What on earth can I wear when I'm a 22 on top and an 18 in trousers?

[Mckayz]

I am really struggling at the minute to find clothes that fit and look slightly decent.

I have a huge stomach, I look about 7 months pregnant. So I have been wearing 22 and occasionally 24 tops.

But I am an 18 in trousers. Some of them are a bit tight but when I try on size 20 they always fall down. I bought some size 18 jeans in Asda and they constantly fall down which is really annoying.

I spent last summer boiling as I was hiding under jumpers, I don't want to do that this year. But I can't find anything that doesn't make me look hideous.

I am currently dieting so I don't want to spend a fortune. I just want some nice tops and a few dresses.

Thanks.

I will add that I am 28.

Linen trousers and a nice tunic?

Tunic, for sure! I'm bigger on top than bottom because of ample chesticles and a fat collecting stomach, so I love tunics. If you've got a defined waist, grab some tea dresses - they tend to hug the waist and flare out so the stomach area is less obvious.

I'm 29, so similar age.

I love tea dresses but they look awful on me. I'm going shopping today so will have a look at tunics.

If you buy a size that feels comfortable and you find a length which suits your shape (or have one altered) a pencil skirt can be super flattering and pretty. There are lots of gorgeous prints around if you like pattern.
Pair with a body-skimming T, ie not a super-huge tent thingy which we fee we have to hide under in a co-ordinating shade. Plus if you like, those long, light cardigan style tops are sooo comfy and do not make you look or feel any larger than you are. I assume you know what I mean, they are normally in a light knit or linen mix for summer and are available in many colours.
I know what it is like to look at your body and to just want to pull the duvet round you and stay indoors, so I hope I am not sounding patronising or rude. Also be sure to find colours which suit you. Whatever you feel about your body/appearance etc, this can only make you look good.

Best of British...

Stop wearing jeans, at the shape me and you are, it just creates tummy bulges which we then try to hide.

Try some swishy linen trousers with a loosish tunic top.

There are a couple of nice tops on here which might work
www.hm.com/gb/subdepartment/LADIES?Nr=4294928358#page=4&Nr=4294928358
I don't think wearing a huge tent like top is a good plan, get something which fits and agree that a long cardigan with it would look good.

And btw the ladies on the 5:2 threads are lovely and super helpful if you are losing weight that way.

My dsis has a similar shape to you. She wears a lot of long tops with either good quality cropped leggings or capris with elastic waistbands. This type of top maybe?
[http://www.newlook.com/shop/inspire-plus-sizes/tops/samya-stone-beaded-tribal-print-top-_317494114 samya]]
Have you looked at New Look Inspire online and ASOS Curve?

I'm doing 5:2 but those threads move so fast and so I've been scared to join in as everyone seems to know each other.

Trollsworth I wear jeans everyday! But I'll try some other trousers today.

I keep looking at new look online but I never know what to buy. Will have a look in the shop today.

Don't feel afraid, I only dip in and out of the 5:2 thread but they don't all know each other and are very welcoming and super helpful.

I would suggest H&M if you are losing weight as the clothes are not pricey and they are very good about returns.
I agree jeans are not good if you have extra weight, they add pounds IMO.
Try a pretty tunic or a short dress and 3/4 length leggings which are all more flattering and cooler too.

I am struggling to find long cardigans, I can't wear wool as it makes me itch.

I got some linen trousers today and a few tops from New Look.

Thanks for all the help.

You can have some of mine, I have too many ;) There are usually quite a few in New Look. I second the recommendation of H&M - they are decently price and seem to do a lot of different styles. Peacocks is another cheaper store that goes up to (I think) 22? Always places like Tesco and Asda too.

I never wear jeans, nothing I've ever found suited me properly apart from boyfriend jeans, but they are either too big or too small!

This is nice and comes in cream too if black is too dark
www.hm.com/gb/product/19366?article=19366-B

I too have this problem. It is annoying as all get out. I am bigger on the top and when I went to have my wedding gown sized, the person even told me that I had odd measurements.

Thanks Pannacotta that is nice.

Are palazzo trousers any good?

Same size as yoi - I wear alot of tunic tops and widish leg trousers but also have found wrap dresses surprisingly flattering

I'm not hugely convinced that ditching jeans is the way to go... I'm on the larger side and I find if I wear everything loose fitting I look like I'm wearing pyjamas :) ... I think jeans that are high waisted and have a lot of stretch in them (next do some very good high waisted ones) can do wonders to balance out a tunic top and pull everything in a bit.

Failing that a maxi dress with a thin belt around the smallest part in a larger size can also very flattering. (With sloggi long pants to stop thigh rub! I love mine from yours).

Sainsburys have some lovely maxi dresses at the moment,some nice tops too :)