5 foot 2 and size 20 - help please

[Threelittlemaids]

Please help. I have put on a lot of weight over the last few years, partly lockdown overeating and partly medication. I am 5 foot 2 and a size 20 with big boobs and a big tum. I don't want lots of people telling me to lose weight for the sake of my health etc because it is nearly impossible due to the medication but I would like advice on what to wear to look less like a 'weeble'. Thanks

Let us know what you think of what you see - so people will have an idea where else to look.

OP I've recently lost a lot of weight, down from a 26 ( possibly more), into a current 16, and now I realise that my attempts at looking more slim by wearing flowey and baggy clothing were in vein and I should have been buying much more fitted and shapley clothes. Out of habit, I'm still trying to buy baggy stuff and need to get used to buying things that give a shape. I think when we're overweight we want to hide and cover up but try not to and you'll look much more together

I’m your height OP and when I was a size 18 I wore a lot of midi dresses with leather jackets at this time of the year. I also wore good quality jogging bottoms and sweatshirts often too. For the evening I had leather leggings with various blouses.
I felt fat but I still thought I looked as nice as a short size 18 person can look.

I've got this dress for instance- you would think it would look crap but it looks great and is really slimming

1 x Floral Ruffle Front Wrap Midi Dress in Navy Blue

Ah , forgot the pic!!

Also think about what the nicest parts of your current figure are, maybe you have a nice waist, maybe great calves, maybe you can pull off that cute/petite look that's very hard for taller people like me, and just emphasize those strong points.

Try Poetry https://www.poetryfashion.co.uk/

Poetry is lovely, stylish, and made from natural fabrics. They go up to at least a 22 (I'm 5'5" and a size 18/20. ). Check the actual sizing though, as it can be a bit bonkers.

Bonkers how Jaxhog? I'm always hankering after their cords in particular but have never bitten the bullet.

You don't have to sacrifice comfort or style. Make sure you have well-fitting bras and Snag do great tights (and chub rub shorts) to fit everyone.

I would suggest that you work out what colours look good on you. Do you have a warm or cool skin tone (take a look on youtube or TIk Tok they have plenty of guides). Once you figure out what colours (seasons) are right for you stick with those colours. Dresses can be quite flattering. Go for V necks to draw the eye up. If your tummy is your biggest area avoid top that end right on your tummy but rather go for tunic tops.

I would go for solid colours rather than patterns (although admittedly the stores seem to think plus size must have patterns).

Let's face it, all sizing is bonkers atm. I've bought things in XS (!) 10, 12 and 14 this last weekend. I wish they would start using measurements instead.

@Spinet Bonkers in that the sizes vary quite a lot. e.g. I'm a 14 in some things but a 22 in others! Every item has explicit sizing though, so it isn't really a problem.

I’m no longer a 20 thanks to saxenda but I was 5 ft 2 and a 20 just like you.
I sort of developed a style of well cut straight or bootcut trousers and jeans but pull on so that there was no extra bulk on the tummy. I pair this with either empire line tunic tops with either a deep v or square neck. Cut to sit well on the bust but to skim on the tum. I can remember an episode of trinny and Suzanna and they said if you are round yourself don’t wear a round neck lol I’ve followed this ever since and it works. The other tops that work well for me are loose sheer chiffon tops over a snug fitting camisole top. The camisole might cling to your fat but then the chiffon top skims over that . Again v or square neck.
Ive had people say that I dress really well for my size before so that gave me confidence to stick to my own style

I am just a little taller than you, also a size 20 and due to medication losing weight is nigh on impossible! The medication keeps me alive though, so I'd rather be fat than the alternative!

You mention you have good boobs, so fit and flare dresses, faux wrap style with a skirt that skims - not too gathered, is my go-to. In my experience highlighting the boobage means people tend not to notice any other part of me! 🤭😂

@Amiable Ha- me too!!

Baggy outfits are super trendy right now - have you tried wide leg trousers with a longish jacket? I'm a similar height to you and find it makes me look taller, but obviously I don't know if it would work for your body 😊

In terms of going out clothes, I can never tell what size a woman is when she's wearing a jumpsuit (and, again, I think jumpsuits can elongate you and make you look taller).

Ultimately just find clothes you love as confidence is always attractive!

Hi OP, haven’t read the whole thread so don’t know if you’ve already considered Ralph Lauren Woman? They are pricey but you can get them on Vinted.

my colleague is also Rubenesque and has this dress Dress

I was going to suggest her. She always looks lovely and wears bright colours and different styles.

Lovely items.

Shirt dresses are magic because:

deep V neck

fitted / tailored - no swamping fabric

line of buttons top to toe to draw the eye vertical to max illusion of height

one fabric and colour top to toe - not broken horizontally so again height illusion

leave the bottom ones undone to flash some leg

black tights

boots with a heel

3/4 sleeves

Similar effect to a wrap dress but more up to date IMHO

Feels fab and structured (good bra beneath)

Can get them everywhere - had a couple of great ones from Tesco last season.

I’m not mad on the wrap dress/boobs look.

I'm 5'2" and a 16/18. My favourite item at the moment is a satin type shirt from h and m, v neck, large enough so buttons don't gape, can tuck in if feeling OK about my belly, or wear loose. Giid with jeans (boot cut to balance), or wide trousers. Think laid back but stylish. I've just ordered the same shirt in two more colours.

Otherwise, I'm a fan of v necks, rolling up sleeves to break up a big block, without showing upper arms.

Snag tights and chub rubs.

Good bra to lift.

Unlike others, i sometime like a big tent dress to chuck on ans feel comfy in. I just detract with a good red lippy.

When I was around the same size as you ( Inam shorter) I used to wear sleeveless tunic dresses with a long top underneath and boots with a cardigan over the top.

Thank you for all the suggestions and tips. I love that La Redoute cotton dress and would certainly not have chosen it. I also like East and the shapes and colours in Uniqlo (but they only seem to do coats in XXXL/20) but I'm afraid that Palava was not my thing at all. You have all been so kind and helpful.