Page 2 | I'm not 27 anymore. And it's all overnight.

RacheyCat · 27/09/2021 13:26

I don't like the fussy-ness of a lot of the Sandro/Maje/Rouje stuff, but I can see they are a viable pre-Hobbs route.

MindBodyChocolate · 27/09/2021 13:33

Hi @TwinsandTrifle how about these for a few different options that more Hobbs than Hollister but might suit your body more:

Sezane
Whistles
Massimo Dutti
Me+Em
Autograph at m&s
Reiss
Lk Bennett

You might not like all of it but it could give you a few ideas to try.

Snowisfallinghere · 27/09/2021 13:34

I'm just concerned that I'll gravitate to the look I like, which is quite elegant and classic. And my body shape isn't. I just stand out like a sore thumb. Like I'm in the wrong clothes.

I don't think that's necessarily true, I think elegant and classic suits pretty much everyone, as long as you get the right sizes and cuts. I'm petite and look swamped/frumpy in certain coats and blazers and skirts for example.

ablutiions · 27/09/2021 13:38

Today I'm wearing some combat style trousers in cream with elasticated ankles, nice trainers and a bright yellow top.
Cashmere cardigan to go over. Looks good, non mumsy and would deffo suit a luscious bum.

I find ordinary T-shirts just look a bit Shit now, so find more interesting T-shirt shaped tops. Couple with flared jeans (v flattering from Zara) or the ankle graze combats or cigarette trousers.

In the winter Chuck on big chunky boots (I've got some fab DM Chelsea boots )

I'm mid 50s but look mid 40s (so I'm told)

AlbertBridge · 27/09/2021 13:41

Do you need to lose weight/fat, or is it just that your shape has changed?

If it's the latter then honestly just losing a stone or two will TRANSFORM you.

AlbertBridge · 27/09/2021 13:41

Sorry, I meant if it's the former.

thatsnotmyzoo · 27/09/2021 13:49

Another one who went from maternity leave into lockdown into WFH and I feel like I’ve stepped off the world. Now everything’s opening up again I feel like I’ve aged 10 years, all my old clothes look dated and I’ve no idea what to buy. Following with interest!

LouisaMayAlcott · 27/09/2021 13:58

@Etonmessisyum

There must be a middle ground between KM & J Lo they are quite different, and I wouldn’t stick to just one shop. I have bits from mint velvet, french connection, biba, ted baker etc I don’t stick to one look or shop.

Perhaps some department stores if there are any left open near you so you can try on things from different places, fraser’s probably but John Lewis can do a few too. I like Norwich for that as they have both, (I’m in north of Scotland but my mum is in Norwich) just try things on and play around. Even buy cheaper primark stuff to see what suits you before you take the plunge with more expensive clothes, sounds like a minefield though. Hope you find your new style soon,

And Jarrolds in Norwich has some great brands in now!

ItWasPeculiarButBearable · 27/09/2021 14:05

OP you keep saying the style you like doesn’t suit you. Bugger that for a bag of spanners. What you’re really saying is you don’t look the same as the women who’re most often pictured in them.

That doesn’t mean you won’t look good - maybe stop comparing you vs them and just go for clothes you like and make them your own.

I feel your pain tho - 39 here and had an identical withering look at my Hollister hoody this morning!

Original poster

TwinsandTrifle · 27/09/2021 14:06

@MistySkiesAfterRain that was a really helpful post, thank you. I do need to look at what my actual week entails and buy clothes for that. I could go out for dinner and wear a different outfit every day for a month. This is easily over half of my wardrobe and yet we go out for a dressy dinner a handful of times a year.

What does everyone wear at home? I think a slippery slope that I've got on, are tracksuits. I mean I think they're nice ones, blush tone cuffed Calvin thing, a DKNY fitted one. But still, tracksuits. Easier to have DTwins clamber all over me in and do the housework. Has anyone got any smart looking lounge wear alternatives?

Also to PP, I don't need to lose a couple of stone, if I did that I'd be 6st something. But. Being inherently small, the 8lbs or so that I've gained through good eating and no exercise has changed my body shape notably. My waist isn't nipped in, I just go straight up and down round my midriff now. And it's mainly gone on my thighs... and knees?! What's that all about? I've got big knees. Long legs and arms for the size of me, but the overall look is petite, think suddenly aged, untoned, Ariana Grande

I do need to lose the weight, more for my own self esteem, but don't want to make the mistake of then wearing my too young wardrobe just because it all fits again.

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FloconDeNeige · 27/09/2021 14:12

I agree with others - I don’t think you can say a certain body shape isn’t ‘classic & elegant’! Just because KM is waif-like, doesn’t mean anyone who isn’t would look crap in a similar style.

I’d feel like it’s not the best look for me personally, but not because I think think hourglass shapes can’t be elegant; just because it’s not really me and I don’t feel at ease in it, even though I appreciate it on others. Are you sure that’s not what’s happening for you too? That you like the look of it on other people but don’t actually feel great in it yourself?

