Please help with suggestions

[wowfudge]

I haven't bought anything new to wear for ages as I've kind of lost my way a bit and had put on weight which I'm now losing. I need a revamp and will be going on holiday soon and don't have a lot of spare cash.

I'm 5'4" with an hourglass figure, size 12-14 and short waisted. I suit boat necks and v necks and nothing frilly or fussy and want at least the tops of my arms covering. I'm planning a shopping trip at the weekend as I really need to try things on to see if they fit. Have had a look online and am a bit overwhelmed - one website had over 2000 jumpsuits!

I'm looking for:
slim fit jeans (not jeggings)
a jumpsuit which is casual but could be dressed up
a casual dress - the midi length is not flattering on me unless from a petite range
a casual skirt
a couple of tops

Any suggestions oh wise ones?

Have you looked at Popsy clothing online for dresses? They have a great facebook group called Popsy frocks and friends too.
Also I hate shopping I'm 5 1. I have done the Debenhams personal shopper several times and found it great - no compulsion to purchase, just lots of trying on and an expert eye to help!

Tell us a bit more. What colouring are you? What age (roughly) and what outfits have you felt your best in? Do you prefer to wear dark or bright or muted colours or monochrome? Patterns or plain?

For jeans, I'd go for M&S or even Tesco or Tu dark indigo straightlegs if you are losing weight. They all have good jeans for under £20.

What sort of budget do you have and what’s your general style?

Ooh - replies! Thank you. I am naturally grey, mid forties, not ready to be middle aged. I suit black but prefer navy. Colour is good - I'm a winter. I like tailored, smart, simple, clean lines. I have a long-sleeved Baukjen jumpsuit in a wine colour that I love wearing, but it's quite heavy jersey and I'd like something lighter/more summery. I struggle with fitted skirts as the waists are always massive if the hips fit unless they are stretchy. I like Cos, some Hush - thinking of getting their harem pants for everyday.

I will have a look at Popsy.

Budget - I don't really want to spend a great deal. Couple of hundred pounds the lot?

I dislike skater style dresses btw. They do nothing for me.

I’m wearing f and f jeggings but they are more like light weight jeans and they are made from sustainable denim too.

I got a couple of nice v-neck tops from Fatface recently. 3/4 length sleeve, solid colours, t-shirt material.

I'm a similar size & shape to you & I was exactly that size & shape. I'm also a designer pattern cutter by trade & this is the cut that flatters an hour glass. Stick to the V neck if you have boobs, otherwise you can wear boat neck, round, square etc too.

Print & colour will be down to your colouring & taste, but I had a few of these shaped dresses in size 12 that still fit me at 12/14 & fit me now at 12. I haven't looked this season, but Per Uns usually have at least one dress in this shape & you can find factory over makes like this one on eBay ...

rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F233210721768

@wowfudge if you have £200 ish then I suggest you go to somewhere like John Lewis and book a personal shopping session. You tell them what you are looking for and your total budget and they get tons of stuff and you try it on. Other big stores do it too. JL has hush Boden and all the big retailers plus their own stuff. Quite a lot of reductions around so you could get a lot of good stuff. Don't be shy, they are brilliant at knowing their stock

Thanks again - I've managed to get a JL personal shopper session this weekend.

I like the Popsy jumpsuits btw. Thank you funnyfoursome. I'm actually going to Sainsbury's tonight so will have a look at jeans there. I really need the full Gok Wan!

I was going to suggest having a look at the new Per Una range at M&S. A great improvement. Also look at Arket. I’m a huge fan.

I was taken aback by one Per Una recommendation, now there are two! I'll be going to a large M&S on Saturday. I've never heard of Arket.

Sainsbury's was interesting - all the jeans fit and the ones I decided to buy were labelled £15 but came up at £4.50 at the till!

Everything I tried on fit better than I had imagined. There was a denim dress I liked, but I wasn't sure about the patch pockets and a chambray shirt dress that was a little bit too tight. The next size up would be too big on top though. They have a 25% off everything stunt next Tuesday so I may go back.

OP for some reason cheap places ace the jeans market. I always buy DCs' jeans and chinos in Primark and mine in M&S or Sainsburys.

I've nearly always bought jeans in M&S - aware I don't go clothes shopping much at all so I'm out of touch with what's around. I'll have to shorten the Sainsbury's jeans as they didn't have short in stock, but that won't take me long.

I always get my jeans in Sainsbury’s, if you’re going to live in them I’d consider getting another pair or two especially if they still come up at that price. I’m looking forward to seeing the Per Una range myself as lots of people are saying it’s good.

There was only one pair in my size - possibly because it's a sale line. Might be worth looking for the next size down though at that price.

You can buy Tu online. And you still have almost £200 for other clothes. Great result

I do want to spend as little as possible not that much, but who doesn't like a bargain?

I looked online at Tu last night and couldn't see that I could actually shop online. Must have another look. I've ordered a Popsy jumpsuit.

You can! You can also click and collect from local store, have delivered to you and return to local store

The jumpsuit I ordered from Popsy arrived today. It fits well and suits me so I'm really pleased - the fact that it's petite sized definitely helps. Thank you @funnyfoursome for the recommendation.