From size 20 to size 14 - um, now what do I wear??

[MagicKeysToAsda]

Looking for some ideas / help to get my head out of old thinking please. As the title says, I've lost a good few stones and sizes over the past year or so, and my wardrobe needs refreshing! I'm aiming to keep losing a bit more weight, but my existing clothes really need to start changing now.

Limitations: budget conscious
Needs: very very casual work environment so don't need formal. Parent to primary age child.
Age: early forties

I'm generally happiest in jeans but need top ideas to replace what were basically smocks/giant tunics.
I also need a coat. And some new ideas I guess based on how boring that sounds...

While I'm here, I noticed yesterday that my old foundation was kind of sitting in my horizontal forehead lines (nice!). I don't mind having a few lines, but would love advice on a better foundation (very pale, blonde colouring, blue undertones).

Hit me, oh wise ones! (Pleeeeeease!!!)

Ruddy well done is all I have to say. Have you been for a massive try on session? All the shops that were off limits are now in scope so I say you need a day of poking around to find out which places you like and to try on all the stuff you have never been able to as you know it wouldn't sit right. Your whole shape has changed, your shopping head needs to as well.

I can't advise much on the clothes front though I think body skimming tops or dresses is the way to go. Slimmer than the baggy tops you might have worn in the past but not tight or stretchy that would cling to flabby bits. I say that as a slim woman with flabby bits.

As for foundation, as I've got older I have given up foundation entirely as it does sit in lines and wrinkles and makes them much more obvious. If anyone knows of a tinted moisturiser that doesn't do that please let us know. Instead, I just dab a bit of mineral powder on a small brush over any broken veins to camouflage them.

Congratulations Op, I'm very jealous. Have fun buying & wearing new clothes.

Congrats. You’re problem now is you can buy stuff in any shop - so much choice!!! You need to get an idea of what you like first, can you have a big wander round town and try to pick out a couple of shops you like? Or just spend ages on instagram. You will have to work out what you genuinely like rather than being limited by what fits. Do not wear what other people tell you to (on here or else where) this is about your taste.

Well done OP!
The shopping world is your oyster!

I tend to live in jeans with well-fitted cotton (not Lycra or skinny-fit) t-shirts, converse, and a biker jacket.
It’s super-casual but surprising how flattering a well-fitted cotton t shirt can be!

Congratulations OP! Have you thought about booking a personal shopper at Debenhams or similar? You could explain you're on a tight budget and won't buy much at the moment (but maybe you could get vouchers for Christmas presents if you like lots of the clothes?). But it would give you ideas of the styles that suit you now and you could always look for similar in cheaper shops if need be.

Good shout about needing to physically hit the shops, I find I just can't imagine what will work looking online. I haven't tried mineral powder, will check that out. Glad to find I'm not the only one with the lines issue!

if you're still trying to head down the way i'd stay cheap and try various bits and pieces from places like m&mdirect, primark and asos till you find where your comfort is. i agree that a cotton t-shirt is a great place to start. i've gone from an 18-20 to a 14 over the last year or so (although struggling to accept i really am a 14) and t-shirts seem much more of an option now.

are you wearing a primer under your foundation? i normally use beauty flash balm but got an M&S one (i think as part of last years advent calendar??) that i really like too.

Similar size / weight drop here. I'm currently a 14 but think I'll probably be a 10ish when I get to my ideal BMI. I've been buying from e-bay. It gives me scope to experiment with shape / style/ fabric, but not break the bank. And if the clothes no longer fit in a few months time I won't have spent a fortune.
I second getting out to the shops and trying things on too.

I use boots no 7 cc cream. You can layer it up or just put a bit on.

If you can get a Next account they tend to give a lot of credit, I ordered a tonne of clothes to try on at home and just sent back what I didnt want. Its a lot more relaxing trying stuff on at home although Next clothes aren't always the best it'll give you an idea of what style you like.

I'd try and find out what bodyshape you have now and then use Pinterest to get some ideas for new outfits.

Firstly huge congratulations!

Get a cloth tape measure and work out your shape then you can work what shape clothes suit.

Then have a good look round and work out your style.

Re lines Barry m original primer is brilliant- you can really see the difference even without your glasses!

