Please talk to me about casual dressing... And jumpers!

[MorelloKisses]

This time last year I returned to work after mat leave and with your help, got myself a fab new work wardrobe (City job) and feel great. I like structured clothes, pencil shape skirts and dresses as well as 7/8 cigarette pants and jackets. All good.

I suppose my style has always been more 'formal' than casual.

I do have a few nice casual clothes, some jeans, some summer trousers (pale blue), but I struggle with casual tops. I particular things that will keep me warm enough, and I always feel a scruff in jumpers. I certainly feel better on my work stuff than my home stuff. I think also because at work I can wear lovely high heels but at home flats.

I am 35, youngish looking, slight on top (size 10), curvy behind (12) and a slight paunch (not too bad), courtesy of the baby.

Any thoughts you might have on how I can dress casually for a cold UK summer would be appreciated.

How about wearing finer knit tops, or a more fitted shape? I have a couple of tops like this from Oasis.

Suggest you have a look at Mint Velvet?

Do you find that they cling round your tummy?

I wear finer, better quality knits, usually crew necks in merino or cashmere, but I go up a size to get a slightly looser fit (as I am a little self conscious about my tummy).

I also have a huge breton top collection, the proper heavy jersey style, which I wear with everything. Petit Bateau and Massimo Dutti are my best ones!

I struggle with tops too though, don't like anything touching my tummy.

The merino knits from Uniqlo in classic colours can look really smart. They're light, fairly shaped (so don't bag), and fine with a t shirt or shirt underneath, or just alone.

I have something very similar to this from Uniqlo (they've slightly changed the design) in grey and navy and they look great with jeans or chinos.

www.uniqlo.com/uk/store/goods/136342

I'm a size 8 and have got the XS. Not clingy at all, but not oversized baggy either.

Thank you

The thing is, that uniqlo sweater looks easy to wear, but I can't help thinking I'd look like i was having a pajama day...reassure me....?

Oh, I would never wear it on its own. I would always stick a statement necklace with it (love statement necklaces over simple grey marl tops) or a bright scarf.

I've recently bought this jumper. I've got it navy and green. I wear it with a little vest underneath, because of the holes, and it looks really nice on. It's quite boxy so I sized down.

Check out the Uniqlo 'cardigan jacket' - it's a soft sort of sweatshirt texture but in the shape of a blazer. I've just bought it in black and grey.

I love Uniqlo thin knits. Benetton are also worth a look for smartish sweaters.
Like you I definitely suit fitted stuff as I'm quite petite so floaty or chunky swamps me.

I wear long over sized tee shirts and brenton tops either tucked in or out then if it's cold a denim or kaki shirt over the top. I'm not very keen on jumpers either but I might get a couple of cashmere ones when it cools down.

You could also try a boat neck rather than crew neck - I find they balance me better as I'm a 10 boobs, 8 waist and 10 hips (with a "curvy" bottom)

Ooh, I am fancying that Next jumper...

Navy or white?

Ooh...and the cardigan jacket...

...if only I could decide on colours!

I've got it [http://www.next.co.uk/x5d148s4#950405x55 green]] too, Morello. I might get the white one as well.

Have you tried Cos? They often do cardigans with a more 'defined' shape but still thin, warm and comfortable.

Try And other stories as the jumpers are stylish without being clingy.
I agree that Cos is great too.