I'm a 14 and am pretty sure I always will be - how do I dress confidently?

[JackieandJudy]

Kind of given up now thinking I will ever be smaller, I've tried and failed so many times. During periods of trying to lose weight, I've basically worn jeans and baggy tops, thinking I'd work on style and looking good once the weight had gone.

But I honestly don't think the weight will go now - so how do you dress to look good for your size? I see so many larger women who look fabulous but I can't seem to do it myself. Does anyone have any ideas or tips please?

Lots of people on here will disagree, but I think longer tunic style tops with tighter bottoms look good if you have bits to hide.

I've been a size 14 for years and I think I always look pretty stylish (according to what people tell me). I also think I'm fairly slim - I'm 5' 9" so not sure if that makes a difference. Is 14 really classed as large?

What are your good bits? Apple or pear shaped?

Ah georgie, a 14 at 5'9" is worlds away from a 14 at 5' 4"! I'm sure you do look stylish.

I'm never sure whether I'm an apple or a pear but most of my weight is round my stomach and behind, don't think Ive got any good bits as such

Short skirt, thick tights, clumpy boots and a non fitted top/ jumper? Shows thin knees.
What kind of life do you live?

Wear fitted rather than baggy clothes. Size 14 at 5foot four is hardly enormous. I agree with the poster who suggests tighter bottoms and longer tunics.

Very informal talking. Have four dc, work from home mostly, occasional client meetings (but I have my Best Suit for those times!) You see, I absolutely love the sound of what you suggested, but I wouldn't have the confidence to wear it at all.

I'm a 14 and wear stuff like this: www.clothingattesco.com/all-dresses/f+f-limited-edition-colour-block-peplum-dress/invt/jg211780/&bklist=icat,4,shop,catgwomens,womens-dresses

I wear lots of shift dresses for work as I do go in at the waist, and find them the most flattering shape for me. They then work if I'm going for drinks after work.

I'm not the short skirt clumpy boots type, but I guess it depends on your lifestyle

Would you really wear fitted clothes? Do you mean fitted bottoms? I'm such a coward. Appreciate all the suggestions by the way

Definitely fitted. Baggy clothes just make you look fat and shapeless (well, they do on me)

I do like that dress mumble, but it's not something I'd have much occasion to wear.

But if you wear fitted tops, aren't they a bit, um, unforgiving, shall we say on the lumpy bits? I really have no clue, have I?!

Remember Trinny and Suzanna?Gok? They all show women how they can look good whatever their shape and it's true.

Firstly make sure you are immaculately (not necessarily expensively) groomed....hair, nails, make up.
Always accessorise .
Then emphasise your good bits and hide the bad....but be careful you don't make yourself look bigger by wearing tents. My rule is if I wear a baggy top/tunic I wear a fitted bottom,alternatively if I wear looser trousers then I always wear a fitted top.
Heels give height and better posture.
Tailoring is a girls best friend.

Hope these help.

P.s you don't have to be a beanpole to be beautiful

Depends on the fabric. Cheap t shirts which are too tight will always look awful because they cling to every bump, but more structured clothes, well fitted shirts in linen, quality cotton etc will give you a shape because they don't cling.

yy, tailoring is the way to go. It doesn't have to be formal, just beautifully cut shirts with well cut loose-ish trousers, preferably straight legged.

Try Monsoon, East, Phase Eight.

yy also to accessorising. Makes a massive difference to have a really unusual cuff, or pendant, or whatever with a simple, well cut outfit.

Get a good bra - get fitted somewhere that isn't m and s and try lots on.

Try lots of jeans - gap long and lean maybe? Or try on all the styles in new look.

Once you have good jeans, think about tops- I like long sleeve tees with a tank over. If flatter chested shirts might look good. If you have a long neck you could add a scarf.

Basically just try loads on! You could look at a stylish aquantance but that only really works if you are a similar shape.

Thank you all, I guess I will have to just talk myself out of my comfort zone - and actually TRY new things, rather than dismissing them out of hand. Definitely need to work on the accessorising thing too...

Errrrm I'm a 14 and 5'3" and I'm ruddy marvellous!

Accentuate the positives, hide the bits you don't like. Don't fear colour. Don't walk around thinking 'oooerrr I'm a size 14, ooeerrr' as it will show in your carriage and demeanour. Think 'yay me!' and smiiiiile...

And dyou know what, if you don't feel confident, FAKE IT! I don't mean to sound trite. Honestly after faking it for a while you might just start to believe it. I DO wear short skirts, clompy boots and big tops. I also wear skinny jeans and fitted tops. And 50s dresses. And chinos & blouses. As long as the fit is good, wear something that makes you happy to see it in your wardrobe.

Chunky statement necklaces and beautiful silk scarf :) attention at your neck!!

And please not too much cleavage

I hate trinny/sussannah and Gok for making women of a certain age/size think it's okay to have fat/old cleavage on display

And short skirts and clunky boots sounds awful

Second to good tailoring. M&S even do good silk blend tops in lovely colours

And invest in a good blazer from Zara :)

PS, if I turn into a style icon, I'll come back and let you all know (but don't hold your breath!)

I think only size 8 17 year olds could pull off the short skirt and clunky boots look tbh.

Unfortunately, Mustget, cleavage is the one part of me that is undersized so no danger of over flashing!

Mombo - I need pictures of you!! But seriously, do you mind telling me which shops you like?

Well, I'll never see either of those numbers again Mumble. I do like the sound of it though ...

Well I'm 41 and I wear short ( not mini) skirts with tights and boots - knee high, biker, even ugg- loads and I think it looks good. And bonsoir once listed what she was wearing and it was an above knee skirt and boots, so there!