The mystical world of primers awaits me, clearly! Definitely up for that. For some reason I never think of eBay. Any excuse for more Pinterest time definitely a plan! I know my measurements - as you can imagine, have been tracking those for encouragement as I've gone along. The day I passed 10 inches off my waist was a good day!

Congratulations Alpha sounds like we're in a similar place.

placemarking as I hope to be in the same place as you by early next year. Was a size 20, now on the 18/20 cusp, still a long way to go

Echo what pp said about primer. Try benefit porefessional underneath bare minerals CC

Congratulations.
I would say start with a tape measure and buy decent underwear, make most of your achievements. Work out your shape. Then look at capsule wardrobes on Pinterest. We would love to hear about how you get on.

Congratulations! It feels great doesn’t it . I too have dropped from 18 on top to 14 and 16 on bottom to 10/12 . During my transition I bought NYDJ. jeans on eBay for a fraction of the cost . I’m also handy with a sewing machine and altered some of my favourite tops and even. 2 new dresses that I bought earlier in the season ready for my holiday.

I have loved many shopping trips trying out things I would never have looked at previously. I did it by item - each trip dedicated to that only so as not to get diverted . One sessions I tried on 17 pairs of jeans !

I also took notice of other people more - taking inspiration from them if they wore something that took my eye .

I have also asked for advice on here which I’m very grateful for and have been introduced to brands and shops I would never have found myself.

Have fun and let us know how you get on .

Just to add about foundation. I love Bourjois Health y Mix as it is light and doesn’t settle into the lines .

Take a look at Lisa Eldridge’s website or YouTube - her tutorials and recommendations are great .

Since I've lost weight, I love going in shops I can't afford and trying on loads of stuff I don't intend to buy

I especially like trying on evening gowns I have no call for owing. But another thing I like is the "I wonder what jeans size I can fit in now?" Or "Will I fit a size 8 yet"? So I try on stuff just to see.

I therefore would say, get on the high street and start off with trying tons of stuff on.

Then go to primark / eBay/ mandm and see if you can hind similar but cheaper stuff.

The La Roche Posay Antihelios sensitive eyes BB cream SPF 50 does a decent job of not settling into my forehead lines. It does settle into my neck lines a bit - I deal with this by applying it an hour before leaving the house and then just blending it in again. It doesn't settle back in a second time. It's a bit dark though (for me) as I don't normally wear any make up at all. You might find it ok.

If you say what body shape you are you might get a few more suggestions. A beautiful coat that fits you exactly now but you could wear a warmer later underneath if you lose more weight is mine!

Layer, not later, underneath! And well done on the weight loss.

Well done! I don’t know if you do this already but I would have monthly mani/pedis as this helps to feel groomed. I would suggest jersey dresses, and would wait for the sales and invest in an expensive coat.

Shape has gone from er, blob, to probably rectangle I guess? Quite broad shoulders but small bust, relatively short torso, hips roughly balanced with shoulders (I.e. I am not a pear) but good legs. 5'8" Belted things tend to not look great as it makes my top half look a bit squashed vertically, if that makes any sense? You're right that fitted/tailored could be a better way to go, esp for a coat...

Funny you said about taking care of nails - I gave my hands and feet some attention yesterday for the first time in a very long while. Just a shape and some clear polish, but it felt good. Thinking of asking for a haircut for my birthday, as that's been over a year due to a combo of lack of time and lack of cash

Congratulations!

I would suggest booking a personal shopping app't as they will help you dress for your new body shape. Sometimes it's also useful as they will suggest things you would never think of! Once you get an idea of what suits you then go it alone. Try to go for a capsule wardrobe as it's a new season plus if you want to lose more weight your shape may change again so you don't want too many A/W clothes.

I would suggest a free cosmetics session too if you're looking to change makeup. Look at what you have in your area in terms of makeup brands

My DSis is a rectangle shape and she always looks great. She wears clothes that show off her slim legs and skim over her stomach. Fairly short tops and jackets, sometimes a bit nipped in at the waist. Narrow trousers or skinnies. Fitted at the shoulders. I'm widest at my hips and I have to be careful about lengths or I look huge but she can wear any length really and look great.