In need of a wardrobe overhaul

[smileychops]

So....having gone from a size 8 pre pregnancy, I'm now a 16/18. I have about 1-1.5 hours childfree time a day during which time I'm cooking/cleaning/passed out in front of tv. I clearly need to get myself on a diet and do some exercise. In the meantime, I have no idea what style of clothes now suit me. I went for a John Lewis personal shopper a couple of months ago, but a lot of styles only go up to a sixteen and felt tight on boobs. My boobs are a 38dd, I'm short, belly overhang (c sections), big bum...and my feet went really wide during pregnancy and show no signs of reverting yet. Help me get another style beyond leggings, uggs and maternity tops! Please!!

OK. First of all, how old is your LO? Because you probably need to cut yourself some slack and let your body recover from birth. I didn't really back to totally being 'me' until my youngest was 4, I had 3DC in quick succession and hardly had time to recover from one before I was pregnant with the next. I started exercise again when the youngest was 2 then started deliberately losing weight and rejuvenating my wardrobe about a year after that. It takes time (and money you don't have when you have tiny children that need a lot of childcare - what's your budget?).

After scaring you with my years in the fashion wilderness I'd say take it slow. Get a good haircut which will instantly rejuvenate you. Maybe get your eyebrows shaped or a manicure and pedicure if you like having that done (I don't, spend all my money on haircuts and shoes).

Choose clothes that are cheap (because you will lose the weight) and comfortable, maybe some throw on dresses (H&M, NEXT, ASOS) are casual enough for your lifestyle but feel different from constant jeans. A few nicely cut t-shirts and some jeans or joggers or harems for a bit of variety with some nice baggy cardigans or shacket. Look at Hush for ideas (they massively oversize so they'll fit you) but if it's too expensive buy from ASOS (Lots of petite and curvy clothes and great returns), H&M and Primark. Get some trendy trainers and a nice bag to smarten up what you've already got.

Thanks. I've got a two and a three year old. I literally don't have any clothes I feel good in though and have no idea what style will flatter me.

If you’re planning on a diet and exercise plan, I wouldn’t spend too much or buy too much.
How about leggings or jeggings with a longline shirt or cardigan and converse for a day time look?

I hear you - I really think you should order a range of things to try on at home (Count gave some really good suggestion). After I had a baby and was trying to hit my stride again I used to look at hush online and then picked cheaper versions of the clothes from ASOS. They have fantastic stylists and you can steal their ideas to recreate the looks cheaper.

I'd also get some comfy but slightly smart sneakers. I hate to admit it but the Clarks Hidi Holly nubeck shoes in the khaki haven't been off my feet since I got them. And a bit better for the playground than my pristine white trainers...

Good luck - it'll come back to you!

I don’t have children, and am a totally different size/shape, so feel free to totally ignore me, but I really second the ASOS suggestion. I would make a rough plan of what you fancy - dresses, tops, whatever - then set aside a couple of hours to browse. The website has brilliant filters, by size, colour, style etc within, say, dresses, and you can wishlist things. Then order a load of stuff, try it on on your own, and send back what you don’t like. I have the next day delivery pass thing, but even without that they are super-quick with delivery and returns. One of my faves on Instagram is Bethany Rutter who’s a wee bit bigger than you, and super-stylish. She has a blog under the same name, and recently wrote a fabulous book, Plus, which has some gorgeous, inspiring women in it.

I have tried loads of personal shopping sessions but Topshop bizarrely was the best. You tell them your style icon etc and they do provide a lot of good ideas. And free.

Thanks everyone- there's some really helpful suggestions.