Clueless about what suits me, please help!

[boomoohoo]

Hi there, I've noticed recently that some people I know always look really good, regardless of their size. A friend who is a size 16 always looks so 'well put together' she really seems to know how to dress to flatter her shape, and I was wondering if if you could help me do the same?

I am: 5'3, a definate size 12, carrying weight quite evenly everywhere but I hate my upper arms and stomach the most (and think these are the flabbiest places). Average bust, 34d.

I find jeans never look great on me.. Not like they do other people, plus they dig into my belly

I enjoy wearing dresses, but find it so hard to find cuts that are flattering..

Maybe I need some more accessories too.. Scarves etc..

Thanks!

Bumping for you

I think for some people it's an innate ability. If you don't have that its trial and error.

You will need to consider colour and shape.

You said you like dresses, have you found a style that is practical and suits your shape?

I am five foot two. In between 12 -14 depending on shop. Weight is on tum bum, thighs and upper arms. 32F.

First of all, bra intervention - are you sure you are 34D? Well fitted bra makes a world of different to how clothes look.
Second, tummy control undies. I use Primark vests ( I find knickers end up digging in)
Third, I size up for skinny jeans as stretch normally means they still fit legs but you have more breathing room for tum. I would go to next, try all shapes, skinny, slim, relaxed skinny, lift and shape, boyfriend and boot cut in more than one size and length. Ask a young sales assistant to be honest with you.

I wear two types of day outfit. Either waist length blouse with boot cut jeans or a longer hip length blouse with skinny jeans. Both worn with an array of cardigans that I own, I stock up on navy, grey and beige and the odd bright colour cardis in different styles in the sales. In summer I wear with ballet flats or sandals, in winter with boots.

Dresses, I think knee length fit and flare dresses suit petite women.

A comb and a bright lipstick in your handbag will always make you look fab.

Have fun!

Thank you all.

The style of dress I think suits me best is tight round bust and flows out from there (not in a really floaty way, in a more structured way... Sorry I don't know the correct terms!) with short or long sleeves.. I have only ever had 1 dress like that, found it second hand on a market stall and it was an old h&m number. I haven't seen this cut anywhere else, but maybe I'm not looking well enough.

Boquet I went for a bra fitting at bravissimo but they told me I was a 30f! And the bra was so tight and uncomfortable. My 34d's from marks don't fit perfectly but are more comfortable than the bravissimo torture weapons

I will defo check out the primark tummy tucking vests

I do need to go shopping for some decent staples. I feel so sloppy 99% of the time and its really affecting my confidence. I just hate shopping i have no idea where to start!

It sounds to me that you don't have much of a waist-is that right? If that is the case trying to make one is not the way forward but rather,dressing around this.

Layered longer vests over high waisted jeans are a good way of skimming over a stomach without adding bulk.

Sounds like dress wise you like empire line without pleating or skater style dress. PEacocks and Dorothy Perkins had loads of these in lately.

Do you like maxi dresses?

What colours do you feel most comfortable in?

Can you identify a style you like-natural, sporty,dramatic etc?

Mil - I've always thought I have a waist but maybe I don't as much as I'd like to think! Obvs it is more 'there' when I've been slimmer. I think I do, but not very defined..

I think red/pink suits me as I'm dark haired and a bit Mediterranean looking (Spanish father) black I like to wear of course as can hide in it..

Style wise.. I admire looks that are quite funky, smart/casual and unique.. But still stylish..

Maxi dresses - I think i would love them for covering me but always thought being short I couldn't wear them? Never tried one on though!

Boden on their app and site allow you to find out what suits by putting in lots of details. It shows you what would suit. Even if you don't like their clothes, the shapes are useful to see.

I wear bravissimo bras and find this one is comfortable. Http:www.bravissimo.com/products/lingerie/sensational-sets/tango-balconette-bra/black/pn53bl/?show=all

However like shoes, they always need breaking in but make the world of difference to your shape. I was wearing a 38dd but having been fitted now wear a 34gg!!!

Thank you ill see what Boden have to say too!

it's been good just to acknowledge it and talk it through here, I've felt crap for so long and wasn't mindful of why. I just need to make a bit more effort! I'm 31, had a baby 4 years ago before which I was slimmer and although I've never had my finger on the trend pulse I looked better/clothes looked better on me. I didn't need to make much effort basically. But that doesn't apply now!

I've been exercising recently but am seeing no difference so basically wearing clothes my slimmer self would've chosen but feeling uncomfortable in them..

Kd I can't open the link but i may give brav one more try

The 30f thing, when I was measured I was told I was 30FF but I couldn't breathe in the bra they put me in. So I went up to 32 F and feel much better. I have found that triumph and panache have stretchier comfier back straps that you don't feel.
Before this I also wore 34d from Marks and Sparks but I look muck better now I wear correct size. I no longer wear m and s though.