please help me to look nicer

[Cheeseandlobster]

I have just been out for lunch in a big city and have seen so many women of all shapes and sizes looking just lovely.

I feel like I have lost touch with what looks nice and think my look is possibly quite dated now.

I am mid 40's, size 12 to 14 apple shape as I carry most of any weight gain round my middle. I have short calf muscles which makes the bottom half of my legs look chunky so three quarter length clothes don't look good on me. I am on a relatively small budget so can't afford high end clothing. What would you suggest?

Difficult to suggest without knowing what you thought looked nice!
What do you wear now?

If you're on Facebook, can I suggest you join the Style Sisterhood group? You'll get loads of ideas there.

I live in skinny jeans and tops right now. I know skinny jeans are unfashionable but they are just so versatile. I would like to look beyond jeans at other looks if possible.

I will check out that Facebook page now

I would say it depends on your objective here! When you say ‘nice’- what is that to you? More fashionable? A smarter look? A different style? All achievable but not the same thing and each would require different key pieces for your wardrobe. I would start by grouping together looks that you like; from pics online or street style blogs for example, then culling your current wardrobe and starting afresh. Xo

Oooh! A project! Start with one new outfit! I’d personally start with the best pair of jeans you can find. I love wide leg higher waist jeans, a tuck in blouse with lovely Fullish sleeves?

Also, when I’m feeling low, I spend a little on refreshing makeup, a light foundation, a lip / eye / cheek stick, some beautiful tinted balm and a new mascara

Oooh! And some earrings!

Thank you both. I am trying to move away from just wearing jeans plus I am applying for a job where I may not be able to wear them.

I just feel so clueless. I am looking for clothes I can dress up for going out and down for work. The Style Sisterhood group has a post which could have been written by me about dresses and boots so I am watching that with interest

Hi op do you like Pinterest? I'm starting over and needed capsule wardrobe inspiration , I've found Pinterest is quite useful for ideas

Oh duh, no jeans, sorry.
High waisted trousers?

Although, I think if you’ve lost your way, dresses and boots are the way to go!

Hi OP, when you saw the women you thought looked lovely what was it about their outfits that made you think that? Were there any women you saw of a similar size and shape wearing clothes that you could imagine yourself in?

Start from there, get an idea of how you'd like to look and then I'm sure people will be able to point you in the direction of shops or particular items that could work for you.

I'm an apple too but quite busty. I like fit n flare or wrap dresses or ones with ruched waist detail with tights and ankle boots. I wear a lot of jigsaw dresses which I get on eBay or Ralph Lauren polo from TKMaxx. I wear dresses on/above the knee - maxi/midi dresses do nothing for me.

I find dresses really easy way to look smart

Boden Richmond trousers (pricey but look out for discount codes/sales or eBay) look good with shell tops or a tucked in blouse. Otherwise Oxford bag/loose chino/wide leg style trousers look good.

None of that is especially 'fashionable' but I assume you aren't looking for 90s grunge inspired fashion!

Always wear lipstick - even just a nude/neutral shade, groomed brows and earrings.

I think as an apple the key is quite fitted clothes that skim but don't cling. Oversized/baggy clothes look huge and tight ones show lumps

Also finish off with a blazer or biker jacket