I have no idea what I should be wearing!

[mumofjust1]

I'm hoping some of you stylish ladies can give me some much needed (and well over due) fashion advice.

I'm feeling like such a tramp :(

I'm 32, size 22 and 5'1. Not a great combination eh? I'm fat. Simple as that. I'm also bloody short. I have big boobs (38 HH) and have completely lost the ability to choose clothes for myself.

I hate my belly, it's like an apron. My legs are short. I need petite lengths but I'm too bloody wide.

I bought a pair of shoes today for work from New Look. Dd informs me they are "old womans shoes"

I tried a jacket on in another shop and dd said that if I bought it she'd not be seen in public with me.

So, where do I start? What do I wear? Any suggestions welcome - be as harsh as you like.

It's really difficult when the DCs start being opinionated about their mother's looks, it certainly doesn't help you feel good about yourself [said with feeling!]. You start to question your own choices.

I used to go for Evans a lot even though I was "only" a size 14 - reason being that they are designed to make bigger people look good (rather than being designed for a slim person and then "sized up"). Also looks like a good range of shoes for the plumper foot [bwink]. I am smaller now and miss them! I nearly cried when I gave my Evans party dress to the charity shop.

Only thing is I don't think they do petite. Have a look though and see what you think. www.evans.co.uk Maybe try tunics because it doesn't matter if they are a couple of inches longer on you. They also have properly sized accessories (not silly wee things that just look swamped by the rest of a person!)

Also have a think/ get some advice about your colours - has made a huge difference to me [I read a book and am an obvious "winter" - the colours really make me look good and I have stopped buying colours which were lovely in themselves but were doing me no favours! (spring green, oatmeal) ]

Have you always been large? If you are really unhappy about your size then you could choose to do something about that - but don't stint on the lovely clothes meantime, you have got to have things that make you feel good. If you are happy just the way you are then I hope you won't be cross with me for mentioning it.

Hope this helps and good luck!

Thanks cruella

I am doing weight watchers and have lost just under a stone. I'm loosing weight for health reasons as well as how I look. I started gaining weight about 8 years ago and have since been diagnosed with PCOS. My GP said that this is probably the reason I gained weight and am struggling to shift it.

I have tried Evans, but find that leg lengths aren't right for me, nor are sleeve lengths, and shoulder seams hang down - I dint get in with Evans unfortunately

I hadn't really thought about colours - I'll definately look into it though. I tend to stick to black, dark grey and dark blue. The only light clothing I wear is my work shirt (that I hate and fits horrendously) and I cover that with a black cardi.

My complexion is warm and I have dark brown hair and hazel eyes. I wouldn't have any idea what suits me. God, how could i have lived 32 years and still not know what suits me?

FTA - not cross! You're absolutely right!

Sorry I gave you a bum steer with Evans! I don't know anywhere else that would do the trick.

Re colours - I was lucky I was so obvious, everyone else I know who has had their colours "done" has paid for the privilege. However I found this site which has a self-analysis. If you can work out which "season" you are and look at their colours then it gives you something to think about next time you are shopping. Even if you just try them on to see if they make a difference to you ...

Fantastic! Thanks cruella, will have a look now

Sounds a bit like your dieting has awakened a sense of "self" and you are now realising that you don't like being your current size and feeling a bit low about it? It seems to be more than just choosing clothes?
I have been where you are and it was finally coming to the realization that I had only one life, one body, one chance to ever enjoy looking good in my early 30s etc that spurred me to bloody well stick with WW and get down to goal. I cannot tell you how fantastic it feel, physically, let alone from a clothes point of view! It is the very very best thing I have ever done for myself. You can do it too, honestly!
I would suggest you resolve to get only one new outfit at each smaller size and wait til you are feeling better to really splurge - it will be much easier than you think.
HTH and does not offend. Happy to share more if would help.

simply be have a petite range in your size for trousers and jeans and millions of tops and dresses - have a browse maybe?
this tea dress is pretty with a boyfriend cardi and black opaques or leggins.

Callipo - no offense taken. I think ur probably spot on

Faufox - Themis for the links - will have a look now

Thank you both xx

To check colours stand in front of a mirror with a clear neck and chest area and hold a chosen material up under your chin,you will find that your face becomes drawn or lifted.

Obviously go with the shades or tones that lift your complexion.Try for example a cool red and a warm red don't just dismiss reds because one seems draining.

Maybe DD could take you shopping as your advisor,she obviously feels she has an eye for it,my dd 13 will often pick me something I would never have chosen but end up loving

Have you looked at Pepperberry (part of Bravissimo). I ordered a dress in the sale and I am amazed at how good it is. Also, if you are on Facebook, go to the Pepperberry page. There are loads of photos taken of real women in their clothes, giving you a much better idea of how they look IRL. You don't say what clothes size you usually take, but they go up to 18 but because they accommodate for bust size (curvy, really curvy and super duper curvy) its possible you will fit a smaller size than you might be in other shops. It also helps to read the reviews to get help with the fit.