Fat, forties and frumpy

[Curlywurlywurly]

I'm mid 40's, 5'6", an apple shape with large breasts and size 20. Pale skin and auburn hair.

On the back of the dressing expensively, where can I find flattering, stylish, plain (as in minimal patterns), good quality clothes that drape well?

Everywhere I look atm, it's brightly patterned, horrid material that is pretty much see through in quality.

I'm usually in jeans/leggings with a skater style dress over the top and just feel so old and frumpy atm.

Any suggestions welcomed.

Do you sew? If yes, look at the Maker's Atelier. They have some simple summer dress patterns, and then you can choose the fabrics you want to wear.

Is the book good?

I haven't used a sewing machine since school, but tbh the thought had occurred to me (plus I LOVE the Great British Sewing Bee).

Is there a sewing section on MN?

Last summer there was a long S&B sewing thread, with masses of useful advice. But, no, there isn't one dedicated to sewing AFAIK, unless it's in the craft section.

I haven't got the Maker's Atelier book but subscribe to the website newsletters and often admire the patterns. The Merchant and Mills book is good for hints and reminders. The chapter on pressing was only just short of life-changing.

Sometimes there's sewing chat under arts and crafts, but I tend to hang out in sewing groups on Facebook. Sewing in the Uk is one, with people of all abilities. The curvy sewing collective community is a global group focusing on plus size sewing. That's a good start, and you can see different patterns on different shapes and sizes, again with helpful pointers for beginners.

Definitely learn to sew! Plenty of great indie patternmakers out there - cashmerette, Colette. This is a great site for both patterns and fabrics, she often has amazing ex designer stuff for really good prices (no affiliation! )

www.fabricgodmother.co.uk/patterns/

I would always recommend learning to sew - you can make anything you want!

When I was size 22, I bought most of my clothes from Boden (selectively!) Poetry and Wrap London. The latter two are not cheap (though have good sales), but their clorhes are muted, drapey and almost 100% linen, cotton, hemp or bamboo. And as I’ve lost weight I have discovered they also command a good second hand price on eBay. Kin at JL might also meet your brief.

I love Toast for their lovely fabrics and it’s all quite drapey. I just bought this summer dress and find it really flattering

www.toa.st/uk/product/womens+dresses+and+tunics/c1jjb/lydia+jersey+shift+dress.htm?categoryref=%2fcategory.aspx%3fcategoryid%3dwomens%2520dresses%2520and%2520tunics%26seoterm%3dwomens%2520dresses%2520and%2520tunics%26&pcat=womens+dresses+and+tunics&adimage=&clr=C1JJB_WashedIndigoBlue_sw