Body proportion help

[TWETMIRF]

I find it hard to find clothes that fit properly, quite often the cut seems to be wrong for me. If I go for a wrap top/dress then it crosses over so far down that most of my bra is on display.

I have a feeling that my proportions are not the norm and wondered if there is someone I could go to and get them to measure me to give me tips on what I need to look for? Is that daft?

I’m like this. I’m on the short side, but it’s really my upper body that’s “short”. My waist is quite high up and shoulder straps are always too long. Like you, wrap dresses always gape, I tend to either stitch them closed higher up or use a safety pin to shorten the top and bottom layers of the wrap part.

Not daft at all.
If you can find a local seamstress or sewing shop that do alterations and have you favourite/most worn items adjusted that could be a great help.
I didn't get my wrap dresses adjusted at the v-neck part as I was worried I wouldn't be able to get them on & off easily so instead found some seamless thin vests like this to wear under the dresses.
You can goggle most flattering for (insert pear shape, etc) and see the recommended styles but why not decide which part of you body you like best and alter your clothes accordingly to show it off.
I like my legs so had several of my longer dresses shortened, and necklines changed to help with broad shoulders.
If you use instagram - search a clothing shop you like & try to find ladies with similar body shapes to get an idea of what might be flattering for your proportions.

I have this problem too, I'm short waisted, and wrap tops are often too low. Sometimes you can lift the shoulders slightly for a neater fit, just take in the top seam, it's quite easy if you can do a basic running stitch.
But it's not always possible, and some times it's better just to reject the item, as it will always gape or expose your bra. You could wear a cami underneath but it's never really satisfactory, and having to pin something is just annoying. Easiest is to find a different piece that does fit! Different shops vary in their fittings, so find one that works for you, maybe a petite fit might work, as it will be cut for a shorter body. I do find many clothes are designed to fit someone much taller and broader shouldered than me!

Have a look at melissamurrellpersonalstyling on instagram. She posts a lot of free content including links to her 'body shape masterclasses' on youtube. They're really helpful & give tips about how to dress appropriately for your shape.

I'm also short waisted and a taper in a lot at the waist and have so many issues with finding clothes that actually make me look out together.

Jeans are my biggest struggle - I want high waisted but they're too high to the point of being at my bra (I've even tried a shorter length) yet mid-rise aren't high enough and seem to fall down whenever I sit down or bend over!

How tall are you, @TWETMIRF ?
Wrap dresses need the ties to be at exactly the right place, so can be hit and miss.

If you want to be measured, go to a dressmaker or take up sewing. It will be a revelation. Don't assume that because you are a size 10 in all the shops, you'll need the dress pattern cut at size 10. Dressmaking sizes are tiny in comparison.
A dressmaker will alter a pattern to allow for a bigger/smaller bust, waist, hips. and for a short or long waistline.

Shopwise, find a brand that makes clothes for a certain height. The median height for a woman in the UK is about 5'4" but many clothes are cut for the average height of young women (probably about 5'6")

Your body is fine, fashion doesn't realise that we come in varying proportions.

@hdbs17 , all jeans need a belt. I've gone out without a belt before now and found my jeans slipping down my hips as I walked. I had to make a makeshift belt from a polythene bag.

Annoyingly, I've had really good jeans from Jane Norman (that long ago!) that never fell down. Also some old Tesco ones from about 4 years ago that stayed out but I've found they've since changed their material blend.

I just can't abide belts - they dig in too much on the c-section mum tum!

@hdbs17 , you can get ones that clip on to belt loops and don't go across the front lower abdomen. Ladies Elastic Belt Invisible No Buckle Belt for Women Men Black Adjustable Stretch Waist Belt Jeans Belt No.3 Blue Suit Waist 30-48 inches : Amazon.co.uk: Fashion no buckle belt]

I find that there is some creep in all jeans, but some will be wearable without a belt, and a few unwearable. (the worst culprits were from a japanese brand beginning with U, but some of theirs were fine)

OMG!

Thank you!! Those look like a life-saver!

I've no idea how good they are, but they'd definitely be worth a try. I found them when I was looking for a snake belt - I didn't find a snake belt then, but I found loads today.

Britwear Adult Men Plain Adjustable Elastic S Hook Snake Belt (MADE IN UK) Main Colour:Black : Amazon.co.uk: Fashion

Other retailers sell these products

I've noticed a few women buying maternity style jeans because they are apple shaped and/or to avoid tightness across C-section scars. Not sure if that's a bit too extreme but if it works for them, why not.

Pull-on trousers that look more like smart jeggings or 'slacks' can be great too.
They tend to be looked down on here. I found them because my DM wanted me to get her some, and she was raving about them so much I got myself a couple of pairs.
Robell Trousers | Women's Fashion | Jonzara
They are also sold by other retailers

Expensive option but if you do a House of Colours Style day I believe they talk about proportions to help you know what to look for.