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.

These trousers from Bershka have become my current staple… available in a range of plain colours as well as this pinstripe. Baggy enough to feel comfortable, the shape gives a bit more hip to your silhouette (thus creating a false waist, cos I’m equally a bit straight up and down), comes in three leg lengths which is so useful for taller women, and can easily be dressed up for work with a shirt or jacket, or dressed down with trainers and a plain jumper to look casual-cool on the school run or going out for a meal.
(also available direct from ASOS, but they only do the regular leg length).

I virtually live in the plain black ones, with a plain black top and some simple jewellery. Somehow the extra detailing in the shape just gives a more thought out look than regular wide legged trousers.

I often wear things like this - wide leg elastic waist trousers with a fine knit jumper kind of half tucked in at the front to give me a bit of a waist.

Sometimes I wear a long sleeved rib top (mostly from primark) underneath a slightly thicker jumper and I scrunch the sleeve up to give a bit of a layered look.

I also hate jeans because of how restrictive they feel. I feel like the wide leg look is a bit dressier and put together than leggings.

I wear the wide legs with some adidas smart ish trainers most of the time, adding a necklace and a pair of earrings also makes me feel a bit more styled.

https://www.marksandspencer.com/crepe-elasticated-waist-wide-leg-trousers/p/clp60634388?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su623603/f34494

https://direct.asda.com/george/women/joggers/dark-green-side-stripe-taped-wide-leg-joggers/GEM1363844,default,pd.html?cgid=D1M1G20C10

I love these trousers from Next. The waistband is smooth so doesn’t dig in and they’re very flattering.

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su263730/n78725?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=9256171658&gbraid=0AAAAADm_5UXl9t86jWJwLuDah4JztSPjh&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0pnX0uDTkgMVhJJQBh0B2iBSEAQYAiABEgKJgfD_BwE

Also Roman seem to have a good selection (I have a skirt from them and it seems decent quality).

https://www.roman.co.uk/wide-leg-ponte-stretch-trouser-18097308

Varley is great for this sort of thing

https://uk.varley.com/products/the-extra-wide-leg-pant-295?variant=57489543201149&colour=Military%20Olive&size=XXS

similar boat to you and some of the things I wear📧
-flared leggings, comfy soft stretch -cotton shirt with a wool tank top over
-wide legged trousers with v neck jumper white tee underneath
-normal leggings with nice tee shirt and long line cardigan and scarf
-thick tights, short skirt, nice jumper

most of my stuff is Uniqlo/high street stuff

all with trainers

What about this? Mint velvet used to do similar.

https://www.woolovers.com/womens/trousers/essential-bamboo-skirt-cover-leggings-black-30593?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=1339516475&gbraid=0AAAAAD7m7nynpz5yVs4jKsuhZGULjTBQ8&gclid=CjwKCAiAkbbMBhB2EiwANbxtbTMZ5LkdxyDTYycbh4h14LrhMWy4Qvrj2SuckFiuOyPTsYJSyHOBqRoCY_YQAvD_BwE

That's the look I aspire to.

Thanks everyone, some really nice suggestions.

Me too! I’m currently wearing the navy ones which look fab doe work or casual depending on what I team them with. At £19.50 they are incredible value for money.

Thank you for this. I really like them. Could you answer a couple of questions? The shirred waist - is it comfortable against the skin? Lots of pleats at the front but none at the back, so any issues with undies on 🌸show - VPL etc.? Thanks.

Try Ninepine trousers, I have 3 colours for work and they're as comfy as joggers. They wash really well too. Also Halara jeans are my new favourite thing, they look just like jeans but feel like jersey. I bought a pair and loved them so much I immediately bought another 4 pairs 🤣👏🏼

https://www.toa.st/products/gabi-cotton-pull-on-trousers-loden?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=22750424605&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22750424605&gbraid=0AAAAADntuojXkRfnHOpksX2G-65IwiMyv&gclid=CjwKCAiAkbbMBhB2EiwANbxtbdzidLpRsj4MDgEwGXX6I-RCaM5IK3zvcC3GlCIielWkvZ2CDs-lkxoCiUYQAvD_BwE

I recommend the Toast Gabi Pull On Trousers - they do them in different fabrics and colours. They look great with loafers, a nice blouse, nice knit etc.

These are all vile. The Kemi Telford dress especially. More money than sense.

If you use Instagram may I suggest you follow a lady called Melissa Abbot, her account is Back of the Wardrobe, she puts together casual comfy clothes better than anyone else I’ve seen. It’s often high street stuff

Ah yes, I do follow her.

Just to add I also buy a lot of stuff from the boy or men sections. I like a sort of androgynous/utilitarian look I guess. Gap is a good shout for a good men's v neck jumper or tank top.

for t shirts Uniqlo have great thick cotton stretchy ones for £14.99 size up slightly and has a nice shape. I wear with some Levi's barrel leg jeans that have soft cotton and some stretch to the denim.

at home I wear these leggings a lot as v comfy.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08WZ51DYK?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_2&th=1&psc=1

I think wide legged elasticated waist trousers are the way to go. Always plenty around to suit your price and they are super comfy but still look smart.
Then if you want to still be slouchy on top stick with boxy shorter/mid hip jumpers and tops.

BootMaker
where do you shop please? The extra wide trousers sound fab ! Also any other recommendations at all ? I like bold also , but have no idea how to find. Thanks .

I like magic pants for a straight leg trouser, you can tuck them under, roll them up and they are very flattering on. They also come in a barrel keg version too. Very stretchy, drawstring elasticated waist and side pockets. Usually about £25 a pair from boutiques.
I think also with tops, that length that comes just to under your tummy but doesn’t hit your hips is best. Skimming rather than oversized, then a blazer that fits your shoulders but doesn’t necessarily have to do up will look far better.

I have the M&S trousers linked here in black and green. They are exactly what you need. As comfy as joggers, but smart enough for court.

I wfh most of the week, also have endo and adenomyosis and often feel bloated and tender. I feel presentable and comfy in M&S wide leg jersey side stripe trousers and their basic merino jumpers with a t shirt underneath.

It looks like these are the current version. I might order some of these actually as I've lost weight and I find the wide legs a bit dodgy on the stairs at times.

The jumpers I wear with them are here.

How the other half live 😳

😂

Highly recommend Uniqlo for wide or barrel leg trousers. A size medium will give you room at the belly area while being a little closer fitted at the waist. Many of their trousers have a smidge of jersey so they don’t crease. Alternatively wide leg medium weight jersey trousers are a smarter alternative to leggings. M&S, Hush, Me & Em, all have good versions.

For tops you could try a loose shirt with a cashmere/merino/lambswool jumper over the top - contrast of smart shirt and casual trousers always looks polished IMO. Flat chunky boots or trainers. Nice jewelllery. Done.