Forty fat and frumpy! Please help

[Frazzled74]

I’m 5ft 8, size 16-18 and feel very frumpy. What can I wear that will make me feel and look 10 years younger. Stylish but casual look as I wear uniform for work! Also, I am increasing my fitness by going swimming, yoga classes and speed walking, but what can I do to get rid of my spare tyre round my stomach? My legs and bum are feeling firmer but nothing is shifting around my middle!

If you’re a size 16 you can buy clothes in any shops so don’t be so down on yourself.

I’d would start with the basics before you even think about clothes: good haircut, manicured nails, nice watch and gold or silver accessories.

Clothes wise, have a search on here for capsule wardrobes and you’ll pick up lots of tips. Going into winter my picks would be
A good pair of jeans in a heavy denim
White shirt
Leather jacket
Plain black dress in a shape that suits
White leather trainers
Brogues or ankle boots

Don’t forget nice underwear and a good fitting bra, it really makes you feel better

Agree with start with the basics and decent underwear.
Think about what you like to wear, it’s important to feel comfortable, take a look at Pinterest but also keep an eye out for women who are a similar shape to you that you think look great.

Accessories are important, nice bag, jewellery costume or otherwise, shoes and boots are really important to a trendier look.

Ten years younger - there is nothing wrong with being or looking 40. 40 is a great age but I think hair is about the most important thing for a more youthful look, hair and skin (including hands) worry on the face is ageing too, a white smile is youthful although don’t go around grinning like a loon 😁

thank you, all good tips. I might go real life shopping for underwear this weekend. I haven’t been fitted for a bra in years! I’m off to search capsule wardrobe now.

You are probably your worst critic and just need to find a style that suits. If you're have trouble losing weight unfortunately at this point it's probably sugar and carbs. It's boring but mon to Fri you need to focus on protein and greens/veg/fruit and lots of water so you can play at the weekend.

A well cut jacket, silk or silky drapey shirts in a colour that suits you with jeans then focus on accessories.

Do you wear make-up? If so get a makeover at the bobbi brown or Laura mercier counter. Bit of tinted moisturiser, blush and mascara can just brighten you up a bit. If you don't like make up, try clarins face fake tan stuff, it's really subtle but put it on every 3 days for a healthy non orange glow?

Knowing what colours suit you. Lots of capsule wardrobes recommend black/white/grey basics but these colours don't suit everyone, I prefer navy to black these days and it tends to look more expensive especially an all navy outfit. Look at what items you wear the most, I have wasted tons of money on patterned/fashion clothes but actually end up reaching for plain, classic clothes I can accessorize. A decent coat, handbag and shoes are a great starting point.

Agree about nice underwear, especially a well-fitting bra. I also find big seamless knickers both comfy and smoothing.

Have you thought about getting a personal shopper? John Lewis used to do this, and I think still do. It was free. You get a couple of hours with a stylist who goes and finds you things to try on. I loved it when I did it and it introduced me to styles I wouldn’t have considered on my own.

M&S does an online styling service called Try Tuesday. I signed up and it’s given me some ideas, though admittedly I don’t think I’ve bought anything specific from there as I’m not a huge fan of their clothing.