Feel fat and frumpy and need some help!

[YourHandInMyHand]

DP took a photo of me today and I look awful. I'm so much bigger than I used to be. My face looks bloated, my skin isn't good, and what I'm wearing doesn't suit my changed body shape.

I'm late 30s, size 18, 36H bust, big mumtum (which hangs since csection last year).

I will be trying again to lose weight but in the meant time what sort of budget capsule wardrobe clothing could I wear that's more flattering when you're bigger than you should be?

I just want to see a picture of me playing with my son and not feel crap at the sight of myself the rest of the day.

I'm in a similar position (although older/bigger/longer since my c-section!).

I think it helps to wear fitted clothes - baggy clothes usually make you look bigger. I try to go for jeggings (found something bootcut ones as they felt more flattering) and then a fitted tshirt/top.

Wear colours you think suit you, styles etc (v neck or scoop necks are better than crew/high necks if you have big boobs).

So for a capsule wardrobe I'd go for:
jeggings in black & blue

v neck tshirts

Pressed send too soon!

I also like these shirt & similar

Nice shoes/jacket are also good, although you'll not get much wear out of them for the next few weeks.

What height are you? On the positive side you'll be improving every day from tomorrow. So you are starting in the right direction. For skin I really like Nip+Fab glycolic pads to exfoliate, Nip+Fab hyualorinic serum to plump up the skin and Marula oil from The Ordinary to hydrate. Nip+Fab is in Superdrug. Give yourself a pedicure tomorrow to get started. You've got this OP and you are certainly not alone in feeling this way.

Thanks everyone. I'm 5ft6.

I think skincare is a good idea too but I'm wary as I have sensitive skin and cystic adult acne.

I need to start taking better care of myself.

Jeggings and more fitted top with a dark kimono cardigan. Trainers like Superga white ones or low Converse, again plain.
Jewellery like subtle chain and always wear earrings, if just studs. Wear lipstick.

I'm a 14/16, same height and similar bust and felt the same as you. I found before I was wearing looser clothes as I couldn't be bothered when actually fitted gives a better silhouette. I am also making changes with my weight so will be trying lower carb and 3L water a day together. I currently do just a 15min YouTube workout each day. Granted I haven't seen huge differences on the scales but mentally I've felt better.

I can recommend workouts on vibration plates. It would take a couple of hours of hard training to get the effect I achieve in 10 mins on a vibration plate. I do squats, calf raises, standing ab crunches, tricep dips, plank and press ups on there. 10,000 steps of brisk walking every single day and I just started C25k.
Argos sell them and deliver now if you have the budget. But maybe wait to see if other posters like them - I could be a fluke. Had mine for 5 years and will buy a new one when it eventually gives up.