Feeling low & hating all my clothes

[Poppysball]

I’ve had a stressful time lately and am a bit run down. I’ve put on a little bit of weight and feel I look a mess and my clothes feel tight.

I dislike most of my clothes as I they make me feel uncomfortable and show all the bulges. Alot them are also drab colours and just tired looking (like me!)
I can’t afford to replace my whole wardrobe but dressing like this is sapping my confidence and my mood even more.

I just don’t know what to wear anymore abd wondered if anyone could give me some ideas? I need to find something to make me feel better about myself but I just have no clue what to wear or where to shop. I feel stuck in between clothes too young for me and too old.

I’m 42, size 12 normally and quite short.

i Love looking at fashion blogs and Instagram for inspiration. I know most of them are young girls but I think if you like a certain top but feel it’d too “young” for you you can always look for something similar but is more acceptable for you.

I’m 48 and am trying to get into a size 12 (have a couple of stone to go though). I love skirts and dresses, and yes some of them are a bit short so I would wear them with thick black tights. If there are dresses I like but are just too short I would wear them with leather looking trousers.

Sorry that might not be of much help to you I wouldn’t know what info to give without actually seeing your clothes.

If you don’t mind me saying, you sound a bit depressed, I bet you look great and it’s how your feeling that’s making you feel this way.

big hugs to you xx

Can you afford one thing?
I try and get one new gorgeous thing a month, wear it, wear it, wear it!
Have you a friend end who can take you out for an hour to treat yourself?

Have a look at Pinterest for ideas. I made a board of all the looks I liked and then made a list of what I wanted/needed eg tan ankle boots, denim shirt, black loose jumper, silk shirt, wide trousers.

I don’t go round the shops buying random stuff. I order online exactly what I am looking for, usually from stores with promotions eg Ted Baker which is usually out of my price range has 30% off today so I am going to buy a white t shirt I already had my eye on.

Like the pp above, you could buy one thing a month from your list.

Yes I could afford one or two things a month but I haven’t a clue what to buy!
I have tried looking at pinterest but it’s so vast I’m not even sure what to put in as the search. Any suggestions? I don’t know what look I suit anymore.
When I have found some looks I like, the shops they are from are often not in the UK.

Get a haircut. Seriously.
And have your eyebrows done.
I don’t have many clothes, they are generally navy/black/grey,generally dresses. I buy really good quality ones that last a fair time, but it does get boring.
What I do buy are scarves. In absolutely mad colours. I find it lifts the outfit.
HTH

Thanks 8Fencing, I did get my hair cut a few weeks back and dyed to cover the emergence of greys and I don’t like either the cut or colour so I think that has made me feel even worse about myself!

Like @Stormyday I love Pinterest for this sort of thing and as for not knowing where to start, if you search 'capsule wardrobe', it'll give you a rough idea of the basics you'll need.

I can totally relate to how you're feeling OP. Hope you can sort it and feel a spring in your step again

Get on YouTube and do a search for size 14 try on hauls. (I know you’re a 12 but there’s more U.K. people who post size 14 videos). There are a few women who regularly upload videos of them trying on clothes from fairly cheap shops so you can see what they look like on them. They’re about 10 years younger than you (and me) and their styles are not the same as mine but it still gives me a really good idea of what’s out there, what can look nice, what I don’t think l looks good, and gives me the confidence to try clothes that I’d usually avoid even looking at.

How about a session with a personal shopper at John Lewis . They have a huge range of clothes at different price points and the stylist will be able to help you with your best colours too etc . You don’t need to have a large budget and there is no pressure to buy anything at all . It might give you a good start point ?

I'm 42 and feeling exactly the same as you! My clothes are so dull. My makeup needs an overhaul so I'm starting there. I've seen a skirt that I love but it's orange, so I don't have anything other than black to go with it. I'm thinking of buying that and building an outfit/outfits around it - see if that gives me a lift. I'm stuck in jeans for out of work and need to get in the habit of wearing other things.

There are great ideas for a capsule wardrobe on Pinterest eg trench coat, black and white skirt, pointed flat shoes, big sunglasses. I haven’t got any of those but they’re on my list.

I’m in a similar boat. Try having a browse through www.lookingstylish.co.uk for advice about colour (she is older and about a size 16 but has some good ideas about colours). For capsules and putting things together have a look at www.theviviennefiles.com. It’s an American site so not so much help over the shopping but again good for expanding your possibilities over colour and capsules.
Finally have a google for styled by suzie on instagram and Facebook. She’s younger but a size 12-14 and she offers reasonable (from £35 ish) online styling services. A friend of mine’s having a go with it. Hope that helps.

I feel like this. One thing I did impulsively the other day was buy make up. The lady in Boots tested my skin tone for a good foundation match. I bought that and an under eye concealer, got primer, eye cream and serum free plus a full size lipstick worth £10. I feel so much better for making the investment (which turned out to only be £20). Clothes will be next, just one or two items.