Help! Too frumpy!

[PumpkinDart]

I feel like I have completely lost myself lately and I'm struggling. I've just been to a hospital appointment and caught a glimpse of myself and I look drab, frumpy and just awful.

I'm currently pregnant, overweight with it too (I have a thyroid condition that's really making weight management difficult) probably about a size 16 and 5ft8. I'm the biggest I've ever been and I feel so low, nothing suits me anymore and I need some style suggestions. I'm 20 weeks so things with room/ maternity wear ideally although my bump isn't huge (yet). I'm only 30 but I'm sure the way I'm dressing is ageing me a lot.

Can I have some tips/ suggestions for casual/ smart casual that I can try? I feel really lost lately, my thyroid issue is kicking my arse jumping between me being anxious and irritable and depressed/ exhausted, I just want to feel a bit more me.

Ahh bless you.

I'm not sure I can help tho, if you are expecting. All I can suggest is, perhaps throw out the clothes that make you feel frumpy. Yes it may leave fewer clothes but none that make you feel horrid xxx

Also why not start a Pinterest page and collect 'looks' that you like?

Are you sure that you aren't feeling down because of the thyroid problem?
Size 16at 5'8" doesn't sound overweight, and you are carrying another human being inside you so you are going to be bigger than you were.

Might be an idea to speak to your GP or practice nurse.

I'm sure you look lovely really, and good luck with the rest of your pregnancy.

Ah thanks both for the lovely replies. The thyroid issue is definitely contributing to how I'm feeling, I have an appointment with my endo tomorrow to review recent bloods so we'll see if that's anything to do with me feeling awful.

I'm going to go with the throw everything that makes me a frump and try to find some colours and styles that are more flattering.

I don't think the wintery weather is helping as I'm just burying myself in knitwear, and the stuff I have that fits isn't flattering. I'm probably being hard on myself but I am not a glowing expectant mother, I look like the life has been sucked out of me 😂

Get a capsule wardrobe from H&M maternity range in the style you normally wear.

Style it out @PumpkinDart . You're probably not showing a big bump just yet.

One easy way as the bump gets bigger is the man's shirt over leggings look.
I think it was Karl Lagerfeld who said it was what he'd advise a then pregnant Princess Di to wear (it was a while ago)

Oh you poor thing! I am going to go totally against the usual MN advice here and recommend that you actually buy yourself a maternity capsule wardrobe and buy some of the pieces soon and wear them.
There is literally nothing that would make me feel less like myself and less attractive than spending 9 months in a baggy man's shirt and leggings.

I have teen dc now but when I was pregnant I was working and had to be dressed properly so leggings really weren't going to cut it so I bought a selection of proper maternity clothes. My dc is a teen now so this is a while ago and there was a really nice, but expensive shop in my city called Formes. I bought trousers and tops and a skirt and dress there in the sale.

I bought 7 for all mankind maternity jeans and wore them so much and they made me feel great!

I suggest you decide what budget you have and invest it in a few really lovey things that will make you feel better about yourself over these months.

I bought a couple of things a size bigger in the sales or second hand and wore them with maternity or stretchy skinny / slim jeans. Stretchy long vests under a top means no exposed bump!

I loved shopping for maternity clothes - it was a brilliant excuse to buy new stuff without guilt. I had some lovely stretchy tube skirts (mine were wool, definitely get thick material) and cute wrap tops. And I bought nice boots and bags because they will be good after the baby's born too. Actually the tube skirts were great post birth as well, because they didn't lose shape.
I say bin everything that makes you unhappy.

Yes definitely bin clothes that make you feel shit and sad. Then, one by one, your wardrobe becomes much higher standard.

Oh, I couldn't agree more, @StephenDedalus . All this wearing leggings and husband's shirts is so depressing. Your body is amazing, OP - you're growing a brand new human being!
Treat yourself to proper maternity clothes. I bought a couple of pairs of great trousers and some bright tops, from Formes also two gorgeous dresses from Seraphine. I got a lot of wear out of them, but also felt good.
Get rid of leggings and bobbly old knits.
Think about colour and and fabric. I hope you start to feel more positive about yourself.

Ah thanks all ❤️ had my thyroid bloods back yesterday, they've edged to the lower side of normal which is probably why I'm feeling so low.

I'm going to buy a few bits, I'm in my leggings and gym top today and at that awkward is she pregnant or has she put on weight stage... I'm going to try and find some things I love rather than burying myself. Thank you for the lovely answers, I'm an emotional mess lately x

get yourself a few bits and pieces from H&M

www2.hm.com/en_gb/ladies/shop-by-product/maternity-wear.html

Have a look here. This dress is particularly glorious.

Do you like any make up? Like a bright lipstick which may make you feel better?

You need up to date accessories. Gold hoops of all varieties are in. Plus tonnes of gold necklaces, layered.

What about footwear? Could you get some cool trainers?