No clue what to wear - ditching the baggy stuff?

[KittyB52]

I am a 45 year old short pear shape (12/14 top, 14/16 bottom) who has spent the last few years wearing increasingly baggier clothes and I am ready for a change.

In Winter I have been wearing skinny jeans with boots and some sort of jumper/tunic, but when I look at photos of myself, I just look like a blob - no definition. I’ve been happily wearing those ‘pyjama style’ trousers through the summer - not flattering, but cool and comfortable.

My go to used to be White stuff tunics with leggings, but they always require a vest top underneath as they’re too low cut, and they hang off my (H cup) boobs and make me look bigger.

So, TL:DR - how to find stuff to wear that won’t swamp me but is still comfortable? I don’t have a huge budget but need a few bits to get me through the next few months. I work from home, so just need day to day stuff, nothing smart or for going out yet.

Thanks I’m advance.

That should read in advance. I am clearly not advance.

Anyone? I could do with a few bits before I have a weekend away in a couple of weeks.

Do you have a John Lewis or similar near you? I'd book into have a complimentary personal stylist session. They will suggest styles & colours to suit your body shape and there's no obligation to buy. You can take ideas away with you and buy from other shops or online later on.

www.johnlewis.com/our-services/personal-styling

I could get to a John Lewis at some point. I have used their personal stylist service before when I was working (and had a budget for clothes) and it was OK. I suppose it all depends on the stylist.

Maybe search for pictures of outfits online that match your body type and style and then go into your favourite stores and try to retreat the outfits. Will take some time but once you know what looks good and you feel comfortable in you can look online for cheaper alternative and also use discount codes?

I'd look into capsule wardrobes as it's more cost effective and you'll have all your favourite pieces that you can combine into lots of outfits for all occasions

Sounds like you’re more an hourglass shape to me with those H cups! Google dressing for hourglass shape and see if you like the ideas that come up.
I’m an hourglass but find a lot of it a bit too ‘sex kitten’ so I don’t really embrace it. And I refuse to wear heels which seems to be an hourglass ‘staple’. I’m usually jeans and jersey top tbh. Boring but comfortable

I think you need to move away from Whitestuff maybe, I find their stuff very unflattering on my pear/hourglass.

Same with fatface and Boden etc.

I try to go for better cut clothes, in better quality fabric, this means spending more though I buy stuff on e bay and in sale mainly! (Vintage/old Toast and White Company and Joules, or Jigsaw, Baukjen and Anthropologie.... all £££ if bought new but mostly a much better cut and quality.

Sadly, the more expensive stuff hangs better, washes better and lasts better, IMO!

Someone I follow on Instagram recommended these jumpers from M&S as a good fit / good price and she is quite curvy. Would look equally as good with jeans, smart trousers or a pleated skirt. Plus there are lots of different colours.

www.marksandspencer.com/round-neck-long-sleeve-jumper/p/p60181326?image=SD_01_T38_1502_QA_X_EC_90&color=PALEPINK&prevPage=plp&pdpredirect

I am similar shape to you and have a lovely black cotton v neck t-shirt from H&M which I absolutely wear to death (goes with jeans and a stripy skirt of mine) and also an Oasis dipped hem grey t-shirt which also goes with everything and feels lovely to wear.

www.oasis-stores.com/gb/clothing/tops/soft-voop-tee/066958.html?dwvar_066958_color=20&position=73&cgid=tops#page=5&productsMoved=5&hideFeatured=false&start=73&categoryID=tops

m2.hm.com/m/en_gb/productpage.0639558004.html?gclid=CjwKCAjw5ZPcBRBkEiwA-avvk-684suP8ieIUt7s6YCe54W0n8i9a8b4wRgbMGqsGlLKbJdF4vJ02BoCLFEQAvD_BwE&s_kwcid=AL!850!3!260642278254!!!g!367116990840!&ef_id=W3niEAAACBGHWhN_:20180828071814:s

Oasis also has some lovely scoop neck / v neck basics and quality is spot on.

Hope that helps x

Thank you for all the replies!

RedPill I don’t really have a favourite store (used to like H&M LOGG when they did more boho / hippy stuff) - I have pretty much retreated into ‘Is my body suitably covered? Then I am done’ territory. I might need to do some online shopping (can be done while DD naps).

Touchacat I may be, but I have massive saddlebag thighs - they are most definitely the widest part of my body. DEFINITELY not a sex kitten - comfort all the way!

Peanutbuttercups21 Yes, I bought some White Stuff...stuff on EBay, thinking they’d be an easy wear that would cover me up. But they look a bit drab and shapeless now. I love Anthropolgie - so pricey though!

sunshineseaside That jumper looks ok, although maybe too high necked for me. Will give it a go.

I used to get a lot of Oasis stuff for work, but then it went through a bright colours, synthetic fabric phase. Plus not working in an office meant I didn’t bother looking there. Will have a peep.

Thanks again.

Try Uniqlo, Cos, Warehouse and M&S. Look for cottons and natural fabrics and garments that are lightly tailored, fitted to give structure and shape. Wide, baggy clothes will make you look bigger so you need soft structures items to give you shape.

Pinterest is your friend

Fitted "smart" T-shirt with whatever neckline you know looks good on you, long or short sleeves, I get mine from Lands End, usually cotton and modal mix -

tucked into a knee-length A-line skirt, which skims over hips and thighs and makes a good waist.

You need to emphasise your waist. I would try a line skirts and a more fitted top with boots or brogues for the autumn. Have a look on eBay, I’ve bought some really nice new a-line cord skirts on there recently. Hobbs and Jigsaw do a-line styles so maybe try searching for those brands.