I've gone from plus size to straight size - help me revamp my wardrobe!

[peachgreen]

Oh stylish MNetters, I need your help.

In the past 18 months I've lost 5 stone and gone from a size 26 to a 16-18 (and still losing). I'm also widowed and I've started dating again, so my previous wardrobe of jeans and Breton tops isn't really cutting it.

What's really baffling me is where I should be shopping. I haven't been able to shop in "normal shops" since I was a teenager and I have no idea where to go. I can't afford anything too expensive - I'm a single mum and have already spent a lot on new jeans/work dresses etc and I'm planning on losing a bit more so these won't be forever - but equally the cheaper sites like ASOS seem to all be designed for 20-somethings with no mum tum or wobbly arms!

The most immediate requirement is some nice tops to wear with jeans for going out - not too dressy, but also not a t-shirt.

Help!

Well done on your weigh loss! I’m a 16 and a big lover of H&M, as you’re still losing it doesn’t make sense to spend much! I have their cigarette trousers in a couple of colours for nicer occasions and they have loads of blazers in neutral colours at the moment. They also have some lovely floaty satiny shirts which are very flattering on. I’d get a few staples that are in quite neutral colours and can be switched around with different outfits to keep the cost down and give you a few options!

What’s your height, shape? Are you busty? I’m a big fan of a wrap over blouse/ dress to disguise a belly. There are also some lovely loose wide legged trousers that are quite nice for a hot evening

Sorry @Fernsinthegarden, that would have been helpful, wouldn't it?!I'm 5'7" and fairly proportionate, but I've had a c-section and a laparotomy so I have a mum tum. Bigger on the bottom than on the top.

I think I'm okay for dresses but I always find them a bit try-hard for a first date, hence looking for tops. H&M is a great shout, thank you! It's all really weird for me because I don't really know what I look like or what suits me any more.

Disclaimer, as I haven’t bought anything from them myself - but a while back another poster recommended Tilletts Clothing website.

Thanks, will have a look!

Well done @peachgreen (I remember your story).

New Look? ASOS maybe? Supermarkets are often good for cheap and cheerful and their stock changes fast.

Next have gone a bit astray IMO this year but still managed to find a couple of useful bits.

Good luck!

Yeah I’m not loving Next this year either! Zara can have some nice stuff but they absolutely don’t cater for boobs!

Hi, have you considered vinted or eBay as an option? If you're still losing weight (congratulations on the loss so far btw!) then you probably don't want to spend a fortune on stuff that could well be too big in the near future.

I have been losing weight recently and have been selling my old clothes and replacing them with new to me stuff from vinted although there is an option to search for new stuff too.

I've just bought this from Asda, really flattering on...I also bought it in white too. Great for £12.50 and the shirred back gives it a really good fit.

peachgreen Can I ask how you’ve managed to lose that amount of weight? It’s incredible.

No advice from me cos I am dead jealous! What an amazing thing to have achieved! I am about 5st overweight and in the middle of the battle! Congrats!!

Thanks @Mydoghealsmyheart and @Deathraystare!

I took Saxenda for about 3 months (all I could afford!) as a kick start. In that time I started intermittent fasting (between 7pmish and midday the next day), eating one meal a day (dinner – I have a milky coffee with protein powder at lunchtime) and cooking from the Fast 800 recipe book so prioritising protein and good fats, low carb. On average I've lost about half a stone a month. I'm almost at 6 stone now!

Congrats on the weight loss OP.
I’ve found M&S excellent the last couple of years, it’s really improved.

Well done OP, you must feel so proud of yourself. Thanks for explaining how you did it.

Well done op that’s an amazing weight loss, wish I had willpower!
Matalan has some surprisingly nice stuff at reasonable prices, also not everything in Next is particularly expensive, both worth a look.