How do a dress a short fat middle aged pear- desperate

[JinglyJane]

Up until age 40 ish I was a slim pear. 8/10 on the top and 10/12 bottom. I’m short just over 5 foot.

Since hitting 40 ten years ago I have ballooned. Now 14/16 at least which is a lot on my frame. I weigh 6 stone more than when I got married …..

For most of my life I knew how to dress myself to hide my big bum and thighs and show off my slim waist arms and neck. Now I have no waist and a huge belly. My 32aa breasts are now a D cup. My arms are huge and I have a double chin. My legs are complete tree trunks. I live in leggings but it’s not an attractive look as I don’t have good legs.

Obviously I am trying to lose weight but failing. What is making me really miserable is knowing what to wear. My old clothes don’t work but neither do things for Apple shapes as I have short fat legs. I need my self esteem to increase to allow me to move forward I think.

Long dresses would probably work but I’m short so most I see are way too long. Can anyone help this Middle Aged woman feel good again as I’m sure that’s the key to me losing weight ironically .

I'm your kind of shape.

I wear trousers in black, not too wide but not leggings. T shirts over plus a jacket to mid thigh or cardigan.

Jacket and top can be fancy. Trousers always plain.

Curved hems on the top is best if possible

Could you try a personal shopping appointment at John Lewis? I'm sure they would have something to make you feel great. Find a local seamstress to get alterations done if the right length is impossible to find. Also, when you are out and about look out for anyone the same size and height as you who looks really good, then copy them!

I had considered a John Lewis shopper.

Two things have really made me miserable this week. One is realising that my summer clothes from last summer are too small and really not wanting to buy bigger. And the other was sitting at the hairdresser and seeing my arms, neck and chin.

What would the best shape of dress be?

I do need a decent jacket.
Would a curved hem be longer at the back than front for example?

Oh and finally I thunk I have avoided buying anything nice as I am determined to diet back into my old clothes. But it’s not happening!

You're miserable with your weight. I fully get that. I lost 2.5 stone a few years back because I was the same. Even my flattering dresses from then, I now look back on and think 🤦🏻‍♀️ but I am down to a size14. 5'5 and 11 stone, so it sounds like, at your worst, you are at my best.

What I did was bite the bullet and attack my weight. However! In the meantime, I bought a few key things. Skinny jeans ( big belly) so nice shirt/ blouses/ tops from Cos, Zara, DVF. Cool trainers. Nice leather jacket and blazers ( Zara is your friend here) I had four or five dresses that I always got compliments on. Nothing gathered at the waist, obv. I went for a slightly edgy fashion look so not mumsy. Brightly coloured wraps. All plain, faves are neon a yellow and a right red one. Dresses in navy, black, or grey in forgiving fabric. Ie. Not clingy. Massimo Dutti had some good stuff too

Thanks. I am heavier than that. 5 ft 1 probably 14 Stone ish.

A few key items a good idea. Prefer online shopping as hate to see myself. Skinny jeans no good as my legs are so huge. But yes will explore dark block colour dresses.

I am a pear and was 12st.7, now 11st 2 so am tackling it. I like you had to buy things.

I really like M&S boyfriend jeans in the dark Indigo. Still wearing them as I lose weight.

Boden have some nice dresses in Petite length, up to size 22. I know they are not to everyone's taste but having had a browse through I think most people would be able to find a couple of things at least that they would feel happy in. I ;lost a lot of weight last year and it certainly helped me to get kitted out with some nice clothes early on the journey to boost morale.

I am not a pear- am an apple- but I have no waist either. Have you tried jumpsuits in a dark colour and with wide legs? I recently bought one for the first time ever. Seasalt is not a name I associate with jumpsuits but it looks fine with a shirt over the top to cover up my arms. Super comfy for WFH. www.seasaltcornwall.com/time-stretch-bamboo-jersey-jumpsuit?glCountry=GB&glCurrency=GBP&color=19510&lgw_code=11383-235767B001&gclid=CjwKCAjwu_mSBhAYEiwA5BBmf7ZIyQ1h3NA1z7GWVsRg6x6flI8vKIAh8Yru55e8C7UsqNHMlKFsgxoCCFIQAvD_BwE

Some good suggestions thanks will have a Google.
I do like that sea salt jumpsuit although sadly only available in a size 8!

Cos has several nice jumpsuits too.www.cosstores.com/en_gbp/women/womenswear/jumpsuits/product.relaxed-fit-pleated-jumpsuit-blue.1067483002.html