Help. Work outfit needed pronto

[polkadotpj]

I ordered dresses from Next to be told they wobble in the wrong places. Husband now under the patio so need advice on next set of clothes. The lovely cost I ordered is fecking massive (thanks H and M for the crazy sizing) but the trousers and blouse are nice on hanger but I think not great in the flesh. On my fat belly flesh at least. I’m a14. Massive belly. Average boobs and big hips but kind of a papple rather than an apple or pear I think. First pics are my own trousers. Second are with new black stretchy ones which I think are better. But is it too loose and informal? I’m training a customer and though it’s in Europe where men tend toward the jeans/ chino plus shirt, the women seem very smart, but not suit smart. To tuck or not? What shoes??
Or can you recommend a dress on very quick deliver which might look ok on my shambolic peri menopausal bod?!
Thanking you

It's stuck on your belly in that photo so no wonder you don't like it, but tucking should help. I have a similar problem ;). I have to say I don't think the fit is great either (sleeves look a little long and the fit at the shoulders is a little off, or possibly just a wonky seam), but if it was inexpensive and you're just trying to fill a few gaps at the moment then play around a little with it. Tucking can emphasise/create a waist so I like that. The colour is nice!

That cobolt blue dress upthread had a nice popping colour too, not bad at all!

I'm regretting every piece of cheese and hundred weight of chocolate I've eaten looking at these photos. They need to go in the fridge

Well your hair is lovely looking and I’m rather envious of your sharp jawline and unwrinkled neck. Also personally I prefer thinking of the clothes that don’t fit as faulty, rather than my own body being faulty.

Yes. The clothes are faulty - I like that! My hair was a huge shock when I had it done. I was quite strawberry blonde with blonde highlights and now definitely reddy copper but it’s soft and shiny!

I liked that black and white dress on you

The blue dress with two gold buttons on the side - do you see how nicely it frames your face/shoulders and how nicely the shoulders seem to fit? I think you should look for things like that. It deboxifies you.

I went with the comfort and long sleeves of the black and white but think I'm keeping blue too. Got Spanx on now and it's helped I think. Picture won't load but I'd like feedback. Is there a max photos limit per thread?

No don’t think so but per post and per day there is.

The second blue dress is knockout. Really lovely and definitely your shape. The other two are nice as well - not as nice, but still nice.

That green shiny blouse is hideous, regardless of the fit or the angle! No no no. Shiny doesn't work on many people, imo.

Middle blue dress is fab, I think boat neck works really well, do t like the higher neck options on you.

How about something like this. I usually find the Gap jersey dresses very good quality, nice thick jersey so it skims rather than clings to lumps

https://www.gap.co.uk/gap/softspun-twist-knot-midi-dress/000512861.html?dwvar0005128611fit=regular&dwvar0005128611color=000512861001&cgid=gap#q=Knee%2Bdress&lang=en_GB&start=30

I think dresses suit you much better than trousers (it's the same for me, also). Luckily dresses are in style plus they look smart, whereas black trousers with a top looks dated and unimaginative to me.

You sound so lovely OP with a good sense of humour, so definitely wear a smile (and nice perfume) and you'll make a great impression 👍🏻

The dresses you posted pic of look fab on you. I'd go with them. I love dresses for work especially as you can wear control tights underneath!

Thanks to the poster who recommended the M&S dresses they are perfect for work I've just bought 2!

Hope your work trip goes well OP.

Trying picture again here and agree dresses are the future. Wore the trousers yesterday as had 2 airports to deal with and wanted to be comfy but weirdly felt less comfy.

Dresses can be stealth pyjamas.

That is lovely on you OP.

Yes, dresses are a godsend! No having to match things, no waistbands digging in etc. Vive la dresses!!

@polkadotpj you should give Apricot Online a try. They have a reasonably priced selection :

New in:

www.apricotonline.co.uk/new-in/new-arrivals.html?___store=default&cat=521&product_list_order=price_asc

Sale:
www.apricotonline.co.uk/uk-winter-sale/uk-winter-sale.html?___store=default&cat=636&product_list_order=price_asc

I try to buy from sites like BrandAlley & SecretSales. I usually spend no more than £25 on any dress and have amassed a good selection. Now to lose my gut to get into a few ! 😀

If you are quite big in the chest and shoulder tops like that just make you look bigger. A scooped neck would look much better.