Petite, obese pear needs smartening up!

[WistfulBarnacles]

I need an intervention!

I need to start looking smarter at work to make an impression. I work in a university so not too corporate but I generally wear trousers and knitwear at the moment but think it is possibly a bit too dowdy.

I'm 45, just under 5 foot tall, pear shaped with size 16/18 top and size 20 hips/bottom. I need loose/elasticated waists due to IBS which restricts my choices further. I do not have much money so need high street type stuff. I have mousy brown hair with grey eyes, pale skin, possibly slightly peachy in tone.

What can I wear???

Short waisted jackets/ blazers and non gathered skirts look best on your shape imo. Don't try to disguise lumps with long knitwear it makes you look bigger and older

Go for dark trousers, and brighter tops. I tend to wear Next bootcut black trousers, and a variety of tops. Wear round neck or higher necks and avoid v-necks. Skirts should be a-line.

Navy, cream and pale pink would probably be good colours for you, not too harsh.

I saw loads of smart trousers with elasticated waists in Sainsbury’s the other day. They looked very comfy.

Or, dresses/long Tunics will elongate you - but I appreciate being pear shaped myself that it’s not always easy to find one that’s not too big up top. Next do some good shirt dresses with patterns to disguise any bumps.

Watching as you are a similar size to me & I work in a smart/casual environment.

I wear a pair of navy jeggings most days that I pretend look just like navy trousers. They were from Wallis petite but I can’t find them anymore which is annoying as I would like more! I usually wear blouses with them in shades of mixed blues/pinks. I especially favour ones with a vest top underneath and a chiffon blouse over the top with an open neck. I then have one or two longish jackets to smarten up if needed.

Some great ideas thank you.

For trousers, what style is best? I struggle with straight leg sometimes because of the size of my thighs. I also find it tricky to get the short length, especially as some petite trousers are even too long and I can't wear heels due to an old ankle injury!

For me, periodically I have to go to shops and try a load on. Which I hate but it works. I take every single pair of 16/18S I can find into a changing room & maybe 1 will work!
I used to have some good straight leg M&S autograph trousers found that way but the fit changes so much there is no substitute for trying everything on.

Another petite pear in despair
I struggle for work trousers
Every single one comes with side pockets these days which doesn't do my big hips any favours
Also don't see very many A line skirts for work these days which are a decent knee length.
Only thing being thankful is my credit card as I stopped buying stuff I don't like
Watching this thread!!

yup - the side pockets look really does emphasise those hips!

I also ordered a load of trousers from M&S a few months back - all in a size 20 and only 1 pair fitted. Needing the elasticated waist doesn't help, particularly in feeling smart.

I know I need to lose the weight but I also want to look smart in the meantime.

Are there any good bloggers/you tubers out there people would recommend? I struggle to put together outfits that don't look like something my mother would wear!

facebook thread

This is a very good thread to get ideas. Ordernary people post ideas from ordernary shops. There’s also a dedicated pear thread.

trousers

I tend to wear these trousers with various tops. Also comes in petite.