Very plus size with OK legs

[Mermaidwaves]

I'm a very plus size girl, 6ft tall but my legs and ankles are my slimmest part of me, I have a 36 inch leg

Due to my size I've always covered up but since splitting with my exH I've been trying to regain my confidence with fashion a bit. Do you all think it would be OK to start wearing shorter, above the knee dresses at a very large size? I worry it looks silly as I'm all big boobs and massive tummy which I still cover, however the legs are still relatively shapely. I know we can wear what we want but would you risk it? My self confidence is still pretty low from my marriage.

Show off those legs!! I definitely would. There are some gorgeous summer dresses around - treat yourself.

I've only ever worn maxis so feel totally out of my comfort zone. But I'm so bored of always looking the same!

I get most of my best clothes on eBay. I suggest you look for sellers who are the same size as you and follow them.

Currently my best finds are a gingham knee length cotton dress (that I wear with shorts underneath) And a bright blue empire line knee length tunic dress from the brand Privatsachen which I would never be able to afford to buy new.

Don't be afraid of wearing shorts either, especially in the hot weather. I recently rediscovered my maternity dungaree shorts and have gleefully been wearing them to the embarrassment of my teenage daughter.

Shorts are a good idea! I hadnt thought of that. I might feel less obvious in shorts, less exposed though I dont know why I feel that. I too have teenage daughters who frequently think I'm embarrassing, this doesnt help with trying new things

Why don’t you take a few photos of yourself in different outfits? See what things are most flattering. Somehow I see myself differently in a photo to a mirror.

Yes I know what you mean! In a mirror I just see my big tummy and get disheartened, photos do give a different perspective. I will try that.

@Mermaidwaves Take a look on the Long Tall Sally website, there are some amazing bargains on there at the mo (sadly because they are closing down, which I'm v sad about). Look there a few times as they are reducng the prices as time goes on, tho obviously there's a risk attached to that.

I agree with shorts, also shorter skirts & lots of interesting, patterned tops rather than plain ones (they don't break up the areas you want to hide, the plain-ness just emphasises our size).

Also Next have a few clearance bargains in their XXL Tall ranges, not many but it is worth a look on their website.

I've spent years - well, decades! - feeling like a huge giant freak, limiting what I did & where I went. Please don't ever fall into that trap, dress to your strengths (oh, those wonderful legs!) & live a joyful life to your fullest potential

@RoseyOldCrow thats really positive thanks yes unless something is black I struggle with plain items as I feel theres no distraction from my shape. I always think I look bigger in skirts but maybe I just need to try a few shorter styles, maxi skirts on me do look frumpy.

I'm trying to accept myself more and I empathise about the huge giant freak feeling, I feel I stand out in a crowd and not in a good way, but now I'm out of my marriage I'm trying to work on that feeling.

Chub rub shorts from snag tights! Get those dresses on and your legs out girl 😁😁

I'm a size 26
6ft tall
Like you have good legs

FGS wear the dress!

What about footwear, do flat sandals suit bare legs? I could wear a wedge heel maybe?

Wedges are definitely a good idea.
Flats? Well only if you want them for comfort or for the particular style of your outfit.

One "normal" thing that I always did when working in an office was to wear heels of some sort - they just made me feel more efficient!

A recent discovery was jumpsuits - I have a patterned one from Principles (tall, size 20) that's probably the comfiest thing I've ever worn! That was a bargain of £8 from Debs clearance 😁

I like jumpsuits but can never get them long enough, I always seem to end up with an ahem camel toe! And I like flat shoes but wonder if they will look clumpy with bare legs, a wedge shoe always seem a bit more comfortable too.

Yours have a lovely harem jumpsuit at the mo, I bought it and it's got tie straps so make it fit as suitable. In size 22, 6ft and bought a 24 for length but think the 22 would have been fine to be honest.
As for shoes, wear whatever you want! I range from flip flops to chunky trainers with all my clothes!

Mermaid, then LTS, Principles Tall & possibly even Next Tall are your friends!
Enjoy exploring & experimenting with your new styles 👏

Have any of you joined the FB site ‘now LTS is closing, what’s the alternative?’ They are running a survey for tall women above 5’10’ acknowledging that tall women come in all shapes and dress sizes etc. Also some retailers advertise on the site.

Thanks @Tallandall I will