Original poster

TwinsandTrifle · 27/09/2021 14:14

OP you keep saying the style you like doesn’t suit you. Bugger that for a bag of spanners. What you’re really saying is you don’t look the same as the women who’re most often pictured in them.

It truly doesn't though. I had a couple of Holland and Cooper and Fairfax Favor booklets through the door this week, and I think for casual clothes they're gorgeous. However, Holland and Cooper, I can get away with the T Shirts at best before I start verging into the "Hollister at my age vibe" look. And FF I've had some of their boots. They looked clunky on me. Blazers with my boobs and I look clunky too.

Interestingly, like another PP, over knee boots look good on me, but I can't style them with anything. They have to be flat, not heeled, or with the boobs it can look a bit "lady of the night" but when I did skinny jeans and a really lovely nude oversized shirt thing, belt to add some shape, I caught sight of myself out and looked like Jack Sparrow. The belt came off quickly.

I wouldn't be able to put together, even say 3 outfits to go with those boots.

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Original poster

TwinsandTrifle · 27/09/2021 14:16

I don’t feel at ease in it, even though I appreciate it on others. Are you sure that’s not what’s happening for you too? That you like the look of it on other people but don’t actually feel great in it yourself?

Yes that's exactly how I feel. Like I can't do a blazer up without looking top heavy. That I'm wearing someone else's clothes because they just aren't right on me.

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FloconDeNeige · 27/09/2021 14:22

You need to make peace with that then OP and cultivate your own new style. Appreciate that the Sloany vibe looks lovely on KM and the H&C models, but that you don’t actually feel yourself in it and therefore it’s not for you after all!

Back to Pinterest you go…

harrytwatter · 27/09/2021 14:27

I'm the same op after having my second baby. My boobs get in the way of everything. I'm petite and curvy. And suddenly I'm older and I've got no idea what to wear.

I've slowly moved from loungewear to tie waist jeans. I refuse to be uncomfortable. After wearing track pants for so long I find so many clothes uncomfortable and restricting now. It's a slippery slope. I want to be comfortable but fashionable. Where to next!

Original poster

TwinsandTrifle · 27/09/2021 14:33

And that's exactly where I'm stuck. The style I gravitate too, like the clothes, and would think great for my age group, doesn't suit me at all.

Where do I start on picking things that I "don't like" so to speak. I honestly have no idea where to start. I know my body shape, so how to dress simply and elegantly for that

Everything says, big boobs, big bum, little waist...wrap dress. But in reality I'm not putting on a dress to do the housework and shop, then maybe drop in on a friend.

Is there a body shape website?

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FloconDeNeige · 27/09/2021 14:45

I find wrap dresses so frumpy and mumsy; they scream Boden! I don’t own one, despite being the ‘correct’ body shape.

What about jumpsuits? I wore ripped denim dungarees, turned up, with a fitted t-shirt & trainers on Saturday to go to the park.

On Sunday I wore cargo pants, band T-shirt, doc Martens. Tomorrow I have to travel for work, will be wearing white slim fit cropped trousers, blue shirt (tucked in) and leopard print flats. Will take short trench coat (beige) in case of rain.

Anordinarymum · 27/09/2021 14:49

@TwinsandTrifle

I wouldn't have really thought about this before, but I've looked more and more on the fashion threads on here and I've got up this morning, looked in my wardrobe, and sort of recoiled. I don't know where to start, so I'll be as direct as possible.

Three years ago (before DTwins and lockdown) I was 36. Looked 26/27. Genuinely. And dressed like my peers who were all around that age. I also worked in the fashion industry and was pretty used to traipsing round in comfies and being put in outfits.

Roll forward a mere 3 years, just turned 39. But I now definitely think I look much more my age. Lockdown and twin pregnancy have definitely shown. So now I have a wardrobe for 26 and I'm 39. I'm stood here looking at it and it's all a bit cringe.

Where do I start. I think I get stuck because of what I look like, compared with the style I like. For example, I love Kate Middleton. Classic, elegant, but it works because she's quite tall and stringy, and pencil shaped. Imagine JLo in KMs clothes. She'd look ridiculous. I'm a JLo. Same skin tone, hair colour, small waist, big behind, fake boobs. I've always been a size 6, and after DTwins I'm an 8, so whilst I appreciate this is still small, my age 26 wardrobe doesn't only look too young, it now looks a bit too tight as well. Brilliant. Tops I probably need a 10. I don't know where this has crept up from.

I went through a phase of trying to dress a little older and more classically, and got some Fairfax long boots and a pretty gilet, and honestly, I looked stupid. My body shape is quite "sexy" so I can dress easily for the rare occasions we go out in the evening, but day to day, it's like I've woken up this morning and realised, I've got nothing to wear. And I don't know where to start, or what's right for my appearance and shape. I'm suddenly 13yrs out of date.

