Help me regain my confidence - Slimming clothes

[TheBrideOfBlatherstein]

Diet is going well but I'm still looking rather dumpy for my 5'1" frame

Got a big day out on Monday and want - need - to look my best otherwise I'm going to feel awkward and ugly all day.

I'm probably a size 12 at the moment and am at least 3kgs overweight (more like 9kgs to my ideal weight) and all of my extra weight is around my tummy - I even got asked when my baby was due a couple of weeks ago even though DD is now 10 months old! My friends say I don't look pregnant but, well they're my friends and are hardly likely to tell me otherwise are they.

What could I wear (besides my now daily staple Spanx) which might help me look my best? It needs to be cheap, not too dressy and practical - I need to get across London in it with a 3.5 year old and a 10 month old without looking like I've been dragged through a hedge when I get there.

I quite fancied jeans and boots with some sort of baggy top to disguise things but am a little worried that I'll look like a lollipop with skinny legs and my great big tum on top. I have a GG chest too so I am quite top heavy on my short legs.

I'd be really grateful for any help. I was really looking forward to Monday but am beginning to dread it now.

what's the occasion and what are your fave colours ??

If you could pick someone famous who you think you are similar too who would it be?

www.newlook.com/shop/womens/dresses/cross-stitch-print-dress_204849812

I think you should show off your legs and boobies tbh

I'm off to London to meet an author we all love. Will be lots of Mummy's and children. They will be filming us [fear]

Fave colours? I tend to wear black a lot? I have dark brown hair though and worry I just look dull.

I once got told (about 3 stone ago) that I looked a bit like Sarah Michelle Gellar from Buffy. But I was blonde then - and a lot skinnier. So a fat, brunette Buffy

Ooh, forgot to add that I need to be able to BF in it too...

So the dress wouldn't work

Instead of a baggy top, wear a waistcoat like this? with a nice top underneath with black jeans and wedges.

I'm also five foot nothing and that will make you look taller, I promise!

That could work. I'll have a look for a waistcoat when I'm out shopping this week. Would a gillet work or does it need to be tailored?

Slim/skinny jeans, boots, patterned top/tunic that ideally gathers under bust but is then full(?). I have dark brown hair too & find strong colours/pattern (purple/jade/jewel colours) for top is most flattering with dark jeans/trousers. Try to wear clothes as fitted as you feel comfortable, because when your clothes skim your figure, they are less likely to add extra pounds. I have med/large bust & if I wear baggy clothes just look huge but if more fitted def mor slimming. Will have a browse for some links for ideas.

Gilet would prob add pounds whereas waistcoat linked was slimming IMO

i bought one of those pull your waist in broad belts from Primark last week and it is a revelation

I've never bought fitted jeans. I always go for bootcut.

Guess it's time for a change

No Primark near me unfortuneatley

aww thats a shame but i think they sell them in most shops they really are goodI just mentioned my Primark one because it was only £3 though ds1 did say it looked a bit like a boxers belt when they win a world title

Straight leg jeans are flattering imo.

NO to a gilet. You'll look like michellen man!

OK. No gillet, will look for a fitted waistcoat and I will brave straight leg jeans - with heeled boots?.

Thank you everyone.

I'm rubbish at knowing what suits me. This is helping.

Heels are fine, not stilleto's though, if its a mums n childrens event

OOh, I'm not braving the underground carrying a baby, a buggy and holding onto a toddler in stilettos!! I'd be head over heels within minutes!

Shopping plan for today been scuppered by DS having acute tonsillitis Will have to go later in the week.

Shoes like this are good for short people with jeans, you won't look like you're teetering about in high heels, very easy to walk in

Going to try to do some late night shopping this week so will keep an eye out for some. DS has been puking all day :(

Do you think black jeans, a slim-ish fitting top and a long black tummy hiding scarf would work if I can't find a waistcoat?