I have no idea how to dress casually. And how the hell to find jeans? Help!

[naturegrowstheseed]

I'm a curvy gal.

Size 32J bust. Small waist, and large arse / thighs. I've recently lost 11lb, so I would say I'm a size 14 now. I'm 5.2 in height.

All I ever wear or feel comfortable in are fitted dresses, ones that are to the knee are best as I hate my legs. But I just feel that all my clothes are too smart. Anything casual I try on make me look huge, and "blocky".

Also as the weather is getting warmer, and the tights are going to be ditched, I'm panicking as my much loved ankle boots will have to be replaced with shoes of some sort, and I just don't know what style suits me, and what to wear with them. I want trousers of some sort but nothing looks right.

I went shopping on Saturday to try and find a pair of jeans. I nearly broke down in the fitting room after trying on a million styles and sizes. They all looked and felt horrendous. What am I doing wrong??

And if I can never find a pair of jeans to fit, what other choices do I have for casual wear? I like leggings as they are comfy, but those lovely oversized shirts / sweatshirts just make my bust look gargantuan.

I want to dress casually but have no idea where to start.

Can anyone help? Please?!

Im just under 5.1 in height and similar to yourself. Im a size 12 at the moment and find wearing leggings or jeggings with a long tshirt or jumper dress fit well. Also skinny jeans. I just dont like baggy clothes on me. Im also toying with the idea of a skater dress with leggings but not a clue how to do it. I just think it looks nice when I see it on others. Try vnecks as they often look better on us busty girls. As for the jeans it seems topshop are better fitted than new look these days. I'll be following this thread for clues myself.

Thank you for replying!

So if I got a skater dress with leggings, what shoes would go? Could I get away with trainers?

Would flared jeans suit my figure?

With jeans, I just find them so bulky. I have tummy overhang (c section) and even the high waisted jeans seem more dig in. It's fine when I'm standing up but as soon as I sit down...urgh

Also not sure if it's relevant but I have a very short torso...

erm I was asking myself the same question about shoes so not sure. Its only recently Ive been wearing ankle boot wedges with leggings or skinny jeans because I feel better with the extra height. I think you could get away with trainers. I never wear high waisted I just find them so annoying like they are up to my chest. I prefer low waisted ones.

I used to wear flares all the time. I think if you wear with heels for added height it kind of works out.

I've only recently started wearing heeled boots too, but now I'm used to the extra height, I don't want to go back to flats. My pumps make my legs look like tree trunks. I suppose trainers would do the same.

But shoes with heels all look so smart. Gah!

Bootcut jeans suit curvy gals - and don't worry about whether or not they are the current fashion. Far better to be in a flattering style. And expect that you'll need to have the jeans altered - perhaps shortened, and the waist nipped in. Get a dark wash for going out at night, and a mid-rinse indigo blue for daytime. Do not get the pale blue rinse. Wear with a low/mid heel sandal or boot

Agree about v-neck or scoop neck t-shirts. Try to find ones that are thicker fabric and long in the body. No pockets. Wear out, and not tucked in.

Also look for tunic style long tops that will cover your tummy, and wear with jeans.

Look for skirts that are gathered and/or elasticated at the waist in a solid color - but not too long. Wear with a t-shirt (as described above) and ballet flats or other flattering low-heeled/flat shoes.

If you wear cardigans, get longer ones that hang in a 'column' style - iykwim.

Be sure you are wearing a good-fitting bra that supports well and is the right size for you - endless threads here about people wearing the wrong size.

I wear everything from Hush or Sweaty Betty. Usually harem pants or slim cut sweats with t shirts, thin sweatshirts or layered vests etc. so casual but also good quality and smart. Plus if you look at both online you'll see that they out outfits together so you can get some ideas

I'm 5 ft 3 and a half and a size 10/12 so not thin by any stretch of the imagination but I find these companies clothes really flattering and stylish

As for shoes ... I wear pistol boots or uggs all winter and Toms all summer - a black leather pair and a lighter grey pair

I'm 5ft 1 size 14 and also a boot lover - I will wear them all year!!

For jeans, surprisingly I love the asda George skinny fit, and i wear skater dresses with leggings, lots of leggings and long tops/jumper dresses.

If I pride myself out of boots,I wear dolly shoes or converse style.

Dolly shoes, I love them. Totally forgot about them, so thanks for the reminder.

Like the sound of layered tops, vest under a thin sweatshirt. Long v necks.

I tried a pair of harem trousers on Saturday, and liked them, but didn't buy them as they are so unlike what I'd usually wear. Would you wear a sweatshirt with them? And what footwear? I might go back and get them. They were so comfy.

Yes to boot cut jeans. They are most flattering I think. But still, bulky around the waist I find. Maybe alterations would be an idea.

I wear something tighter on top when I wear harems. I'd feel all shapeless in a sweatshirt or loose fitting top. So a fitted t shirt works best I think with Tom type shoes or flats on your feet.

I do the reverse with my skinnies - I wear a loose sweat top or t shirt

that makes a lot of sense.

What are Tom shoes?

Googled Tom shoes. Yes, I like them. But again, they are flat, and I'm short. Can you wear heels with harems?

Hmm. I seem to be defaulting to smart again. Heels are smart.

I'm short too I prefer being shorter than taller so heel height doesn't worry me. And also my husband is only 5 ft 7!

I'm not sure about heels with harems - I personally wouldn't as I like them dressed down and not up

So tighter top with harems, looser top with skinnies. Might venture out today to try on again and have another breakdown in the changing room

Thanks all

If you want casual but giving a bit of height how about Adidas superstars with wedges? There are other wedge trainers around too but just love these. They are very flattering in terms of elongating your legs too.

You're no that short. Sounds like we have a v similar figure plus I love smart work wear.

For casual wear I live in ballet pumps and tan or nude loafers/boat shoes. Anything like a trainer that comes high up my foot makes my legs look dumpy.
It took me years to get into skinny jeans but I love them now, I love Baxter from top shop.
On top I sometime where silk blouses from banana republic or fitted t shirts with well cut jackets, they nip in the waist.

I think there's a website called today I'm wearing, have a nosey on there for ideas.

Good luck

Wedge sandals would give you some height without losing the comfort.

Have you tried Levi Curve jeans? Very good for those with hips and a bum.

I have a friend who sounds like a very similar shape to you. She doesn't pretend to do casual, doesn't possess a pair of jeans because she says they don't suit her. Like you, she mostly wears fitted dresses and yes she does always look smart - and fabulous.

This may or may not be helpful but I think 'casual' is grossly overrated.

Where would I go to try the levi curve jeans, would I need to go to a special jeans shop?

And yes, I am swaying into the thinking that casual just doesn't suit me. I just felt like a bit of a whopper at the weekend when I went round to a friends house to chill, and I was in an Oliver bonas flowery dress while everyone else was in their comfy jeans. Also my workplace is very casual and I look so smart everyday.

I miss my student days where jeans and trainers were the norm for me!

But if jeans aren't comfy for you it doesn't really matter - wear what you are comfortable in

There are a few brands that design jeans specifically for small waist with large bottom and thighs- apple bottoms and baby phat (can't remember the other off the top of my head). Not so easy to get in the UK, TK maxx get them in sometimes but other than that it's online only. My cousin is a similar shape to you and lives in her apple bottom jeans - they make her shape look fantastic .

Thanks for the heads up on that one, pumpkin. I might have to bite the bullet and attempt t k maxx (I usually avoid like the plague) as I have to try before I buy.