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Dress me please! I need help!

64 replies

thedendrochronologist · 01/12/2024 19:23

I'll post a picture of me and my size 18 frame

But basically I need to buy clothes that look nice and do not make me look frumpy for the winter

Shoes
Coat
Dress

Jeans
Nice Top

I have thick stumpy legs and big stomach

I want to look cool and fun but not zany or kooky

I have £250 for the lot

Help!

Dress me please! I need help!
OP posts:
Thread gallery
8
ThePoetsWife · 01/12/2024 19:39

I like your outfit (apart from the footwear). I would wear nice trainers (black vejas?) and a blazer or bonnet jacket with the t shirt and trousers

ThePoetsWife · 01/12/2024 19:39

Or adidas in a bright colour

Tuhlula · 01/12/2024 19:49

You don't say whether you want those clothes casual, work or going out.

thedendrochronologist · 01/12/2024 20:35

Sorry casual /going out. Im happy to wear the same or similar

So:
Christmas markets
Nice dinner
Works chrsitmas meal
Christmas shopping

Yes I'm a size 18. It's a flattering picture in poor light.

That outfit is fine I think but it was on holiday at half term in Tenerife.

It is not winter friendly and I cannot find nonnfrumpy clothes. I used to love getting dressed but each week my crisis deepens

OP posts:
thedendrochronologist · 01/12/2024 20:35

Thanks people it means the world to me the help

OP posts:
thedendrochronologist · 01/12/2024 20:38

Tuhlula · 01/12/2024 19:47

https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/coats-jackets/camel-tailored-single-button-coat/p/897542117

https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/jeans/black-denim-barrel-leg-jeans/p/903392201

Your t-shirt in pic and black converse or vans

For a dress V neck with a high waist would be best I think. Maybe something like this...

https://www.nobodyschild.com/products/leopard-print-chiffon-anya-midi-dress-d250331brn

Are you sure your size 18? You definitely look slimmer to me from your pic.

Edited

I love all of this thanks

OP posts:
thedendrochronologist · 01/12/2024 21:00

Is this nice?

Is scamp and dude ok? I don't want to look like a brand fan

Dress me please! I need help!
OP posts:
SkaneTos · 01/12/2024 21:23

I like the top you are wearing in the picture!

GodRestYouMerryGentlewench · 02/12/2024 05:26

Honestly …? If you genuinely expect to buy all those items new from shops (you don’t mention pre-owned) for £250 it’s likely you will continue to feel dissatisfied with your wardrobe. And you won’t build up any store of good things as you’ll be continuously replacing cheap stuff that has worn out.

Even in the sales, £50 per item for a size 18 is unlikely to get you the sort of quality you want to be able to look ‘cool’ but also like a grown up.

Firstly, assuming you already have some useable footwear, I’d say you want knee high boots rather than shoes. They make any outfit look more pulled together and sophisticated. There’s a limit to how much you can economise here as you need good, glossy leather in a contemporary shape. M & Spencer does do boots, but the better quality pairs cost the same as they do anywhere:

Dune boots

I would wait for the sales at Cos or Massimo Dutti, or similar places.

The boots would mean not buying another boring pair of jeans.

You are a bit late to be shopping for Christmas season. And I don’t know your style so no idea what sort of dress you’d like - but for decent quality you could browse

Plumo
Gather and See
Toast (maybe)

and hope for a sale in time for your events.

The coat you show would be fine for someone with other good coats - a wool overcoat for instance. As a main coat it would be a poor choice and would make your other clothes look cheap and a bit childish.

Generally, for basic items to boost a wardrobe I would start with

Community Clothing

Makelikeatreeandleaf · 02/12/2024 05:50

Scamp and dude is fine, that jacket is not.

ThePoetsWife · 02/12/2024 07:03

Have a look in a large M&S store - they have dresses, jeans and boots that are more winter friendly. Uniqlo and H&M are worth a look.

With a small budget I would focus on buying basics - a dress maybe a cord shirt dress, a couple of nice jumpers and ankle boots (Chelsea would work well as these are more versatile).

ThePoetsWife · 02/12/2024 07:06

thedendrochronologist · 01/12/2024 21:00

Is this nice?

Is scamp and dude ok? I don't want to look like a brand fan

No.

