I have nothing I like to wear 😭 .. size 16

[Adollop]

I dislike the way I look, but am struggling to lose weight, I think partly due to menopause and partly due to various health problems.

I have nothing I look good in In winter it's not so bad, I live in leggings and long tops/ jumpers. But in summer I look awful. I can't find tops that don't emphasise my spare tyre , that are long enough to cover my bum, that don't make my 36g chest look matronly ...

I just bought a dress on eBay (where I mostly shop for financial reasons), it's a loose footing hankie hem, I right it would be better than fitted, but it looks awful .

Please, please help me. I feel so down.

I have a few things I like - a short denim skirt and a short black linen skirt, because my legs aren't bad, I like long loose shirts, but am struggling to find ones that cover my bum.

Any ideas appreciated. Links would be great too. I can't get to a personal shopper service and mostly shop online, as all I have nearby is M&S, Debenhams, New Look, Peacocks, bon marche ...

Join the Styled by Susie Facebook group. There's loads of inspiration and it's a really supportive group of women.

Im a 16 and bought this dress on eBay (as in this is another one for sale at the moment), light and easy to wear, knee length and flattering on. I think I’m an apple shape, but I feel like a barrel! However a-line always works well

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Jaegar-London-Women-s-Silk-Cotton-Starburst-Shift-Dress-Size-16/293177351953?hash=item4442bb5f11:g:ztwAAOSwrpNdRWTo

That's a beautiful dress I'd worry though that the neckline would make my chest appear even larger?

Nothing inherently wrong with a large chest

Or bum

Or belly

People can look good at any shape, this is your body, be kind to it, dress it nicely.

The idea of "hiding" your "bad" bits is very dated imo, it is all about owning what you got.

I think a-line dresses might suit you, or skinnies with an oversize knitted top

Try and start from a positive angle, from what style you like, what fabrics, what colours. (Instead of thinking about hiding bits )

It is hard to judge sometimes, I think my bust is a little smaller (but not by much) and I def worry about fabric hitting my chest and then continuing to go outwards! However this dress sits really well (ha - well I think so!)
One thing is to go trying on in actual shops and try stuff on, see what shapes you like and take a tape measure, so you have an idea of what measurements you need if you then shop on eBay. Quite a few sellers will put the flat measures on.
I’m not an amazing dresser and I am just starting to try and lose weight, so I am no 100% happy with me at the moment, but I know I look better in very slightly more tailored/smart clothes. And not everything I buy works - especially ebay purchases!

I've given up trying things on in the shops, because I just end up depressed that nothing fits or looks right.

Any ideas where I can get basic vest tops in grey, navy or black, but in a heavier material that might not cling as much, preferably with a low scoop neck, because my boobs tend to look better in a low scoop.

This is the kind of look I like.

Sorry, posted too soon ...

I'm very casual. I like dresses in summer, but otherwise jeans and ankle boots.

@Adollop I like those looks you've posted and I'm also the same size, 34K and 5ft 10 :)
I find next good for basics and long cardigans, also matalan especially for long vest tops
Next hyper curve jeans and Sainsbury's 4 way stretch are the best on me
Boohoo occasionally has some ok stuff, I have some of their oversize t shirts from the tall range
Long tall sally is also successful for basic t shirts/vests and usually has offers on of 2 for £x

I haven't taken any outfit photos for ages but found some older ones!

I think the problem is the vest tops I have cling in all the wrong places now, so looking for thicker ones, and jeans tend to rub and hurt.

Yesqueen, love the photos, you look great. Do you mind me asking where your got the jeans and top and dress?

I’m also a size 16, Ive recently bought some work bits from Uniqlo online and they fit really nicely and there sale is really good.

Fellow apple here who wears longline tunics/tops. The key for me is to have no waist detailing at all and to just skim past the fecker.

This top here is fantastic for being thin enough to keep cool yet flattering. Easy to accessorise too. So many people have asked me if I have lost weight when I wear this...

I also rate Next jersey denim leggings. They look like jeans when worn with a tunic. So comfortable and last ages. I have them in the bleach wash and the dark blue and find they work folded up for a more cropped look in the summer and shove down in boots for the winter. THey keep their shape all day long too and don’t add bulk because they pull on.

I wanged on about a wide leg jumpsuit I found on eBay that works for apples and that has had a lot of wear since I bought it, This one - I am a size 14-16 and bought the 5Xl so I think I should nice and loose.

@Adollop sure :) the trousers are old but M&S pull on ones
Top from pearl and earl
Blazer is a soft unstructured one from Evans (I love their blazers!)
Dress from joe browns, I wear a lot of dresses from Dorothy Perkins, lady Voluptuous and popsy clothing

I am a similar size and shape to you. This summer I have been wearing jersey maxi dresses, elasticated waist cuffed trousers with a big shirt, and loose linen dresses. I also had success with some shorts and a big shirt tied at the waist the other day.

This could be nice with jeans:

www.boohoo.com/plus-oversized-t-shirt/PZZ91386.html?color=105

I like that top Sand.

Thanks Yes.

Torta, I've looked for linen dresses, but not sure what shape to go for that won't make me look like I'm in a tent!

I'm the same shape as you and wear similar style. Have found the next linen shift dresses a god send, especially last years style ( sleeveless, patch pockets) . You can get these on eBay though not particularly cheap as everyone else likes them too!

Thanks wizzler, I have one in blue, I quite like it, although it's maybe a bit shorter than I'd like.

Did you mean this one?

www.fatface.com/women/clothing/dresses-skirts/simone-linen-blend-dress/944592.html?dwvar_944592_color=marigold&cgid=women-clothing-dresses-and-skirts#pagination=true&start=8

I have this in olive green , it’s cool , comfortable, flattering and I’ve had lots of compliments.

Wizzler I agree . Last years Next linen dresses were great . I wish I had bought more as this year’s version isn’t so good imo and no colours my taste.
I hadn’t thought of looking on ebay .

Adoll I mean that exact dress. So comfortable and slouchy . They do the same shape but not in linen this year, and the linen ones they have are not the same pattern.
I have got a clever friend to make me new dresses based on least years style and I have worn them all summer . So I am the only person wearing one in red with cream polka dots!