Help please! Turned into a frump!

[cheeseisthebest]

Hi. I'm 43, bit overweight and short and I hate my clothes!
Never know what looks nice on me? Please help! I wear a lot of black, navy, grey or I have very patterned dresses from White Stuff.
I just don't know where to look or what would flatter me?

@MarleneDietrichsSmile

Love that jumpsuit, where is it from?

Sorry to jump in, but I think it may be from Popsy?

@doorornottodoor
Those jeans are so nice. What’s the sizing like?
I’m a 12 trapped in a size 14 body

@BlueFlavour they are lovely. I’m a 10 in All saints (their sizes are small) and I wear a 28.

@doorornottodoor
Thank you very much.

Love your denim dress!
Black and navy works!

@RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie

Navy and black can actually look really good together. It helps if it's different textures/fabrics - velvet and silk or silk and leather, for example.

I agree with this. A black jumper with indigo jeans can look really chic.

I used to have a short navy tweed jacket with a black velvet trim on the collar which was lovely.

Also, black and brown can work if it's not a dull brown. Black jeans with chestnut brown suede boots for example.

I really like your denim dress OP. Would it work worn open and loose too, instead of a long cardigan, over jeans and a longish t-shirt? Or with a belt and your boots and opaque tights it would look good.

And your tweed coat is lovely. It gives you a very flattering slim silhouette. You say you've ordered brown (Chelsea?) boots. And you might be getting nice new slim/straight jeans to wear turned up with them? All you need then is a nice jumper to wear with them under the coat. Maybe cream rib, slightly chunky if you think that would suit you?

I also liked your long black floral dress. It would look good with chunky black boots. And might work with a cropped black jumper over the top so it looked like a maxi skirt?

I think you have some nice basic stuff in your wardrobe to work with, if you just buy a few bits to update them.

[quote StiltonIsLife]jolynneshane.com/fashion-tips-understanding-the-rule-of-thirds.html

I also like www.thread.com/[/quote]
So interesting about the rule of thirds StiltonIsLife!

I've often found myself dressing using these proportions but without understanding that it was "a thing". I've never liked knitwear or tops that stop at the top of my thighs and much prefer cropped or mid-thigh. Although that might have something to do with not cutting across your widest point too ..

Are these the right sort of boots?
With black rights and dresses should update me a bit?

Tights!
Yea jumpsuit from Popsy. What should I wear with jumpsuit as might be a cold for short sleeves!

I've bought the jumpsuit.
My plan is to get -
Jeans like the ones that have been mentioned
Black tights and black chelsea boots
A long grey cardigan?
Stripey tops
White trainers with the star
Relook at some stuff I've already got - I have navy converse for example.

Sounds a great plan OP.

The boots are nice; that style has been around a long time and is pretty classic and not that on trend imo. For me personally I would go chunkier with a black sole - and I'd also consider black chunky lace-up boots, as you already have Chelsea boots in brown and it would be a different look. Having said that, it would be worth trying on a few slightly different styles but in the end you should go with what feels right for you.

www.newlook.com/uk/womens/footwear/boots/black-lace-up-chunky-cleated-biker-boots/p/692523601?_cclid=Google_EAIaIQobChMIv9iw4Yf38wIVFeDtCh1yhwdFEAQYBCABEgL6VfD_BwE&extcam=UK_PPC_PLA_Priority_Google_DV_c&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIv9iw4Yf38wIVFeDtCh1yhwdFEAQYBCABEgL6VfD_BwE

www.marksandspencer.com/lace-up-platform-square-toe-ankle-boots/p/clp60510124?extid=ps_ps-gpla_ggl_ww_ch__-UK-_-_encore&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIuJSHuIj38wIVTdTtCh1CcACKEAYYASABEgJ_TvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

I seem to only be able to link the beige M&S one .. click on the black .. much nicer!

I have been lurking on this thread with interest!

I wouldn’t bother with a long grey cardigan as don’t think it’s very currant.

Maybe go for a ribbed slightly fluffy thicker one. Zara usually stocks this type of thing every A/W.

Re jeans-

Try from asos- farleigh slim mom jean or search google slim mom jean. So it will be that slimmer line you prefer but a more modern shape.

Boots- black DMs either classic lace up or chelsea. You can get a cheaper non branded version all over the “high street”.

White trainers. I can recommend my [https://www.adidas.co.uk/advantage-shoes/GZ0152.html. Adidas]] . They are super comfy. Not too chunky. Look great with everything.

Like this one?

It’s a matter of trying stuff out

I tried on a boxy jumper with oversized bell sleeves, because it was so soft, and it just made me look much more up to date than my old fitted cardi’s

I also swapped skinnies for tolled up looser fit jeans, with Chucky lace up boots, and again it felt fresh and new

None of the above is original, it is what everyone else is wearing, but I liked that style on me

Other things, like leather joggers, we’re a bridge too far

Just try some styles out, you may surprise yourself

That cardigan with blue jeans and a striped Breton top then chunky boots. Sleeve pushed up. I would also tie a brightly coloured silky headscarf as a headband on and some gold chunky hoop earrings.

Ditch White Stuff.

@cheeseisthebest

Like this one?

Hideous.

I've not read the whole thread but I'm same size as you but older, what I've worn recently that has been commented on are a long puffer gilet in tan over a similar colour jumper worn with skinny jeans or pleather leggings and black lace up work boots.

This is the one I've got.

www.next.co.uk/style/ls223514/P59393#P59393

I realise you might be on a budget, and obviously buying second hand is to be applauded in general, but if you haven't bought anything new for ages and are stuck in a rut/worried about looking frumpy, then I'm not sure buying stuff second hand is the way to go, as secondhand items by their very nature are more likely to be dated. I think you need at least a few new things.

(Like that grey cardigan - it's just not right if I'm honest)

If you are looking for cheap and cheerful then have a look at these pics from Matalan

www.matalan.co.uk/trending/must-haves

I am confused cos at the beginning of this I was told to look for long cardigans? What sort of long cardigan is acceptable?

Definitely no to that cardigan.

Love the jumpsuit, although it might be getting a bit cold for it. I wear mine with a long sleeved top under sometimes, or a cardigan or fabric biker jacket over it, with boots.

I like this cardigan and this one and this one at a quick glance on JL.

I like this one too but it's obscenely expensive.

I can't remember if I linked to this Arket striped top before or not. It's really nice irl - very over-sized, so I sized down a bit. Love this Arket cardigan too.

I like this one

No to the grey one from earlier, it feels like an old faithful comfy one rather than something that will give you a confidence boost and a bit of a style overhaul.

You need to keep an eye out for cardigans that add shape / flow / texture rather than just bulk.