Help needed but not from gok wan

[Whatshouldmynamebe321]

I finally understand what gok wan was trying to help women with on his show.

Have reached 40....and feel everything makes me look frumpy....have found myself shopping in next and Dorothy Perkins and never satisfied with what I look like.

I'm size 14...with boobs and a tummy I'm forever trying to hide.

Can any wise mumsnetters recommend shops that work or in particular day dresses that work with tights and boots for work?

I rarely wear heels and recognise this could be the missing link with many of my outfits.

I never wear heels, look on enbrogue.com for flat shoe fashion.

It's sad but true that it's easier to avoid the frump with a healthy BMI so a healthy diet and exercise will always help but obviously aren't immediate. A good haircut is though (if you don't get your hair cut regularly at the moment ask your friends with stylish haircuts who cuts their hair) so do that first. Good quality accessories will sharpen up your look as well and aren't dependant on size.

How tall are you and what shape are you? There's lots of blogs you can get ideas from. Bum40 is funny and shows lots of examples of certain styles, although she's not so good on clothes for boobs. Midlifechic is an hourglass and a very well written blog. thatsnotmyage is also well written and she has a style guide book that's worth a read, less day to day inspiration though. Younger but also worth a read is onthespike, she is very much 'capsule wardrobe'.

Thanks countfosco some good reading for me there.

I'm 5ft 8 and mostly in proportion. The boobs have expanded since children and I don't think they suit my figure! Haha