What do you wear if you’re a size 18

[Mugginscake]

I’ve lost my way totally! I live in indigo Jeggings, t shirt and sweatshirts. I need some inspiration for everyday and the odd night out. I’m mid 40s and don’t know what my style is

Not a size 18 Op but I have been a larger size than you. Have a look on Pinterest and see what grabs you there in terms of clothes that you are comfortable wearing and it will hopefully give you some outfit and styling ideas. Sometimes it’s just a case of styling things. How do you feel about getting out of your comfort zone in terms of dresses? The great thing about them is that you don’t have to worry about what top goes with the bottom half.

The outfits that I've noticed that seem to be very current are
Blazers
Chunky trainers
Satin midi skirts
Bodysuit to match either skirt or blazer

This kind of thing

I’m not, but I’ve done a lot of looking recently, for one reason or another. There’s some fabulous stuff available, whatever style you’d like to try.

Batsheva. Surely one of the coolest and loveliest brands around at the moment. And brilliantly, if you scroll through all the photos of some items, they often look even more magnificent on the larger size model than on the skinny one. You’ll have to use your imagination with this blouse - but it’s so gorgeous.

Beyond Nine. Really nice looking casual clothes.

Community Clothing. Brilliant shop.

East seems to be undergoing a renaissance. Not as adventurous as it once was but there are quite a few not too meh dresses, and this jacket is outstanding.

Palava I wish I saw more people wearing their clothes! Wonderfully distinct look.

@Mugginscake following with interest as I am the same size and I really struggle with what to wear as a smart casual look

I'm that size and my main aesthetic is boho. I wear the dreaded tiered dresses a lot, they're great for hiding the belly.

When I'm not in boho I wear mainly jersey trousers and a usually flowy top. I do have a pair of jeans and a couple of pairs of cargo pants.

Wide leg trousers are also good if you are tall. I have a great pair from Temu but I tripped over the leg ,thanks dyspraxia, and I am wary abou wearing them again.

I'm an 18 and I only wear dresses. Chucked all my jeans and trousers years ago. Mostly I wear floaty midi dresses with a maxi coat in winter, boots and tights.

I am a short 18 so wide legged trousers don't suit me at all as they make me look square.

Dresses better than trousers although I am wearing some straight legged jeans today which get the teen dd seal of approval. A lot of drapey jersey.

If I can find the right fit, a plain, fairly fitted but still drapey midi length dress (with a belt to highlight the fact my waist still comes in) and boots is a flattering look on me. Tapered trousers also quite good as far as trousers go.

Blazers are really good as well. I am also learning a bit more about styling from things like insta. Have a teen interested in fashion is helpful as she has a good eye and likes not to shamed by me in public.

I do find weekend casual hard though. I default to baggy and shapeless too easily. I did a lot of jumpsuits this summer which were ok.

Im the same size, I find inspiration from https://instagram.com/fabfatand40plus?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

She is a size 20 and mixes high street, charity shop/vintage finds

There are some lovely tunics and larger sizes on the Poetry website. I’ve got several of their blouses that I pair with M&S jeggings or jeans and Birkenstocks.

I'm an 18 and wear the same as I did as a 12, why do you need to dress differently?

You’re fortunate if you haven’t encountered any narrowing of choice between size 12 and size 18, @notanothernamechange12. There are countless brands I shop from that wouldn’t be available to me as a size 18.

One of the reasons I take an interest in this is that a few years ago a close relative went up several sizes due to medication. They were (and remain) used to being stylishly dressed, but once they hit size 18 most of their usual shops had nothing to offer, and we had to look elsewhere. Things have improved since then, I notice.

The answer depends on your body shape. I find simplybe pretty good for ideas as all the models are bigger.
My shape likes a swing dress with leggings as a staple. Always a v or lower neckline. Never square shaped. I have short fat legs so anything wider than a legging makes me look huge. But I will wear wide leg jeans if I must

I wear a lot of dresses. Usually plain not print. Leggings with tunics. Dresses have to be v necked which is sometime s a chllaenge!

I live in dresses! Currently wearing a denim skirt and band t shirt.

following this for inspo

I wear loads of Toast, Carrier Clothing, Palava (hello @SurpriseSparDay !) M&S for basics, One Hundred Stars, Monki.
I'm eyeing up Brora for a couple of skirts and jumpers.
My style is 1950s librarian crossed with countryside Aunt. Lots of natural fibres, well cut shirts and nice prints.
Basically 18 is the new 14. Most shops go up that far so enjoy it!

Depends on your body shape, height etc as well not just your weight / size. I’m 16/18 mostly, 180cm so quite tall . Body shape is ‘vase’: broad shoulders, wide back, big boobs. Tapering downwards to skinny calves and ankles 🙄. I follow the Trinny & Suzanne advice of good quality, straight-leg jeans, substantial footwear, fitted shirts & tops, anything to create a v-neck (jewellery, scarf, cardigan), fitted jackets - blazers are great - that cover below my tummy but no longer. Drapey, but fitted. I can’t get away with cheap clothes: they need to be a decent weight of fabric and some degree of tailoring. My style is quite masculine- haven’t worn a dress or skirt since I got married 20 yrs ago 😂.

Everyone here apart from you and me hates Batsheva. I'm a 14 to 16 and my much mocked on here size 16 Batsheva dress in real life has had so many compliments.

Palava is great too.

Neither Batsheva nor Palava make dresses to make anyone look slimmer - they make fabulous dresses. If it's fabulous on a size 10, then hey there's even more fabulousness to look at on an 18.

Kemi Telford and Heritage are good too, and like Batsheva some will look better on a bigger figure.

Kemi Telford
Heritage Clothing