Help me find my style

[NameChangeToAvoidBeingFound]

Hi I'm really looking for some massive help here. I'm 23, short (4ft10 short), overweight (though taking steps to change that) and I have no idea how to dress and style myself.

At the moment I live in black skinny jeans, geeky/nerdy poorly fitting (large, boxy, unisex) tees, occasionally leggings and a nice top with a cardigan over the top. I have one dark purple and black jumper dress.

I also own one pair of heeled shoes, three pairs of boots (fly london look like builders boots), converse, mock converse type shoes, the ugliest pair of trainers going, and a pair of wellies that need replacing.

It has come to my attention that I would quite like to create an: interview outfit, semi formal outfit, date appropriate outfits, formal outfits but I have no idea where to start with the basic looks or how to accessories them.

My sisters go on about how I've got a great hourglass shape whatever that is but I have no idea how to dress to show that off. Or even what colours look good on me. I would ask my sisters but they'd pry and not understand my reasoning as it is quite literally I need to be able to dress like a grown up and look presentable and fit for the occasion.

I've given up on hair and make up at this point because at the moment it's like putting lipstick on a pig. I figure I start with clothes and then go from their. Problem is I don't want to spend too much money as I'm hoping this time next year to have lost a significant amount of weight. (I weigh somewhere between 14 and 15 stone and the highest healthy weight for my height is 8 and 1/2 stone according to the NHS website so I need to lose a lot).

So where can I go/look to learn how I should style myself to present the best version of myself to the world rather than slightly unkempt student.

If you like skinny jeans, maybe start with small changes and get slim fit work pants? Cropped cigarette pants are my favourite. Depending on what tops you buy, you can be semi formal or formal plus add a blazer for interviews?

What dress size are you?

I'd recommend getting some Staples that you can accessorize, and at least that way you don't spend too much money and the accessories don't go to waste when you have lost weight.

Dark blue or dark grey thick slim cut jeans
White shirt
Couple of thick heavy scarves or shawls
Black or grey wrap dress. Plum if feeling adventurous.
Cigarette pants
Merinonwool jumper
Blazer

Size 18-22 depending on how the bust fits. Thats the main problem, nothing fits right in the chest but I don't want to put off buying new clothes because I want to look nice NOW not just when I've lost weight.

If you are in the process of losing weight you are right, don't spend too much because you will hopefully go through several sizes. Agree about getting some slightly smarter versions of what you currently wear and a proper wrap dress is a good idea because it will cope with your changing weight (that's why pregnant woment love them!). Have a look at some plus size blogs for inspiration as well. But don't lose yourself completely, nothing wrong with the Fly Boots! For shoe inspiration look at enbrogue.com, she does a lot of casual shoes but there's also posts about work and wedding shoes.

I'd disagree about leaving your hair for now, get a good cut (ask friends with good hair who they use) and you'll look much smarter.

I'd never abandon the boots completely, but I'd like to be able to dress up from time to time. (I may or may not be visiting a guy I like in December and I'd quite like to at least look like I've made a bit of an effort ) Plus job interviews, functions at uni and church and the like require it from time to time.

My friends are all 18-20 with fairly standard easy to care for doesn't really look impressive hair. Like mine, I've always had the same hairstyle. 2-3 inches past shoulder length, blonde/light to dark brown (never died just mixed tones naturally) with a fringe. Tbh the fringe is needed, my face looks weird without one.

I've been losing weight and one thing to motivate me has been creating a new wardrobe.
I know which colours suited me and what my body shape is so I looked up articles on clothes to suit my shape. I then looked up capsule wardrobe ideas and went from there.
Pinterest is brilliant for inspiration!

I'll have to look up capsule wardrobe ideas. I have no idea what my shape is. I'm just going by what my sisters think. @GrimDamnFanjo any idea how I figure that out? I'd like to wear a dress confidently and not feel self conscious about it.

I'd book a free stylist session at John Lewis or a department store. There's no obligation to buy but it'll give you lots of ideas for future reference. An external person will give you clarity on your body shape and which styles would suit you.

