How to look less mumsy! (meeting the ex))

[Realdeal1]

Meeting my ex for dinner. It's been a few years now and whilst my face looks decent, I've put on a stone (or more!).

Although we were never suited/amicable, there is a part of me that wants to look casual but amazing as im out with someone of the opposite sex after years! I've really lost interest in my looks for the last few years so have just worn slightly baggy trousers and tight tops/big coats even though most say my legs are nice. My hair is greying and I really feel like I look mumsy/hide myself away. He was always in great shape but I was a mum who looked really stylish at the time. Now I'm just not! (blaming peri menopause here).

Any ideas for clothing? I'm a curvy size 16, busty 38GG, tallish so thought just something like this which i have already but never wore. Does the top look too casual? Or else, a cut out top with a skirt/jeans? I'm conscious about my stomach!

I’d say that’s quite dull and shapeless so could easily look quite frumpy, sorry. I’m a similar bust size (just a couple of cup sizes bigger) and same clothes size as you and a casual but smart outfit I always get compliments on is wearing a skirt with a bodysuit underneath, casual shirt tucked into the skirt that’s unbuttoned down to just underneath my bust so you can see the bodysuit a little, black tights and black Chelsea boots. Leather jacket over it if it’s cold. Wearing that always gets more comments than anything else I wear, I think because it enhances my curves, without being too tight or too loose/frumpy. That dress just looks like it would hide all the nice bits of your figure.

Sorry, have just realised that’s not a dress, but a separate top and skirt (had my phone screen set to dark). I still think there’s something out there that would look more lovely on you though, if you want to look your best.

I think that dress would look so fattening and broaden your top half further as you are very busty, sound like an apple.

As you will be sitting most of the time I would focus on hair. I would wear a fitted top with an above knee dress or skirt, tights and boots.
I would colour the greys and style your hair professionally or at least take time to do it at home nicely as most of the dinner you will be sitting face to face your face and hair will be the main focus.

So show off your fab legs, a bit of cleavage or fitted on bust and hair dyed and done.

@RomeoMcFlourish thank you for the reply! I'm now scrambling around for a shirt. I have a blue oversized H&M one but that felt very worky. Or a cardigan? ARGHHH

@SassyTiger thank you! A friend is coming over to do my hair colour and blow dry. If I get time, I'll go get my eyebrows done too. I wish id done this before but I never went anywhere other than with friends.

Is this a date?

If the cardogan is short like above hips it could work with a skirt. No oversized shirt as it will add bulk to shoulders.

@KateyCuckoo well, it's getting back in touch as friends but logically there's no future for many reasons. Illogically, I always found him hot. 😀

Don’t leave eyebrows till last minute, you don’t want them red!

Not a cardigan! Nothing more mumsy imo! Have you already bought the skirt then? I love those skirts but I don’t own one because I never know what to wear them with! Have you looked at M&S? They always have nice jumpers!

OK but there's potential for ONS? I was thinking about other grooming you might want to undertake...

Short cardigans are in fashion, a 90s style. Not grandad cardi style that covers the bum!

@Rosiiee I have the skirt and top but never wore as I never had anywhere to go. I have loads of friends but we always dress casually.

@KateyCuckoo I shouldn't have a ONS because I know ill get hung up on him more and won't then focus on meeting someone suitable! I just want my face to look good!

Oh post a pic of you wearing it and we can give styling advice! Shoes/hair/jewellery!

In the photo she’s wearing flat boots. Do you have black boots with a bit of a heel? I think that would look better and perhaps make you more confident. It’s also add a bit of leg length as the skirt is quite long. I’d also try wearing a longer necklace over the jumper.

Do you have a colourful purse? Just to add a touch of colour so it’s not so dark.

Amelia Warner is my style icon. Fresh, natural etc. That's the look id love.

@Rosiiee I actually have a foot problem at the moment so higher heels are an out. But yes I have ankle boots.

Not what you’re asking but surely he’s an ex for a reason? And if you can’t get back together and there’s still obviously some feelings there maybe it’s better to block and leave well alone and channel your energies into dating people you might actually have a chance of it going somewhere with??

a jacket is your friend - longline, lightweight, very flattering

Sounds like a massive waste of energy. Did he dump you? Never let men back in. It never works.
Clothing wise you’d be better off in some sort of wrap dress

Go and get your hair sorted out and your eyebrows done. Buy a new lipstick.
That will make you feel less mumsy whatever you wear.

Sounds like a massive waste of energy.

I’m inclined to this view too. Presumably this man is not the father of your child/ren?

Not sure it’s great that you’re so excited about, or even going to, dinner with someone you broke up with. Wouldn’t a new relationship be a more worthwhile use of your time and energy and grooming and clothes?

Wear the outfit from the OP. I see loads of women wearing this style at the moment and they look good.
I did try but the skirt just did nothing for me because I carry my weight around my middle.

@toomanyleggings @Pigeonqueen we aren't getting back together and yes I'm trying to meet someone suitable for me. But we arranged to catch up and I want to look half decent to give myself confidence. Honestly I think id be like that with anyone of the opposite sex because my life is basically being a working mum with loads of female friends. I've let myself go and I need to take some control.

@Wordless I havent been on a date in 3 years despite trying! I am looking to meet someone. Im not excited by my ex, but more going out and dressing up a tiny bit more than normal.

Whatever you wear don't do that "French Tuck" thing. It might have looked ok once upon a time, way back in the dim and distant past on the first 2 or 3 people who did it. Now it just looks daft.