Fancy a major challenge? Walk this way please?

[DorisShuttAgainstGhosts]

I'm appealing to the stylish gurus of MNet to give me some help if you would all be so kind? This post may be a bit long, but I am really starting to feel down about myself.

I posted this thread back in April about getting out of my comfort zone (plus a few others about specific clothing), but I'm still no further forward really. I did try a personal shopper at Debenhams, but her taste wasn't mine, so came away with nothing but a horrible feeling about my size and wobbles.

I have bought one top (this one which isn't exactly startling, although I love it) so I'm asking for your aid! Could you you give me some suggestions on clothes or accessories to update my wardrobe based on my information below?

I am:

• aged 36 and 5ft 2" but with a normal size top and short legs
• my legs are VERY heavy/thick set with lumpy knees due to a medical condition so skinny jeans/leggings are a no-no - they won't get up over my shins and leggings just highlight my knees, therefore my jeans/trousers have to be either straight leg or boot cut - I know it's a "mum" style, but it balances out my thick thighs.
• I am large of nork (32G by Bravissimo so I know that's right!) which I am quite proud of as they are large, but neat so I don't mind showing classy cleavage.
• my shape is an hourglass figure with a wobbly tummy that shows plainly without shapewear, so need so skim not highlight - I won't be wearing crop tops!
• I'm a size 14 in most shops for my trousers, but generally need to size up in tops to accomodate my boobs.

God I sound just delightful!

So, I have about £100 budget to get a few items to update my wardrobe. I have some basics like shapewear, good undies, plain black/white/navy t-shirt tops (mainly scoop neck), black work trousers etc.

I am happy to look at anything, as I really don't know where to start. Please help???

Top
Avoid chopping your silhouette in half, this means that your top should not be belted or have horizontal lines on it. Also, showing more skin is a trick towards diverting the eyes away from your short stature. V-necks are very flattering necklines that work best for short women. As much as possible, your clothes should come from the same color palette. This is effective in creating a seamless, elongated look for you.

As for jackets, try to find one that matches your pants or skirts, so as not to chop your silhouette in half. Go for wide lapel jackets, or pinstripe blazers. These work best towards lengthening your look.

Bottom

Flared jeans and boot cuts are your best bet in making you appear taller. But avoid wide-legged pants, as this adds too much horizontally, making you appear shorter. The length of your jeans/trousers is also critical. Opt for those that cover the shoes, but not necessarily touch the floor. Jean/trouser hems that sit right above your ankles are not advisable.

Will look for some things you might like.

By the way, women are not store mannequins and we come in all shapes and sizes and you are lovely.

www.fatface.com/search?q=*&parentCategoryRef=womensdressesskirtstunics&sort=manual&order=ascend

The tunic is your best friend! V neck and flare out over tum, bum and thighs and worn over your jeans.

www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/flippy-ity-jersey-tunic-dress/mb958/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=8424#colour:Floral%20Print,size:

Love those, but because of my height, they tend to sit mid thigh rather than bottom skimming so make my legs look worse IYSWIM.

You could shorten or have some of the tunics shortened.