Help me! Professional look for larger size

[KinkyDoritowithfairylightson]

Hi all

I'm starting a new job in January and I want to look more professional than I currently do. I make very little effort with my appearance, but suspect that this is getting me nowhere fast in my job.

I am currently about a size 18, apple shape carrying a lot of skin on my belly from two very large babies and complicated births. It's not a pretty sight and part of the reason that I gave up on myself. It's difficult to hide and gets me down. It gets worse as I lose weight: more loose. The only way I can lose it permanently is to have surgery which I can't afford. I have had lots of consultations.

I used to do more exercise which didn't help the appearance but made me feel better. We've had a difficult couple of years as a family though (DD has just finished treatment for cancer), so I've really stopped looking after myself. I need to get a grip!

So, slim legs, awful arms, awful body.

I have shoulder length crazy dark hair.

If anyone has any ideas, I will be very grateful.

I am hopeless.

first, you don't have awful arms or an awful body. You have a normal and (I Hope) healthy body. If you do have slim legs then great, you can get away with some body skimming trousers and don't have to suffer wearing tights or any kind of heels.

professional is clean and tidy - all too easy to let shirts get tatty and shoes get scruffy when you have better things to think about. Professional is clothes that let you do the job and don't overshadow YOU.
No rattly bracelets, fussy scarves and so on.

and the usual common sense stuff - smelling of nothing, not playing with hair and short nails, no shrieky talons please.

good luck in the job!

Get your hair done regularly and whilst your there, get your eyebrows and any facial hair issues you may have sorted too. Makes a big difference to your confidence doing that, it never gets too bad...

I'm your shape and size but a bit shorter, I find knee length or longer cardigans and jackets are wonderful for covering up/skimming over the not so good bulgy bit in the middle.

Everything clean, stain free, ironed, and free of pet hair, it makes a huge difference even though it sounds so petty. the overall impression you make is so much better for it. don't forget clean shoes, polished if they are that kind.

First of all, give yourself a big pat on the back, you are an amazing mum, keeping it all together and working while your DD was ill. My prayers are with you and your family and fingers crossed that your DD continues to do well.

Now, for your confidence. It will come, but you need to go shopping my dear. Not necessarily expensive stuff, just stuff that fits, is flattering, and is comfortable to wear.

I am the same size and shape as you. My interview outfit is this dress worn with this cardigan in pink and a small, elegant pink pendant. Black opaque tights, sturdy (=comfortable) low heels and I have the confidence to shine at work (I give lots of presentations). My style is very conservative, but that is what what makes me comfortable.

I know the dress is not available in your size, but if you try on millions of similar dresses you will find one that fits. Draker colours worn with lighter jackets or long line (waterfall?) cardigans are very flattering.

Also, the ravello top from Boden is perfect for hiding tummies. They bring new colours and prints out every season. I live in these during the summer!!

The smartest looking woman I have ever seen was a size 24, it was my friend's mum. Absolutely immaculate every day. She regularly looked better than women half her size.

OP you need to start with a good haircut or reliable style,then good shoes. One black pair and one nude or brown pair, wear them only for work and replace as soon as they start to look tired (which will be often). Tailored clothes are brilliant as they will hold you in and not be too expensive. I would buy a shift dress as above, a jacket and maybe two or three cardis. Plus obviously a change of clothes. i may be alone in this but wrap dresses must be very heavy material or on me at least, they don't hang well and look cheap quickly. Therefore I can rarely find them in a price bracket I'm prepared to pay.

Maybe try a small hair doughnut thing -I've just got one and it's really easy and keeps long hair smart for work.