Fashion vs what really suits

[Witchywitch]

I am a slim size 12-14 but larger on the thigh, hip, bum than some. I've pretty much relegated my boot cut jeans to the cupboard in the sky as I think they're just not really the style anymore. ( feel free to disagree!) although I know that the style actually suits me and balances out my hips.
Skinny jeans weren't really designed for my shape but I wear them anyway, as I'm stuck for what jeans to wear now the boot it's have gone and to be honest, I like them. Currently loving the next relaxed skinnies by the way.
My question is this, is it better to wear clothes that you don't really like because they suit your shape, or is it better to embrace a fashion style that doesn't look 100% right on you?
I am very much against the school of thinking that you can't wear certain things unless you are a size 8, I really hate that. I'm not a slave to fashion but I enjoy wearing clothes, have lots of different styles, skater dresses, ankle length trousers, pencil skirts, etc etc. there are some things I definitely wouldn't wear if they look dreadful on me, but I do wear things I like, even if they aren't perfectly made for my shape if you see what I mean. I'd be interested in what other people think, is everyone looking at my massive thighs in my skinnies, or am I just showing my own style?!!! X

I constantly struggle with this ! :)

I am a size 14-16 and used to be a size 8. 2 children later the weight has never come off and I'd rather have a doughnut than a run.

I am nearly 34 which is an odd age too... getting older but not old but not teens or twenties anymore. Seem to be either two schools of women - the ultra trendy skinny mid 30s who wear everything top shop, zara and asos and look wonderful or the other end of the spectrum which is seasalt, boden, joules and mint velvet.

And I don't really feel comfortable in either camp really. I think i will give up and wear a bin bag. Easier all round.

I think Kate Middleton did us all a favour - she always looks modern, up to date and elegant, seemed to eradicate grunge, and generally brought class back into fashion. Sadly I don't have her budget, but I think she generally looks great.

I agree floisme, it's about fun for me too at times, I like to wear different things depending in how I'm feeling, rather than a specific 'uniform' of a style.
Yes I know what you mean fairylea, it is tricky, I am the same age as you. I definitely see myself more in the Zara and asos camp, so here's hoping that it's working for me!

princessdave Muscular high-five!

Witchywitch completely agree that fashion is not just for the enjoyment of the thin or (my personal bugbear) the young. Everyone is entitled to have fun with it and, if we sometimes don't look as good as we could - well so what, nobody dies!

I just bought an adidas crop top covered in pineapples. Do I really, truly have the abs for a crop top? Possibly not, but I'll have fun wearing it!

I'm so glad amber has mentioned that fashion is supposed to be about fun! not taken too seriously....unless you are dressing for a corporate role, relax! I like fashion, I like the changes it brings because I get bored of the same old, same old. I crave the new season. But I can't wear every fashion and look good in it, I'm an hourglass for a start and fashion is not cut for my shape - so instead of sticking to the rules for hourglasses I try on lots and lots of clothes till I find something that flatters, makes me smile and feel a bit giddy and then I buy it.

Wading in on the bootcut debate, I think the problem with this cut was that it got diluted too much, it was meant to be arse clinging, tight around the thighs down to the knee, where it would gently flare down over your shoes. Instead it became saggy around the arse, loose on the thighs down to the knee where it then gently flared down to the ankle and flapped around ungracefully. It was just so easy to buy a poorly cut pair of bootcuts they became a bit of a tragedy.

Good points all, amber, I'm sure you'll look fab in pineapples, enjoy! Slack, you're probably right about bootcuts.
Have just bought a bright red dress, eek! Had my colours done though so I know it suits me :-) !!!

Agree floisme!

I think with fashion, as with most things,a little bit of what you fancy does you good.

I'm a 43 year old hour glass size 14 and I like to try different bits and pieces and not always stick to what is considered age or shape/size appropriate. I used to have a wardrobe full of V neck tops to flatter my boobage but how boring is that? So now I have all sorts of neck lines (although I have to draw the line at polo necks as they look hideous on me)

I like to have a bit of fun with clothes and pick things that I enjoy. Naturally it's a bit easier to enjoy items that are somewhat flattering so whilst I enjoy fashion I won't jump on every bandwagon, although if anyone sees a jump suit that will suit a short, overweight, hourglass then I'm all ears

Wearing my pineapple crop top today. I think it is impossible to feel glum in such a garment!

I want to see the pineapple crop top!

As you wish

Nice! Wasn't it a litle bit drafty though?

Wearing it now, not really, though have yet to venture outside! Did try and put a jumper on but DS whined as he loves this top so I will persevere!

It looks fab amber

at Silk

I've worked with many 'long term mental health inpatients' that put a lot of time and effort into their appearance, usually on an incredibly limited budget. Women often want to feel good no matter what their circumstances.

Not really giving care workers a good name with comments like that.