Help - how can I find out what looks good on me??

[wangle99]

Urgh I feel such a frump and don't have a clue what looks good on me. Have gained some weight and have loads of clothes that are too small in my wardrobe and two items that actually fit.

What's good to wear and doesn't go out of fashion. I'm 5'5", size 14/16 (depending on clothing brand!).

Help help help help!

Watch that TV prog - how to look good naked for some good tips.
Or go into town really early in the morning and find a kind shop assistant to help you. I did that in Monsoon the other day and she was incredible. Forced me to try something on I'd have never picked off the rack in a million years and it looked fab!

Debenhams do a personal shopper service that's really good and it's free. You don't have to buy anything if you don't want. I did one for a wedding and she was spot on

It all depends on your body shape...

Tell us your good bits/bad bits/bits you like/bits you hate/bra size/bank account number...

No, actually not that one, though an idea of your budget might be useful. Also your lifestyle - no good recommending glam dresses if you would never wear them.

Tell us about your shape

post a 360 degree susannah and trinny underwear shot

thanks ladies.

Ok typical pear shaped. 36C on top. Hips the size of a bus, bum not too big though. Thighs larger than would like but am walking dog more so hopefully they'll slim down a bit!

Got quite a found face and I wear glasses (not sure if that is relevant!)

I would ideally like smart casual. Feel very dowdy in totally casual.

Currently live in a long denim skirt (A line) or khaki cropped trousers and short sleeve tops and a manky blue/grey cardy that needs to go in the bin!!!!

Don't really do anything glam, work with babies 6m to toddler 2.5y during term time so jeans prob good (if I could find some that fit me).

Tbh not much money so guess I'm going to be ebaying alot... although have a card for Next

Really appreciate any help as this is affecting me big time now as don't have a clue! Oh and live in the depths of Cornwall so no decent shops either!

do you call and make an appointment with a personal shopper in advance? I've never done it.

Meant to say, don't really like hips and stomach... not too bothered by all other bits of me!

OK - for jeans, definitely look for bootcut or maybe straight leg - the bootcut ones will balance up the hips.

As far as your thread title goes, by the way, you could try what I do and when you're out trying on clothes, take in a few 'safe bets' to the changing room, then also pick up a few things that you think 'I would never in a million years wear that' - you might just find that some of the things suit you.

You sound a bit like my shape, so empire line dresses with flared skirt will suit you - hides a multitude of sins, similarly those trendy tops with same features and bootleg jeans would look great.
Where in Cornwall do you live Wangle - am a good Cornish girl myself!

ok total brainfade - can't think what empire line is. Does that 'skirt' bit come out from underneath the bust line?

Wisteria - Small world... I live on the bottom of Carn Brea (Redruth in other words lol)

Like bootcut jeans, think Evans might be good place to go? Keep convincing myself am infact smaller but I'm not lol

Empire is with a gather under boobs flowing out from there (can't explain it properly). I'm from Lewannick nr Launceston but live in Midlands now

I think Evans stuff might be too big for you - try Gap, M&S, also Monsoon apparently good for jeans. The thing with Gap apparently is to do what Wisteria's suggesting, and grab an assistant and get them to fetch you loads of different ones. And agree that things that skim your tummy and hips would be good - just not too baggy, otherwise people might start asking when it's due.

I thought Monsoon was a bit small for sizing? Big M&S has just opened up near us, will give it a week and go for a nosey (roads been blocked with people going to visit it!). No GAP down here unfortunately :O( Have to go to Bristol I think for Gap.

sigh Cornwall is lovely but could do with some more shops!

Monsoon's not bad for sizing (and goes up to a size 22, so way further than you'd need). Try on loads (can be difficult, I know, depending on the age of your DCs, and whether you can get away on your own for a bit).

I've always found Monsoon fairly generous in size tbh - but all their items differ so I always take in 2 different sizes of each outfit (at least). Bit of a tip, try to ignore how you feel when trying on a size or two bigger than you think you are, I know people who are typically size 8's but find that a 12 is more flattering and you can always cut the labels out so buy what feels comfy and fits - regardless of the actual size.

not often I promise

To be honest I have real issues over my size, I feel I should be smaller than I am. DH says he much prefers me this size and doesn't want me to lose weight. Have been dieting for years on and off. Think if I looked better I'd stop wanting to lose weight all the time!

We do have a Monsoon in Truro will try and go there for a nosey. Not sure I'll be able to afford anything but will look anyway!!!

Monsoon also do mail order. Gap, unortunately, don't in this country, only in the US. Size 14/16 is not big, really it isn't.

Don't we all Wangle? When I was size 8 I thought I was fat, same when I was a 10, then 12 and now quite often 12's are too small but I'm happier than ever so it's irrelevant what size you are tbh. Lucky you that your dh says such nice things!
I love Truro

SSSHHHHHH!!!!

If you're going to Truro, go to the Desire shop - it's a mini Debenhams and they probably have a Personal Shopper. It's a really good service ( and yes, I do work for Debenhams!!!