Skirt/ jumper look. Am I too big for it? Or doing it wrong

[pontipinemum]

Honestly, I like how this looks on other people but I am not sure if I am doing it right.

Pics are bad, we only have 1 proper mirror pushed into the spare room at the min. That's just the dress, jumper tucked and jumper untucked. Then in the wild.

I'm just not sure I pull it off.

You are very derogatory about your shape eg I have no thigh gap. Forget all that crap! Kindly though, this dress does you no favours at all. Sell it on vinted! My initial thought was that you were taking the p here with us. If you are not then you do need some professional help with this style wise. I understand that that is not possible where you live. You seem hell bent on pulling cardigans up above the bit of your body you are trying to deflect from. 🤷‍♀️ why?
Suggest you restart as others have said from a basic wardrobe. Your lifestyle as described by yourself doesn't suggest you need dresses on a daily basis so separates are the answer.
Have a look at these two on Insta. Don't be put off by the fact that one is a slightly older woman. She does good stuff with basics.

That sounds completely perfect
!

I was doing that because I thought people were saying to not cut a line over my largest part. And to try and get rid of straight lines.

In the end this is how I went out today.

I am very very derogatory about my appearance and it is genuinely something I am working on. I think even wanting to improve my style is a huge step in the right direction. I've had a complicated relationship with food and my body over the years.

I suppose realistically I will still wear this sort of stuff. But it would be nice to have a few "put together outfits" to rely on.

I have a 40th next week and I have no idea what to wear.

Agree with this poster, don't combine an oversized top AND an oversized skirt. It would throw anyone's figure out of balance and make them look larger than they are.

I do this look and have a tight black knee length skirt and a very oversized jumper. Works a treat. Ideal if one of your items is more colourful and the other neutral (black/white/beige) like you've already done with the red skirt and white/cream top.

The bias cut skirt is a good place to start!

How are you celebrating?

I also like the bias cut skirt on you. I would wear it with one of these for warmth (they also do an extra warm version) but I would size down so it is a close fit https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/products/E457949-000/00?colorDisplayCode=00&sizeDisplayCode=003

and then I'd wear a cropped cardigan over the top in a colour like the raspberry that flatters you. Maybe this https://www.marksandspencer.com/v-neck-cropped-cardigan-with-alpaca/p/clp60742679?color=RED#intid=pid_pg1pip32g4r1c3%7Cprodflag_plp_ts_QP_100+

or this https://www.johnlewis.com/jigsaw-textured-jersey-cord-cardigan-jacket-red/p114229363 - but with the top few buttons undone to create a v neck

For a party outfit your bias skit with one of these
https://www.wallis.co.uk/product/klass-embellished-mesh-cover-up_p-b01c96f6-02cb-4de0-8c8a-5d082aa94ebd?colour=Black the dress its worn with is out of stock but you could get a similar effect with a black vest or strappy top

or this with the bias skirt and the top few buttons undone - wear over a strappy vest if you want a bit of coverage. https://www.wallis.co.uk/product/wallis-embellished-collar-cardigan_byy16072?colour=black

You’re not ‘too’ big. But the big jumper and the dress are doing you no favours. The dress on its own is ok.

Yes I was also thinking of something black and embellished on top for interest (rather than a colour change which chops you in half).

Even a sheer fabric to keep it light and not bulky, and with buttons so you can create a v like this:
www.riverisland.com/p/black-embellished-trim-chiffon-shirt-929701?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=nonbrand_shopping&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22723248190&gbraid=0AAAAADtCgggdYCwYyaBW0Wr9Ue9rI9KNO&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxpPc27fRkAMVHIBQBh3dcQPIEAQYBSABEgLLd_D_BwE

I’m 5 ft 7 with a very similar figure to yours- i find Oliver Bonas dresses are cut really generously round the bust and the mini dresses are a nice length to show off your legs. I’ve got my eye on this one for autumn https://www.oliverbonas.com/fashion/green-corduroy-zip-up-mini-shirt-dress-38940 . They tend to work with an open cardie that hits around the waist.

Thank you I'll buy that cardigan. Looks like the top is out of stock but I will find something similar

I just saw you're in ROI - girlie get yourself to Dunnes!!! Amazing stock right this year.

So based off what you've shared - 2 smallies, country, Irish, want to be comfy, wear leggings & a t-shirt mostly - you need basic outfit formulas.

