Will I look like a big-bottomed 1980's sloane in these trousers?

[lisbapalea]

I am going back to work in 2wks time after having my DD 11 months ago. Am trying to create my new working wardrobe and am struggling!

In my mind I like the idea of some ankle length black trousers with some flat shoes and a crisp white shirt in the hope I might look either like Uma Thurman pre-overdose in Pulp Fiction, or Audrey Hepburn etc.

Trouble is, I am 5'8", size 14, very much pear shaped but also with wobbly belly and deflated boobs.

Haven't as yet found my ideal black trousers but bought these yesterday and am worried I look like I a fat-arsed 80's sloane (or my mum!) in them:

What do people think? Any alternative ideas for the new work wardrobe? I am not good in high heels and much as I would love to be, I don't think I am very fashion forward (hence buying most of my clothes from M&S!).

Hmm....I quite like the trousers but don't you think that this type of trousers with a tucked in shirt will really draw attention to your bum, if that's the area you are worried about? How about the shirt with a not too narrow pencil skirt (not clingy)?

I also think that wearing a contrasting colours on top and bottom will also lead to emphasis of pear shape. Better to go for same or toning shades.

I went to see a personal shopper before I went back to work from maternity leave. I went to John Lewis and was goaded into trying on this that ordinarily I would not even have taken a 2nd glance at. I ended up buying things that were totally different to what I'd bought previously.

I love my new work wardrobe, and briefed the shopper to give me one of those capsule wardrobes people bang on about. I ended up spending less than my budget and she worked with what I already had.

I'd do it again, definitely as I am pretty clueless fashionwise.

Hmm, they do make the super-skinny-boney-arsed model's bum look quite large.

If you aren't happy with them then ime you won't wear them.

Would you consider a black smart polo neck with them?

I like the trousers but I don't think that they would suit anyone with a big bottom and belly.

You need either a straight leg or something more flared to balance out the top half. The flare leg is very in season as well.

I just don't get cropped trousers. sorry. Perhaps it is because they don't look right on me (but then I am roughly your size hence thought I would comment!)

I think they need heels though to avoid looking dumpy - so if you aren't a real heels wearer maybe look for another style?

Hi all,

Thanks for the responses. I think you're all correct and I just need to realise that I will never look like Uma Thurman or Audrey H! The trousers will be going back... If anyone's not the same shape as me I can recommend them from a quality pov - they feel lovely!

So, now I need some suggestions on where to get some decent straight or flared trousers that will look non-frumpy with flat shoes?!

I have these already (told you I only seem to shop in M&S!) but because they're wide leg they need to be worn with a heel, which I am a bit crap at wearing.

Happy to go with something that needs to be worn with a lowish heel, but again, most of those shoes seem to make me look over 60, and I am 33.

I feel lost!

Quite like this. Jacket covers bum, according to comments.

www.next.co.uk/shopping/women/tailoredlooks/38/1

not sure about the blouse, though.

So glad you're taking those trousers back!

What about a jersey wrap dress? With a jacket or long cardi? (depending on how formal you need to be)

I like them - have a pair like that. Can't wear them on fat days though.

Or something like this skirt (or a pencil skirt would be even better if you're happy with something so tailored.

Pair it with a colourful shirt/top and a waist belt.

Like that skirt - but what shoes would I wear it with?

Think the Wallis dress is too short - can do just above knee with my nasty thighs, but not higher and I think that was a bit too short.

Ah yes, forgot you're tall so might be a little short.

Shoes like this?

Glad you sent the trousers back -- cropped trousers are not a good idea as they shorten your leg and emphasise all the parts that are covered by the fabric, including the rear end.

The Autograph black pants are very nice. Could you get yourself a nice 1.5 inch heel shoe or boots with a dainty looking/ pointy toe that would give the impression of being higher and avoid frumpiness? Shoes that are on the flat side can look less frumpy if the toe is pointy instead of clunky.