Help me update my look, off clothes shopping on Tuesday

[Justtrying]

Dh said today that I needed some new clothes, I do, he at lst hs noticed I rarely buy anything for myself, choosing to buy clothes for dd, 3 rapidly growing out of things on what seems like a weekly basis, I also pick things for him as he very rarely goes clothes shopping himself.

I wear uniform for work and live in jeans, tee/ polo shirts and or jumpers generally.

I really need a couple of pairs of nice jeans, some(5/6) tops /blouses, a couple of summer skirts ( normally wear long floaty navy linen)and a few easy to wear dresses.

Going on holiday somewhere hot in 6 weeks.

I'm apple shaped 5'2 and size 14/16 with large boobs. Where would you start, budget is about £350.

No advice, but marking my place as I'm the same size as you.

Next do some gorgeous jeans & have some lovely floaty summer tops in. I think everyone needs a blazer, this can be used to dress down or dress up...

A nice maxi dress for summer, I like the ones from h&m but sometimes there a bit long.

Zara do some looovely things,

Debenhams have a sale on line till tomorrow I think

maybe book a style advisor appointment in john lewis or similar?
i think its usually free and in my experience they dont overdo the hard sell.

Try White Stuff and Joules dresses/tops and skirts. Next petite for jeans. Dwbenhams is worth a browse. I like East for the odd treat, or The White Company (can only afford sale items though) and H & M for finding just the right colour to go with something.

Where do you live? I'd start with a detailed list of what you'd like then hit up Debenhams or House of Fraser for a personal shopping experience - you don't have to buy everything/anything though Debs often have £100+ gift cards for experiences that include refreshments and free alterations - worth it if you like their clothes, and even better if you can take a friend/family member with you (for honest opinions)...or for that budget you could think of a shopping consultancy service.

As I mentioned on another thread I adore shopping so happy to offer more suggestions if you'd like.

I'm a size 14 apple and love Next relaxed skinny jeans. I also wear my navy Zara blazer all the time. You also can't beat a navy and white striped Breton. I've also got a few navy/black/cream blouses that I wear with coloured skinnies/jeggings. They seem to suit my shape despite me worrying about looking top heavy.

I've also got a coral jersey blazer from H&M that brightens up any outfit. I'd also get some nice t-shirts. I've got an orangey coral one and a turquoise one with a couple of necklaces which make them look more of an outfit.

Would definitely recommend taking a friend and letting them choose you some things that you wouldn't usually wear. I sometimes think things are going to look horrendous but am surprised when they look nice.

What shaped jeans do you like? I really like the M&S 5 pocket jeggings for v well priced skinnies. Here The light indigo and the pale blue are my favourites. You might need to size down.

Nice throw it on and wear with sandals or dress it up a bit dress

Skirt

Plain skirt if you didn't like the texture of the other one

I'm the same size and shape, bit taller though. I have just bought the lift and slim denim shorts from next and a few of the side tie tops.

I would like to point out I found maxi dresses very hot when we went on holiday last year and as we did more walking than usual my thighs rubbed together, never get that in the uk.

Those pj / harem style trousers looked nice in the evening with sandals, and a vest or cami top.

Mint velvet have some nice things, but I don't like the prices as I change my mind a lot. Just discovered new looks peplum tops are quite flattering on me, not many online but still in store.

I would go to Next for relaxed skinnies and navy chinos, go to Oasis for some floaty blouses, go to (whisper it) Marks and Sparks for cardi/blazer basics, or monsoon or gap, as they are all good for knits, and go to Warehouse for some dresses.
Have fun!

Thanks for all the suggestions, will be going to liverpool so have most of the big stores including John Lewis and debenhams.

Have never tried a maxi dress as I think they would swamp me due to my height( or lack of it). I have a pair of next lift and shape jeans they are fine for a night out with heels but too long and given they don't have pockets not really practical in the day.

No one ever mentions it on here, but I like Dorothy Perkins for jeans.

Hiya, how was your shopping trip? Did you find any gorgeous pieces?