Overweight- can’t find my style

[Cheesyfootballs01]

I’m 5’3 and overweight. I know I’m overweight and I’m trying to do something about it.

I carry my weight all over sadly but mostly around my stomach and bum. I hate my arms and my leg as are not great but I can live with them.

Basically I look awful in everything- and that’s not a joke. I’ve tried wide leg trousers,slim,straight the lot and they all look horrible. I need to wear a looser top and need my upper arms covered - I can’t tuck it in or even do a French tuck as my belly sticks out.

On the plus side I do have a nice face and decent skin. I have long dark hair.

I would really love a few key pieces in neutral colours that I can mix and match, I guess I like a classic look - I don’t like any ruffles or fussiness.

I also don’t have a big budget so would be looking at spending up to £30 per item.

Im sorry if my post comes across a bit negative but I’m feeling very low at the moment due to some ongoing issues in my life.

Should add that I’m 41!

I'm short and overweight and I look at my best in dresses that are just longer than the broadest bit of my calf. They're not always practical, so sometimes I end up trudging about in jeans and longish t shirts with a long cardigan, but dresses are how I feel good.

And cut-wise, something with some shape that doesn't just hang off the end of my boobs but isn't really cinched in either, it's a fine balance.

Would dresses be an option? I think you will be able to find dresses with a draw string waist option so that it shows off your waist. As an example https://www.next.co.uk/style/ls212922/p47616

Have you considered dark straight leg trousers/jeans with a brighter v-neck top that has a little curve around the waist and a long cardigan (to visually give you more height)?

How overweight are we talking? Might help narrow some options down...

OP I've got a big tum and French tucks really do work visually. Longer tops that cover your stomach will just make you look bigger, I promise. It's a bit of a mental change to get used to a portion of your tummy being visible but honestly - people don't notice anywhere near as much as you think they do.

That said, if you absolutely can't bear the idea, make sure your tops finish no further down than the middle of your hips- once they completely encase your tummy it's game over.

Reading with interest as this is me too. I'm not in proportion either though a new bra has belt separate boobs from belly but is so uncomfy

Sorry, I disagree. It might work if you are only a bit overweight with a lower belly that does not massively protrude but if you are a large apple shape ( say 18+) it will just make you look like a sack of potatoes, and draw attention to the roundness.
I find a drawstring waist causes the same issues.
I have an apple shape myself, and find that straight/slim leg jeans with a long ( thigh length) cardigan or shirt open at the top work well - this is because my hips and thighs are slimmer than my middle.
I also wear dresses a lot, currently midi/maxi with a high waist, and either fairly fitted round the top ( jersey) or with a shirt style top.
The other style that works on me is knee length hoody or jumper dress, which is loose around the middle but narrower around the hem.

The last person who came on here moaning about how disgusting fat and huge they were was about a 12/14. I'm currently an 18 after losing weight 😒

Old hat now, but I found the Trinny and Susannah books helpful.
They divided people into shapes and went from there.

This sort of dress

Or thisin the sale

@DelphiniumBlue that's lush!
Regarding size it really depends where you carry the weight and your height doesn't it? My MIL is a tall 18 and looks much slimmer than me at short 14-16
I love this board for ideas. I found a load of stitch fix stuff in the chazza by me today and was interested to try it on and check what worked. None of it fitted well but I know what I'm aiming for more

@Legocurlers it wouldn't let me quote a quote using the app (🤷🏼‍♀️) but it definitely wasn't a judgey question.. totally appreciate the Mumsnet view of overweight 🙄

I was asking because I'm the same height as OP and it's a bloody nightmare finding flattering clothes so I'm trying to work out what ones would look good depending on the situation...

I'm.a bit similar to you OP and the best looks I have found are showing a bit of skin. Ankle trousers with low vamp shoes,3/4 length sleeves, scoop or v neck tops to show collar bones. Plain dark boring colours, plain boring dark cuts in thick material, but earrings and such to keep looking at the face. I have fat legs as well but if I didn't I'd wear leggings/tunic/ long cardi looks.

Thanks for the replies. I do wear dresses in the summer but I’m really looking for a trouser and top combo.

Im a size 18.

I should maybe try to persevere with the French tuck but I feel so self conscious- I’m just feeling really down and low about how I look.

Try M&S for trousers / jeans - they have loads of different styles at the moment and once you see which ones flatter you can get a few colours. I agree with the previous suggestion of 3/4 sleeves, no high necks and showing some ankle if you can...