What should I be wearing??

[Chocamochalatte]

Totally clueless these days, am 35 years old, small 12 in tops, large 12 in bottoms, horrible legs, fat flabby stomach, 5'6" and don't know what to wear....

Just been sent £100 for late Xmas present and would like to buy a few key things for Spring, Just don't know where to start anymore

shameless bump [pleads]

How about a maxi skirt? I've seen some really nice ones in jersey that are tube- like with a bit of a flair. I'd put it with a slim fitting top and short jacket (shorter than the top),and a nice scarf. I'm not a fan of trousers or jeans, but I've got some nice wide legged trousers which I wear with a slim fitting vest top and a little cardi. Hope you find something nice.

I'd buy nice dark wash straight leg jeans (not too tight like skinnies, not too mumsy like bootlegs) from Gap or like this, a couple of stripey breton tops (H&M or Primark) , maybe a nice piece of knitwear to wear over the tops like this?

OB - headset skirts always seem to accentuate my tummy

GB - what shoes do you wear with straight leg jeans? Love the Breton tops!

Id either tuck them into boots now or wear with ballet pumps or converse type trainers in spring/ sandals in summer.

Im addicted to my breton tops, I always feel smart in them for some reason. And I have a selection of cardis and knitted waistcoats like the one in the link to go on top (to hide my less than perfect midriff : )

Find a website you like the feel of - White Stuff, Joules, Hobbs, Monsoon etc, and then shamelessly copy take inspiration from some of the outfits. The Boden website is good for looking at ways of putting clothes together. It works for me when I am lacking confidence.

Wouldn't suggest buying online though as getting the right fit (for trousers especially) is important.

What about dresses - ime everyone notices when you wear a dress (in a good way!) and if you're not keen on showing your legs it's the perfect time of year for thick tights and boots. There is another thread on chunky cardis - perhaps that would 'balance' your shape?

Agree the Boden website and catalogues are great for styling tips. The girl who does the Wearing it Today blog does their styling for them so I often flick through , not to buy but just for ideas on how to put things I already have together in new ways.

I like the idea of using websites / catalogues for styling tips...

I can't wear dresses as I can't get boots to fit my mis matched calves...

I think I would just like to look a little more 'chic' I don't want to look too 'fashionable' a bit more classy, but NOT mumsy! I would like too look effortlessly glamorous but I don't think that would ever be possible!!!

See... I told you I was confused!

I think the dark denim and stripey top look is perfect casual "chic" especially when you add a touch of bold lippy.

For slightly smarter looks I'd wear the dark denims with a nice floaty top/blouse a bit like this or maybe this and some low heels like these

I also think people who look chic always have a nice haircut/colour and a touch of light make up. You can do this!