Over 50s style inspiration - larger size

[wasgoingmadinthecountry]

Feeling pretty down on myself right now. It suddenly occurs to me that if I could see a style icon I could identify with, it might help. I feel very very unfeminine at 5'10 so never wear heels and I'm 56, size 18 and frumpyish .Telling me to lose weight is not required thanks - I know that and I'm on it. My hair is really really fine and a flyaway. I sound lovely!! Ideally I'd like to be Emanuelle Alt!! Any recommendations?

She looks like she has a definite uniform - jeans, trousers, shirt and jacket. You have the height to pull off that kind of look.
I'd start pinning her outfits and then find lookalikes and see how they look?

Her look would be very easy to emulate because it’s uncomplicated and comfortable. I’d start with the jeans - while I know loads of women says next/new look/Tesco/Asda etc for jeans, I’d be tempted also to try Levis (maybe 724s - amazon often has them and I’m pretty sure that a 34/L would fit). Also NYDJ - expensive but a great fit once you find your size. Amazon and JL sell. I’d got for a dark wash, probably in a straight leg. Then a lined blazer, probably single breasted in a wool or wool mix rather than a polyester. You can often get great quality men’s blazers in charity shops. They are often much better cut than women’s and have longer sleeves which you can push up to mid forearm. Then decent quality, loose but not oversized tees, coming down to the hip. Ruck it up a bit on one side to break the straight line. Alternatively some button down shirts in a slightly soft cotton - H&M have some great ones just now, long and slightly oversized. Wear them under the blazer or half open over a vest. Layered necklaces in gold or silver, pair of earrings, soft bag. I never ever wear heels - bad leg injury - so have a vast collection of trainers. Show a sliver of skin between trainer and jeans. Hair - can’t help here as I’ve been bald for 40 years 😂, and I either go naked with lots of rid lipstick or I wear a wig. I’m also older than you, and it’s not all over yet. Part of the battle is deciding that you are worth the effort, and deserve to look and feel nice, at whatever size you are.

And sorry - that was all very bossy. I felt exactly the same at 56 though, and at that time was also very large - quite a bit bigger than an 18, so I do empathise.

Thank you - I know it's about telling myself I'm worth it! Work I'm fine for (primary teacher) because I've worked out a kind of uniform. I need to emerge post lockdown into a (large!) butterfly. Blazers first! And bossy is always good!