Help. On trend, flattering and comfortable. Does this exist?!

[AnotherEmma]

HELP. I urgently need new clothes. I seem to spend a lot of time and money buying clothes for my kids and meanwhile my own wardrobe has been languishing. I don't really know where to start. Please can you help me, oh wise mumsnetters?!

Here is your brief:

• on trend, ideally I want to look at least vaguely stylish (not fashion victim, not frumpy)
• flattering for a size 14/16 hourglass, high necklines are a no-no unless the pattern/print breaks up the bosom
• comfortable, I spend a lot of time looking after young kids or WFH, I do go into the office but haven't been client-facing since pre covid, so smart casual is as smart as I go

I'm in my mid-30s, I have pale skin and dark hair, I like bright/jewel colours (they suit me), I avoid plain black on my top half, I prefer natural to synthetic fabrics...

I don't really shop anywhere although I have managed to find some things I liked in Hush, and occasionally see something in Oliver Bonas.

Any suggestion for places to look and/or specific brands or items would be much appreciated...

Not helpful but following as I am in a similar position.

Darn I got excited that someone had replied 😆
It's a tough brief (hence having mostly given up trying to find clothes I like!) so I don't hold out much hope, sadly.

Depends what your personal style is OP. Do you like jeans/skirts/dresses? I’m the same size and proportions as you and have quite a diverse possibly eclectic wardrobe! But I am always, always comfy, life’s too short for a digging in waistband! For me a high waisted mom or balloon jean is much more on trend than a skinny and they’re soooooo comfy! Tucking a lovely plain or patterned tee in looks great, bright earrings, white trainers and you’re sorted. Midi dresses are lovely for spring, loads of patterns to choose from with a short denim jacket on top. I love a plain top and a patterned bottom, midi or maxi skirt or printed wide legs or jeans. If you’ve got time I think having a day to try stuff on in the shops is invaluable. I mainly shop at charity shops and eBay, but love a trying on session as it gives me the chance to see what sort of things look good and what keep a look out for online. What’s your price point? H&M is good for budget basics, and has lots of choice so you can try out a lot of different style, and it’s not all polyester (tho a lot is!) John Lewis has a good mid range as well as the spenny stuff. Cos. Arket, Gap? I just love Toast for flattering and comfy clothes but only dying days of the sale or eBay as they are £££!

Thank you @NorthernTights!

i live in jeans but I'm so bored of them and don't find them very comfy, maybe I need to change style (never heard of balloon jeans, this is how unfashionable i am 😳) I also struggle to find tops I like to wear with them, I just wear boring t shirts.

i do have a couple of midi dresses that I like.

im not a fan of chunky white trainers, sorry, I just don't get why they're in fashion! I have big feet which doesn't help as I can't do chunky shoes.

i would like some trousers that aren't jeans or jeggings and are both stylish and comfy, I think if I could find something like that I would wear them a lot (and could easily make an outfit, I do enjoy putting things together... it's just finding a piece I like in the first place)

i think my problem might be that I'm fussy and rare like styles that are in fashion and/or they're don't suit me. I guess you're right and I need to go shopping for a day, I'm sure I'd find a few bits!

price point, I prefer quality but also balk at spending £££ on synthetic fabrics... I guess Hush / John Lewis prices but would spend more on the right things.

Meant to type leggings, not jeggings, but yeah, not jeggings either!

What do all these symbols mean

Ha ha I wear white trainers with everything so not much help there! Mine aren’t chunky tho, Birkenstock bends, lovely and comfy and go with everything, my feet are an 8 too! A new style of jean might just pep you up a bit. M&S actually have lots of good jeans in at the mo, lots of different styles to try and usually free returns if you do online. High waisted all the way for comfort. Also tucking tops in is a bit counter intuitive, but immediately looks more modern and put together. It also makes your old tees feel a bit different. You could try some wide legs, if you’re looking for a total change. Cropped or full length, plain or patterned. Paper bag or peg trousers are also options for non jeans but more interesting trews. Good luck! It’s hard finding what works again.

High waist cargo pants! So many styles and fabrics out there you'll find some to suit. Try with a crop t shirt that finishes just where the waist band starts, to show off your hourglass. Avoids the bulk of tucking in.

I wonder if it's because I'm using iPhone emojis and they don't translate on the new site? I find it a faff to use the new emoji options so I'm being lazy and just using the emojis on my iPhone keyboard.

Ooh Birkenstock do trainers?! This never occurred to me! I will check them out.

Thanks so much for the other tips too

Thank you! I worry that "hourglass" was probably false advertising because while I do still have a waist in there, my once slim middle has not survived two kids and very little exercise So there's no way I'd go near a crop top!! (I did have the stomach for it years and years ago )

It's a lifelong problem though, I've always found it hard to be stylish when I'm the wrong shape for fashions and it gets harder as I get older more curvy in more places.

however. I will look at high waisted cargo pants, thank you!