Dressing for Life's Key Moments: Share Your Needs and Let Boden's Stylists Guide You - £200 voucher to be won

[geemumsnet]

Life is full of unforgettable moments, each presenting an opportunity to dress in a way that reflects your personal style and makes you feel confident and fabulous. Boden understands the struggles we face trying to find the perfect outfit for life's key occasions; That's why they're turning to you, the Mumsnet community, to share your styling needs and challenges. Whether it's finding wedding looks that flatter a pear shape silhouette, navigating your postpartum wardrobe struggles, or searching for swimwear that compliments a smaller bust size for your upcoming holiday.

Share your fashion dilemmas, challenges, and everything in between in the thread below. Boden stylists will be reading your responses and creating a personalised styling video based on the most common styling needs, that are requested in this thread. One lucky MNer will win a £200 voucher for a store of their choice.

We’ll share the styling video on this thread when it is ready - Stay tuned!

Here’s what Boden has to say:

Boden is a British clothing retailer that offers high-quality and stylish clothing for women and children. Known for their vibrant prints, classic cuts, and attention to detail, Boden has become a go-to brand for fashion-conscious shoppers. With a focus on sustainable and ethical fashion practices, Boden is committed to creating clothing that is not only fashionable but also environmentally friendly. Whether you're looking for casual wear or office attire, Boden has something for everyone.

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw!

MNHQ

Insight T&Cs apply

I really struggle to know what to wear - I am Apple shaped, and short - is baggy better so it doesn’t cling, or does it make you look bigger?

I struggle to feel sexy in my 40s. I want evening wear that makes me feel good but doesn’t make me look like I’m trying to be 18

Being 5 foot 2 and when I go on the high street everything is far too long and the petite ranges are always so small with little choice.

How do I dress to accommodate my muffin top - all of the shapewear I have bought just does not give the the confidence to wear a fitted outfit.

I have a slim body, full bust but really thick legs - I simply cannot wear short skirts, or jeggings - I'd love to find a flattering jean or capri pant for summer - love some ideas.

I am apple shaped with a small bust and a large bottom and legs - what looks best for these in terms of dresses and trousers for looking more balanced and your clothes don't look to large on you if you go a size up ?

I'd like to know how to give a bit of definition to a tricky waistine. From the front or back, my waist doesn't curve in very much, and from the side it sticks out as far as my boobs. So how do I look like I have a waist when I have a big tummy?😂

Lack of pockets is a big problem for me - I find them so useful but unless I am in jeans then it is rare for me to have any in my clothes - please make some dresses, skirts and cardigans with them!

I have a slim body but hardly any boobs! Swimwear is a problem for me as is finding dresses that aren't high necks but don't demand cleavage to look good!

What on earth does a middle aged woman wear to the office these days?

I work in a job where I have to meet lots of stakeholders who span every corner of society.

Men in my industry are still wearing traditional suits and they can be worn by men at all levels without them looking idiotic (they are of course sub consciously using this age-old outfit to project power and I would prefer male suits went out of fashion but that's a whole other thread).

If I wear a tailored suit (jacket and skirt/ jacket and trousers) in a traditional colour (grey/ black) I look dowdy. If I wear the currently in-vogue style of hot pink or bright green suits, I look modern, but like I'm going to an event or am attention seeking. And what do I wear on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday- four different, but equally bright coloured outfits?!

One outfit isn't enough for women. We need dozens and every day has to start with a series of questions - how long ago did I wear this? Was I wearing the same thing when I last met the people I'm meeting today? Do I look dressed up enough but not too dressed up? Am I going to feel confident or not wearing this in a room full of men in suits? Am I going to look 'overdone' or 'dowdy'?

Meanwhile, men just lift the next clean shirt on the rail... 😭

Smart casual events are my issue. I’m confident with what I like and what suits me as far as jeans and jumpers and boots go, but as soon as I have to think beyond this to dresses or skirts or smart trousers for a night out or an event, then I get completely stuck. I don’t have time to do loads of shopping so really want a trusted friend to provide some shortcuts to clothes that will suit me, make me look well put together and be affordable.

How would you wear a pencil skirt which is flattering, but I have a mum-tum which I really cannot get rid of with shapewear or exercise ?

I’m looking for something to wear to my son’s christening. I’m currently a size 20 after having my kids and feel a little self conscious but would love something pretty (and church appropriate!)

I'm very short. I wish more places did short length

Im looking for something to wear to my 50th birthday party- it's in a cool bar with food, Dj etc.

I'm 5'7, size 16, need to hide my upper arms and tummy!

But look a bit glam!

I find it hard to find clothes that fit - its the apple shape that's the problem having now lost my waist and my bum!

I need to work out what shape/cut suits that.

I’m looking for something to wear for a 40th high school reunion in September; a day event, then evening. I’m a size 14, hoping for 12 by then.

I wish there was somewhere I could buy an already put together capsule wardrobe.

I struggle with any kind of jeans or trousers as I have a small waist compared to my hips and bum - any trousers to fit my hips gape at my waist and means I have to wear a belt with everything...

I'm tall, long bodied, and really struggle to find flattering tops as there's lots of space between my 32f boobs and what waist I have. I'm never sure what body type I am, and I really struggle in the summer as wafty dresses just hang off my boobs, and anything with a tie waist or belt is in totally the wrong place

But not have to sign up to some crazy monthly subscription. More like the charm bracelet model - anything in this shop can be worn with anything else found in this shop - so you can build up a capsule wardrobe over time.

Sizes are inconsistent and everyone assumes larger sizes struggle most but for petite people its even worse.

Post baby body is so alien to me.
I definitely need to adjust to buying clothes that are less skimpy / clingy and more flowy and forgiving.

I think is it important to wear colours which flatter your complexion and hair colour - I love purples and browns - I think that florals are unflattering - but I would love to wear a floral dress for a wedding - would you pink a small or large pattern, what material hangs best and would you recommend a jacket or bolero with a sleeveless. (5 foot 4 and size 14)

What essentials would you pack for a weekend in London, to take a small case for day and evening, and mixing and matching the two - A day in London sightseeing, and a night in the West End - need ideas ? (jackets & Jeans, or skirts and scarfs and coats ?