Nothing fits and nothing looks good!

[Infinitygirl]

OK, I admit I've now given up. My body shape just isn't the right one for any clothes at all these days - ie very thick thighs/upper legs but comparatively small waist and good boobs. Like an hour glass which is much bigger on the bottom - but also now with some middle aged spread thickening my once very small waist. Where can I find clothes that work for me?

I like -and suit - well cut, classic, rather than frilly/feminine. Clothes need to go in at the waist and be figure hugging on top but much more generous below the waist.

I'm 53 and plump. I rarely get time to shop for clothes and live in either suits for work or tracksuit bottoms and fleeces at home. Virtually all the clothes I wear are 10 to 30 years old and ragged /ripped/mended, mostly where it doesn't show.

I recently spent 4 hours in town, trying to buy the following - a smart dress or skirt for a family event, 2 pairs of casual trousers for hiking and cycling - some basic casual tops, a sports bra, a pair of higher heeled but comfortable shoes....

Drained, exhausted and pissed off, I came home with just one pair of not very well fitting jeans that cost a ridiculous amount of money and have a waist about 6 inches too big but legs/thigh area barely wide enough. I tried on countless pairs of jeans/trousers and the current 'look' - skinny/tight - is a total no-no for me. I need a tighter waist band but baggier leg width otherwise I look like an elephant in tights!

I gave up on looking as I didn't have any more time and probably won't get time for at least another 6 to 8 months now to shop for clothes for me (busy solo mum working f/t).

So I shopped in John Lewis, East and Monsoon and also tried TX Maxx. Jeans eventually came from East.

Is there anything out there for a middle-aged plumpy mum like me?

I think you might need to buy clothes to suit your legs and have them altered slightly to nip in at the waist

Also, zaras website have some palazzo trousers that might be worth a try.

i have the same problem and posted earlier seeking suggestions for me awkward hip/waist problem (not a great difference between my waist and hips).

re jeans - its a numbers game with me at the moment, keep trying and buying until jeans fit even just ok rather than a spot on fit. currently lamenting the wearing out of three pairs of jeans that fit well at the one time (inner thigh worn through).

have you tried places you wouldn't normally shop?

ive never tried gap but its on my hit list for jeans over the next few months.

I am similar. After hours shopping around I found M&S trousers fit me better than most (sigh). I will always need a belt though.
I also go for A line skirts as they tend to be more forgiving on the hips so you can go a size smaller and get something that fits the waist. According to most shops at the moment I am a size 8 on top and 12 on the bottom but when I look in the mirror I don't think I look that pear shaped.