Smart casual for apple with large chest

[kookieboo]

Hello please can anyone help? I'm 56, 5ft 6ish and about 3 or 4 stone overweight. I'm 36jj. I carry most of my weight around my middle, quite barrel shaped but don't have wonderful slim legs. I like comfort, clean lines without too much fuss, and nothing too revealing. I find it really hard to find flattering dresses, but trousers or skirts and tops are ok. I generally wear size 16 to 18 in trousers and 22 in tops because I'm self conscious of my bust and I probably buy a bit too big. I hate clothes shopping and tend to buy online which make it even harder to find things that work. Is there anyone out there who is similar who can suggest good shops or shapes or help me to look more out together in general. I'd like to find a smart casual outfit for a day out in London. Something I could wear with smart trainers. Any thoughts?

If this isn’t your heart’s desire …

Community Clothing Curve range

Really excellent clothes. Obviously you can probably buy some trousers and skirts from their non-curve range. And for anything unisex that isn’t yet available in your size, I’d look at the men’s department.

I’d suggest this wonderful :

skirt

with a sweatshirt or knitwear, a raincoat or chore jacket and knee high boots. Or your trainers, of course.

I’m a similar size and shape to you (a bit shorter and fatter!), though tend to prefer bright colours and pattern. I also value comfort highly, I have given up on clean lines at this size though. It’s very hard I think! For me, Autograph at M and S is great as is Sugarhill Brighton, Mint Velvet, Fat Face.

I quite often wear jersey wrap type dresses and I think they’re flattering, although I don’t mind showing a bit of cleavage and I think I also have good legs! I actually find dresses easier than separates these days.

Currently my favourite outfit is black wide leg cords from M and S together with a black T shirt from Mint Velvet with big taffeta shirt sleeves…. Less colour than I am used to but I love the silhouette and I think it looks great with smart trainers. That particular top is sold out now I think but a big sleeves silhouette seems to be in and I bet you could find something similar there now.

Have you tried blouson/ balloon hem style tops?
https://www.melyr.co.uk/products/vivi-camel-1
I’m a busty apple and they are flattering. Melyr come up big though so size down 1-2 sizes

Thanks for the suggestions so far, I really appreciate it. I've just ordered a couple of the melyr tops to try and I'm going to explore the other suggestions too!