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Original poster

HELP style me please. 47, size 20, 5ft5. Have completely lost my way.

64 replies

SpringOn · 07/04/2023 13:14

Hello. I need some serious help from you stylish types.

My go- to daily wear is bright leggings (some have dinosaurs on), a navy t shirt and a hoody. Which is ok at home but not for meals out with work etc.

I have been ill for a long time, now in remission and have my mojo back. I’ve just started couch to 5k, feeling much better.

Please can you help me with a smart/casual work wardrobe? I need to feel comfy, the clothes need to wash and pack well, I don’t want to feel eighty but I have no idea where to start!

I had my colours done years ago and I am a bright winter.

Any ideas very very gratefully received!

OP posts:
Thread gallery
12
Redruby2020 · 07/04/2023 21:13

sealon82 · 07/04/2023 15:15

Something like this with linen trousers and wrap over tops, gives the illusion of a smaller waist. Next are normally pretty good for tops.

That is a really nice top. The only thing I don't get with that style, and I have seen many, is the part that sits just below the bust, that just accentuates my big belly, so hence why I avoid them. Plus I was of the understanding are they meant for those with a shorter top half?

Redruby2020 · 07/04/2023 21:16

SpringOn · 07/04/2023 15:34

@AG247 ok, you asked for it 😂😂
Here are two full length ones. I usually avoid cameras like the plague

You have a great figure! You are a small 18-20 then, as if you hadn't told us I would have said a 14/16 no more. I would love to have your figure! I was a full size 20, then crept up, so 22/24 now and I hate it, so trying to lose some weight.

Original poster
SpringOn · 07/04/2023 22:13

Thanks @Redruby2020 and @Crikeyalmighty

It’s been a massive help and an eye opener having comments from others. Having people who don’t know me being positive about my figure has helped me see that I maybe don’t see exactly what others see. That maybe I can be stylish after all!

OP posts:
Crikeyalmighty · 07/04/2023 23:50

@SpringOn like me , you don't have a massive stomach and you have decent legs, you've just got a bit extra all over- I'm the same too- great leggings, good boots, good tops, and you can still look good!!!

Tangelo · 08/04/2023 00:00

Just a thought about wide-legged trousers - wearing your top tucked (can just be a French tuck at the front) really helps with avoiding them adding width all over. I wasn’t convinced it was for me as I have a big tummy, but its a standard look for me now.

I do quite like a kimono but I also wear blazers - they can give some helpful structure to a t-shirt and jeans, and with good jewellery really elevate an everyday look

Luredbyapomegranate · 08/04/2023 00:03

I am a bit shorter, a bit bigger, and a bit older than you, but not much. Carry all my weight on my stomach. When I’m a bit less fat I have good legs but not really right now.

i can’t wear heels, and need arch support. I don’t like synthetic fibres in summer (or at all if possible). Wide leg or loose trousers aren’t flatting on me.

I wear
Eve jeans from m and s
Straight cords from m and s
straight cotton trousers from fat face / m and s in summer

If you like leggings you might also like skinny jeans. M and s generally good for jeans

Jumpers from seasalt mostly

Winter fitted tops and blouses from monsoon, mango, Live unlimited, River island, some m and s, fat face,

Coats from m and s or seasalt

summer cotton Larissa shirts from seasalt (avoid the twee patterns)
Fitted cotton shirts (hard to avoid oversized right now) from m and s, mango, fat face, monsoon, seasalt
Oversized shirts with vest tops at weekends (m and s for both mostly)

Lots of fit flops and similar on my feet. Also find your local orthopaedic shoe shop - in amongst the horrors there will be some ok stuff.

Luredbyapomegranate · 08/04/2023 00:04

Tangelo · 08/04/2023 00:00

Just a thought about wide-legged trousers - wearing your top tucked (can just be a French tuck at the front) really helps with avoiding them adding width all over. I wasn’t convinced it was for me as I have a big tummy, but its a standard look for me now.

I do quite like a kimono but I also wear blazers - they can give some helpful structure to a t-shirt and jeans, and with good jewellery really elevate an everyday look

Oh - very much agree on the blazers and jackets

NurseCranesRolodex · 08/04/2023 00:10

SpringOn · 07/04/2023 13:23

Oooh thanks @sealon82
I quite like that though would be worried about my saggy belly showing below the blouse 🙁

I do like the kimono giving a flowy look…
Where is good for Kimonos? Could I pull that off with flat shoes or sandals? My crappy arthritic feet mean I can’t wear heels at all.

Mock wrap/wraps/front tie/bubble hem/asymmetrical hem tops or tunics are good for tummy cover. Long lines like this kimono or a jersey or wool edge to edge cardigan are slimming on top. Good for you, getting mojo back!

Luredbyapomegranate · 08/04/2023 00:13

I just saw your pics. You have a really good figure! You look more like an 18 than a 20.

Agree with PP it’s only the shoes that aren’t doing you favours.

Do have a look at jackets and slightly more fitted trousers. Kimonos and wide trouser type things can be really nice and floaty, but they can also become a bit of a plus size uniform and make you look bigger than you are.

Ihadenough22 · 08/04/2023 00:53

I bought some nice kiminos on Shein over the past 2 year's. Look in their curve section of their website and do a search then for them. When you find one you like click on the size details and measure against a top you already have.
This will help you get one that fits you well without it being to big. Also if it a long one look for it length as some are very long.

Original poster
SpringOn · 16/04/2023 17:21

Hello! Just popping back to say the wide leg trousers are a huge hit! I got them in navy. They are Super comfy, look nice with smart tops or more casual ones and also have pockets! I have ordered 2 more pairs and also a pink cardigan which is sort of long. I have also had my hair cut and begun running again. Feeling much better about myself. I’ve also received my kimono. It is beautiful (though there’s not much of it considering the price!) but I haven’t tried it with the trousers yet. I suspect it will look really nice. Though I am a bit nervous to wear it and ruin it in my life of dog walks, football and children. Maybe I will save it for work.
A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to help style me. I have a long way to go, but I am feeling much better and am in my way up again!

OP posts:
AgnesGray · 16/04/2023 18:47

I just came across your thread today @SpringOn and it really cheered me up. I'm a size 20 too and it can be a bit depressing when you feel like your body is impossible to dress.

I follow someone called "I'm just me Marleen". She is plus size and in her mid-forties I think. I also follow some younger people, Becky Reynolds, Trina Louise, Taren Denis who are all bigger sizes but look great (to me). Just as you were asking for inspiration

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