How on earth do I dress for my shape? I want a whole new wardrobe.

[BaronVonAwesome]

I'm giving up. I've resisted buying any new clothes for years because I want to lose weight. I've just realised that I feel rubbish because I'm living in baggy t-shirts and leggings and there's no point in putting off going clothes shopping because I'm going to be this shape for a while (on medication that makes weight loss very difficult).

I want to feel nice again and look nice. I'm around a size 16-18, a distinct apple shape (yay) but with big boobs, 34FF the last time I was measured in Bravissimo. I have good legs so I don't mind wearing skirts. I HATE anything that's tight against my stomach which is why I wear baggy clothes to hide it. I hate short tops, I favour long styles that skim my arse bum at least.

Nothing I have fits me properly except two pairs of black leggings, one pair of jeggings, a pair of khaki shorts and a few tunic tops. Honestly, that's it.

I want to build myself a capsule wardrobe or at least get a few decent basics. I'd like a pair of jeans that don't make me look too fat (asking too much?) and a pair of black trousers.

Budget - next to nothing but I'm willing to save up. Primark, Peacocks and EBay are my usual hunting grounds.

I'd go and do a personal shopper session. I did one in John Lewis and went with my sister (and Mum in the past) to one in Debenhams. If you've got a big Primark near you I'd look and see if they offer it, or if there's a big shopping centre near you sometimes they offer it too. My sister didn't have that much cash (although she had asked for vouchers for her birthday I think so was spending a bit of that) but it was a great way to have someone look at you with a fresh pair of eyes and get you to try on things you'd never have tried before. They don't pressure you to buy anything and especially if you're clear about your budget they know there's no point in showing you things you really can't afford. Take someone honest but positive with you. I went after having DD and my body shape had changed so much (and I was so out of touch with current styles) that I just didn't know where to start on my own.

Also, ask around for a good jeans shop. There used to be a guy in a shop in Bristol who was brilliant at finding a pair that would fit without you having to try on everything in the shop. I went back for years and would only buy from him, and last time I went he wasn't there.

Second the personal shopper idea. I did this soon after having DS1 as I had afamily wedding . She was amazing and I got a fab outfit that I never would have chosen otherwise.

Thanks both, I'm going to do it! Any idea where is best? I have a John Lewis and a Debenhams near me. Do you have to spend a minimum amount or pay a charge for the service?

You don't have to pay for the service, or have a minimum spend but you do have to book. I think if you're on a more limited budget then I'd do Debenhams as their stuff is generally cheaper than John Lewis so you'd get more for your money. Oh the other thing is the personal shopper sessions I've seen don't tend to include underwear fitting, so if you need new bra's I'd go early so you can get those first. Have fun!