Help! Shop suggestions..

[GidgetGirl]

I’m in a sartorial rut. Partly down to age, I think - I’m 35 and I’m having trouble bridging the divide between Urban Outfitters and Boden. I also find it hard to get things that fit me well and suit my body shape.

I’m 5’1, a size 10/12 and VERY hourglass. Properly big boobs for my frame. We’re talking about 30F big. Equally big arse. So sadly high-necked or floor length stuff makes me look like a Victorian schoolmistress (at best). Huge shame because I love polo necks, but she sheer expanse of fabric between nipple and neck is just too much. I also need to show off my relatively small waist to avoid looking dumpier than I am.

Places I still occasionally get stuff from that suit me -
Vintage stuff
Collectif (the 60s/70s style stuff)
UO
Topshop
Miss Selfridge

Places I’m not keen on -
Zara (too glam/never fits me)
H&M (very rarely fits me)
Boden (too... mumsy? Not me anyway)
Fat Face (as above)
Next (as above)

Ideas please! I’ve got about three decent everyday dresses on rotation and I’m scared they’re going to fall apart before I can find anything to replace them with. I’m primarily looking for places that do decent dresses and jackets - I rarely wear trousers or separates.

I think you'd be better looking at more separates, given few people will have your shape. I presume you are already a fan of the floaty dress and belt combo?

New Look do good petite range, good for avoiding that swamped look/making sure things hit at the right point on your leg.

Boden can be good for petite length separates, but their winter preview was super frumpy this time.

Mint velvet

@DisgruntledGuineaPig You’re probably right re: separates. I struggle to find skirts that I like though.. they have to be properly A-line (skatery) to look ok, and have to sit at the hip rather than waist. I’ve got a short body so anything that breaks it in two can make me look weird. That’s why I tend to go for dresses - the flow of one colour or pattern throughout always suits me more. They still have to be solidly A-line though!

Kemi telford
Baukjen
Scamp and dude
People tree

I'm same height and pattern is hard to carry off.

River Island might be worth a look.

I second Mint Velvet (although I’m not sure I’d pay full price).

I wouldn’t discount M&S (if you’re prepared to navigate their unhelpful website and identify the few gems hidden away).