Please help a clueless shortarse!

[twolittlemonkeys]

I don't usually post on S&B threads because, well, I'm not exactly very stylish and seem to live in jeans and a short sleeved top with cardi. However, I'm so sick of being in a fashion rut and need some inspiration. Mainly casual or smart-casual stuff as I'm mainly a SAHM though do a bit of work outside the home, but don't need to be dressed smart for it.

I'm just under 5ft, size 8-10 with a bit of a problem area round my tummy from 2 children. Bust 32B. My legs are ok as long as I wear tights (preferably dark ones!) Maybe I should be happy with my figure but at 4'11.5" size 10 isn't that small. What on earth should I be wearing to make myself look less dumpy? I'd love to look pulled-together and stylish but I'm wearing pretty much the same style of clothes I wore when I was a student 10 years ago.

I should probably say that I don't like strappy or sleeveless stuff either. Don't have a great budget to splash out on clothes but would be really grateful for some ideas on which wardrobe staples I should have! Thanks

Not much help but bumping for you.

Another shortarse here, bumping for you!

Ok - you sound like me shortarse petite just under 5ft - size 8-10. We have to be careful when dressing but can look good - I am voted the most stylish person in my office
Wardrobe staples for this autumn winter - dark rinse straight leg jeans (not too skinny as this will emphasise shortness), knee length dress (this is the best length for petites), belted v neck cardigan - have just got a fab caramel one from next petite range. A knitted tunic to wear over jeans or with leggings. A good pair of boots - small heel to add inches and a pair of wedges for nights out. All clothes should fit well - baggy stuff will only emphasise shortness and swamp your frame.
I am quite a quirky dresser, mixing colours and patterns - we petites can get away with this so have fun with your wardrobe

I'm short and in winter tend to go for longline t-shirts, leggings, boots and long cardi with scarf. Tunics are good, bit like this? again with leggings. Showing a little leg when you are on the short side keeps proportions I think

Oooh I really like the tunic look so will need to try that. I've been looking for an excuse to get another pair of boots, so will keep my eyes open for some I like :)

I saw this dress which I rather like - it looks better in real life than in the picture and am trying to justify buying it... do you reckon I could dress it up or down eg with leggings and flats or tights and heels?

I looked at that dress, its a great shape and loving the bright pattern. I'd be tempted to wear it with opaques as for me it looks a little long to wear with leggings. Footwear, yes to boots and with heels for a more dressed up look. My only problem with wallis is the dresses tend to swamp me (5'1 size 6)
However I've just bought these in black which look great with tunics and leggings/tights and they seem to give the illusion of a bit of leg length!!

am also hankering after this
this could be good with leggings with this type of cardi and maybe with these?