Goth/steampunk/rock chick/metal trousers advice

[BoffinMum]

As part of my official midlife crisis I am going back into singing (which I did for a living a really long time ago, but as a posh soprano of the breaking glass type), and seem to be subversively inching towards a kind of nerd folk metal as a genre. This all involves moving across from my current style of dress, which I would call "John Lewis Sale' but which my daughter calls scathingly "Connecticut Mom', towards a more exciting goth/steampunk/rock chick kind of look.

I have found a website called 'Attitude' and bought a daring hoodie with pentagrams on, bought a fake leather jacket and boots from H&M and bought a t-shirt with a mesh top bit to show off some flesh. All good so far. Now the perfect trousers to go with this would be skinny leather jeans with a few zips but unfortunately I am a big overweight, pear shaped, and about a size 18-20. Hence wearing skinny leather jeans would make my legs look like large parsnips in black bin bags, rather than the sexy babe thing I am after. Does anyone have any style workarounds for this sort of thing?

I'm just going out so can't look for any images but I still think Pauline Black looks pretty cool and she's my age.

I love tartan mini skirts and dresses. Just thought I'd let you all know!

I was a bit "punkish" when I was younger.I used to punk regular tops up by cutting tops in half horizontally and using safety pins to join the two halves together.I also cut sleeves off some tips and safety pinned them back on so you could see a bit more flesh.
could you just get a comfy/flattering pair of jeans/troussers or a skirt and cut the leg off at the knee or thigh and safety pin the bottom halves back on?

There's actually a steampunk fair this weekend at the GWR museum Swindon. We're going for a Mother's day outing. Check their website for all the details. It's a good place to visit + next door to a retail outlet shopping centre so makes a nice day out!

DH blurted out "Good God, you look like you've spent years on the Jack Daniels:.

And? What is his problem????!!!!!

What about a fake leather skirt?

Or look at Imelda May (singer). She has imo a great look without wearing skinnier, esp her older look which she seems to have moved on from recently.

No ideas but I love the sound of your midlife crisis!

Loving the links posted here. Seen some gorgeous tops. Exactly the sort of thing I would have worn in my teens/early twenties. Might treat myself to a couple to wear with my grey skinnies.

Your mid life crisis sounds far more interesting than mine!

I was going to suggest black skinnies with some less vanilla footwear, but ouch!
www.docblack.co.uk/womens/footwear/hades-footwear-discor-platform.html

Actually, they'd double as a bottle opener :o

@Sadik - do you do dresses?
There are some good ones on here that someone linked to on another thread, www.atomretro.com. I like this dress.

Skinny jeans are fine so long as you balance them out with longer/baggier tops and chunky boots.

I think anything else alternative looks a bit naff when you're bigger. I'm a size 14 pear who would love to wear the sexy goth stuff of my youth but realise I'd look ridiculous.

I like the look of vintage leather jackets over floaty floral and lace tops or dresses with ripped jeans and chunky boots.

You need these River Island coated leggings

They are really comfortable and flattering.

I still dress a bit like that. I love Dr Materns dresses, handbags, etc. they have tops too and you can wear black flare jeans with platforms if you dont like skinnies?

Definitely wear dresses NewPants - and that's a great site. Not sure about the one you linked (feel like I'd have loved it 20 years ago . . .) but maybe something like this or this.
Ironically I could do goth/steampunk no problem

Have you tried amazon of all places. I get loads of leggings for dd off of there in shiny material that would go with your look. She actually has a couple of pairs that are steam punk themed it's the pattern on them.

Just catching up and looking at that fab website but wanted to update you. Went out wearing black jeans, funky shoes, fake leather jacket. DS1 "You look badass, mum" DS2 "God no, those are the shoes prostitutes wear for ease of access, like your jacket though". Sitting in psychiatric appointment with DS2, my phone goes off. Rammstein ringtone. He looked a bit surprised to say the least. Quite different from my usual tasteful Gerard Darel jackets and air hostess scarves.

I am loving this thread

I am so glad I posted. I never knew about any of these sites. They are just amazing.

DS keeps uttering about metal being a lifestyle and not a fad, as well. He has offered to supply friends to educate me

Is this over skinny or slim jeans too John Lewis?

m.emp.co.uk/pussy-deluxe-lovely-chic-fringes-cardigan-cardigan/art_341352/

Award for the most inappropriate thing to wear to work tomorrow (when I will be examining a student in a viva voce exam)

Not convinced by the cardigan, sorry.

You'll have to post photos of the final outfit :) :)

I own an online goth shop. Clothing section is a bit dire at the moment but feel free to pm me if I can help source things - need the inspiration

Good lord I love this thread.

(But am of no sartorial assistance, sorry.)

The cardi is stevie nicks-ish. You're choosing bits from all over the shop and they won't necessarily cobble together well.

Is this stuff just for gigging or is it for daily wear? If it's for every day I'd be wary of looking 'costumey'.

I do mix and match across genres but it has to pull together or you just look like a riot who is dressing for halloween.