I'm fat, short and poor - dress me Mumsnet!

[DropDeadNed]

I hate summer! I have no idea how to dress myself. I need some inspiration. Help me Mumsnetters!

I'm under 5ft, size 16-18, big boobs and bum, bright red hair and prefer "alternative" styles. Also have old self harm scars so can't just wear short sleeves, and I'm skint. Can't wear maxi dresses cos I'm too short.

Any help, suggestions, links appreciated!

Are there any particular colours or patterns that you like DropDeadNed?

You mentioned that you prefer alternative styles - do you like a particular era or genre of dressing?

Just jumping back in before you answer my previous question, to say that Matalan have a lovely denim dress with full sleeves, buttons and a drawstring waist for £15. I bought one a few weeks ago & I adore it! It's too hot to wear in a heatwave, but I was comfortable in it in 20 degree heat (with leggings & ankle boots), so with bare legs would be a bit cooler.

Matalan also have a nice lightweight, long sleeve, oversized, pale blue denim shirt with a feint star print for £16.

I personally like 80's style loose and long batwing sleeves & have bought vintage shirts like this on EBay & wear these with a pencil skirt.

I also like cold shoulder tops, and think these would work really well on you in a long sleeve version, as the air can circulate around the shoulders & down into the sleeves to help keep cool.

I use EBay a lot, and at the moment there are lots of offers on in most of the shops/websites.

I've just seen that Debenhams have quite a variety of long sleeve dresses with offers on.

If you tell me a bit more about your style, I can hopefully help you a little more.

I'm short - 4ft 7 and wear maxi - I get them cut down and I think they make me look taller and slimmer. What about kaftans/ floaty tunics - monsoon go up to 22 and often they can be found on eBay . Look on eBay not just shops. Go for quality not quantity a well made dress will look/fit so much better and not as seats to wear. What about some summery coloured light cardigans to cover your scars?

Similar size to you, just bought a denim shirt dress from next £24, reckon I will get lots of wear over summer plus pair of leggings and I will use it in the autumn too.

I was going to say matalan. They have some really lovely clothes all year round.

I am tall though and actually find a lot of their sleeves are perfect for me, so you may have issue with them being too long.

A summer look that I think looks really good on shorter, larger women, is a floor length maxi dress with flip flops and a cropped denim jacket. Either bright dress and big gold jewellery, or black dress with bright chunky jewellery.

I've seen a few women wear it and think confidence is the key. I honestly think it's a great look.

If you don't have a great body or lots of money, then you need to throw time and effort at your issues. Most of us do, but if you don't enjoy the quest, it's a bit like asking for a unicorn. Try on everything that takes your fancy and get your eye in. It's about you learning what you like to see yourself in. Book a personal shopper session for something small. They can be immensely helpful and move you past the "I couldn't wear that moment". Most department stores offer them without obligation to buy anything.

I would advise against shortening dresses, especially jersey ones.

What do you think of our suggestions op?

Just wear a maxi! I think they look nice on short people. And they're so easy to throw on.