Please help me find some clothes!!!

[87SPD]

Hey there,

I have put a lot of weight on over the past 2 years, mainly due to medication and wfh with limited activity/motivation. I am honestly working on it but in the meantime I want to stop ‘hiding away’ and going back into the office more. The only thing that stops me is not knowing what to wear as my pre-covid work clothes no longer fit me.

So my body type is:
*Size 16
*Big lower belly (C-sections and several surgeries on abdomen so really bloated and horrible looking!)
*Massive boobs sometimes means size 18
*I do have some shape as in I go in at the waist

When I shop now all I see is cropped tops, massive puffy sleeves or bodycon dresses 🙈

I don’t want to look like a sack of potatoes anymore and want to just embrace the way I am. I’m so tired of choosing clothes to hide most of my body, it makes me feel so much older than I am. I am 35 years old!

Please help me with some ideas on styles and places to shop - average budget, think M and S type prices but happy to pay more for good quality/fit.

Thank you! Xxxx

Id go for skater and wrap dresses that pull in at the waist (as long as the neck isn't too high as this can make bigger boobs look bulky, or bodysuits etc that can be tucked into skirts and shorts etc.

I really rate ASOS, its worth checking their curve range which starts at a 16 as the cut is different than the same item but expanded up from a sample size.

How tall are you op and what kind of style are: jeans and t shirts/ dresses/ or joggers and a hoody!
casual/ dressy/ smart. Favourite footwear? Print or plain?

I found a great pair of jeans (ms harper) and then got a few tops and shoes.

I'm the same - size 18 and piled on the weight. I got all mine from Vinted!

I find I don't need as many clothes is a want to buy. One jeans outfit/ one skirt outfit / one dress outfit. Plus shoes and a coat and create a mini capsule.

I then have a scruffy wear and separate work wear which I don't include in this

Thanks so much for the tips @Silverrocks i do have a few wrap dresses I think its about confidence to wear them!

@cherrypied I used to wear skinny jeans but I really love a subtle flare Jean or straight cut rather than skinny nowadays, I am 5’6 but always think I look quite short but probably because I feel so wide! I love the tucked in look with tops and jeans/skirt. Particularly like the midi skirt with French tuck sweater but I’m so conscious of my belly (Fupa!) but want to embrace it. I struggle to know what style shoes to wear too. I like the sound of a mini capsule that’s really good idea!!

You said M&S type prices, that's probably a good place to start. Loads of choice, some decent stuff in, and plenty that's not cropped tops, puffy sleeves or bodycon.

I have a Fupa too! Sounds like we like the same thing.
The new jeans are harper from ms super soft cigarette- bit more now than skinny. Brand new on vinted for £10 and no fupa.

I also got a great black and white striped t shirt from M and S and a lime green cardigan from Asda in the sale. I bought some dr marten shoes from the out let for work but actually like them for not work. I do love trainers but have cankles. For coat I got a utility jacket from a few years ago (although wore my winter down the other day!)