Help- I am a busty 36 yr old and i need a restyle. Just been given £1k to achieve it

[NoPlanYet]

I'm fed up with the way I dress so am looking for any advice about how to restyle myself now that I'm a 36 mother of 1 and not a 24 yr old student who rocks the scruffy indie club vibe. And I'm not convinced I ever did that especially well.

I have £1,000 and can find a bit more money if necessary. I'm after clothes to wear out of work- stylish going for brunch / going out in London to places my trendier friends choose.

I'm a podgy 5ft 5 size 12 with a 32J bust. My legs are good, my bum is flat, and my stomach is my trouble area and sticks out more than I'd like. I think I'm an apple shape- waist not much smaller than hips My bust means most standard clothes don't fit me. I shop in bravissimo for work stuff but don't like it for going out. I'm bad at separates as my podgy belly means I don't know whether to tuck in and get a weird rucky muffin top or leave things hanging out and look scruffy.

I like skirts, dresses, jeans, heels, flats, boots and cardigans. I like red, blue, black. I like other colours but don't wear them much. I'm pale pink with chestnut brown shoulder length hair.

I'm not really sure what I'm asking! I could visit a personal shopper but I don't know where to start.

Anyone with a similar body type want to share some wisdom?

Thanks in advance. I'm lost and want to enjoy clothes again.

Why don't you book a personal shopper in a big department store. They advise on all that.

John Lewis offer a free service with a personal stylist. No obligation to buy and they have lots of brands to choose from so a good mix of styles.

Have fun!

Sounds exciting! First thing I would do? Google 'best hairdressers in London' find a really well regarded salon and be prepared to spend £200 on a complete restyle. Then, think about clothes. Honestly I think a really great haircut knocks years off and kick starts you finding your style.

Proportion wise you are looking at skinny at the bottom with looser layered tops coming down past your arse. To prevent it looking too boxy - you need long line with a clingier layer underneath to smooth out the stomach area and to make the look leaner.

I have done this recently after years of working an alternative look. I picked a palette of neutrals. Mine are navy, taupe, ivory, charcoal, camel and dove grey. I have a very similar colouring.

Things I found good are longline thin strap vests from Next as well as their denim leggings and relaxed skinnies. I roll them up and wear them with ankle boots/converse etc.I bought loose longline tops from Phase Eight, some plain swing type and slouchy jumpers from Hobbs and John Lewis capsule ( it's much better in store than online) and from Jigsaw a slouchy cashmere jumper. Autograph also good for basics.

Spend a bit on a good coat. I found my dream coat in Jaeger outlet but size down. I went for a cocoon shape. I am a size 12-14 Apple shape

Another who recommends a John Lewis trip to use one of their shoppers.

Phase Eight, LK Bennett , Wallis. Agree with the haircut idea. Enjoy your shopping.

Thank you all for the suggestions, especially crevice for lots of lovely detail.

Appt booked with John lewis and I'll have a chat with my hairdresser - he's a friend and I think he's very good so I might have to ask what he'd do if I were a model he was told to make look fabulous. I'm pretty low maintenance though and much prefer time in bed vs blow drying etc. Maybe a style I could posh up if I wanted but still looked good using my usual air-dry-on-way-to-train approach.

I do hate shopping as everything seems to emphasise my comically big busy and wobbly stomach, I almost think I need a change of mindset to not stare at my tum in the mirror from 12 inches away when trying on clothes.

Anyway I'll take my pity party elsewhere and once again thank you for your help. JL here I come...

I would go and have your style and colours done. If you are uncertain about what suits you and your shape/personality they give you very specific advice, I found it very helpful anyway.

I would go to a proper lingerie shop avid get fitted for a bra.