It won't go with the other clothes. Stick to a limited colour palette that all work together - eg black, bright blue, emerald green, dark green and maybe a scarlet red

Cantonet · 02/12/2024 07:47

Have a look at Primark the edit online.
The straight jeans fit well & the alpaca mix fluffy jumpers look good. There's also a couple of long wool coats for around £50 Ish with 50% wool in them.
Plus several tailored trousers & dresses.
You can order click & collect to try on in many stores. For winter I recommend their pointelle thermals to wear underneath. As good as M&S ones.
You will need to try on items at a size 18 unfortunately. As online sizing is so variable. Stick to a limited palette of colours that all go together. I agree with the Adidas recommendation. There are lots of deals online but I love the flatforms in Burgundy. Alternatively Mango Matilda jeans suit nearly everyone but you will need to size up.

thedendrochronologist · 02/12/2024 08:40

GodRestYouMerryGentlewench · 02/12/2024 05:26

Honestly …? If you genuinely expect to buy all those items new from shops (you don’t mention pre-owned) for £250 it’s likely you will continue to feel dissatisfied with your wardrobe. And you won’t build up any store of good things as you’ll be continuously replacing cheap stuff that has worn out.

Even in the sales, £50 per item for a size 18 is unlikely to get you the sort of quality you want to be able to look ‘cool’ but also like a grown up.

Firstly, assuming you already have some useable footwear, I’d say you want knee high boots rather than shoes. They make any outfit look more pulled together and sophisticated. There’s a limit to how much you can economise here as you need good, glossy leather in a contemporary shape. M & Spencer does do boots, but the better quality pairs cost the same as they do anywhere:

Dune boots

I would wait for the sales at Cos or Massimo Dutti, or similar places.

The boots would mean not buying another boring pair of jeans.

You are a bit late to be shopping for Christmas season. And I don’t know your style so no idea what sort of dress you’d like - but for decent quality you could browse

Plumo
Gather and See
Toast (maybe)

and hope for a sale in time for your events.

The coat you show would be fine for someone with other good coats - a wool overcoat for instance. As a main coat it would be a poor choice and would make your other clothes look cheap and a bit childish.

Generally, for basic items to boost a wardrobe I would start with

Community Clothing

I appreciate you taking the time to reply but I simply do not have the income to buy from these type of shops and most people I know don't either.

I cannot wear long boots as I have large legs including calves

I never used to be dissatisfied with my wardrobe and shopped the high street.

I've just lost my.

OP posts:
thedendrochronologist · 02/12/2024 08:45

Thanks everyone

I think barrel jeans and Chelsea boots are the biggest things I need. My fat cankles make things look weird so I may be better in shoes

I I also saw a really nice cost at the weekend from Barbour at Tk Maxx

I have a few nice cashmere jumpers in plain colours already and many plain polo tops.

OP posts:
GodRestYouMerryGentlewench · 02/12/2024 08:58

@thedendrochronologist I asked if you used pre-owned sites at all. A huge proportion of posters on S&B do seem to access all their potentially more costly items via Vinted or wherever. Apparently often almost new, with tags.

(I’ve bought things like jackets and coats myself either from TK Maxx or pre-owned from Vestiaire.)

It’s just a matter of broadening the range of sources, so you have a wider range of quality.

lucylurcher · 02/12/2024 09:08

I also was surprised you are size 18. Specially as we are talking jeans, any chance of a back view @thedendrochronologist . Yes I know it's harsh to ask.😊

Lentilweaver · 02/12/2024 09:18

Do not buy that coat! If you have limited money buy one in a versatile colour with no trimmings.

borntobequiet · 02/12/2024 10:07

Honestly …? If you genuinely expect to buy all those items new from shops (you don’t mention pre-owned) for £250 it’s likely you will continue to feel dissatisfied with your wardrobe.

A big supermarket with a decent range of clothes should be able to supply the goods and offer much more choice than more expensive retailers, with little or no loss of quality.
Take a friend for constructive criticism and try to find your style. Once you know what suits you, then you can afford to shop upmarket.

MiddleAgedDread · 02/12/2024 11:07

I bought these and they’re really flattering with a slight stretch to the denim so also very comfy. Don’t be put off by the slim fit, I have chunky thighs and my usual size fits comfortably. www.next.co.uk/style/su244608/362425#362425

juless77 · 02/12/2024 11:16

thankyou for this thread

khaitai · 02/12/2024 11:20

I think one thing to think about is how much you care about looking chic Vs feeling comfortable. If you want to look chic then I'd get some dark coloured jeans with a high waist and a flare. This will work better for your body shape than carrot or barrel leg. Then wear the jeans with pointed toe heeled boots and a camel coloured long coat. Get a couple of simple black long sleeve tops and a couple of jumpers/cardigans to go on top.

If you want to save money I'd go cheaper on the jeans and black tops and spend a bit more on the jumpers and coat as you don't want them going instantly bobbly.

MyCupOfTea32 · 02/12/2024 11:26

If you're looking for ideas for wearable, stylish outfits for size 16/18 then have a look at Emily Jane Johnston on instagram. She's very tall (I don't know if you are or not) but her looks are really wearable. They are also achievable with high street or vinted finds too, so not bank-breaking.