I never feel attractive

[ThirtysomethingMummy]

Does anyone else genuinely feel ugly in everything you wear?
I need a dress for an event. I’ve tried sooo many on and have a limited budget which is making it harder but I was thinking today I have never worn anything that I have felt a million dollars in! Is this normal?!
im nervous about this event and was hoping a nice outfit would give me a boost but I think I want the impossible!
Im an apple shape, large breasted (!!) and in my late thirties. Size 12-14 ish.
I thought it was maybe my weight but I’ve put so much effort into losing 2.5 stone but still can’t find anything nice to wear!
any tips?!

Try some streamlining underwear. That always helps when trying clothes on. Look at Vinted for more expensive brands that are cut well eg Me+ Em. Usually they are more flattering. Try a single bright colour eg red. What suits you? With some gold or silver jewellery near your face. And think positive!

Walk tall, so many people don't, but if you practice standing straight, everything you wear will look better.

I am sure you are far more critical of the way you look than anyone else would be.

Why do you need a dress, can you wear a trouser suit. I wouldnt wear a dress because I would look horrendous.

Im also apple shaped and just cannot pull off a dress.

I feel your pain. I find fit and flare dresses flatter my apple shape as does wrap dresses.

Have you ever tried a personal shopper? Eg in John Lewis. They will suggest things that you might not have considered and it could be a revelation.

An alteration can make a world of difference. If you find something in a colour and fabric you like, it might just need a few adjustments.

I thought I was ugly all the time in my 30s - and then I reached my 40s! It worse now.

I am also apple shaped and dresses are not easy. I remember only once I had a short zebra print dress that fit well - I was slimmed down to a size 10-12 and I remember going out in it and a few people “looking”. I immediately thought “oh this dress is too much for me, I can’t pull it off.” And I never wore it again! In hindsight it looked great on me, the people looking were probably people who saw a young woman in an eye-catching dress looking fabulous!

You need great underwear, a plunging or sweetheart V neck and ideally something that shows off your legs (assuming you follow “type” and have good legs like most apple shapes).

great accessories too - earrings, makeup, hair, bag, shoes will distract from your body shape.