Where do I even begin?

You have had a chance to reinvent yourself. Look upon this as a gift and not a hindrance. Start by trying things on in shops such as new look or river island and buy what suits you not what you think you should be wearing.

ReggaetonLente · 27/09/2021 15:01

I kind of know what you mean, but I am younger and fatter 😂

I got pregnant at 26 and it was a bit of a surprise, I went from clubbing in Ibiza to NCT groups overnight and had to ditch my mini dresses for maternity leggings pretty quickly!

3 years and another baby later, I'm back to my pre baby dress size and I've discovered that the clothes I loved and so wanted to fit back into are a) out of fashion and b) wildly inappropriate for the activities I actually do day to day. I'm also 30 now and just look different. I have some lines on my face, my body is a bit saggier, don't get me wrong I have no issue with ageing but it's funny how it creeps up on you. I probably need new make up too to be honest.

I need to do a big try on, sort out and charity shop / eBay run but ... No time!

Original poster

TwinsandTrifle · 27/09/2021 15:01

Ok, will give my personal responses to these, please don't take offence. I'm just so lost as to where to start.

I find wrap dresses so frumpy and mumsy; they scream Boden! I don’t own one, despite being the ‘correct’ body shape.

I think the plain long sleeved jersey ones, navy or say khaki don't look frumpy. Patterned ones can definitely. I just wouldn't wear a dress unless it was the summer and I was hot, or because I was at least leaving the house for more than a supermarket trip or to pop to my friends.

What about jumpsuits? At 40?

I wore ripped denim dungarees, turned up, with a fitted t-shirt & trainers on Saturday to go to the park.

This is so not me. I think dungarees of any form are for toddlers or maternity wear.

On Sunday I wore cargo pants, band T-shirt, doc Martens. Tomorrow I have to travel for work, will be wearing white slim fit cropped trousers, blue shirt (tucked in) and leopard print flats. Will take short trench coat (beige) in case of rain.

This sounds lovely. I can picture it. I could probably get away with the shirt and trousers. Then my favourite bit, the leopard flats, this is another problem for me. Again, if you look at FF they do lovely looking loafer/deck shoe things, in animal print and plain. They look so silly on me. I love little ballet flats too. My duck feet look awful in them. I look great in heels and not really in anything else.

I've got some Vejas which serve a purpose. Some flat Tory Burch flip flop things. And Oran sandals which I love and live in, until it's the winter and I'm stuck. Then it's studded Australia Luxe UGG things. Which are now 7 years old and need to go.

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Original poster

TwinsandTrifle · 27/09/2021 15:10

Christ, yes, makeup too. I've barely worn any for three years so haven't bought any, which means the stuff I've got probably has new life forms breeding in it.

I'm feeling a bit more motivated though. DTwins are starting 1 day nursery next month, and I'm booking in for my hair to get sorted, and the week after an appointment with a MUA to go through what's going to work on my skin now.

I think I'm going to look through River Island and Hobbs. To me they're the upper end of young clothes and the lower end of middle aged clothes, and pick a few pieces. I want comfy tops and trousers that look like I've deliberately put them on as a nice outfit, as opposed to "this'll do"

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Snowisfallinghere · 27/09/2021 15:18

Why shouldn't a 40 year old wear a jumpsuit? Even if you do think that certain clothes become unsuitable after a certain age (which I don't), 40 isn't that old, and jumpsuits aren't that edgy or what I'd think of as "youth fashion", they go back to 70s and many of them are quite elegant in style. Obviously, if you're not keen, then avoid, but if you like the look of them then don't think "I'm too old" because that's BS.

FloconDeNeige · 27/09/2021 15:27

These are pretty much the same dungarees I have (mine are a bit more ripped). My T-shirt was short-sleeved and white but pretty much the same otherwise. I find it comfortable without verging into loungewear territory.

I don’t personally think it looks like toddler/maternity wear but if you do then I guess it won’t work!

I'm not 27 anymore. And it's all overnight.

Anordinarymum · 27/09/2021 15:27

@Snowisfallinghere

Why shouldn't a 40 year old wear a jumpsuit? Even if you do think that certain clothes become unsuitable after a certain age (which I don't), 40 isn't that old, and jumpsuits aren't that edgy or what I'd think of as "youth fashion", they go back to 70s and many of them are quite elegant in style. Obviously, if you're not keen, then avoid, but if you like the look of them then don't think "I'm too old" because that's BS.

It's not the jumpsuit - it's the body shape underneath it that makes women look like giant toddlers. If you have a big tummy then jumpsuits or dungarees do not flatter your figure.

Original poster

TwinsandTrifle · 27/09/2021 15:29

I mean, you can technically wear a jumpsuit at 100. I'm not sure how great it would look.

Let's not derail the thread down the "should you"/ age tangent.

With regards to an opportunity to "reinvent yourself" how would you go about this in actual steps?

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