I need a while new wardrobe but have no idea

[fantasyhomesbythesea]

Hi

WFH since 2020 and have put on 3 stone in that time due to menopause and not looking after myself.

I have very few clothes because I haven't wanted to go shopping, hated my shape and the way I looked in everything. But I've lacked the will power to do anything about it. Consequently I have been living mostly in PJ's and lounge stuff.

I want to turn things around and improve my self esteem. I have new resolve to loose weight and live a more healthy lifestyle. But in the meantime I have decided to embrace my new shape and I want to get dressed in the morning into actual daytime clothes. I have always struggled with style even as a size 8/10. I am now a size 14. Middle aged, 5ft 2 ,dumpy, short legs, small boobs and flabby belly. Not much going for me but I want to make the best of it. I want to start to socialise as I currently rarely go out anywhere.

Sorry for the long introduction.

I have been encouraged by some threads recently with retailers Id never heard of before. I have ordered this dress https://www.accessorize.com/uk/broderie-midi-dress-4972310352.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIpNWij6_U_gIVgt_tCh2ImgepEAQYASABEgLaLvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

I'd like some comfy jeans or jeggings.

I also like the look of this dress https://scampanddude.com/products/adult-tiered-maxi-dress-pink-with-red-leopard-and-lightning-bolt?variant=40683183276211 . Is age and body type appropriate ?

Any advice appreciate.

Sorry title should say I need a whole new wardrobe

Check out Boden and seasalt for some nice maxi dresses, with a forgiving waistline!

Similar. I need some summer trousers with elastic in the waist but can’t find any.

Exactly, summer trouser needed! There must be some out there that are suitable but it's finding them 😥

Thank you, I like the look of some of the Boden ones and its saying 20% if you sign up for newsletter

Fatface have patterned wide leg trousers with elasticated waist and short leg length

M&S for trousers, there are some recommended on the menopause thread on S&B that I've worn in their various incarnations for the past ten years. That's a goid thread to follow if you've not yet read it.

Good even!

Yes, I like them. Would you still tuck a top in if you were my size ?

Thank you I will look that thread up. Could do with hearing others experiences. The effect on my body took me by surprise

I have a scamp and dude dress and I love it. I have the v-neck style one, it’s really comfy and easy to wear and I always get compliments on it. They are quite pricey, often they are for sale on Vinted.

I would see what looks best, either tucked in, or a top that's not ultra clingy. I had them last year and bought a cotton top that sort of skimmed rather than clung, it was a boxy type shape.
The brown print trousers in fatface have an ivory top with them, which skimms by the looks of it.
Try matalan petite for clothes too. I bought the petite Jolie jeans from there, really soft and stretchy.

I've also just bought a dress from boden petite, the tiered midi dress, doesn't cling at the waist. It's much more flattering than I thought it would be.

Next have slouchy linen trousers in a few colours, I have black, they’re comfy and useful and look put together.

Be wary I've seen lots of threads where people have commented the Scamp and Dude dressed tend to get holes in quite easily.

I love these trousers. My stomach reacts to food and swells quite easily from one hour to the next. These trousers adapt and accommodate! They're quite fine. Look way nicer in the flesh.

79JVrZuxKfxCIlqqzD1xoCyv4QAvD

Sorry link fail. Hush Aime trousers

I thought you was going to say you had put on so much weight you was a size 22 not a size 14. I'm sure you still look lovely . As for clothes I think m&s have got some lovely stuff in atm , and I'm 39 and still wearing new look clothes lol.

I sound like your body twin. I've had some luck with cargo pants from M&S, muji jeans. Superdry plain T-shirts, scamp and dude sweatshirts.

Still all a bit casual but a step towards actual smarter clothing. (Haven't cracked that yet myself).

I know what you mean about my dress size Cadbury 14 is not that big and Ive seen loads of women size 14 and a lot larger that look fab. I think my problem is that I am short and a small frame, so the size 14ness is all pure flab, I have no shape , no boobs or waist, not hour glass, just a blob 😬But I have accepted it and want to make the most of what I can.

I am rubbish at fashion as well. My ideal situation would be to find someone like me, same size age and lifestyle who has great clothes and can let me try them all on 😂

https://www.zara.com/uk/en/embroidered-short-dress-p05107059.html

I've bought the above from the store. It was on sale and I liked it but I didnt realise it was a dress I thought it was a top. I still like it although its long on me for a top and tummy still sticks out through the fabric.

Can it be salvaged and could I wear it over jeans or trousers or leggings . Any thoughts ?

I'm a similar size and height to you OP. I've had successful purchases from M&S lately - wide leg trousers and Harper jeans. Did you use Instagram? If so, I can recommend dressedtothemax, marksandspencer_nicola, curvesandcampervans to start with to follow for style tips.

I don't have instagram but I might sign up. I don't have much SM. I have some WhatsApp chat groups and I chat to people on Mumsnet

I like that dress. Have you looked at Sugarhill Brighton I find some of it a bit childish but some is lovely. https://www.sugarhillbrighton.com/collections/bestselling-styles/products/hilda-midi-shirt-dress-blue-rainbow-leopard

I always struggle with finding clothes that suit the lifestyle I actually have so, whilst I need to learn this lesson myself, think of what you do each month and the frequency with which you do it and what sort of clothes you need.

I’m currently looking at Vinted so that I’m not spending too much on any single item.