All you fashionista types help me

[WhenWillTheBuildersFinish]

I am over 45 and look every minute of it.lol

I have that body shape that does not look good in jeans - huge wobbly belly but skinny hips and legs. Empire line tops make me look pregnant. small, uneven boobs. Can't wear a bra due to the pain of mastitis scarring so have to use soft crop top/sloggi bras no underwiring.

I am only 5 feet tall, I live in jogging pants with long fleece tops (to cover the belly) I live on a smallholding, so need practical clothes and sturdy boots but I am so dowdy and grey looking I feel embarrassed on the school run.

I also have big feet for my skinny legs ( sort of sideshow Bob look), so flat pumps look ridiculous with a skirt.

What can I wear? I am thinking of going over to long skirts but they will need to be tough and canvassy for round the farm. I am worried I will start to look like some victorian farm labourer.

Also, what do other ladies wear beneath their skirts? I can't do tights as the crotch ends up by my knees after half hour,same happens with leggings very uncomfortable. I can't imagine knee high socks as what covers your nether regions? Long drawers? See- it's going all victorian again.

I feel like Mrs Tiggywinkle

I just think a skirt will look nicer when I visit civilization, school, market etc

Help.

How about jeggings and a tunic? If you can keep a pair of jogging bottoms up then I'm sure the jeggings will stay up!

Mmm, I tried those jeggings on in the shop but the waist doesn't come up over my hips, so I couldn't get a belt to hold them up. My waist measurement is fatter than my hips (think maternity clothing) I am also high waisted so can't wear 'hipster' styles. (I think they are called low cut now) Some of them barely cover my nethers and cut terribly into the scarring on my stomach (operation scar). I have to wear 'big knickers' because of this.
Does anyone know who does high waisted jeggings? There are no fashionable ladies clothes shops here, so not much to try on. We do have River Island but they never sell anything big enough. Evans has closed due to recession and we only have a M&S 'outlet' which is basically last years stuff in weird sizes such as 6 long and 22 short trousers in green tartan! I order most stuff from millets or rohan but their ranges are limited.

Shoot me down if this is a bad idea but could you wear maternity leggings/jeggings so that your scar wasn't being rubbed and your stomach was being covered?

Like this for example? If you had a long top nobody would know and you would be more comfortable.

They also do maternity tights which you could wear under a skirt/dress.

You need:
tights that actually fit.
sturdy knee high boots
knee length skirts (denim? cord?)
and some tops (need more info on your size/shape)

I think that they key is to not try and go too far our your comfort zone in one step. I think floaty skirts don't suit your lifestyle. And jeggings are hideous IMO.

And stay away from maternity clothes. That way madness lies. :)

Wow, they look super comfy. I didn't realise M&S did maternity wear.

I think I am going to have to make a day trip to the nearest city to find a bigger store.

Someone else suggested maternity clothes to me a while ago but I had visions of those large flowery dresses that could be used as tents afterwards and dismissed it; but I see maternity fashion has moved on a lot. Just looks like normal clothes now.

Thanks

Oh no, I have just seen the other poster's comments.

Mind you, do you think a 'downhill to 50' lady should be wearing 'jeggings'

Are they not for the under 30's girls?

I am a bit old fashioned and won't even wear a strappy top because of the risk of someone seeing my underwear. I cringe at the bra strap visible brigade down the school but then, they are all under 35 and I suppose it's acceptable these days. I was brought up quite old fashioned I suppose. Twin set and pearls sort.

Forget jeggings. Please :)

As for my size. 14-16 on top and 16-18 below but bear in mind it is all stomach, not hips and legs. Wide shoulders - looks like someone left the coat hanger in. My stomach sticks out further than my chest and is wider than my hips. My waist is high because my hips are long. I also suffer from a lot of bloating so stomach can get even more expansive at times. If I was a Mr Man I would have the shape of Mr Greedy! (I am laughing now at Mr Greedy wearing jeggings). Long 'frilly' or tiered skirts are a no no. The A line skirts looks better on me because there is less gathered material to bulk me out. I would have to have something that covered the knee though. I am not brave enough for above knee skirts. I am frightened of my knickers showing.

I do wear boots a lot. Leather, riding style or mid calf. Boots are necessary here. I cannot wear heels at all or total flats because my arthritic feet don't allow it. I have orthotic inserts for my shoes which don't fit in a lot of shoes anyway.

It is especially difficult during the summer when everyone else wears flip flops and sandals. I tend to buy mens 'full cover hiking sandals' so I can fit me inserts inside but get fresh air to my tootsies.

Why are my tights not fitting? I buy the size for my measurements. They are always too long in the leg and I get the Nora Batty ankles. The body always seems to roll down over my belly and I end up with knee crotch.

where are you buying your tights?

