I've sartorially lost my way and am unfashionable and unrecognisable with nothing to wear...

[Spuddybean]

Any advice welcome. I went shopping yesterday and kept trying on things which would have suited me and my lifestyle pre baby. But now looked awful and are totally unfit for purpose. i left the shops tearful and defeated with nothing yet again.

I used to wear very tailored pencil skirts, trousers, fitted v necks and shirts. I had a tiny waist, flat stomach and no boobs and an office job. Now I have one huge boob, a thicker waist and a ginormous arse and thighs and am a sahm.

All jeans/trousers which aren't boot cut look awful on me, so if i can even find them in the shops are totally out of style now anyway and make me feel 100 years old. I look okay in wrap dresses but they are impractical when i need to change 3 times a day and are also not exactly on trend.

I am planning to lose weight, but it wont be for a few months and i have to get out of my dreadful maternity clothes. I also don't have a massive budget. But the main problem is, this is all new to me and i don't know where to start.

i'm 5ft 10in, a size 16, and my arms and thighs are extremely fleshy and lumpy. legs are decent from mid thigh down but calves are muscular due to previous exercise.

Suggestions welcomed?

i bought 2 short neat cardi's from primark but they really draw attention to the thicker waist i think. maybe i'm just not used to it yet.

oooh slug i love those boots, but they say they only have a 43 :(

never tried uniqlo so will look now. ta.

Definitely don't feel freakish. It's your mum that's the freak

I am shocked at the rudeness of your parenst. Glad to hear that your Dp has more sense.

I'm concerned about your bra problems. I don't see why you have to wear crop tops. Coudl you pop over to the bra threads and consult the experts there please?

Have you thought about visiting a department store consultant ? I had the same issues - I knew what suited my pre baby body but couldn't come to terms with my new body. The shopping consultant doesn't have this problem ! Start with good underwear - I've come around to liking spanx for special occasions.

I'm guessing just before Xmas isn't the time to do this.

Hi, I think I'm a similar shape to you and found that the following combos work for me:

Skinny jeans (primark do them in long length for £9 or £11) with knee length boots (biker style from Clarks) and long bum covering fitted on the waist knitwear. Knee length boots look stunning on us because of our height and balance out wide hips. Do not even think of wearing skinny jeans with other footwear if you are pear shapped IMHO

Straight jeans (primark long length £10) with ankle length boots with a high or medium heel. Highest you can tolerate while pushing a buggy. I can wear those with belly button length tops that are again not too baggy.

Wrap tops and dresses are a godsend and will look trendy if you wear them with trendy boots, nice makeup and necklaces.

Sweater dresses are usually great as long as they are not clingy.

As others have said you are being too hard on yourself love. Everyone's body is different, it has taken me 4 years of diet and exercise to resemble vaguelly my old self. I weigh a stone less than pre DD but I'm larger at the waist and all my pre baby clothes don't fit me.