What should I be wearing in my 40s? Nothing fits!

[Clothesareawful]

My title says it all and I'm looking for some links and suggestions of brands. I want to step away from fast fashion and don't mind spending on mid range providing the quality and fit are there.
I'm in my 40s, size 14/16, I have a waist but I think that's mostly due to my huge bust which gives the illusion of a waist. I'm also tall at 5'11. I am really struggling to look nice and put together

My default clothing frankly makes me look like Darlene from Rosanne (if you remember her) but really what I want is to look classy and elegant and put together in clothes that fit!

https://www.longtallsally.com

I have a friend who is your age, height and dress size. She shops in White Stuff and FatFace and the clothes seem to fit her fine, except trousers. She wears long skirts with patterns, plain tops/fine knit jumpers and chunky boots. She buys jeans from Tommy Hilfiger I think and they are long enough for her. She looks good. I am very petite and I admire the presence she has.

What styles do you like? What clothes do you see that you like the look of? Any colours, fabrics, shapes that inspire you? Are there things you own that your do like?
What sort of clothes do you need - what is your life like?

I would start with a thorough look at what’s being sold at Cos - and how the clothes are styled. You’ll know from the measurements / proportions which pieces would fit you or not.

https://www.cos.com/en_gbp/women/new-arrivals.html?page=2

Then you can think about whether you want to replicate that sort of look from other sources.

I think this is part of the problem I don't know what styles work for me anymore. I love bohemian but I also love classic chic. If I could mix the two I would be happy!

Fabrics I love natural fibres (it's the age), I don't like high necklines, and I suit rich tones but not gold or anything on the yellow spectrum.

In terms of what I need, a total wardrobe overhaul. I work a senior office job, my downtime is spent between being outside and dining/theatre so I need the spectrum of clothes.

Thank you all

I know where you’re at. I’ve never been classy or elegant (even when slim) but love that look. I’ve always been a boho, flowery dress person. But at 48, that’s not really working anymore…

I’d like to do boho-leaning autumn corduroy, denim chic if possible! Woolly scarves, but not in a hot-mess way, IYSWIM.

I love bohemian but I also love classic chic. If I could mix the two I would be happy!
Well surely that's your look, right there? It might take you a while to find it but think of all the fun you could have getting there.

I have somewhat similar figure although a bit shorter.

In my experience, whereabouts your waist is on your body will determine quite a lot about fit.

If your natural waistline is proportionally high, then that added to your height makes trouser shopping extremely difficult. Mine is which rules out Fatface and Whitestuff who make trousers for women with naturally short distances between crotch and waist. Long tall sally is appalling quality, sadly.

The twin issue will be bust proportion. Again the clothes are designed with the proportions of a shorter woman in mind. Even if they have outward boob space, they often expect your boobs to finish way higher up than they do.

Sorry this isn't that helpful OP. But I do sympathise with your predicament!