Please tell me what I’m supposed to wear 😩

[Finella12]

I’ve just turned 39. I am 5’3 with really short legs and a bit of a “mum tum” going on (three c-sections).

kids are a little older now and i am turning my attention back to myself, I suppose. I am on an absolute mission to get fit and healthy for turning 40 at the end of next year. I’ve already lost a bit of weight and I’m feeling so much better already.

Yesterday I went clothes shopping and had absolutely no luck, to be honest. I wear a lot of tunic/long top and leggings/tights but couldn’t find much of that sort of thing in the shops. Lots of jeans/joggers/hoodies which are no use to me. I look fucking ridiculous in most trousers, it turns out. My legs are just so short, I look dumpy and fat. I need a size 14 around the middle but I’m a 10/12 everywhere else (which is why leggings work so well).

urgh it’s just a disaster.

Im absolutely dreading the warmer weather because I just don’t know how I’m supposed to dress.

I wear dresses. They’re so easy and comfy.

High waisted jeans or leggings and shorter tops with platform trainers?

Too bulgy around the stomach for anything short. My stomach needs to be hidden. But I am intrigued by the idea of platform trainers. I live in ankle boots right now.

Do you have a John Lewis? You can book an appointment and give them a brief to try new styles on.

I live in dresses with chunky boots, maxi skirts with chunky jumpers, oversize camel coat and a fitted long wool coat.

Don't tunics just highlight your tummy area? You'd maybe suit dresses like fine wool or patterns for the summer, looser fit.

But do you wear shirts or shirt dresses? The neckline works well on those to distract from tummy and legs.

Maybe go on pintrest and see what style you like and then try new things? M&S are great for that you can spend ages trying on and they have styles for everyone.

I didn’t know that re John Lewis. We don’t have one here but I could travel and do that. I’m quite picky about tunics because some of them do cling to my stomach but I find the leggings I wear do pull my stomach in a little bit so it’s not so bad.

I live in chunky ankle boots. It’s the warmer weather I struggle with. I need a little heel because I’m too short but couldn’t wear a proper high heel all day at work.

Wore a shirt dress for the first time yesterday and loved it actually. The weight loss has helped that. It would usually have been bulgy around my tummy

I find jumper dresses are good for skimming a tummy too. Worn with tights and knee length boots.

You sound as though skater style dresses would suit you, with leggings or tights under. And then some well fitting jeans, I would go to a big marks and try on about 20 different styles, agree re platform trainers, I was watching some Trinny Instagram vids earlier and that's what she does as she is tall but has short legs.

I only wear dresses in the summer, as in winter how do they keep you warm, today I'm wearing a pair of thermal leggings under flared animal print leggings, on top, a thick thermal high neck with long sleeves top, and a cashmere over sized jumper , and I'm still a bit cold.

As a fellow shortie, I agree with this. I also have a couple of heavyweight jersey dresses I wear in spring and autumn, with flat shoes and a jacket if I need one.

Trousers wise, I wear tapered, tailored trousers for work, as wide legged ones make me look even shorter. At the weekend, mostly jegging style finishing just above my ankle bone with flat shoes, or tucked into long boots.

Tunics really aren't a good look on me at all. I need fitted/semi fitted, so prefer shirts or close fitting tops. I love White Stuff leggings, but their tops along with fat face look hideously frumpy on me.

I'm 5ft 1, size 16 and 57 years old. I used to wear a lot of tunics and leggings and realised after looking at pics that they make me even shorter looking. I got myself away from this look by wearing knee length dresses with thick tights and boots. Now I also wear midi dresses with boots/trainers/ chunky sandals. They hide a multitude of sins. If im wearing tops/ blouses I try to get some that have a shirt tale shape, longer at the front and back, but that go up at the side to create the illusion of a longer leg.

I sympathise as I'm 5 foot, recently 39, and have had 1 c section. I can't find any petite jeans which are comfy on the tummy and look ok with boots for winter (live countryside ish and really can't just wear little trainers at this time of year). Dresses are tricky in soft play with my 2 year old!

I've taken to wearing short skirts again. 5'2" and size 18. I too have a big tummy, but my legs are reasonable, so a pair of snap tights and some boots look good. And then a fitted top or shirt on top. Yes, I've got a tummy, but I'm also quite small on my ribcage (in comparison) and have great boobs. It's all about detracting from the belly for me.

Reading with interest as I also find a short ish dress tights and boots more flattering than trousers. Though I have also tried wide legs with a top successful- except of if I turn side on and see my belly - which is probably much larger than yours !

Do you feel like you could be a dungarees person? No tight waist band so you could go for a smaller size to fit the rest of you.

If you want to look smarter, shift dresses are often flattering if you are apple shaped with slim legs. You can buy thicker fabrics e.g. corduroy and wool for winter and wear slim knits and tights underneath. Probably not a lot of these on the high street but loads on Vinted (e.g Boden, Hobbs), or if you search online some brands will do them.