I would get your hair regularly trimmed, up your water intake and start walking regularly. Join a fitness class and start swimming and overhaul your diet, which you're doing anyway. Also, get your eyebrows threaded as it'll make such a difference to your face and overall look.

Start building little improvements into your regular routine so it's not a huge effort. As everyone has said, you just need smarter versions of your regular clothes. With your larger bust, I'd suggest a v neckline to make you look less matronly.

Look in charity shops in posh areas for inexpensive transition pieces.

@Bangwhistlepop2 yeah my chest is I think 40DD which is daily typical in my family that just is disproportionately large in comparison with the rest of us. I’m hoping it’ll lessen slightly when I’m loosing weight.

If you've got any time to spare, I'd suggest an afternoon just playing around in high street shops, trying on as many clothes as you can bear, and (as others have suggested) going for slightly smarter versions of what you currently wear. Shops I'd suggest are M&S, just because it has such a wide range, John Lewis (ditto) and maybe Cos (as some of their clothes work well for bigger people). And accept that if you are planning to lose weight then some of what you buy won't work in a couple of years time, but you can't live in limbo until then! I've just flogged off a lot of clothes that don't fit on e-bay, so its always possible to do that in future.

River Island do a great plus size range mainly available online, it's very fashionable & suitable for your age.

Other good online shops for younger plus size are Boohoo (has a plus size range), ASOS curve & Simply Be.

Also Dorothy Perkins has plus size range.

You could wear your skinny jeans with heels & a cami top on nights out or find some dresses (when I was plus size I wore skater style or fit n flare dresses for example).

Don't wear clothes that are too baggy, look for clothes that skim your shape.
Make sure you have decent underwear to give your shape some structure too.

I think hair and makeup would be a good place to start. It will give you a boost and make you feel better I think.

@NameChangeToAvoidBeingFound I googled tons online and found some articles which involved measuring your waist and shoulders to work your shape out.
I'm an apple which wasn't a huge surprise and I also have been blessed with norkage so this means another thing to remember.

Fellow busty person here...Is your waist small then in comparison to your boobs? If so don't wear boxy things. Try pepperberry - not cheap but invest in one dress that you feel great in. Have good sales.

Also do your bras fit well? You might be underestimating them. if you think your boobs are disproportionate I wonder whether your bra size is a 40dd you might find you are actually a smaller back and a bigger cup. If you live anywhere near a bravissimo I'd pay a visit in person. Game changer.

Otherwise try dress in stretchy ponte type fabrics then you can get away with something that fits your waist etc and will still sit ok on your boobs.

I also second Dorothy p curve for young looking hourglass outfits

Browse some clothing sites etc and look for young women you identify with and think what you like about their style. Don't stick to your price bracket you are only looking for inspo.

Make a Pinterest board.

Then look for similar outfits/styles from brands you can afford

OP, I’m a few millimetres under 5ft. I’m currently a size 8 (though have been every size between a 6 and a 14). Finding clothes that fit well when you’re short short is a challenge!
I would say I suit well fitting things as opposed to loose, baggy, flappy, shapeless items. I just don’t have the height to carry those things off.
Likewise large patterns. They just look too busy on me.
Maybe start with slim/skinny jeans?
Block heel shoes and ankle boots help give a little extra height without killing your feet.
Skater style jersey dresses that end at the knee (worn with opaques) also seem to create an illusion of height.

Sorry didn't see height in OP.
I'd def get a skater dress
Eg
m.dorothyperkins.com/en/dpuk/product/petite-tie-waist-fit-and-flare-dress-8010949

@GrimDamnFanjo My sister who is massively into fashion tells me that by wearing boxy things that I'm giving people the impression that I'm larger than I actually am.

@fringegrin45, yeah my waist is significantly smaller. I'm certain I'm a 40DD, all the women in my family have a similar problem with bust size. Yeah skater dresses are definitely the way to go I think. I hate being short and overweight. I just look oddly shaped and out of proportion as it is.

@ThePortugueseTart, I'm going to need some well fitting clothing as right now I'm in badly fitting loose/bagging clothing right now and I need to update my image.