted it for I would quite likely roast. A pity really

Did you try things with shoes on and the right underwear?

It makes a big difference.

I love all the old lady chic stuff as they look fab with boots (certain styles not all) , some types of trainers and sandals and it's comfy. The shoes and the cardigan and your hair make a big difference I think.

Good luck op, I hope you find some clothes you like.

OP it sounds like you have the same body type as me...size 10, tummy, inverted triangle.
I share the same trouble.
I find that wrapover summer dresses with shirred waist and slightly flared skirts are flattering. Or midi dresses with nice cap sleeves...nothing too puffy or boxy up top. Usually can find a good selection in New Look.

I find that baggy tops make me look worse, so I try to go as fitted as possible without showing the tummy, so shirred waist

@TheWelshposter ,I had to Google "shirred". I bought about 5 maxi dresses with shirred waists last summer! 😄 Had no idea that's what it was called, but yes, definitely flattering for this kind of shape.

Absolutely agree with all of the above, it isnt you, its the clothes. Fabric makes a huge difference, and a lot of shops are cost cutting using the cheapest fabrics possible which crease, dont drape properly and show sweat puddles.

For slightly more affordable clothes, I have had a lot of success with summer shorts in zara, being a spanish shop they have to provide decent hot weather clothing (!) and also in Boden although the prices are higher. It is better to have fewer but nicer clothes though, youll feel much better in clothes you look good in!

I reckon it's the clothes. I bought a couple of pairs of trousers and shorts last year from Matalan - fitted great. Thought I'd get another couple of similar styled trousers this year (as sometimes I can't find the right look/fit for a long time with some things) and they look awful - extremely high waisted for me and hang like a puffed out bag. I have a voucher from Next so tried a pair from there, very right on waist (I'd have to go up two sizes for comfort, but my usual size is baggy around pockets and looks awful).

It’s so depressing when that happens @SugarandLime

Could you do a shirred waist minidress? Or that type of top with shorts?

new look had some nice dresses like that, I got a couple last year and liked them

A quick glance found this sundress which looks pretty and summery. I usually size up in new look.

One other thing I am starting to do, which my DM always used to do, having been brought up in a different era, is having things altered. Obviously not worth it with cheaper clothes, but buy more expensive and then get them fitted to you. I have done this with a couple of Boden dresses recently, bought with special offers, and used the saving to get them altered. They are now so well fitted they look completely different. I got the under arms and ribcage taken in, also the waist (needed bigger size for big boobs, but my back is small), and then taken up from midi (which just doesn't suit) to knee length.

DM was a tiny Italian lady, short, but very curvy, who when young had all her clothes and underwear hand made by a local seamstress. She had the most amazing wardrobe in her time. Different times of course, but they tended to have fewer, but better made, and made to fit, than we do now.

Its them, not you. Matalan clothes are awful especially their tops, really boxy and shapeless. I think I own one top from their that actually has some shape.

Matalan are awful. Try Sainsbury and Tesco

Apart from the fact that clothes are a disaster at the moment, make sure you have good fitting underwear.

a well fitting bra and knickers can work wonder with some lumps and bumps.

body shape

This article gives guidance on what clothes suit which body shape. Also useful to know which colour palette suits you. Once I discovered mine, it made clothes shopping so much easier, and I’ve had so many more compliments.

I love the fashions around at the moment!

It’s the clothes, I’m a similar shape and Matalan clothes don’t work for me. I buy loads from H&M. Don’t feel bad, try somewhere else.

Can I ask what age you are op?
I went through the same thing during a lot of my 40's and have only just got through it now I'm 50.
Peri menopause alters our body shape and middle area especially, so I had to change the style of clothes I wore and where I shopped completely.

Also for those with tummies that just won't go, look up ab separation and see if that's stopping you toning up there. I was 11 years post birth when I realised I had ab separation, and the exercises (that I googled) really helped.

I had this recently. I've put on weight. Ordered from 6 different companies, dresses for work, shorts, dresses for an Up-and-coming wedding, casual jumpsuit. 3 things fitted. I looked shit in the other 20.

@WouldBeGood that's lovely, but not a huge fan of the straps, as I hate wearing strapless bras. Really flattering style overall though!

@BigWoollyJumpers Actually I was looking unto this a few days a go. Tbh I was put off years ago when a dress maker made an absolute hash of everything I gave her! Will keep looking though.

@SchoolNightWine I'm 38. I think I have probably put weight on my middle without even realising tbh! I pretty much live in skinnies (I know, not fashionable!) and they're always stretchy and very forgiving, so kind of hold everything in and hide, so I think it's a mixture of poor quality clothing and and the fact I've put on a few lbs and only noticing now....just before going on holiday 😒