Fancier day to day: Long tan coat + knit + mid/dark wash jeans + trainer. Layer a scarf & hat over for extra warmth. E.g.
https://www.dunnesstores.com/single-breasted-coat-8830107came/p worn open
https://www.dunnesstores.com/paul-costelloe-living-studio-stone-rib-merino-polo-3615677/p
https://www.dunnesstores.com/gallery-matilda-cable-knit-jumper-2566386/p
https://www.dunnesstores.com/gallery-matilda-cable-cardigan-2565663/p

Toddler day to day: Quilted bomber jacket (light green in style in ROI) + sweatshirt (knitted crew necks in Penneys at the moment for extra style points) + leggings + trainer.

Events: aline/ flare midi + fitted knit top + heeled boots. (Looks better in mono colour.) Long sleeve shirt dress or fit and flare with heels. E.g.
https://www.riverisland.com/ie/p/red-belted-pleated-midi-skirt-926094
https://www.riverisland.com/ie/p/red-knit-long-sleeve-top-925742

OP, your salvation has arrived!
Do what this legend says!

We all criticise ourself! We are our own worst critics and you've not long had a baby. Some people take longer to get back to their previous size and some never do. I do think it's important though to try to shed excess between babies if possible. That outfit - well my attention was taken to the t shirt whereas a couple of buttons in the middle would have given you that V Neck effect. You have great legs! I like the items the poster posted from Dunnes !

I think overall you are choosing things that are baggy everywhere and not accentuating your features. The long skirt makes you look wide on your bottom half. The denim jacket offsets this.breaks up the look, but trying a shorter skirt (just on the knee/a tiny bit above the knee) would be good of you - you can see in the jeans that you have great legs.

With big boobs breaking up the neckline can also help - so v-necks, necklaces and scarves can help and avoiding necklines that are too small/high. A wide boat neck can be good as well as a V.

I'd suggest something like this dress could be good for you.
https://www.seasaltcornwall.com/herb-garden-knee-length-organic-cotton-cord-dress

Avoid wearing a jumper with it - possibly a long line cardigan that hits mid thigh, worn open could work or maybe the denim jacket or a contrasting gilet.

A scarf or chunky necklace like the model wears in one of the pics could help break up the bust area

I agree, it's a question of proportions. I usually think, form fitting top = wide fitting bottom, or form fitting bottom with wide fitting top.

It's a mystery bus tour starting early afternoon.

My first pin board

I'll go back and look again I didn't see that post. I looked on dunnes rhe other day and didnt really see anything.

I think I'll do a dunnes and or m&s order I'll be over in town again next thurs so I could try it all on and return what I dont want.

I was looking on very as well they have some nice things

Having seen the photos, I’d say you need flowy fabric for skirts/ dresses so you don’t add size (so yes to the satin skirt, no to cord).
I’d go for above knee skirts, or mini with thick tights (you have good lower legs).
Jeans/ trousers either very wide leg or very slim fit (the leggings suit you- lower legs are a good feature).
Tops: fine knit and very fitted to end by your hip bone, or chunky and cropped to waist length.
cardigans: either cropped, chunky knit and waist length or fine knit, long line (below bum) and worn open
Shirts- long and worn open over a thick, fitted tshirt.

Oh well in that case I would ignore my earlier suggestion of sheer and embellished: for some reason I'd assumed evening.

But the skirt with a fine knit still works - and the party sounds great!

This woman is worth a look, she’s a size or two bigger but she has some great outfits

To be fair that was a reasonable assumption!

Any of these take your fancy?

https://tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk/product/tuc146791247?gclsrc=aw.ds&cmpid=cpc&src=Google&med=Shopping&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=22709523571&utm_term=tuc146791247&utm_content=shopping&utm_custom1=&utm_custom2=825-875-8916&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22705828559&gbraid=0AAAAADCAkB-BO0558-1M0gxm9zp1WmaI-&gclid=Cj0KCQjw35bIBhDqARIsAGjd-cZUGc5LdItgfuGXYCPOQvTN5BUjy5_HULeBEAyFrPD_0yIJJRbHYUQaAh3wEALw_wcB

https://tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk/product/tuc146132031

https://tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk/product/tuc145794420

I like the 1st one a lot. I think I need to get a few 'core' outfits. Then when I buy things in future I need to make sure know how I will actually wear them. I am 37, I'll set a goal to have some form of style before I'm 40 and not just live in leggings!