I shouldn't be allowed to dress myself! Please share your wisdom....

[itwillbebetter]

Whilst trying to put an outfit together this morning I started to feel sick and panicky because I just can't seem to get it right!

I am 5ft 5 with a size 12/14 top and 14/16 bottom. My top half is ok, small enough pert boobs and a defined waist but my legs are horrendous! Chunky thunder thighs, massive calves and hideous swollen cankles. I'm not over egging this situation, even my kindest friends agree my legs are not my best feature! On top of this I have a bum like J LO

I am 42 and a SAHM so no office wardrobe required. I have a healthy enough budget but when I buy things that I like in the changing room, they just don't seem to work when I get them home.

I know that items that elongate my top half seem to work best, ie long vest tops over straight cut long skirts. Anything that stops at the waist ie normal length T shirts make me look boxy. Anything draped and flowing makes me look massive. A line or straight skirts seem OK as long as they are knee length or longer. But I seem to waste a lot of money on looking shocking.

Can anyone offer any advice or point me in the right direction of a style book that will help me get to grips on my body shape? I'm fighting ill health at the moment and morale is low so I would really like to boost my self esteem instead of dreading getting dressed every day

Not sure I have any decent advice or know anything about style books but will say that buying stuff which suits and is comfortable will make you feel better. You don't like your legs but sounds like you have a great top half which you need to accentuate. Leggings/jeggings (M&S ones are great) under a really nice short dress or tunic top with great jewellery like a long necklace to accentuate your top half. I covet a necklace from Harry Rockys atm - would look great with a tunic.

Fab shoes and a fab bag and I think you will look great - I wish I had a bum like J Lo's btw.

Start here. Then read some of her other posts about style, colouring etc. This blog really is a great resource IMO.

Once you've figured out what suits you, you can get some valuable tips about putting a wardrobe together and how to wear items in different ways, from www.puttingmetogether.com.

My figure is quite similar to yours, although I'm taller and long-waisted. The style I suit best is wide-ish, straight-legged trousers and a fitted top with a cropped jacket or cardigan. The straight legs balance out the massive bum, and the fitted top highlights my narrow waist... Skinny jeans make me look like a freak of nature, unless I'm wearing a dress over the top, in which case I just look fat!

I'm sure you'll figure it out from the examples in the above blogs and find your style, too

Ah thanks for the replies! I've spent the morning on Trinny & Susannahs body shape quiz and I still can't decide what blooming shape I am. Somewhere between a skittle a bell and a pear I think! The only thing that is certain is I should never wear skinny jeans or short skirts!