Can you help me look less awful?

[userabcname]

Some background: as an overweight child and young teen, I finally sorted out my eating issues at about 16 and slimmed down to a size 8. I stayed pretty much a 8-10 until falling pregnant last year. I usually wore dresses and tights, or skirts and tops. Never been a huge fan of trousers as I have a short torso and high hips. 6 months post partem, I am overweight. I guess I'm a size 14 although nothing seems to fit right anymore! I have big boobs (not used to this, wearing a bra used to be optional for me) so a 14 shirt dress I bought recently strains over my chest. Meanwhile, a 14 wrap dress I bought fits nicely over the bust but the waistline seems too big. I'm living in jeggings/leggings and baggy tops I can breastfeed in. I feel like such a frump. All my friends seem to have lost their baby weight and look really put together. I went to a baby club Christmas party the other day and the photos of me are dreadful! I absolutely will lose weight but I've been trying for ages and it's a slow process (3 kgs in 4 months and now it's Christmas) and I'm too sleep-deprived to consider starving myself! So, please help me look better now - what clothes flatter a size 14(ish), big boobed, bit of a mum tum shape? I do have slim arms and legs if that helps.

I bet you don't look half the state you think you do but it does sound like you need a break.
Book a hair appointment and go through your make-up bag ruthlessly. Treat yourself to something luxurious like a lovely foundation. Weight will follow when the time is right. If your hair and skin are looking good, it's easier to get motivated to do the rest.

YY to hair and makeup making a huge difference to how you look and how you feel.

The right shoes make me feel put together even if they are just a pair of cool trainers worn with old jeans and a hoodie.

When my first child was about 6 months old I got someone to look after him for a day, I went to a big department store and tried on pretty much everything. I knew my body and lifestyle had changed so I needed to try things on with no preconceptions.

This is what I did after having my children to get myself looking human again:

• increase water intake

• swap sugary treats for more fruit & veg

• search YouTube for Rebecca Louise 10 minute fitness videos. Fantastic, easy exercises you can slot in. I've noticed my clothes hang better now my wobbly bits are slowly firming up. You can see a difference after 10 minutes.

• get your hair done

• book a free styling session with John Lewis or similar department store. The stylist will suggest clothes/styles & colours which suit you. No obligation to buy but you'll get a load of ideas to take away with you.

• get fitted for new bras, you will need proper support now that you're bustier than you where before.

• v necklines look better with a fuller bust than a round neckline. That's why the wrap dresses look better on you.

It should say 'you can see a difference after 10 days not 10 minutes!'

Thank you all - some great advice!

ASOS do a big bust range, I’ve not tried it yet but it might be good for getting tops that fit your body and your boobs. It’s so hard being PP because everything shifts in ways your not used too I’m 7 months PP and sometimes I look in the mirror and feel pretty good other times I feel like a hefalump

Thanks for the recommendation.
Yes it is so hard - I naively thought I could wear the same types of clothes and styles in a couple of sizes bigger, but I've completely changed shape! As someone has said, I think a good fitting bra is going to be a key factor in improving my appearance.

No real advice but I totally understand. Pre baby I was a proper pear shape and knew how to flatter that. Now I'm more barrel shaped! Think knitted dresses and tights would look quite nice but impractical at the moment as I'm breastfeeding so I'm living in jeans with a baggy behind and tatty jumpers! Will be pinching the tips you get :-)