Short, fat and middle aged - need help!

[auditqueen]

I'm 43 and 5'2"and a size 22. I'm trying to lose weight, but buggered by a chronic illness which limits my ability to exercise.

However, i still need to look smart for work (professional role in healthcare which involves visiting sites) and also want to look good outside of work as well, in a new relationship with someone who can see beyond the fat which is nice.

I need help to overhaul my wardrobe. I currently look ok in skater type dresses, as most of my weight is on my stomach, bum and thighs. I don't often wear trousers and when I do they are plain black wide leg or bootcut because everything else is horrendous. Oddly enough I seem to suit Boden and Monsoon....just need more ideas and help. Thank you.

Lose weight. Exercise helps but losing weight is mainly to do with what you eat so don,t let not being able to exercise much prevent you from shedding the pounds. I have lost weight slowly over the last few years, not that much, just 2 stones but it has made such a difference to everything - energy, confidence, health, positivity, style etc. Before I lost the weight I got into debt buying stuff to make me feel better - clothes, accessories, make up, expensive lotions and potions. I didn’t feel better, only the weight loss rejuvenated me. I am also short and middle aged but no longer fat. I don’t mean to sound harsh but Inam 52,older than you and wish I had done this when Inwas your age. Good luck.

Err, thanks. I'm trying to lose weight and am well aware of the eat less, ,I've more mantra. With all due respect if and when I want advice re dieting and exercise I'll post in the appropriate section. This post is in style and beauty for the simple reason of wanting to know what I can wear now - not in some hypothetical future when/if I've lost weight. Now. That size I am. That's all

do you wear a jacket? I got one in a charity shop just to try and I think it helps me look smart, and pulls me in in the right places!

How about smart tunics/big shirts and jeggings/straight legged trousers? That's a look I went for when I was a similar size, and depending on the smartness of the tops you can get away with it for work as well. You can then move onto cropped trousers on the bottom in the summer. I personally think that look works best if the trousers are relatively narrow and the tops are relatively loose.

@auditqueen - I am very sorry. Reading my post it does look a bit crass. Sorry for any offence. I am a bit evangelical about the benefits of losing the extra weight I have been carrying around that I totally overlooked that it was really wardrobe advice you were looking for. I hope you get some good clothing advice, I need to overhaul my office look and that is something I struggle with and tend to stick to black bootcut trousers and thin cardis with vest tops underneath. Again, really sorry.

i too am short and overweight. Not sure how stylish I am considered but like to wear longish drapey cardigans over outfits which seems to work at disguising my size. I get as nice a ones as i can afford to ensure they fall well, think All saints (which i can sometimes just get into), mint velvet etc. I'm a 16/18 so just outside jigsaw and whistles sizing.

I cannot wear skater dresses as I pretty busty and they just don't suit me. I tend to wear trousers (with elasticated waists) or very stretchy jeans, a fitted top then the drapey cardigan.

I’m a wee bit shorter and thinner so probably of similar shape overall. For work, I wear wide legged trousers, a fitted top and a smart jacket or cardi. Sometimes dresses with thick tights or leggings. Lots of scarves and long necklaces to give a bit more of a vertical line.

I love Masai clothes. You have to try them on though, as the clever cut can’t be seen until they’re worn.

Time for tea - none taken. I'm a bit sensitive about the whole dieting thing!

I really don't suit cropped trousers and my legs are far too fat for anything other than bootcut and wide leg - so think I might stick to those.

Would welcome some more suggestions about brands.

Masai - never heard of them but will look them up. Thanks

I've said it before, I'll say it again Mango Violeta (particularly sale stuff from the Outlet) 😉
Mostly online though

I've had some beautiful things from Elvi, also a fan of simply be and Next do plus size. I'm in a similar job to you, and more or less same sizes (bit shorter
😥) I wear black wide leg trousers, bon marche, no iron and drape beautifully, with a variety of smart tops. Also like asos curve, lagenlook.

I like Seasalt. Not a huge fan of the necklines that they seem to prefer but their clothes are smart and can definitely be dressed up or down. V good for larger figure (I'm a 16-18) and their website shows models in your size wearing the clothes. v good value in the sales ...and they have one on now... Free returns too if it doesn't fit and you don't have a shop near you.

Never thought of sea salt before, thanks.