I need help please. One hour to shop for a body that doesn't feel like mine

[Raggs]

I have a lovely 3 month old baby but it's been a long road, various health issues and practically been housebound during pregnancy and post but starting to venture out and finally feeling myself again

Apart from one thing. I've gone from a fairly consistent size 12 to around a 16-18. I don't have anything to wear apart from my (very stretchy) maternity clothes, pyjamas or DH's t-shirts

I used to take pride in my appearance and live clothes but looking online my confidence is shot and I've got no sense of what would fit me from the shops I normally go to...

I've decided I need to brave the shops, preferably one shop and buy a couple of versatile outfits to see me through. I'm breastfeeding which is why there is a time limit - that also has a little bit of sway on what I can wear.

Sorry what a lot of ramble to get to my question but I have some options shop wise I could go to and feeling a bit overwhelmed on where to try. I really don't want to spend too much since I'm hoping to lose weight soonish.

I could go to a retail park with a
Next
Matalan

Or go somewhere with
Zara (not sure they cater for 18 if I need it?)
New look
M&S

Or it would be a bit of hassle but I could get myself to a Pri-Mark

Any suggestions on outfits/styles would be so appreciated. I feel so lost.

For breastfeeding I used H&M basic vests (the ones with like bra strap adjustment, not proper feeding ones). They’re long, sizes are generous, cheap and stretchy.
Wore one every day under just normal tops.
top pullsup over boob, stretch vest down, open nursing bra and you’re away. Nice amount of muffin top coverage!!
3 months is hard - I was heavier then than full term pregnant

I would suggest swing tops or skater dresses with leggings, the tops hide any stomach you may have

I've had four dc and agree with pp said three months was a particularly bad time for how I felt about myself. It will get better I promise!
Your probably out now but I would go for-
Skinny jeans elasticised but make sure they're high waisted so everything feels contained
Slouchy jumpers
Loose fitting vests with either a denim/checked shirt over
Longline tshirts you can layer with shirts/cardis
Some slim fit joggers maybe
Some kind of funky trainer and some flat black ankle boots

Get yourself some decent underwear too. It makes such a difference with how your clothes hang.

It does get better, and your body is amazing!

Second the pp who mentions Matalan long line vests. I basically wear them every day under jumpers and tops, and it just feels reassuring to know I'm never going to "come adrift" (my mum's expression!) in the middle. Although I know it doesn't physically pull my tummy in, it somehow feels like it does

How did you do ?

Success! Feeling really chuffed. Almost didn't go because I couldn't cobble anything together to wear which made me determined to go!

Went to Matalan and got

3 pairs of jeans or officially jeggings - denim, navy and black pair
3 three quarters Sleeve long top in different colours, two stripy one plain (pink green blue)
2 long line vests white pink
1 normal length vest black
2 long line camis grey burgundy
Burgundy Frill jumper

What I didn't get that I hoped I would

Smarter cardigan
'Nice' top, bit fancier for over christmas
Dress for same reasons as above
Underwear (need to be fitted for new bras and forgot to look at that section anyway)

So I might venture somewhere else now I know it can be done!! Wish I could have looked in Next but I tried lots on and time ran out

Feels very indulgent buying myself things at this time of year but I've been wearing the same stuff since my first pregnancy and they weren't new then either

Thanks for all the suggestions and support

Well done you, that sounds like a great success. I was a similar size at that time. I had a smartish waterfall cardigan (m&s) which I loved as it covered everything. Katyxx

I hope that makes you feel better Raggs.
I went full lagenlook at that stage!

Great work! Now you've got the big and are good at it there'll be no stopping you!

I'd try and book some specific time to do the bra fitting one. Don't go to m&s for that! Have you a bravissimo? Bra fitting is a whole other thread.

Thanks paperweightmover I'll definitely be returning to bravissimo to get fitted. I got some lovely maternity ones from there years ago and wore them inbetween pregnancies but two are far too tight to wear and the other two that fit me (kind of) are so worn all lace overlay has started to come away!

That might be a New Year venture although I know it does make all the difference when you have a comfortable bra on so might try and go sooner now I'm all motivated. Just need to work out who will be receiving less Christmas presents as a result

I really am all buzzing and so glad I started this thread as I might have talked myself out of going today

Just to add I've decided to get my hair done before Christmas and go somewhere to tackle my eyebrows! Even flirted with the idea of painting my nails

I know that's unrelated but if I hadn't went today I don't think I'd have had any of these notions and I know doing them will make me feel good

Just seen you have already bought stuff, sounds good. And further pampering definitely a great idea!

I was going to say my uniform at this stage was leggings, low slung denim/khaki skirt (on hips to avoid overhang), longline vest with loose t-shirt over the top. All from H&M or Primark. Long cardi over if cold. Vest and tshirt combo good for bf and flattering to tummy.

Glad you got sorted 😊

Yay! Well done

Raggs - glad to hear this! You even inspired me and I went and bought some new clothes today too!

It's hard work with two babies and it's easy to forget ourselves! I should get my eyebrows done too so will look into that!

Glad you had a good day :)

OP, I've been exactly where you are, twice.

Sounds like you're well on track. I'd say look up Anita underwired nursing bras. Only found out about these second time round. I immediately had a waist again. Total game changer.

Good luck (and slimming world is amazing while breastfeeding)

Yay glad you get fixed up. What you bought sounds lovely. It sounds like you are snowballing towards being a glamour puss for xmas

Yay, glad you got some nice stuff.

For other bits, have a look at everything £5 - it’s all high st cut label and end of line clothes, so lots of ASOS, Next, H&M etc and they have a plus size section. You have to pay the postage back for returns but get credited most of it back when you’re refunded.

www.everything5pounds.com/en/Womens/Plus-size/c/clothing-plus-size

I love an Anita bra they are so comfortable.

And yes to a bit of threading and a mani/pedi and a haircut.

Higher waisted jeans to suck and tuck all
In I find helpful