Shape / size changed after illness, need plain jersey dresses for work

[HolyFuckingCuntBalls]

Super boring question I know, but we are where we are. I've gained a massive amount of weight in the last few years through a combination of illness and not taking care of myself.

In "normal" times I was a size 12 and had an hour glass type shape. I'm now a size 16 in most things, 18 in jeans and I seem to have become more apple shaped. And lads, I'm a mess. I feel really, really bad about myself. None of my clothes fit and I feel really frumpy and un-kept if that makes sense? I'm sorting myself out, the weights complicated, I'm on a cocktail of meds that is making it hard but I'm determined to get back to a healthier weight by over hauling my diet and upping my exercise, I've just had my hair done and I'm taking multi vitamins and leaning into skin care.

But the clothes situation needs to be addressed. My go to before everything went to shit was a plain jersey dress, either a wrap dress or with a scoop / v neck that was knee length or there abouts with a blazer / leather jacket and boots. I was never going to set the world alight fashion wise but I felt OK, you know? Smart, and fairly confident at work.

I'm looking at stuff now and everything is either a weird length (I'm 5ft 3 so midi and maxi lengths just aren't working for me) has mad designs, frills in weird places or is polyester central. What I need are plain, jersey dresses that are knee length with a v / scoop / wrap neckline - massive boobs to anything super high necked just makes me look bigger. Can anyone recommend any brands / online shops? This really has been the year from hell, I've gotten divorced, had to sell my house and then just to really add to the fun, got made redundant. I've got a sparkly new job and I'm moving house and I'm determined to rock this and rise like a fucking phoenix so I can be a good example for my kids. I just need to sort out my clothes because I cannot be sparkly consultant wearing leggings and t-shirts with holes in them - Zoom filters can only hide so much!

Thanks for reading and sorry for the essay!

x

M and Co are good for jersey shift dresses. Cheap but do the job.

I believe Bravissimo/Pepperberry have stopped making clothes but you can often pick things up on eBay at very good prices. They're designed to accommodate larger boobs and immediately give you a better shape. They do quite a few different jersey dresses.

Actually as general advice, picking up second hand clothes on eBay is a good way to buy clothes of the better quality of yesteryear. Today's highstreet brand clothes are shite quality in comparison to those of 10–20 years ago.

Im sorry it's been so tough. I sympathise.

As you are petite, look at Boden. Their petite range is really good. Expensive maybe but always an offer somewhere and if you like their styles you can pick up lots on eBay. If yiu think your size isn't going to change soon, then investing in stuff yiu feel good in is a good idea but if you think it may change again then don't buy too much. Two dresses, a jacket and a cardigan might do.

I am also petite size 16. Love seasalt roman and carraig donn. Reasonable price and true to size.

As an example. Over this weekend Thread have an offer on for most things on their site and you may get 20% by registering through them.

What about weird fish or mountain warehouse both have nice Jersey dresses. And if your after something casual I bought this top from peocock I can't say it makes me look slimmer but does look fashionable and nice with jeans.

www.peacocks.co.uk/4201823-ivory-plain.html

Ah you're all lovely - thank you so much! Off to check out the suggestions now.

@Nannyamc I used to love Carraig Donn - they're the best for Halloween bits but didn't think of them for clothes.

@Sooverthemill I have a code for 30% off - exciting!

@INeedNewShoes thank you! Loads of gorgeous dresses - exactly what I needed. Thank you x

@keiratwiceknightly Will have a look at M&Co - thanks!

They have a sale on at the moment 25% discount.

Na-Kd have loads in various lengths and styles, they do come up a bit large so if you don't want it too tight order your usual size

Simply be do tons of jersey dresses in different lengths and colours. The "supersoft" ones feel especially nice and wash well without colour fade or bobbling. Free returns.Order in your usual size.

I agree with PP: Boden is also nice for jersey dresses, but a lot more expensive

They have a 25% discount which ends in an hour.

I find Hobbs do sensible workwear which doesn’t fall apart on contact with a washer. I am also constantly surprised by the range available on H&M in bigger sizes and their blazer/ jacket selection is pretty affordable.

Oh and if you are feeling speedy/ can find them on eBay second hand, Baujken jersey is always very good quality

Spendy not speedy 😆