DH and I were watching Trinny and Susannah this evening and he said...

[Gillian76]

"... you are a lot like that woman. I think you look good but you never believe me"

He insists I go and but myself some 'decent clothes'. But I'm not sure where to start. I am size 18/20. I have an appalling midriff but quite good shoulders and boobs. Legs OK, thighs quite heavy, but I'm never sure how to wear skirts.

My usual 'uniform' is these in short and long sleeves, mostly black. And plain black trousers or jeans.

Oh god, what should I get???

And I have to shopping with a 3 year old...

Ooh, I like that, VVV! Although...bit of leg-showage there and you know I don't do that

id be careful of slevel length sthat end at the samelength as otyur boobs tbh - they tend to draw a line across you

oi gilll cat me and we can talk

And another dress (sorry - is this dress overload?)

thick patterned tights....?

Gillian - get yourself a really lovely pair of shoes too - it makes ALL hte difference.

If you need wider fitting like me - go to Evans - they have extra wide fit.

Boots too (Evans v good for wider fitting boots).

I get you about the sleeve lengths...

Bum OK but tummy horrible at the front detracting from the middle area. Hence the idea of dresses horrifying me. I reckon I would look like a barrel.

Shoes I am bad at too. I tend to wear the same pair of comfy black shoes every day for 6 months and then but a new pair.

hmm id nto do dresses in that case
ok go out and buy a PROPER pair of jeans
not too short
go to gap
park yoursle
tlel assistant you need HELP and will NOT leave till you ahev got jeans

then go and get some good csual boots
try next or clarks for say casual ones imo

then go and get some nice v neck t shirts or shirts
in NICE colours

then get some jewellery ( kid willhelp you at thsi point)
then get some jumpers to go oevr the top - get a zise bigger if you intend on getting stuff to go under htem

where do oyu live?

Came on this thread by mistake and opened the picture. I know nothing much about style BUT even I know you shoud never wear crew necked t-shirts if you're bigger than size 10.

Get v neck or scoop neck especially if you like your shoulders and tits.

I'm away, hope I don't end up on more style threads

oh, i think others have said v neck already.

I'll be shopping in Glasgow. We live about 10 miles West.

I find Monsoon quite flattering on the whole, but tres cher and a lot of it OTT for every day?

Boots long or short with jeans?

You only think it's OTT because you are so used to hiding in your drab black clothes! Seriously, if you choose something lovely people will be so surprised but will give you loads of compliments and your dh will be delighted! Go on!

So it's not OTT?

this top?

Agree about that Gillian-- I love monsoon, but can't really see the point in wearing something that costs £80 and is handwash only for the school run. Nice to have stuff like that, but no good for every day.

My advice is do what cod said re jeans and boots, then go to M&S and invest heavily in their deep v-necked fake cashmere jumpers. Lots of lovely colours, shape should flatter, cheap as chips and wash in machine. Then get along to Accessorize or somewhere and buy scarves and jewellery- long necklaces and chunky bracelets and stuff.

gillian i love monsoon this season, i got a fab black cardi that came be worn right up like a funnel neck or flat on the shoulders - the collar i mean - and a lvely sand beige coloured yop with a twisted front. smartens up the jeans really well with a nice pair of boots.

treat yourself and get a few pieces there.

I have jeans from Monsoon and they keep falling down round the bum

That's a nice top, Gillian, and the shape looks just right for you.

What's your colouring like? My only concern about that top is that it's a bit grey, which will look great on some people but less so on others.

Hair dark brown but skin a bit on the pale side.

That top's not OTT at all! It is hand wash though,but then I buy hand wash stuff for my kids, so I can talk..

I'd think something in say a deep teal or a plum or a wine colour might be more flattering?

PLum you say...?

What about a skirt?

Better than a dress?

Okay, I'm about the same size as you and I have certain styles which I wear which make me look better than others.

• Wrap dresses - but has to be a good fabric, got a brill one from M&S, also one from Boden (sold by a mumsnetter!)
• wrap tops / cross over tops / shirts with tops underneath / tops with a V neck
• Asymmetric skirts / skirts that flare out rather than straight up & down, so skim the thighs
• good fitting jeans
• wide leg trousers
• a good suit
• heals heals heals all the way - even a small heal helps me feel taller, walk straighter and feel a bit better within myself!