Changing shape - what style suits?

[biscuitdunkerette]

I’m facing 50 this year, and notice my body shape has changed a lot in the last year or so. I’ve been a lifelong 10, slightly pear shape, small chest, quite tall, jeans and trainers type. Now more like 12 top, 14 hips and thighs.

But now my whole body (including feet!) has got bigger and wider. Middle aged spread I guess, and a slow down of metabolism.

I need new clothes that fit, and some styles that work with my new shape. Maybe longer dresses with trainers, instead of jeans which seem to emphasise my now bigger butt and wider hips. Stuff that widens me out a bit on top but slims the bottom half/ideally skims the bum and tum.

Needs to be fairly easy to chuck on and low maintenance (ie not ironing or dry cleaning).

Any suggestions of shops/websites/bloggers that might have pointers?

I have the same problem and have been all over these boards lately looking for inspiration. Except that I am apple shaped with a small chest. Also a size 10-12. I need clothes that skim my tummy, not hips.

Ordered and returned so many clothes that would have fit my old body:(
I found this link helpful. theconceptwardrobe.com/build-a-wardrobe/pear-body-shape

Thanks for the link. I think I’ve been dressing like that unconsciously, especially necklines. So it’s good to have it confirmed!

Have you found any style inspiration? Or a shop whose clothes cater for what you want?

Honestly haven't found any style inspiration or a shop that caters to what I want. I have been ordering a lot of stuff from John Lewis, Esprit, Seasalt and trying to figure out what works. I rarely wear dresses; I am a jeans/trousers person. I think it might be good to go into an actual shop and figure out what suits you rather than go online.

Sympathies; it is horrid to wake up one morning and find that menopause has taken away your shape and metabolism.

I'm a opposite shape to you ,inverted triangle so now a 12 top 10 hips, was 10 top 8 hips, my body has got a bit wider if that make sense, my bras, knickers are tight, some jackets feel tight to last time I wore them, it could be that I started HRT last year, I do keep reading that HRT doesn't make you put on weight, my feet have got bigger too, I always wore a size 4 sometimes 4.5 but now I wear a 5.

That’s interesting, I also started HRT last year. My body is also wider generally - jackets tight etc