Lost my sense of style - returning all the clothes I bought

[chachachive]

I am petite (5ft 3 on a good day!!!) and have always been small framed. I’m usually a size 10

I’m getting quite self conscious as these days I have extra fat around my middle. I’m not sure if it is bloating or fat, but I presume it’s fat.

I spent £130 (gulp) in new look today on only six very plain items: two dresses, two skirts, a basic tee and a comfy oversized jumper which does look lovely. The only thing I’m keeping is the jumper as it is the only thing that suits me and that I feel really confident in. The skirts will need to be returned as I literally look like I am expecting. They are not flattering. I might be exaggerating of course but my belly obviously sticks out and it’s prominent to all and sundry because there really isn’t much fat anywhere else on my body, I have slim arms and normal size legs etc.

We’re coming into warmer months and I need smart casual work wear for next week as I had a big clothes amnesty last year so have nothing for the spring summer season and it’s going to be 20 degrees. I would be melting in winter clothes. It means I have this weekend to shop. Busy shops at the weekend are stressful as we all know besides I would be going completely blank with no idea of what suits me. Ideas welcome!

I clicked on this as im exactly the same in terms if feeling like ive lost my sense of style and sending everything back and then when I read on your post you’re petite it was even more relatable.

I’m (just) 5ft and cannot find any clothes in styles i like that fit. It’s beyond frustrating.
Exactly same as you, doing big orders with hopes of finding something but sending it all back as it looks like a dogs dinner on me. I’m a size 8 but have a bit of a tum too since having my little one.

I blame the annoying trend of everything being oversized

The demise of Topshop - their petite range was always my go to (although at 37 it was getting a bit young for me as the petite range catered for younger end)

and also the trend for non skinny jeans that are really difficult on short legs

In some ways i feel like ive not lost
my sense of style, i actually know what I like- i just cant buy it anywhere!

Anyway im sorry I dont have any helpful advice but i wanted to rant in solidarity. Hopefully some lovely stylish petite lady will be along soon to give us advice

I’d say straight, slim or tapered trousers with a flowy or lightly chin he’d at waist top and a good cardigan. Also try contrasts - darker tops with lighter trousers will visually make you upper body look smaller. Tops should be hip length and a longer cardi may add visually some length.

Oh also avoid jersey tops - that material doesn’t really forgive waist (or back) fat.

Id suggest Uniqlo for jeans, and just in general really, if you're petite.

I'm 5ft, and a 6/8 and I get a lot of my clothes from there. They do stuff that's smart enough for work, along with some trendier pieces for day to day.

I also like Baukjen as it's very good quality.

Presumably you have already had a medical check up to establish there’s no specific health issue? (I would urge you to do that first.)

If it is simply a life stage weight gain you’ll have to find a way around it. And what strikes me is (sorry!) you’re spending far too little per item. Particularly since these are new, rather than second hand, clothes to wear outside the house. Any sort of awkward figure needs decent fabric that is cut generously and hangs well. I guarantee if you’d spent your £130 on just one carefully chosen dress (at a different shop) you would have it in your wardrobe now.

Obviously you don’t have time to order online (where there is so much more variety and choice available) for next week, but I’d suggest trying shops at a slightly higher price point. & Other Stories, Cos, Arket …

Also, longer term, have a look at Community Clothing online. Their very simple Summer dresses in particular are generously cut and very good value.

I’d forgotten Toast. Their design quality isn’t what it was - but they do have some rather beautiful shirts that swing out at the waist. The fabrics and detail look lovely, too. Again, this would be all your budget on one item. But they have endless sales so it would be worth signing up to their mailing lists to be alerted to them.

I'd disagree with avoiding jersey especially if you do have bloating which gets worse as the day goes on. You do, however, need to buy it so it's not stretched on you, that will cling.

I have a belly and my latest outfit is a body con dress with an oversized shirt over it. The shirt comes below my stomach and draws the eye. It wouldn't work on large thighs though.

Have you tried column dressing? I am tallish but do have a belly. Column dressing is when you wear the same colour top and bottom- usually black or navy or blue- and then wear a layer of a different colour on top- probably a jacket or a cardie or a blazer. Perfect for spring and very slimming.

I agree that New Look probably won't suit you any more. But at just a slightly higher price point, I find Uniqlo quite good for quality.

Oh also Toast is way too expensive for me, but I find Muji similar aesthetic and very grown up clothes.

Bit leftfield - but have you tried Stitchfix?
DH and a friend of mine have had a couple of boxes. It's all good stuff, different to what you'd find on the high street. You can send back what you don't want. It's given them both new ideas, and they've surprised themselves with some of the things they've kept.

I’m 5’0 and hourglass but with a tendency to a tummy although size 8/10 and I’ve grown quite fond of Pourmoi for dresses. They don’t have a petite range but their midi and mini lengths work fine for me and some of their dresses like the midi shirt dresses have fitted me well and been flattering.
Also shape wear pants make a big difference!

Oasis now has a big petite range and isn’t too far off your New Look budget but better quality (I think).