Weight gain - clothes inspiration needed

[PopcornAndGummyBears]

TLDR: Inspiration needed for a 5’4”, size 10-12 woman with big hips, flabby belly & big norks.

Longer version with more details:
I have had a pretty shitty year and have eaten all my feelings, while also being fairly sedentary due to physical injuries and severe anxiety meaning I barely left the house for several months. As a result I have gained weight - all over really, but my arse and hips are sizeable, my stomach; flabby and my breasts are bulging out of my 30FF bra. I am edging towards a size 12, although can still wear my regular size 10/S clothes, albeit they are a little tighter than I’d like. I have no idea what I weigh but I’d guess somewhere around 145-150lb. I am 5’4”. I look best at around the 125-130lb mark but do not have the motivation to do what would be required to get back to that right now.

I dress pretty casually most of the time, although I do like dresses and smarter tops too. No need for office-wear. I pretty much live in jeans, (skinnies or mom) but am finding that my arse looks massive in them at the minute. I tried on some bootcut jeans this morning but they made me feel like I had time-hopped back 25 years to when I was a student and I couldn’t cope!

I really need some inspiration - stylish, but casual/casual-ish. Most of my clothes are from Banana Republic, Oliver Bonas or a local boutique which sells brands like Numph, MSCH & FRNCH - jeans are from Abercrombie & Fitch. I don’t know what is ‘in’ and I don’t have a clue what would look good on me. I’ve short legs so I don’t feel like wider legged trousers work for me unless I’m wearing heels and as I pretty much live in trainers, or TOMs, with just the odd pair of heeled boots in winter, that doesn’t really work for me.

Help! I went to TK Maxx, Next & M&S today (all that is available in my local shopping centre) and came away with absolutely nothing and feeling totally disheartened. Would gladly shop online, but I have no idea where to start

Sorry you’ve been having such a tough time@PopcornAndGummyBears .

I’m no authority on style but I do recommend getting a well fitting bra for the size you are now. Bulging out of the cups is never a good look and actually makes you look bigger. If there’s a Bravissimo anywhere near you, they can be trusted to fit you, or will help you find the right size online.

Styles for a bigger bust can be tricky but there was a good thread here yesterday - What kinds of tops look good on busty middle aged women ( sorry don’t know how to link a thread to a post)

Melissa Murrell does good videos on YouTube about dressing for different body shapes.

I also got very out of touch due to Covid, shop closures where I live, etc, and am watching videos to get ideas, and browsing online shops a lot. Style and Beauty has lots of suggestions in threads for places to look.

Thanks @Keepingongoing. I’ve done an updated boob or bust measurement and ordered a couple of new bras this evening. Not actually a huge gain there - just 1 cup size, but I think it’ll be enough to make a difference. I’m away now to look up that other thread and the Melissa Murrell woman on YouTube. Thanks

You’re welcome. I’m on a journey myself at the moment to rediscover style after illness, weight gain, bigger boobs. And I’ve got to be a wedding guest in a few weeks.. I’m fine with casual, but smart feels difficult with my figure! I have short legs too. Fortunately I enjoy looking at clothes and thinking about colours.