5' 1" size 16-18 - Help!

[ColdAsIceCubes]

I have been struggling with my weight since my youngest was born 3 years ago. He was and still is a high needs child (asd, GDD, adhd diagnosis pending) and I've not had time to care or think about myself. I am now only half a stone lighter than my 6" husband and stuck in limbo as to how to dress according to my current shape.

I have large breasts, large tummy (c section overhang too), large thighs and a rather large bottom and I'm struggling to look decent.

I like to feel comfortable, as I do a lot of therapies with ds and do two school runs a day. My current go to is leggings (I know, I know...) with dresses (which make me look pregnant) or t shirts and trainers, but I look and feel frumpy. I'm 36, so no spring chicken, but I feel so mid-matched and in a funk. Please style and beauty gods, help me look presentable.

What about tailored clothes?

I've tried tailored trousers, but they seem to cling on my c section apron. I've lost all perspective of looking 'nice'. I wear make up every day, but with the excess weight it's melting off and my glasses are slipping all over the place (not a good look).

Once ds has a nursery place (which will take a while due to his SEN) I can devote time and energy to sorting the weight issue out, but until then I have to make good with what I've got.

Thanks for replying though @Jimmymum.

h&m

I am very similar to you in height and size and I got some of these dresses last year. I got them in large and they are a good fit. Look good over cropped leggings or bare legs if it is very warm .

Thank you pink, I'll order a few of those!

Glad you like them. I used to wear more colourful, floaty style tunics and things but I like the shape and fit of the H&M ones, neater and less fussy.
I am an 18 on top and I bought them in large.

What about heavy jersey fabric maxi dresses? Cool flattering and easy to wear...

In case this might be useful, I lost a load of post pregnancy weight ~ size 20 to ~size 14 using Paul mckenna 'I can make you thin'. Huge plus was that it didn't actually take any time or require special foods. Katy xx

Hi coldasicecubes .. I totally get you as my son is nearly 6 and the same ( well no asd but similar ) .. it's easy to eat yourself through the stress of it all isn't it !... I'm overweight and in the last few weeks I've joined weight watchers , it's so easy to follow and is really working for me ( I've lost 7 pounds in 2 weeks ) I would have a look into it for sure . I'm only 5 foot and just find I cannot look nice unless I'm nearer 9 stone .. so I'm focusing on that .

Hi op - I'm about the same size 16-18 at 5'2" and I'm miserable in the summer. My c-section tummy overhang is my main issue too.

Watching with interest as I feel a mess!

Ps I'm going on holiday in 2 months and I'm going to try my best to get a bit of weight off before then! I can't believe I need to buy holiday clothes soon 😢

I'm a bit taller and smaller but not much. I live in those H&M dresses, really flattering and comfy and a great price.

Another here eyeing up those H&M dresses .5"1" and overhang .

Thank you Pink !

And thank you Icecubes for starting the thread ,no wonder you're in a funk with all that on your plate + to you and all others coping with so much !

Oh, my boobs are too big to get away with wearing that dress

Oh ,I wonder if that would apply to me Welly ? I'm 18/20 on top and completely clueless about clothes .
What do you think ?

I revert to the Trinny & Susannah advice: V necks. Boring, but safe. The clothing arm of Bravissimo are good (is it Peppertree?) - also, John Lewis now sell a brand called Studio 8 which is an offshoot of Phase 8.

I LIVE in Phase 8 as the cut is generous and suits me, but sometimes I need to go up a size to get a fitted formal dress.

I cannot wear Fatface at all. I can sometimes squash into White Stuff. I am 5'2 and a 16 below and mahoooooooosive on top. East is also good. I wear a lot of jersey as it's stretchy.

I wear a 38FF and there is plenty of room in the H&M dresses. The neckline on the ones I have is quite flattering.
I looked at Studio 8. It's expensive and seems to be designed for taller than my lofty 5'2.
I like White Stuff but usually buy on Ebay as I am a SAHM with a low budget.
I have 2 lovely jersey maxi dresses from Monsoon.(bought in more affluent times) I've had to get them shortened but the right maxi dress can look good on us.

That H&M dress is lovely but doesn't the waist band look it it would show off a large stomach?

Pink, I've just ordered 2 of those dresses to try, they look casual enough to wear daily but with scope to dress up a bit. Thank you!

I'm going to have a look at white stuff, my budget isn't huge but I haven't spent much on myself in recent years so I think I can splash out on a few key pieces.

Thank you to everyone who has given advice, it's sometimes so hard to get your shit together and a different pair of eyes so to speak can help you see. I really do appreciate all the advice and kind words (thank you sunny ).

It doesn't on me anyway OkPedro. It's flatttering - empire line sometimes looks good but veers towards maternity and anything swing cut or boxy makes me look bigger than I am.
I suppose it depends on where you carry the weight but the elastic on these dresses cuts me where I am smaller, above my stomach and the skirt skims it.
I hope anyone who buys it isn't disappointed. I am really selling it as a wonder dress but it just seems to work for me.

Thanks pink my large stomach is more like a pregnancy bump but I'll give the H&M dress a try. I have to find something that isn't leggings