How should I dress for my size (am so in denial)?

[NoseyNooNoo]

In my head I am still the size 10-12 that I was many moons ago. I did a bit of shopping today and had the usual 'crikey moley' moment when I looked in the mirror and saw an old fat woman looking back at me in the mirror.

So, I'd say I'm a size 14. I couldn't bare to put the actual measurement up on here through shame. I am 5'7". I have quite a belly on me. I could be slimmer but I actually like eating so I'm going to have to accept that this is the body I'm going to have.

I've tried to work out what my shape is but the online things say I'm an apple/hourglass which is no help.

What I find trickiest is trousers. They make me look like a sack of potatoes. They always seem so low cut and/or give me a camel's foot IYKWIM.

Sorry about the ramble - I probably need a therapist more than fashion advice!

here and here ?

As another very ample overeater, I also love empire line long tops, with nice necklines, and interesting asymmetric hems; decent jewellery; good quality (therefore thicker) skinny jeans/leggings/jegging; biggish boots shoes that draw the eye. Anything that makes other eyes skim over that big belly!

And I always buy things that fit properly, especially across the shoulders - neither too baggy or too tight.

maryz, yes I know what you mean about Evans

Thanks for all the helpful suggestions. I never seem to see leggings in shops and I must say I love a jumper dress so perhaps I'll do that more often if I can find said leggings. A very canny idea about jeggings too although I'm, not sure that the Mumsnet Jury approves . I'll start looking out for empire line tops too.

I do a fair bit of exercise (and exfoliating) but tummy tone eludes me after 2 children.

As for Cybil, you have given both me and my DH a giggle for the evening. FWIW, I'm not overweight - my BMI is less than 25. In fact if I was 2 stone overweight, as you assume, and I lost that weight I would be borderline underweight which is never a good look, non?

How very dare she? Cybil wrote on the 'Nothing tastes as good as thin feels thread, 'I think I've upset some people on an 'I'm too fat what can I wear thread') oops'.

I am reminded of my mother who in c. 1986 went from 11 stone to less than 8 stone, at 5'6". She still eats like a rabbit. She constantly goes on about what she can't eat but being thin does make her happy. However, she looks at least a decade older than my quite slender father; being thin can be so aging.

Well she has exposed her true colours there - hasn't she! Tragic

What a cheeky minx! And yes I agree being thin is extremely aging, and watching what you eat is so mind fuckingingly boring

I'm a right chunker - but tbh I would rather have my red wine and chocolate than calorie count

Although not together...

For Maryz: La Redoute do a range for curvy ladies - but i don't know what the sizing is like.I have been told its on the small side.I have bought some cowlnecked tops from there that are nice on.I also find the styling ideas useful and get ideas from the accessories.
Nosy Noonoo lucky you having a BMI of under 25 you definately do not need to lose weight[i sadly do!].I am on holiday in Asia and i am twice the size of everyone else and xlarge in all the shops[and with a bust of 36c look as buxom as an old-fashioned victorian saucy postcard].