fat chick wants to look thin.

[chubbymomie2012]

ok so i have had 4 babies and the youngest is 10 months. im a good size 18 and im currently living in Tesco skinnies and tops. i want to start dressing a little more "girlie" and feminine but stylish too (im 38 am i to old to be Girlie) which shops can I rely on to not look like a fat frump. Im going for a hair restyle next week and then a wee make up lesson at Mac. njust need all your advice on clothes please. thanks in advance. :-)

And me please. Size 16 top big boobs and round middle and 14 bottom after 3 children, youngest aged eight. But I'm now over 50 (just).
Am really active and eat balanced diet but can't shake the midriff. Also a jeans and boots kinda girl or sweater dresses and leggings and boots. Any help on looking prettier and minimising the middle bit very welcome.

Size 18 and a frump here in sainsburies stripy tops and jeans...

It's not about finding 1 shop that will suit you so much as finding out what clothes will suit your shape and size.

Why don't you book a personal shopping experience at one of the department stores? They are usually free and you'll get lots of good advice on what styles and colours suit you. Alternatively if you can afford it you could book a session with an image consultant who would be able to help you with ideas and probably also go through your wardrobe with you.

A good way to start would be to make a sort of mood board of looks that you like on other people and then see if they would work on you. If you have the time or the inclination there are lots of websites where you can look up your body shape and get advice on what style clothes would suit you shape wise and also suss out what type of dresser you are - classic / boho etc etc

This blog is American but great for inspiration

Skirts are brilliant especially maxi skirts but only when combined with a very fitted or even tight top part (otherwise you'll just look big everywhere). I also find that making my hips look big makes my waist look smaller but this is more tricky (try belts slung low and a dark top).

"It's not about finding 1 shop that will suit you so much as finding out what clothes will suit your shape and size."

That ^

Good info here and here

My advice would be, if you are curvy phase eight is your friend for smart dresses etc....their cut suits the fuller figure!

My advice is first get a decent, properly fitted bra which lifts, separates, etc properly - this will affect how all your clothes look on you. A bra and a haircut are with you always!