Please help me stop being so frumpy!

[TeaByTheSeaside]

I'm 50 next year. I don't have a clue what suits me and I go around looking a total frump.

I'm size 16-18 and 1 1/2 stone overweight (currently doing slimming World so that will hopefully change) .

I'm an apple shape so big up top with a big tummy.

Can you offer me any advice at all?

I'll post some pictures of how I go around looking.

Having read this myself i am also going to buy some balconette bras today to see if they make a difference from my normal tshirt bras!

Definitely get a better bra OP. Have you tried strait leg or slim cut jeans/trousers? Tops wise try scoop, square or v neck lines and 3/4 or full length sleeves. I wouldn't go any shorter than elbow length in sleeves to balance your figure. Also, be extremely picky about patterns, they are almost always frumpy looking IMO.
I think you would suit these silhouettes

Can I ask why are balconette style bras better for a good shape? I have tried them on before but always feel like I’m bulging over the top of them and that things aren’t being held in place!

If you get the wrong size you do spill out. Difficult to describe but some are balconette style but with a fuller cup. I'll see if I can find any of the ones I wear and post the links.
I still wear a tshirt bra sometimes but I think they make me look matronly

I know what you mean about matronly Lizzy. I find t-shirt bras the most comfortable but they always seem so thick that it adds bulk to my top half and makes me look bigger than I am.

You look great in the last pic. I’m being strict with myself on colours - navy, grey, black, white, tan, a splash of metallic, no prints. It’s a classy colour palette. Swap cardigans for a jacket, a softer structured one if that’s more comfy but the best thing you can do is lose the printed tops. My stomach is like a balloon so I wear light control knickers and have really long scarves that cover it up. The scarves can really oomph up and outfit. I’ve struggled this summer because it’s been too hot for scarves! My last tip would be to always wear a bright lipstick, even if you don’t wear much make up. It instantly lifts your look. Good luck and enjoy!

Balcony bras are not the answer for everyone.

I have small shoulders and with balcony bras the straps are set wide, so they slip off my shoulders. I prefer a plunge style which gives me more cleavage. I have a small bust relatively, don't need uplift.

It's about what works for your breasts best. I do agree with bra intervention. I've changed from a 34 A/B all my life to a 30D or 30DD. I measure 28 under the bust. 28s are too tight but most 30 s are fine.

I'm 34F. When I was younger I loved having big boobs. Now I despise them. I look frumpy/matronly in certain clothes and tops with a lower neckline make me look a bit tarty. I know an F cup isn't enormous but they're too big for my liking. Tops with buttons gape open so I have to buy a bigger size which then makes me look shapeless

You look lovely OP, I think you have a great shape!
Some tips here.

Totally agree with Electrack. No matter what you're wearing, if you've got your lippy on you can take on the world!