Different body shape after loosing weight- help!

[NopeNotFluffy]

I’ve lost weight recently and don’t know how to dress for my new shape. I didn’t used to be an apple shape but think I am now.

About a size 16, 5ft7, 36G boobs (but floppy as socks with an orange in 😂) and no discernible waist. Legs ok but big old varicose vein from groin to calf means I don’t like getting them out.

What is the silhouette I should be going for?

(currently wearing flared jeans- not bootcut- a stretchy cotton vest and v soft unbuttoned floppy linen shirt. Have been wearing variations on this since 18 but am now 49!)

Are you near a John Lewis? If so book an appointment with a personal stylist/ shopper and they might be able to help you dress for your new shape. There is no obligation to buy and it could literally be a case of wanting to find basics like jeans and a dress for the day time.

Women often become more apple shaped at menopause. Losing muscle mass and thickening through the middle.

regaining some muscle will not only balance your body shape but is vital for healthy and safe aging

What I did was pick up a pair of jeans in every style take them to the changing room and just tried them on and took a photo in each. I don’t make any decisions until later when I put the photos side by side and tried to look objectively at them. From that I learned I prefer my body in a mid/low rise bootcut or mild flare. Not wide leg and definitely not skinny.

i did the same with a load of different shaped tops and discovered that I prefer an elbow or 3-4 sleeve, boat or v neck, slim fitted and no puffiness at the shoulder.

i could then extrapolate that to general shapes for dresses too. Flat waist not gathered, flare out from the hip so a-line or tulip shaped, sleeves not sleeveless.

@NopeNotFluffy you’re wearing the classic ‘Woman With the Must-Have New Mop’ TV advert uniform. (Though lately only men and boys seem to be allowed a mop on TV …)

I’d imagine you are ready for a change. I was going to suggest looking at Palava, but they don’t seem to have a good range of sizes at the moment. Instead, take a look at

Kemi Telford

Any of the waisted dresses, or skirts, would give a strong, well defined silhouette.

New underwear for starters, try the boob or bust method or go to a decent bra fitter. I'd be very surprised if you are still a 36GG.

Honestly measuring yourself with a tape measure and getting an accurate picture of your own body will be of most use. I know the actual sizing in shops is pretty random but once you know if you are an apple or an inverted triangle or a rectangle, shopping for your actual shape does become easier. There are plenty of free online resources.

Try stuff on with an open mind, what looks awful on a hanger might look great on your body.