Help! I have no idea what clothes to buy

[Mothercoco]

Hello! First time posting here.

I'm in a bit of a rut. I'm in serious need of some new clothes - I currently own 1 pair of jeans, 1 top (lightweight denim shirt) and 1 jumper, all very safe choices.

But I have ZERO idea on what to buy. I was a small size 10, rounder bum and thighs with a small waist. Since the birth of my third child I'm now a size 14 (maybe a small 16) with no waist and a really wobbly mum tum.

I want to push my comfort boundaries, I love all the floaty tops, embroidery and gingham that are lurking about but I have zero confidence or idea what looks good and what doesn't. My opinion is tainted because I always think I look awful in everything.

I'm not sure what I'm asking for with this post exactly but help, please?

What shape would you say you are - apple? Pear? Google the old Trinny and Suzanne -type sites to see what style of clothes suit your figure.

I'm a pear and look best in brighter tops, and plain trousers/skirts (including the anti-Mumsnet bootcuts!). V-necks do nothing for me, whilst round next tops are fine.

Have you tried a personal shopping. Some department stores offer this service. There's no obligation to buy anything.

Have you got a friend who can go with you. I went with a work colleague as I wanted to buy a dress and wasn't sure what suited me. I ended up buying two form Bon Marche - a shop I never usually go into but she pulled out some gems which I love, and would never have considered.

Go with an open mind and have fun trying clothes on. Alternatively, Next have a sale and M and S have sales on. Randomly order things you may like, try them on in the safety of your home, and return what you don't buy. (I returned £100 stuff to a Next recently - oops, got a bit carried away one evening).

I was going to suggest personal shopping too. Been thinking of doing it myself for the same reason!