If you're in your 30s and curvy, where do you shop?

[AnotherEmma]

Help! I need a whole new wardrobe and have no idea where to start. My body shape has changed and I've put on weight since having my first DC. I feel very fat and unattractive. I really struggle to find time for clothes shopping, and when I do I can't find clothes I like that fit and flatter me. I have a slim waist but massive boobs, flabby arms and a "mum tum" (hate that phrase but it's the easiest way to describe it).

Are there any clothes that are flattering without being frumpy?! If so where are they?!

Please tell me I'm not alone and tell me where you shop...

You are my body twin I look completely different since I had my DD.

I have been buying less stuff but spending more money per item as I think the tailoring is more important now. I just got some wide leg chinos from Jigsaw which are very flattering. Cos is cut well for arms and tummy. Arket looks good too although I've not made it into a store yet.

I’m heavier than before dd and in my 30’s.

My main high street shops are H&M and Zara. Topshop for Jamie jeans - they are cut so well I always fancy myself when wearing them and lots of compliments!

Slightly higher end is Hush, their relaxed cuts can sometimes look a bit blah on lumps and bumps, so it’s trial and error. But I’ve got a few pieces I really love.

Thank you both.

Daffodil
Interesting, I've been thinking that I probably need to look at more expensive shops/brands, and like you I would prefer quality over quantity. I'll see what the prices are like though, as I really resent paying too much especially for synthetic rather than natural fibres. Anyway I'll check out your suggestions, thanks.

Mustard
I used to shop in H&M and Topshop but not any more! I have a Hush sweater than I like so much I've worn it to death. I haven't seen much else I like but will have a proper trawl through the site.

PS Daffodil if you also have big bum and thighs and hate your knees then we are indeed body twins

Agree with Mustard. Topshop jamies are nice thick stretchy denim, while Hush is often cut to skim over the midsection while still being edgy/flattering (it can be hit and miss though like you said). Lots of good stuff if you have an hr or two to spend in zara, H&M, cos and Warehouse. I also like the odd bit from mint velvet - bought a cocoon jumper there last winter which had many compliments...

What height and dress size are you? It sounds as if you're probably an hourglass figure, in which case you need things that emphasise the waist and skim over tummy and hips. If you're not keen on your arms just avoid sleeveless items (that's what I do!) And start with good underwear - you need pants that fit and flatter, and most importantly good bras that fit and support (go to Bravissimo and get measured). You will instantly look much slimmer and clothes will hang better from that alone, unless you're already wearing good bras.

Shops-wise, Hobbs often do clothes that are well cut for hourglasses, and Phase Eight sometimes do good tops. Topshop are good for trying on lots of different jeans styles to find one that works for you, and also do different lengths, while I find Boden good for trousers. Fit and flare or skater style dresses are good, as are fitted tops worn with a loose skirt. It's hard to suggest much more without knowing what kind of styles you like, whether you need smart or casual outfits, what your budget is etc.

Yes I'm an hourglass. 5'8. Size 14 tops and dresses but size 16 trousers (depending on the shop obviously).

I already have good bras, I've been shopping at Bravissimo for years. (Currently wearing 32GG and been getting fitted regularly.) I do need better knickers though, I recently bought a good pair to go under a very thin dress and then ruined everything with an annoying pair of tights that cut in and kept falling down! So I've just ordered some Snag ones.

I realise I'm being very vague and helpful but I do need want a whole new wardrobe, I want smartish clothes for work (not super smart, I would say smart-casual), casual comfy clothes for toddler chasing, and some outfits I feel good in for weekends and holidays. It's hard to describe my style/taste but I suppose it's classic/contemporary, I like simple, well cut things, nothing too fussy or frilly. I like/suit bold colours rather than pastels. I like some prints but I'm picky (aren't we all?!) I tend to wear dark trousers (black/navy/dark grey) and more colourful tops and dresses. My favourite colours (to wear) are red, royal blue and mint green.

I'm not asking for people to find specific clothes though, just recommendations for places to look.

Maybe I'll do a Pinterest board while I'm online shopping to give you an idea of the stuff I like.

I have managed to find one or two things I like from Warehouse, Boden and Hush over the last year or so.

vague and unhelpful

I like fat face for some basics. Hobbs outlet for nicely made other basics. French connection is well cut. Jeans I buy mainly gap curvy.

Same shape here too. Most clothes from Boden and Hush. Although recently plucked up courage(pathetic I know) to go into DKNY in Manchester. Always assumed it’d be phenomenally expensive with tiny sales assistants looking down their noses at me. Couldn’t have been more wrong. Super helpful staff, really listened, a revalation . Obviously slightly more but I’m trying to buy fewer things but better quality

I like Mint Velvet. Perhaps worth a try??

Warehouse are good for hourglass. I’ve got an 11 inch gap between waist and hips, and most of my wardrobe is Warehouse.

&otherstories, Oliver Bonas and Kitri Studio are my current favourites.

M&S have some great stuff that looks uninspiring on the hanger but great on. I find following fashion types on Instagram helpful for this.

I like White Company - have a great coat from there and have my eye on some dimmer dresses.

Baukjen worth a look, lots of lovely dresses, I’ve not tried anything else from them.

I also like Cos but has to be in store and try stuff on, everything looks awful on website and hanger but I have some really great bits that are really flattering (the t shirts are a great cut for me).

Depends what you mean by curvy. I have a small upper body, flat stomach, small waste, and huge hips / bottom / thighs - for me Reiss, H&M, Topshop, Warehouse all fit really well. Hobbs does too if I size down and pick body con dresses.

For your body-type and size Monsoon and Gap may work better for tops / dresses. You might need to size down but they have fairly generous upper body measurements even in their smallest sizes.

hourglass

Use this guide to find what clothes suit you. Once you know what to buy, you probably will find most shops have suitable clothing.

This site also has a colour quiz. Choosing clothes that suit you wil make you feel better. I find certain shades make me feel frumpy, but looks great on a friend.

Thanks for the link but I know all those things already.
I know what I'm looking for, it's just where to find it!

Anyway thanks to everyone for the suggestions.

I desperately need new tops and I think I'll start with Cos as there have been a couple of votes for Cos tops!

I'll work my way through the other suggestions too, and report back!

TeddyBear I used to be more of a pear shape like you, with a slim upper half and flat stomach - and boobs were never tiny but they didn't use to be as huge as they are now. I had to dress carefully on the lower half but in general I looked (or at least felt!) reasonably slim because I could wear fitted tops. The killer is that having been a pear shape for most of my life, then an hourglass, now I have the dreaded "mum tum" as well so the only thing left is my waist!

I find oasis faux wrap dresses flattering on my big boobs, small waist and mum tum.

www.oasis-stores.com/nz/sale/dresses/heart-twist-skater-dress/068896.html?dwvar_068896_color=61&utm_term=3539667&cgid=sale-dresses&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIm9Oi8oHT4gIV7JPtCh08JwtbEAQYBiABEgKik_D_BwE&fo_k=42a3c43b3bbd16dfc05cda0fb1fd5653&utm_medium=Affiliates&position=55&fo_c=1060&fo_s=ls&gclsrc=aw.ds&utm_source=linkshare

This is really flattering on.