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Size 18 and big tummy- where to shop?

20 replies

HeyHeyMckenzie · 21/07/2019 11:35

I know what sort of styles flatter me but I seem to be at a transitional age, where lots of high street shops just don't cut it any more (I'm 43). I've never really done that much internet clothes shopping before because I've normally managed to find stuff that I like in bricks and mortar locally- but I'm left increasingly deflated with what's around these days. So places like Phase 8 or M&S are too grown up, fat face and white stuff to casual, as examples.

Any recommendations for on line places for youthful but not young stuff for a wobbly, round tummied/big boob & thigh-ed mum of three who doesn't want to shop in the same places as her mother?!

OP posts:
raffle · 21/07/2019 11:37

Monsoon?

HeyHeyMckenzie · 21/07/2019 11:41

Raffle i do like some of their stuff and find that for occasions they can come up trumps, but general everyday wear isn't so good. I think my version of casual is hard to find as I'm not keen on jersey unless for vests/layering or denim apart from v dark indigo skinnies (hence fat face and white stuff are out)

I'm at a bit of a style crossroads!

OP posts:
SmellbowSpaceBowl · 21/07/2019 11:42

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

PaddingtonMare · 21/07/2019 11:43

Asos curve (some of it is v young) new look, mango and river island.

Hereshopingforimprovement · 21/07/2019 11:46

Some Evans stuff is nice. There is a lot of stuff I don't like in there but it's always worth a look.

HeyHeyMckenzie · 21/07/2019 11:55

I'll give all of those a try, thanks :) I think the way I shop needs to change- I used to be able to go into town and know that I'd find plenty of stuff that I like but these days it's just the odd one or two items per trip.

Maybe I need to treat it like a treasure hunt, and accept that my advancing years (and girth 🤣) mean that shopping is more about the triumph of finding an item I like rather than the actual acquisition of said item.

I'm overthinking it aren't I haha!

OP posts:
Invisimamma · 21/07/2019 12:10

I'm similar size and proportions to what you describe, although I'm 30 and on a tighter budget. I like Dorothy Perkins for tea dresses and blouses (particularly the Billie Blossom range).

I also like Tesco for basics like chinos and jeggings and have also found a few gems in Sainsbury's Tu.

I do agree though that shopping is getting more difficult and the high shops seems to be getting more 'out there' in their styles, when I just want to look nice but not stand out.

Invisimamma · 21/07/2019 12:13

I really dislike Evans I think everything looks like an oversized sack and has no shape or cut whatsoever, totally unflattering and really garish prints.

There's a lot I like on asos curve but I've never ordered yet.

norrismcwhirtersfridgemagnet · 21/07/2019 12:17

Cos is worth a look... also try Kemi Telford; Zara is hit and miss but good for dresses.

IggyAce · 21/07/2019 12:18

We are the same size and a similar build, I found quite a few things in Matalan and thought they had lots of choice. I like Asda or Sainsbury’s TU for linen trousers and if I’m feeling flush or it’s in the sale I have a look at Seasalt.

CantspellWontspell · 21/07/2019 12:23

YoursClothing have some nice things on occasion as does Curvissa.

Temporaryanonymity · 21/07/2019 12:36

I had a good mooch around simplybe and fo8nd a few nice things amongst the horrors.

Teddybear45 · 21/07/2019 12:41

Hobbs and John Lewis are good for workwear. For Jeans I’d suggest Gap - most of their ranges are perfect for bigger waists. Also, have you considered maternity ranges for a few items? I have relatives with similar figures to you and most find that maternity trousers or dresses tend to fit and drape a lot better around the waist and tummy.

mellicauli · 21/07/2019 17:02

Oliver Bonas do size 18 now. Oasis have also started a Curve range too.

flybyes · 21/07/2019 17:09

H&M + is really good, as is Mango (if you can get over the fact that the latter consider size 12 and above 'plus size').

Deathraystare · 21/07/2019 17:13

Oliver Bonas do size 18 now

Ooh. Interesting!

Deathraystare · 21/07/2019 17:17

Oh Bugger. Oliver Bonas are obsessed by Viscose too.

Newmumma83 · 21/07/2019 17:19

Simply be ( it’s online so order a couple of sizes just in case ) x

Sauvignonblanket · 21/07/2019 20:11

I'm similar - definitely found it's a case of trying on a LOT of things and being delighted to find something that works. I then buy 2/3 in the same style, maybe different colours, and accept a more limited wardrobe where everything at least works for me. Boden can be pretty good too.

weebarra · 21/07/2019 20:15

I like seasalt and (ssshhh) a bit of boden. Also Great Plains.

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