Where to buy flattering smart tops (plus size)?

[Blutopia]

Although I am in the process of losing weight, I'm currently a size 18, rather top heavy (broad shoulders, hefty arms, narrow ribs but large bust ). Tummy and spare tyre, no waist, hips fairly narrow but short dumpy legs.

Wow I'm really selling myself here eh. My question is, where should I be looking for tops for work that will actually give me a shape? For years I have worn blousy or boxy chiffon/sheer or woven tops over a longline vest with tapered ankle grazers. Occasionally wide leg trousers with hip length tops, or a knee length shift dress. I avoid waist ties, fitted tops and bubble hems.

But when I threw my standard ensemble on again this morning I looked at myself and thought - this does you no favours. You look like you've been styled by Milletts.

I've got one or two nice pieces which I dig out for special occasions/conferences/presentations, but whatever I buy, nothing seems to fit quite right. If its large enough in the bust its too big in the waist or too narrow in the arms, if it fits in the body it strains across my chest. Loose fit is better but because of my bust, most loose tops stand away from my body and make me look bigger than I really am - but I cannot bear things that cling and show off every lump either!

Evans gear is generally floral, dated and tent like; Simply Be has lost its way and their once lovely tops are now in nasty cheap fabrics and poorly cut, same for Marisota; Next was always good before but the last 3 tops I ordered ended up creasing and washing terribly and were unwearable after one wash, and besides the chest in their tops is a bit too narrow; Matalan is consistently too narrow in the arms/shoulders; Yours isn't bad quality but again the cut is tent like.

Is there anywhere us "big birds" (thanks DH) can buy moderately priced items with a flattering cut?

I'm a big fan of Tu at Sainsbury's.

Funny you should say that - I did actually buy a few tops from there in the summer, and they weren't a bad fit. I'd forgotten until now!

Pity they favour the mustard colour at the moment, any variation of yellow looks terrible on me.

Right so I'm an 18 too, also with boobs, and no waist to speak of. The thing I've learnt is that loose fitting does me no favours, but longer fitting does.

I'm a bit boyish in the way I dress generally anyway so I wear lots of well fitting high rise jeans with crew neck or v necked t-shirts, most of which I buy from LongTallSally. Now I'm tall but not massively so, but I like the t-shirts from there because they sit on my hips and I'm not constantly worrying that they'll ride up and show off my stomach. I also like men's style shirts which I tend to buy in Gap. And if I wear a dress, I tend to go for a cocoon shape (so a bit of looseness around my middle but tighter on my legs and up top), or a short sleeved t-shirt style - Cos or Uniqlo both great. Also Hush for v-necked knitted sweaters, and harem trousers.

The thing to concentrate on I think is the extras - great boots and trainers, interesting jewellery, and great jackets. I love a soft leather biker jacket which is relatively cropped so kind of gives me a waist - I never fasten it. I also have this jacket from Boden which is MAGIC for those of us who haven't been blessed with a waist - https://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/addlestone-tweed-blazer-navy-yellow-overcheck/sty-t0425-nav?cat=C1S22_G2. Oh a long camel coat for winter. It's the extras which make me feel like dressed up, grown up, and like I'm not any different from anyone else. I'm a size 18, not a leper

I hope that helps x

Oh and follow @helenwearsasize18 on Instagram for great ideas and joyousness. She really is fab x

That is most insightful Limelight, thank you! I am very short so longer tops don't do much for me - and sadly my chest pushes most jackets and shirts well out of shape (jackets don't drape nicely, they just hang around the outside of my breasts and rather project them into the atmosphere - and shirts have to be 2 sizes too big to do them up over my bra).

I do like the cocoon shape dress style, but having short rhino legs and giant knees means everything must be knee length or longer!

Lucky I was blessed with good looks, I was at the back of the aesthetically pleasing body queue.

Thanks for your post.

Have you tried Mint Velvet? They're good for a flattering smart top.

Big boobs, broad shoulders here
I buy from Wallis, Dorothy Perkins, Gap and selectively from next

Thanks I'll try those - Gap, really? Do they still have an incomprehensible sizing system?

I’m bigger than you, just starting to think about going back to work, and I saw some nice work tops while browsing the Bon Marche website a couple of days ago.
I know the stores can look a bit fuddy duddy but I think you’ll find a few nice tops on their website.

Like these

I actually don't mind Bon Marche - they do some quite nice tops! I've got one of theirs in my wardrobe and it's nice quality, unfortunately I bought a size larger to accommodate the boobs and ended up back in pink floral tent territory.

I have been trying to teach myself dressmaking so I can alter clothes to fit better, but haven't quite managed it yet.

I'm wearing this today which is nice, tucked into a pair of jeans at the front
https://www.wallis.co.uk/en/wluk/product/berry-utility-shirt-9087042

I do like that top, Queen.
I found a whole load of gift cards yesterday so must see what I can spend them on.
Unfortunately most are for M&S and their plus size range is, almost without exception, hideous. So it might have to be new winter boots.

The Wallis top looks nice but shame I don't suit those berry colours. Also like the Boden jacket in navy. Shame about the viscose though!

On top of having large norks I also have a 'non mum tum and cannot wear Viscose as it makes me sweat. I wondered why when I wore some jackets, I got a sweaty back and sweat running from my forehead!

I like some Bon Marche stuff but a lot of their tops are too thick material - which not only makes me too hot but adds inches!

@Deathraystare I bought the green too

Have you tried pepperberry?

Also following this thread I'm a size 20 with same issue and I find if I buy regular T-shirt's they always shrink lengthways and end up by my waist

Another possibility is lands end. They also constantly have a code for money off

M & co?