What Suits Me, Mumsnet?

[CatCake]

I'm 43, about 5ft7 and a middling size 16 (can wear some 14 stuff if it's stretchy). I have a very large bust, which isn't as perky as it once was, and a definite tummy and saddle bags. I'm trying to lose weight and have dropped a size since January but am now struggling to stay on track. I have nothing I feel nice in and would really like to get rid of the tons of cheapish clothes I have and buy less but more expensive (though not super expensive!!) items that I can cross-combine. I have no real sense of what suits my body shape and how to look well-presented. I'm a SAHM, so don't need to worry about workers, but would just like to look decent on a day to day basis, whilst also being comfortable. I walk everywhere with my toddler in the pushchair as I don't drive so need to feel comfortable in what I'm wearing.

Any advice as to what to wear, where to get it from and how to achieve the less is more wardrobe would be massively appreciated.

Workwear, not workers

Hello! Hard to say without knowing what style you like, but I'd go to Uniqlo, COS, and Arket. Try on things you wouldn't normally consider - it's so easy to get into a rut with cuts and styles. M&S also have surprisingly good clothes.

How do you want to look? Trendy? Polished? etc? I'd have a think about the style you're going for a then google image search the terms for outfit inspiration. There are tons of style blogs out there too.

I was also going to suggest M and S if only to go there (on your own!) and try on lots of different style/size/length jeans and wide leg trousers. Their wide trousers are particularly good and some nice prints. Avoid black trousers and try patterns or strong colours. See what styles suit you and feel comfy and work from there. Buy high waisted trousers and wear with slightly shorter length (not cropped but sort of hitting the waist whoch is fine with high trousers/skirts) wide tops. This is more fashionable and flattering than lower cut trousers and tight tops. Skinny jeans are still good but only if worn with a voluminous shirt or top. Oliver Bonas might be worth a look, or And Other Stories, Nobody's Child, or more spendy Sezane and Whistles.

@sarahb083 thanks loads for the reply. I don't even really know what look I'm going for, that is how clueless I am 🤣. I think probably nice quality casual, well put together... I just would like (as far as it's possible at the moment) to not feel fat and frumpy...

@twattergy thank you!! I've never heard of most of the brands you and Sarah have suggested (obv have heard of M&S though ha) so will start by checking these out.

@twattergy with the slightly shorter tops, I'm not sure how this would work for me, as tops like that just hang straight down off my boobs.

Good point...sorry I'm boobless so I forget about that issue! So I'd suggest wearing a vest top or t shirt tucked in to higher waisted bottom half, and then layering an open shirt or shacket (half shirt half jacket over it. So you can see your waist but the open shirt/jacket doesn't hang off the chest so much?

Start with jeans. I'm similar shape to you and wear m & s wide leg jeans, and also mom jeans. Once you have the style Jean you like and feel good in you can buy a couple of pears in different colours.

Tops should be a half tuck or just the front tucked in. Could be shirts or a simple top. Trainers should be chunky. Then find a new jacket you can layer with. Then accessories are your friend.

Trinny does some great stuff on YouTube which are really good for shapes and how to put things together along with accessories etc.

Have some fun with a personal shopper in JL if you need help. You don't ha e to buy!

I also buy quite a bit on Vinted but only stuff I know is my style and brand that fits.

For leisure (and dress down days) have a look at weird fish, I found the quality is generally good for the price. I've ordered a few things and one was damaged I wanted a replacement but the were out of stock, they refunded me and let me keep the damaged one,and I've worked out how to wear it to hide the damage

@PrincessofWellies can I ask about the tuck? I sometimes try a tuck and it looks ok from the front but then I turn and look at the side view and just feel like a whale. Am I doing it wrong??

@GettingStuffed thanks I will check out weird fish!