Short but large with curves. Sick of being frumpy - any ideas?

[StarlightMcKenzie]

I'm 5 ft 2 and between a size 16 and 18. I have big hips and boobs but a smallish waist so have to buy bigger sizes sometimes which then gape at the waist.

I need a LOT of help. I have never accessorised or even owned a handbag and I have currently just one pair of - I don't even know what you call them? - Plimsoles perhaps? A bit like those All Stars things but cheaper.

I alternate between badly fitting jeans that cut into my waist and jogging bottoms, and I have just two longs sleeve tops which I wear under a baggy jumper, then fleece and then coat.

Any suggestions will have to take into account that I am breastfeeding and probably will do for another year or so, and due to enourmous boobs prefer the under top access route rather than pull down.

Just two 'outfits' to begin with would be great. I also hate being cold and having reached the age of 38 not suffering for my style, I'm unlikely to now so please can any suggestions be warm.

Many tia.

Marking my place as I am also short but chunky. My problem is my tummy. I still look 6 months pregnant but my youngest is nearly 8 .

Starlight I have the same figure type as you. You will need separates if you are bf. This is what I find works for me:

Tailored clothes are often uncomfortable if you are an hourglass (this is what you are, one day curvaceous dresses will be all yours to enjoy). Clothes that skim over rather than hugging your curves will flatter without making you feel exposed.

Flat fronted trousers are the way forward because they don't add extra bulk and smooth out the tummy/hips area. You can find them in skinny styles, such as these here, or wide legged, like these http://www.marksandspencer.com/Side-Zipped-Pockets-Straight-Trousers/dp/B004H3KQIC?ie=UTF8&ref=sr_1_2&nodeId=43097030&sr=1-2&qid=1358353221&pf_rd_r=0NXEMJAZP60V0CB7B72V&pf_rd_m=A2BO0OYVBKIQJM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=43097030&pf_rd_p=321381387&pf_rd_s=related-items-3 here. I love my pair of these which are incredibly flattering.

For tops, anything cross-over will be ultra flattering for you, such as this or this, and with a camisole underneath would be warmer.

For knitwear, something like this with a reasonably fitted top such as this underneath it would be flattering and practical.

Finally, these shoes are both smart and comfortable and will go with everything I have linked to.

http://www.marksandspencer.com/Side-Zipped-Pockets-Straight-Trousers/dp/B004H3KQIC?ie=UTF8&ref=sr_1_2&nodeId=43097030&sr=1-2&qid=1358353221&pf_rd_r=0NXEMJAZP60V0CB7B72V&pf_rd_m=A2BO0OYVBKIQJM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=43097030&pf_rd_p=321381387&pf_rd_s=related-items-3 that link in clickable form (I hope)

www.marksandspencer.com/Side-Zipped-Pockets-Straight-Trousers/dp/B004H3KQIC?ie=UTF8&ref=sr_1_2&nodeId=43097030&sr=1-2&qid=1358353221&pf_rd_r=0NXEMJAZP60V0CB7B72V&pf_rd_m=A2BO0OYVBKIQJM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=43097030&pf_rd_p=321381387&pf_rd_s=related-items-3 that link in clickable form (I hope)... if at first you don't succeed...

Thank you niminy I'll look at them soon and have a think. Wrap tops I haven't got on well with because I have a short distance shoulder to nipple and my boobs always seem to fall out of them, plus I am always fidgeting and adjusting them as they show my bra etc.

Agreed this can all too easily happen, but I would always wear a camisole underneath - gives you a nice colour contrast, adds an extra layer for warmth and hides cleavage/bra.

Marking place.
I'm 5'3" and 18/20

control leggings, knee boots with a heel and a tunic top preferably one with a v neck or lower neckline or a button front and/or some detail like a pleat or gather under bust. add a belt at waist and top it with a loose cardi or long waistcoat over it for warmth. make sure you accessorise with a striking necklace / earring / bangle combo and a bag to match.

if you keep the top plain to match or tone with the leggings and add colour with the cardi and accessories it will make you look taller and slimmer. also can become a different outfit with different cardis and accessories.leave off the belt if you don't have a waist you want to emphasise