Help! Clothes that are less baggy...

[Indecisivelurcher]

So I would have described my clothes as 'relaxed', but the local paper printed a photo of me from behind, and I just look awful. My mom jeans are falling down around my arse, my straight fit t-shirt is drowning me, chequed shirt over the top is not completing the look well. My hair is long and straight. I just look swamped. To be honest I could probably throw more than 3/4 of my clothes. They're a mash of M&S, fat face, ethical brands like rapanui, second hand bits, tie-dye, failed harem trouser attempts, t-shirts that drown me. I'm a small person, 5'4 and a size 10. Dressed with a waist suit me best but I'm never going to be that person. Where can I shop for a bit of a neater fit?! What can I wear for home life with kids and dog?

I’m a similar size to you and also look awful in over sized clothes and mom jeans, skinny jeans/trousers look much better. I do like the feel of the oversized stuff but I look awful in it, I wear comfy harem pants and baggy T-shirt’s at home but put skinny jeans on to go out. I have been replacing some of my clothes on vinted (selling and buying).

I'm size 12 and 5'4" and I love h&m for trousers and t shirts. Primark often good for fitted tees, too. If I'm wearing a loose checked shirt I tuck it in at the front and let it hang down at the back, which makes it look a bit more together than just hanging loose everywhere. Gap is good for fine knit jumpers. Merino is a bit cheaper than cashmere and easier to wash, esp if it's a blend, but is fine knit so doesn't add too much bulk. I also love love love a wool blazer I found in a charity shop. Per Una originally, I think, but it's so warm and cosy and makes my everyday jeans look 100 times more...thought out. Perfect for Autumn.

@SmileyClare

Ooh dig out your black skinnies. I'm ignoring all the hype that skinny jeans are out. They're a wardrobe staple as far as I'm concerned

I ignore the bollocks about things being in fashion or not. I wear what suits me. Couldn’t care less what’s “in”.

I don't really like skinnies. But I realise they look better on my than mom jeans.

I think with a looser Jean like mom jeans you really do need to tuck in or wear something cropped (I wear cropped tops with high waisted bottoms so I'm all covered up but the shape of my waist is visible). Rather than buying a whole new wardrobe, you can make your current t-shirts more fitted. I gather the bottom together in a hair bobble then tuck it up inside - this works well again with high waisted stuff. Or there's a trick with a bangle where you pop that outside your top at waist level, then wrap a bobble around it from the inside of your top - you're probably best googling that one and watching a video.

@SpamIAm interesting! When you tie it do you tie the front or back 🤔

I've done both. I tend to do front just so I'll know if the tucked up bit has dropped out 😂 although that's never happened. Just have a play around and see what you like :)

I can't imagine not liking skinny jeans however there are loads of other options. It sounds a bit wanky but think about your silhouette and what works for your shape and go from there.

I quite like the look of clingy jumper dresses, thick tights and boots, denim shirt dresses or I have some black thick stretchy corduroy jeggings that I wear loads from M and S with a fitted white shirt and a thin shorter jumper over the top, so the shirt is hanging out the bottom of the jumper.

I’m slightly taller and a very hippy size 10 with a small waist. I got rid of all my skinny jeans a few years ago, and tend to wear a high-waisted barrel or balloon leg - I know people on here say loose jeans look shit, but I think if you find “your” pair they can look great. For me I absolutely MUST have a fitted top half, so either a tucked in tee with a boxy cardigan, or a jumper that sits at the waist.

I think the trick is figuring out your narrowest/widest points and going from there. On my shape something that ends at my hip bones looks awful, whereas my friend who is more Apple shaped looks great in skinny jeans with a more flow-y top.

Wearthestars on Instagram has some simple ideas on styling and ‘hacks’ that make the lines of your clothes more flattering instagram.com/wearthestars

@Indecisivelurcher I think you may be me. Down to the lurcher...!

@MrsGhastlyCrumb have some

[quote ToManderleyAgain]Wearthestars on Instagram has some simple ideas on styling and ‘hacks’ that make the lines of your clothes more flattering instagram.com/wearthestars[/quote]
Thank you - genius!

Anyone else good on insta?

I'm a similar size to you OP. I love the oversized and slouchy look, but at my height I just can't do it, I look overwhelmed! I need clothes that fit, a size 12 jumper is as oversized as I can go.

7/8 length cigarette trousers or jeans work well, and as PP have said, and a T-shirt that's not too loose. I wear a lot of cashmere jumpers and cardigans, a cropped length is good for me but hard to find. Paperbag or boyfriend jeans work but only with a fitted top tucked in. I have a few fine knit merino jumpers that I would wear with them.

I love pretty white blouses, Zara is usually good for these, they make a nice alternative to the white t shirt, I just feel like I've made more of an effort when I wear one.

I also have a couple of blazers that fit really well, one is jersey so looks less formal. A blazer that fits well on the shoulders is a brilliant thing to have in your wardrobe, it makes any outfit look good.

With skirts, I usually go for an A line, shorter skirt. I love these and have a few that I wear with opaque tights. I much prefer these to wearing trousers and they go with the same tops.

I love the look of all the midi dresses around now, M&S and Warehouse have some lovely ones, but I have to be really careful not to be swamped. If there is a petite version I'll go for that. I would always belt a dress like that otherwise I feel like I'm wearing a tent. Also a blazer works well to give the outfit some structure.

I would go to somewhere like John Lewis, give yourself a few uninterrupted hours and try on lots of styles. Trousers and jeans are very hard to buy online I find, the fit is so important.

I’m petite and look like a toddler who’s raised her parents’ wardrobe unless at least part of my outfit is fitted. So I’d pair loose jeans with a tucked in/cropped/fitted top but leggings with a looser tee/cardigan or shirt. I think that balance gives a more flattering silhouette.

I'm taller but also an 8/10. I find you have to try everything on. Ignore the labels. If you find something that looks relaxed go a size down. In fact you can look for relaxed styles but choose a size smaller and see how it looks. Tops have to be fitted on me or they look weird. Checked shirts, choose fitted ones with stretch and they will be much more flattering. Get lots of belts and tighten them! I have a (slightly 80s!) Stretch belt which I wear with dresses and it makes things so much better. You don't have to always go for tight fitting just neat fitting. With jeans, if you want casual, find some slim girlfriend jeans.

try everything on

I agree. Don't rigidly stick to size 10. It depends on the shop, the sizes can vary with vanity sizing so it's pretty confusing.
I have size 6, 8 and 10 items in my wardrobe and all of them fit. I'm a different size in different shops