Totally lost my way help needed 16-18

[pestothepenguin]

I've no idea what my style is or what's fashionable any more. Or just even what to where that is ok. Every time i need to go out I agonise over outfits.

So tomorrow I'm going on holiday but I'm agonising f over what to wear to drive to the airport in for the night in airport hotel and then what to wear on 5 hour flight to Cyprus.

15 years ago I look back and seen I was fashionable, dress like everyone else and felt I fitted in. Now 15 at the ripe age of 43 and - few stone heavier I just feel lost.

I want to look stylish, Polished, put together, cool and relaxed. In want to breeze around like "I woke up like this"

I'm chunky size 16-18 (more 18 at the moment) where previously 14 -16. I have very heavy short reel trunk legs and a very large midriff. But I have a defined waist off you look head on and reasonable shaped chest. Fairly narrow shoulder. I find my legs are no good in skinnies as the are too have bit mom jeans look crumpled mess after an hour or so.

I need clothes for

• work (school)
• going to the pool (I swim a lot)
• comfy casual trips out eg (supermarket )
• casual more nicer trips shopping or lunch

-fancier evening out naice pub or restaurant

I remember after almost two years of scarcely leaving the house during the lockdowns, it took me nearly three hours of trying on before I found clothes suitable for - walking to the local computer shop to ask a question about my laptop. By the time I got out of my front door I was hot, sweaty and close to tears. And I’m someone who usually loves clothes and getting dressed.

My solution to the unaccustomed panic was to ask the question What is the simplest thing I could wear? In your case - do you have a clean t shirt that fits? Do you have a cardigan or light jacket that fits? Do you have a single pair of trousers that you can get on? That’s an outfit. Doesn’t matter if it’s not your ideal outfit, and it doesn’t need complicated coordination.

Your holiday sounds like an excellent time to reflect on your wardrobe and browse the Internet for things that will help to simplify your life!

I don’t actually understand your opening sentence about not knowing what your style is. Why does this need defining? I know there’s a tik tok (?) thing about three words - I really can’t be bothered with that. Why not simply choose clothes you like and put them on? That’s your style.

You don’t give a budget but for anyone needing a complete re-set I think the simplest thing to do would be to open the

Community Clothing

site and pick one of each garment in the size that fits you now. One dress, one t shirt, one sweatshirt, one shirt, one cardigan, one jumper, one denim skirt, one pair of trousers, one pair of jeans. Add a coat if needed. That’s pretty much everything necessary for non-specific everyday life. No need to worry about whether things are fashionable - that!s guaranteed because it’s a contemporary shop producing carefully made clothes.

You could of course replicate this plan on Vinted or from Net-a-Porter - whatever suits your pocket and preference.

After that you could expand your browsing to find other things to add to that basic wardrobe.

Wrap dresses and tops hide plenty of bad and would look lovely with your waist

I find this account helpful

www.instagram.com/carys.whittaker?igsh=MXFteHJiNGQzamtwYg==

Recently bought these wide leg trousers which are really flattering for work. I know they're not a brand you think of probably but I've actually had to size down as they were too big! Stretchy waist at the back

www.hollisterco.com/shop/uk/p/hollister-livvy-ultra-high-rise-wide-leg-pants-57374561?categoryId=99210&faceout=model&seq=03

You could try straight leg or relaxed skinny for jeans

I'm the same size as you up.
My faves for travel are free people bay to breakers trousers (size large or med if you like more fitted - they are very generous)
Uniqlo wide leg trousers in XL
Some barrel leg jeans from Amazon that Erica Davies was showcasing earlier this year
Higher waistbands will give you a better shape

There's lots of lovely stuff out there !

Thanks everyone I'm checking out those suggestions!!