I agree that A-line skirts are great. Could you go just above the knee if you had high boots? Some thing like this?

White stuff

I buy my tights at M&S.

I was quite shocked when I saw that skirt. I wouldn't have worn that when I was a size 8 teenager, far too revealing.

Would have to go for a bit longer I think.

One trouble I have with a 'straight' type skirt is because my belly sticks out so far it pushes the skirt to the front leaving a chasm of front material that looks weird.

The button and fly front would just add bulk too. Maybe a side zip denim A line would be better.

At least it's giving me ideas. I have been stuck in a rut for so long and when you live out in the sticks its easy to lose touch with fashion as there is no reason to wear it. Clothes are to keep warm and dry and feed animals in. No point wearing a Furstenburg wrap dress for that. I did have a lovely Laura Ashley needlecord dress but ripped it all up on barbed wire trying to catch a lamb, so sad

The WS skirt sits just above my knee (I'm 5.5).
I find it really pratical for out doors stuff which is why I suggested it.
I really think that something like this (or more A-line) is going to look better than a frumpy-looking longer length.
And I'm convinced that (at least for me) skirts are more flattering for the big-of-belly than trousers because you get some width around the knee.
If you wear something like this with tights and high boots then nothing is revealled :)

Why do you think it is madness to wear maternity tights/leggings if they fit and are comfortable?

Thanks,

It may well be that the skirt will come longer on me then,despite my high waist, if you are 5'5".
I have decided to go on a shopping trip and try on things I wouldn't normally dream of, just to see what they look like.
I often watch those makeover programs and the people are like me, they have no clue what suits them until they try it on.
It's just a bit scarey. I used to have long hair but due to hormonal alopecia a couple of years ago, I had it all chopped off. I hate it now and it won't grow back. 6 months = 1 inch.
That is why I feel dowdy and down. The reality of ageing is upon me :(

So I am going to cheer myself up with a shopping trip.

You say you are a 'bit old fashioned [...] twinset and pearls' in upbringing. I think that is a great look! Take as your model the Duchess of Devonshire feeding her chickens. SarkyWench is absolutely right about A line skirts - there is a reason all those old dears in the home counties wear them until they're 90 (and beyond).

Have you tried support tights? I wear them for the opposite reason (tall and thin so to get the length tights are always too wide) and they don't fall down because they grip your legs better than ordinary ones.

You could also try shirt dresses with A line skirts and a belt round your high waist - would distract attention from tummy.

Wear nice scarves and earrings. Get your hair done. Nice (but hard wearing) jumpers instead of fleeces with a floral shirt underneath. It's OK to look eccentric - you should see me in my garden! Remember - tweed is a technical fibre :)

Oh, cross posted and just read about your hair. :( That would make anyone sad. I shan't patronise you by telling you to wear nice scarves and hats, but nice earrings make a big difference. I read something by Sarah Vine recently about her similar troubles and I think she had some amazing kind of hair extensions put in. Could you look into that?

I do have hair now but it is sparse and thin. It used to be thick, long dark and curly.
I was quite ill, lost a lot of blood, in hospitaletc. The drugs the doc put me on made my hair fall out in the typical male pattern baldness. Bald temples and crown. Within a month I looked like Brother Cadfael. It was easier to disguise with hats and scarves at the beginning but I was shamed by it. It grew back white in the areas I had gone bald and it is half the density. The salon stylist calls it 'old lady hair'.

I wish I could grow it longer now but it is so slow growing. I think it must have permanently damaged the growth cycle. All I can do now it keep it neat and use volumising products. At least I have hair now.

Thank you for the kind thoughts about it.

Can you get to a Debenhams?

I have to say I don't love their shops BUT the personal shopper service has really helped me when I've felt bleurgh, old and paralysed/lost on the clothing front. It's free, no pressure and far less stressful than trailing round and round. Nothing to lose you can always return items if you get home and don't like.Sounds like a new hairdresser might be worth a go too............

Good luck sounds like you really deserve to feel good about yourself!

What about wrap dresses in stretchy fabric?

WhenWill, I found the Sarah Vine thing for you - here

Hi When will.....well, firstly low rise jeans are the least flattering jean. I would go for a much higher rise jean with skinny or straight legs to flatter what sound slike a good feature - your legs!...Try J Brand Majors for premium range skinnies or Gap's Always Skinny or Real Straight.

Tunic tops also are best to steer clear of if you are small and more compact, as give most the illusion of added inches...a slim but skimming shirt/blouse tucked in to trousers/jeans and worn with a belt will give you a definitive waist. Sort of cinches you in.

A short, softly tailored jacket would be a good investment.

Soft knee length A line dresses and skirts are v flattering shapes.

A ballet pump with a low heel or low wedge would be good.

Use accessories sparingly...one good necklace/or scarf and maybe a cuff to add interest.