None of my clothes fit, starting a new job in two weeks and shopping trip today was a disaster!

[OvertiredandConfused]

I've moaned on here before about how I'm struggling with my wardrobe having gained weight (2 stone / size 12-14 to size 16-18) following medical treatment. It may take a while to loose it again.

Having been off work - sick leave then made redundant - for the best part of six months, I'm starting a shiny new senior job next month.

Hardly any of my old clothes fit and I had a disastrous shopping trip today. Got good underwear but nothing else.

My top is 14-16, my bottom anything from a 16 to 20, depending on brand and style. My stomach is disproportionately big (think pregnancy bump!) and made worse by a serious c-section overhang. I'm a good 5' 9"

I have some decent jackets, black and navy trousers and a couple of skater style dresses that are ok. I need tops, would love a couple of skirts and dresses that aren't jersey because they cling and make me look 100 times worse

Need to look fairly formal - one decent suit would be nice then skirts / trousers / dresses that work with jackets or a cardigan to dress down.

Help please!

What sort of budget do you have?

I booked an appointment with a personal shopper at debenhams. The appointment was free and I just told them I was looking for work clothes and my budget. Then they bring you clothes to try, it was good I'd do it again but I know debenhams is not the cheapest place.

Definitely look at Debenhams. I don't find anything for me elsewhere.

Have you tried ponte fabric? It has a jersey feel, but is more structured.

I know it isn't always the popular choice, but Boden have some suitable for work dresses in this fabric up to size 20.

If you can get to a big Sainsburys, they have some great items in at the moment, and they size up to 22 I think.

Don't take this the wrong way, but my best fitting works shirts are from H&M Mama range
They just seem better cut for me now I've had children, even though my pregnancy years are a long way behind me.
They usually have nice smart fabrics, and aren't expensive.

If you're planning to lose the weight again, is it a better idea to buy from eBay now as a short term thing?
Lots of decent labels in there, but you'll pay less.

Congratulations on the new job! Onwards and upwards

I would definitely go for Ebay, you can probably get your money back when you're done too reselling them

How about this suit from Asos? It's simple, classic, flattering and you can wear the blazer and trousers separately too.

You can also buy the jacket and trousers in different sizes, so you could get say a 14 top and 18 bottom.

Best of all, it's not too expensive, so won't be a waste of money if you lose the weight:

m.asos.com/mt/www.asos.com/asos/asos-tailored-fitted-suit-in-navy/prod/pgeproduct.aspx?sgid=12803&clr=Navy&SearchQuery=&cid=13632&pgesize=50&pge=0&totalstyles=126&gridsize=2&gridrow=4&gridcolumn=2

Also Asos - a simple, smart grey skirt. Only £18, goes up to size 18:

m.asos.com/mt/www.asos.com/asos/asos-belted-pencil-skirt-with-seam-detail/prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=6275550&clr=Grey&SearchQuery=&cid=13632&pgesize=20&pge=0&totalstyles=20&gridsize=2&gridrow=7&gridcolumn=2

I've found Mango (and also look in Mango Outlet) do simple shift dresses good for work.

And a couple of dresses too...

Blue knee length:
m.asos.com/mt/www.asos.com/asos-curve/asos-curve-ruffle-front-wiggle-dress/prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=6898904&clr=Navy&cid=8799&pgesize=50&pge=1&totalstyles=160&gridsize=2&gridrow=25&gridcolumn=2

Spotty:
m.asos.com/mt/www.asos.com/asos/asos-spot-waterfall-pencil-dress/prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=6275028&clr=Navy&cid=8799&pgesize=50&pge=1&totalstyles=160&gridsize=2&gridrow=12&gridcolumn=2

Full skirt midi dress:

m.asos.com/mt/www.asos.com/asos/asos-textured-midi-dress-with-high-neck/prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=6905580&clr=Navy&SearchQuery=&cid=8799&pgesize=50&pge=0&totalstyles=160&gridsize=2&gridrow=19&gridcolumn=2

And my favourite, a V neck wrap:

m.asos.com/mt/www.asos.com/asos/asos-clean-obi-wrap-dress-with-v-front/prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=7037899&clr=Navy&cid=8799&pgesize=50&pge=0&totalstyles=160&gridsize=2&gridrow=1&gridcolumn=2

All of these go up to an 18, aside from the first which is a Curve one so goes up to plus sizes.

Thank you all. Will definitely try some of the ASOS links.

I've had a much better experience today. I found Monsoon good for smart blouses that fit my shape without making me whale-like. Also got this skirt and top. Hadn't been in there for years. Ditto Laura Ashley where I got this dress in the sale.

Also got some basic jeans (only M&S) that actually fit and will be fine with oversized jumpers and boots.

Mood helped by a meeting with my consultant earlier who says my health improvement is textbook and to stop stressing about my weight as I'm probably stuck with it for about a year.

If you have a Sainsburys nearby they have a fabulous selection of clothing for Autumn /Winter.
Also I have lost 6Lbs in two weeks following WW Smart Points.

25% off at Tu as well!

Have you looked at Next? If you look at the clearance section on the website, you can get some real bargains. Plus you can try them on in the comfort of your own help, and then send what you don't need back.

A friend also clothes herself from Asda and looks great.

The trick is a few staple trousers, skirts and jackets, and lots of tops.

Like you, I out on three stone due to medical treatment. It's not easy to shift, but it's going down slowly, very slowly.