49 year old apple needs your help

[determinedma]

Yes I know losing weight will help, but have lost all confidence in how I look and just don't know how to dress. Am not at all girly, and feel I often look very butch in work trousers, plain tees.how can I dress plainly and comfortably but still look and feel feminine. Can't do high heels, feel like a tranny in dresses. Also, on a very very limited budget so can't afford even top end high street. Am 5 foot 7. and 12 stone plus. Big belly, reasonably good legs - to the knee anyway.Am a manager and need to look smart but also want to not look ancient and boring. Can ANYONE help?

Make-up, jewellery ( especially bracelets)scarves will all add to the femininity. Nice colours rather than black, or add coloured cardies/jackets to plain black or white t-shirts.

It's tough being apple shape :-( Dont think I've ever found a dress that suits. I tend to wear loose fitting wide/leg trousers and v-tops in a nice fabric. Or A-line skirts and v-tops. Try ebay or m&S outlet. Makeup and making an effort with the hair helps.

I am 46 and an apple shape. I would try to make the most of your slim legs, so go for straight leg trousers, or knee-length pencil skirts, with looser tops in silky, dressier fabrics. Small patterns, conservative colours. You are tall so should be able to take scarves or statement necklaces well. Polish your nails, just a clear if you don't like colour, but it makes a difference. Try and wear a bit of a heal if you can, to support your foot and make the most of your good legs. What sort of hair and makeup are you comfortable with?

I'm a slimish apple and like slim cut trousers with semi-fitted shirts, even better with a jacket over or boyfriend cardi for less formal.

heel

My hair is very short so I mess it up or spike it a bit. I wear basic make up - tinted moisturiser,eye shadow and mascara. I want to try new stuff but think people will laugh at me, as they are so used to the boring me.
Pencil skirt would be a good start maybe, if it keeps the gut tucked in.