So I went shopping today for the first time in 18 months

[LucyJones]

Haven't been clothes shopping since got preggers with dd in Dec last year. Dd now 6 months so have to go back to work next week. What is with strange sizes? Topshop have stopped bothering with 12/14/16 etc and have letters on thier trousers for skinny fit (V), slim flare (WTF) etc etc. Eventully had to ask shop assistant for a size 14 bootcut.
H&M size 14 didn't even get past my knees... but Dotty P's and M&S size 14 fine.
Strange assortment of tops everywhere - all wierd knee length tops that are supposed to be worn with leggings - who over age 16 wears these things? i can see that I won' venture out for another 18 months

Aw Lucy

you had a rotten time, I think it is like that when you feel out of the loop after having a baby

find a shop where you like the look of the stock and see if they have a personal shopper service - Debenhams do it, also Topshop and probably loads of others. They will sit you in a nice safe changing room and bring you things to try on

I actually think a lot of the current styles are kind to postnatal bodies - smocks and tunics can cover a lot of damage and wrap dresses etc over a pair of jeans or trousers is still a cool look.

What sort of shape are you and what are your best features? I feel a revival of the Style Shop thread coming on

Thanks F&Z your kind words have cheered me up - I thought ths might be an unanswered thread!
I'm a lumpy bump size 14. Would love to be a comfortbale size 14 but think I'm verring towards 16. I'm 5ft6 and weigh 10st7 - the fattest I've ever been
I have stupidly small breasts and large tummy and thighs.
If you can do anything with that I'll be amazed

What sort of thing do you need for work, Lucy - how smart? Suit, skirts, trousers? And how are your arms?

Sorry should have been clearer - only need smart jeans for work which is why I got caught up in the whole skinny fit/slim flare fiasco. Arms flabby and untoned tbh
Think maybe my self image is really crap after spending a morning in unflatteringly lit changing rooms so feel that i don't deserve new clothes (god that sounds so silly writtne down)

Ah, the cavalry is here

you are in safe hands, Lucy, I will just hang about and pass well meaning but unhelpful suggestions

Not silly at all - unsuccessful shopping trips can be incredibly depressing. Smart jeans - I may not be the right person for this particular job, but did you try Gap at all? Lots of people seem to swear by them. Have to say that with jeans it seems to be a case of trying on loads and loads, till you find The Ones. Could you go with a friend, and try to have some fun while you're out? It can be soul-destroying if you're just struggling to find stuff. (sorry, waffling now...)

Franny, I don't think I am the cavalry in this instance - I'm not a jeans expert at all, I'm afraid. Might be worth bumping this tomorrow, if MrsBadger or Anniemac are around.

Jeans may not be the most flattering thing IMO

Dresses and separates? I would buy pretty things like wrap cardies and printed tops. Lots of layers on top in complementing colours is a cool look and something plain at the bottom.

Don't forget great shoes and fab jewellery

I was going to try Gap but was pout off by the strange sizes in there too!!! I guess it is American. I think I'm too simple to shop
I can't shop with anyone else because I'm too ashamed of my body tbh
I think it stems from one of the worst experiences I ever had - bridesmaid dress shopping for sisters' wedding in 2001 Mum said I needed to lose weight before trying on any more

ps I like "slim flare (WTF)"

agree AnnieMac and Mrs B will sort you out

cod also v helpful for jeans - must you have jeans?

F&Z - that sounds like an idea. Maybe I shouldn't have been so fixated with jeans... maybe something else...

well, I ask you, how can a flare be skinny

"Mum said I needed to lose weight before trying on any more "

oh good lord

What a cow. Have expensive therapy and send her the bill

or slim

Size 14 going on 16 is not anything to be ashamed of. Try collaring an assistant in Gap and getting them to bring you stuff. They should be able to work out what size you need. Know what you mean about the sizes there, even the kids ones can be difficult to work out.

Oh yes, was a blast dress shopping with size 6 Mother and size 8 sister (God I sound bitter and twisted!!)

Oh blimey - poor you, lucy.

I would forget the jeans tbh but maybe someone else will say different

I just think they can be very unforgiving, they are usually tight and a stiff fabric - not good if you have a more curvy / soft body. Layers and tailored trousers or skirts can look equally casual / young / trendy / etc as jeans, and be much more flattering

soory, didn't want this to turn into sympathy fest but thnaks for knid words
Will perhaps venture into Gap on a quieter day. Does anyone else get intimidated by the staff though? They always look so gorgeous and young in all the shops

think tailored trousers might be the eway to go. Any suggestions for the best places? Next maybe?

ok. calm down. deep breaths. say "ommmmmmm".
right. at 5'6 you are no shortarse. atsize 14/16 you are completely reasonable size. go to gap and ask for help with jeans. you want straight legs, not too much flare or bagginess in lower leg. on top you shoud try layering fine knot long or 3/4 sleeve (scoop or v neck)top under a tunic or smocky top. you will feel strange when you try this for first time as this was not a look in all the shops last time you bought clothes.... but trust me.... you will blend in with the rest of the world and not feel frumpy. you can wear with flat pumps /boots / heel as you fancy. chose some neutral colour tops and a couple of compatible tunicy things... keepo the colours simple and not too brash. also try the wrap dress suggestion (wear a cami underneath) but shirt dress style may be better (buttoning only to waist) if you are not well endowed up top. take a mate you trust and who dresses well to help you.

Oh thank goodness - someone who knows about jeans.

wow thnaks, excellent advice here

There's some good stuff on this thread too - looks like Monsoon may be worth a try .