What can I wear that will look stylish and put together yet will tick all my 'comfort' boxes?

[ApriltoNovember]

I'm 53, suffer from endometriosis, adenomyosis, IBS and ADHD so comfort is really important to me. I can not tolerate anything clingy, tight around the waist or with scratchy materials etc.

However, as much as my daily uniform of leggings, oversized sweatshirts and trainers feels super comfortable I never feel good about myself as I really would like to looked far more stylish and put together but what can I wear to retain the major daily comfort I require but look more polished?

I am 5'6 a size 10 and I would say a rectangle shape so not much of a defined waist.

Any advice as I am crap at styling myself and want to go into older age looking so much better and not like I am trying to dress like my 17 year old DD.

Something like this - though at this time of year I’d wear a grey jumper underneath:

https://www.pollyannabarnsley.uk/product/jersey-v-neck-pleat-dress/

or

https://kemitelford.com/collections/dresses/products/tokunbo-pink-cord-dress

or

https://cawleystudio.com/collections/made-to-order-1/products/japanese-cotton-penny-shirt?variant=52109370294538

or

https://www.studionicholson.com/products/bloch-dress-in-coal

or

https://colenimo.com/products/irish-linen-stripe-dress-brown-made-in-uk

All of these should be pretty soft, particularly after a few washes. And you could try them with leggings beneath at first, if that feels more familiar and reassuring. And there must be similar things at every price point.

I find Uniqlo has really comfy fabrics and good quality. I also struggle with looking put together but i find their trousers, with a fitted T shirt or top and a blazer, look smart but don’t feel restrictive

I'd migrate to dresses. Would you like to share your budget?

5'6" and a size 10 sounds fabulous.

I prioritise comfort over most things these days but I do want to look half decent too. I love trousers with an elastic waist which I know makes me sound about 90 but I’ve found a few pairs that I think look quite on trend. Two are from M&S and one, maybe surprisingly, is Primark. They’re cut like pyjamas and feel just like them too!

Fuck me- that’s a lot of money to look shit…

I’m a big fan of wide leg jersey trousers (elasticated waist) some decent pull on in m&s at the moment. Then shirt with or without vest top or a nice soft jumper and wear with either trainers or flats (loafers or ballet shoes). Maybe a little cropped jacket and some nice jewellery if going out.

Sorry my peri brain missed out the fact that I don't like dresses or skirts. I've tried and tried but I just feel super frumpy in them. I think it's because although I am slim I don't have a defined waist and all dresses look shapeless on me. My friend is an hourglass shape and looks fantastic in dresses, not me though sadly.

I suppose the look I really like is baggy/loose fitting trouser (love the look of jeans but hate how restrictive they feel on me), a nice shirt type top or jumper and blazer type jacket but all super soft and comfy. I don't like tight tops, again because I don't have a defined waist. I still love to wear trainers too although I do wear ballet type shoes in the spring/summer. I would also love a really stylish co-ord type trousers/top set but nice ones that don't look like they come from Shein or the Tik Too shop on that awful cheap ribbed material.

Budget isn't £100's sadly but I would stretch a little if they were good quality pieces I could wear frequently and would last.

Yes, that's the sort of look I'm after.

Loveall flared leggings.

They look smart enough to wear to the office, but also cool and casual enough to wear with a hoody at the weeknd.

they are fleece lined, ultra cosy and warm. Comfy enough to slob on the sofa in

That's just what I'm after, elasticated waist are a must for me.

Don't suppose you have a link for the M&S ones?

I'll take a look, thanks.

Me and Em do lovely jersey trousers (in their travel tailoring range)- soft fabrics but they keep their shape and great quality.

https://www.marksandspencer.com/jersey-wide-leg-trousers-with-stretch/p/clp60506499?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

i have these in all three colours!

If you like the look of jeans, what about these ?
https://tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk/product/tuc147027030

I’m bigger than you and shorter but similar age and similar things I’m trying to avoid. I can’t cope with anything digging in around my middle due to a disability and pain.

ive had a few health problems for the last year and been living in leggings and loose fitting tunics. Stuff I’d just wear at home as I’ve been stuck at home. I’m trying to migrate back to other clothes I own in stages.

I bought these this week from m and s loose on my waist and very soft material , not sure what top to go with them as of yet! But it’s something different to wear. (Btw not going to win any style awards with them but it’s a different look) https://www.marksandspencer.com/textured-pull-on-wide-leg-trousers/p/clp60775813?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

And if you just want different stuff to wear over leggings try tunics like this. I have a few older ones I bought to wear with tights but just been shoving over leggings with boots and looks the same but no pain in my middle.

https://www.fatface.com/style/su770174/h59275#h59275

they skim over your waist area so doesn’t matter. If you have a tummy to hide like me or no defined waist of that you have leggings on instead of tights.

when I’m not poorly mine look really nice with tights or jeggings and a nice long cardigan.

I’ve also got really loose nice shorter dresses I got from next a couple of years ago I wear them with a vest top under and currently leggings.

when not ill I wear them with nice tights and no vest top under. Once again loose around your middle so perfect for any shape as your waist isn’t important. I’m a completely different size 18 tops 12 bottoms so will suit you far more than me.

I’ll try and find some like it on their website from this season.

Sorry I can’t find any like it. I bought them autumn season so I’ll have to have a look again then for myself.

I am also rectangular and find that what I call a shift dress and others seem to call a pinafore dress, basically a sleeveless straight dress, mid thigh length or above the knee over a roll neck, and for me tights but thin leggings would work, is comfy and practical, and smart enough for my job.

I bought some of these and they're really comfy

uk.saintandsofia.com/products/apartment-pant-black-straight-leg-trouser?variant=32801444397159&country=GB&source=aw&sv1=affiliate&sv_campaign_id=259955&utm_source=awin&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=uk&utm_content=259955&awc=109964_1770857632_61a5b1988c12e9e9646d50860993baf3

Is your issue with jeans the waist? If not, mad as it sounds, have you thought about trying maternity jeans with a soft elastic waistband? They can be super comfy and you can't tell with a top over them. Jeans look, with much more comfort.

Budget?

I'm a similar shape and age (5' 9", 52, size 8/10, triangle, no waist ever)

Cashmere trousers? I wear trousers a lot, always have, I go very wide with the legs not polite M&S wide legs, really wide legs.

I actually enjoy volume all over, I think it will look better than you think.

Accentuate your top half, give it some oomf.

Don't be polite in what you wear,..

£400 for a cotton jersey dress? And a shapeless one at that, that anyone would look lost in. It would flatter no one🤔!

Not my post, but if you're talking about the Cawley Studio posted above, it's not just a 'jersey dress' is it?

OP hasn't given a budget.

And a woman with OP's dimensions, probably wouldn't look lost in it, she may well look incredible.

I adore volume. It looks great.