I don’t know what to wear!!!

[MsAnnFrope]

I’m over 40 but only just. When I was younger I was size 8/10 and wore what can be described a a preppy style - short skirts/dresses, cardigans, smart jeans with shirts or Breton tops. Ballet pumps or boots.

I’m now a size 12 and older and I don’t even know who I am?! I feel like I can’t wear my old style because now jersey dresses and cardigans look mumsy (thanks bigger boobs). And frankly nothing looks as good now I’m not thin.

I don’t even know what suits me colour wise as my red hair has faded to mousey auburn.

I’m only 5”2 and have an hourglass figure - at least I like my shape. Green eyes, pale but warmish skin.
I neeeeedc help!

How about this sort of thing? Preppy, but I don't think it's frumpy, (which I think is what you mean by "mumsy")!

Although these models look very slim, I actually think a bigger size could look great in all of these too. 12 isn't big anyway

Thanks! Size 12 looks big on me because I was so slim for most of my life.
And yes I guess frumpy, I don’t want to look older than my age.
I just don’t know who I am anymore.

I have this dress and love how I look in it
www.greatplains.co.uk/product/woman-sale-dresses/j1kac/silky-jersey-v-neck-dress.htm?clr=10401b

I'm pretty much the same size, shape and age as you (although I've never been a size 8 🤣) and I am maybe a little alternative than your clothes choice especially when younger.

Nowadays I wear good cut jeans (high rise waist work for me) that are either 7/8ths or rolled to show ankle.
White leather trainers, (ballet pumps are ageing IMO) or Chelsea boots.
Plain tee shirts with the right neck line for your boobs (round neck for me, but a boat neck/ or V might be better if you are larger) Crew neck knitwear. Good sweatshirts or hoodies- the right length is important- hitting the top of the hip rather than lower is more flattering. Layers better to show off your shape, rather than bulky items that can swamp an hourglass.

I also like dresses but stay away from tunics as I don't think they suit our shape. Something with a waist- if you've got it flaunt it!
Plain jumpsuits/ boiler suits work well here too, jersey ones are very comfy if wfh or days with the kids, while still looking good.

@MamaNell to be fair back in the day I was an indie kid only ever found in DMs, low rise flares, Adidas campus and band T-shirt’s. Or in clubbing gear of short skirts and almost non existent tops.
Shit I’ve never known who I am!

I have some very cute Matt gold sneakers. Love 7/8 jeans and god yes high waisted. The day of the pierced belly are gone...
I love dresses but find myself in jeans out of laziness. It’s rare I look at myself and think yes that’s me.

I like to look polished but sadly bedraggled is more my default look!

I like a preppy look but quite can’t pull it off with big boobs.

I wear skinny jeans/cords, with ankle boots with a small heel (slimming), always something I can walk in. Or sandals in summer.

I wear a lot of cardigans, v neck are flattering on my boobs and in my view look classic not old fashioned. But blazers are another option.

I quite like the shirt and v neck jumper look too but would wear a sleeveless shirt or fake collar to avoid bulk.

I like that dress OP! What size do you have if you don't mind me asking? I am same size/height as you.

@GlampittyGlamp I have it in a small. It’s so comfy but still dressy

The dress is very nice. I'm sure you look lovely in it.

It draws attention to the waist, which is what you should aim for. Also aim for a lean silhouette because you are fairly short. AC is stick thin an tall but doesn't look it in the dress in the photo.

I'm shorter than you at 5'1" and more of 8-10, but know what you mean about losing your idea of what suits after a size change or age, it's tough when you don't have height to improve on a style (its much easier to look elegant if you are taller).

Are you on Instagram? I found following 40+ petite Instagrammers helped me find the rough style I liked/how to make looks work for a smaller frame.

The 40+ petite Instagrammers id suggest following are thefashion_lift (short, size 10 ish, quite a feminine but casual look), rutlandfashiongirl (40+ petite but bit bigger and hourglass shape, bit more polished/posh style), stealmystyle40 (petite, smaller at size 6, and more casual /fashionable style).

If others can recommend other petite people to follow , im always interested in finding other suggestions !

Thanks @MargosKaftan I’ll look them up. @KirstenBlest yes slim fit is essential, I can’t do boho or floaty or I look like a wee tent with feet

I’m looking on eBay and drawn again to the jersey wrap dresses! But there is something about them which says “i’ve given up!!”