Please dress me!

[robindeer]

Hello wise ones, I need a total wardrobe overhaul and I don't know where to start!

I've put on weight (approx 5-10kg) and my nicest office/occasion wear no longer fits. Weight mostly in the tummy following childbirth/caesarean/DR so trousers/skirts with a top look awful. I wear mostly dresses but they have to be A-line and below the knee (I'm 5'8").

I like very classic, well tailored clothes, not heavily patterned, nothing sparkly or kitsch. I no longer seem to be able to do a full day in heels either.

Now obviously the ideal is that I lose 2 stone and wear my old clothes but that's a longer term plan and I need to look smart now. The weight has crept up over the last few years and I'm addressing it but still don't like looking scruffy in the meantime.

Does anyone have any suggestions for brands, or even better- clicky links to lovely things? I'm a size 14, still hourglass-y (big boobs) but there's no hiding the tum.

I am totally devoid of inspiration and feeling a bit pants.

🙏

The same brands you like now, just a bigger size?

you say classic, so Massiimo Dutti, Hobbs? Jigsaw? All a bit ££££ though

What I've found is that the sort of style I like no longer works now that I don't have the figure I did pre-children/pre-lockdown wine.

I want something that's not going to pull across my middle but I hate how I look in everything I try on so I think I need to try a totally different look within the same sort of parameters if that makes sense?

I’m a different shape to you but when I had a similar weight gain I opted for a uniform of close fitting tops under a long flowing shirt or shirt dress. Keep the shirt buttoned over your middle but you can open the buttons in whatever way is most flattering elsewhere …! A well cut, well ironed shirt works wonders although I can’t be bothered to iron much so have a slightly scruffier look!

Just forget about short tops and trousers for a while. Now is not the time. You want tunics, shirt dresses ( worn with trousers) and long line knitwear

Kin (John Lewis) and jigsaw might have some things that are classic enough for you but still have the relaxed shape to make you feel comfortable

Something like this? You could play around with the belt

www.johnlewis.com/kin-plain-kimono-sleeve-belted-shirt-dress-navy/p109745577

Ooh! I like that, thank you @Ohalpro 😊

www.brakeburn.com/

www.brakeburn.com/products/abstract-pleat-dress-aw22?variant=40079871770685

Ooh I have that One Hundred Stars dress too - same style, different patterns - and I agree, it's great. It's viscose but a heavy, drapey crepe like washed silk. I have some of the matching obi belts which look amazing but it looks equally good with leather belts or unbelted, also great with a blazer. Makes me feel very tall.

Hobbs and Libby London are my go to's for smart work clothes.

Jaeger used to be great but haven't bought anything since M&S acquired them but worth a look online.

www.marksandspencer.com/l/brands/jaeger/womens?filter=Product%20Type=Dresses