I have two (possibly related) dilemmas. Help with either please!

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Dilemma 1 - I cannot find a jeans style to suit me. Im 5 ‘ 4 , 2 stone overweight with thick sausage legs. Skinny looks just awful, straight looks like skinnies should, bootleg sticks to my thighs, Mom,boyfriend and barrel are too wide at the worst part of my thighs. Wide legs are good but only if I wear a heel so no good for day to day. Any other styles I can try?

Dilemma 2 - I live in jeans. I don’t mind that (apart from Dilemma 1!) but Im plagued with thrush/BV etc so really need looser clothes. I like skirts but only with tights which obviously doesnt help. What else could I wear for casual, day to day life that might give me more..air ?!

Thanks. I am a nightmare I know!

I would say if you like straight then wear them. I haven’t tried them, but a few people have mentioned carrot leg, which are a bit narrower than barrel https://www.marksandspencer.com/mom-high-waisted-carrot-leg-ankle-grazer-jeans/p/clp60633911?color=INDIGOMIX&extid=ps_ps-pla-pmax_ggl_ww_ch__-UK-_-_bau&cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=20011577753&cq_con=&cq_term=&cq_med=pla&cq_plac=&cq_net=x&cq_plt=gp&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20014443268&gbraid=0AAAAAD7g6bSSBjB3PBWCInOsQ3APIv9Vt&gclid=Cj0KCQiAk6rNBhCxARIsAN5mQLu-NoQGIOweY6ngRkJtMqSECb-TrKAXWjgHcpYf_IxCTFqeSwCItR8aArWfEALw_wcB

For other trousers, as it’s getting warmer what about slightly wide leg pull on jersey, or you could try a midi dress where you don’t need tights (maybe with boots until it gets more into Summer)?

Thanks. I hate the feeling of no tights though. It makes me feel flabby! I might try carrot style jeans on though

Could you try a thin cotton legging instead of tights - same effect but maybe more breathable?

Leggings as a different option. Or loose fitting loungers. I’ve got a few really comfy pairs all from next in different designs.

and looser style jeans that seem to be in fashion right now, I got some drawstring ones today. Sweep over my legs so think they will look ok. I’m 5ft 4 as well and need a 12-14 I’ve got large and fit ok.p, not a style I ever wear.

There’s a few different ones, I just picked up what was in the shop. I am having a jeans dilemma too as I cleared my wardrobe out last year to minimal clothing. I’ve been pretty ill for a few months and I’ve discovered a lot of my trousers and jeans have shrunk, I think my DP washed them on a 60degree cycle in with the bedding. I had to hunt through my wardrobe to find a new pair he hadn’t washed to get into town to buy a second pair 🤣

www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/jeans/blue-vanilla-blue-elasticated-waist-jeans/p/947628840

No sorry my legs look awful in leggings!

Uniqlo are good for comfy, pull on trousers that are smarter than joggers but just as easy to wear. Not expensive either

https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/products/E484084-000/00

Have you tried Abercrombie curve? Slightly bigger in the thigh so you could try their vintage jean?

Thanks but wouldnt they make me look dumpier than I already am?

I think I need to try some of those wide leg ones with a stripe down that you see everywhere

I am curvy of arse and wide of thigh and I find them v flattering. Apologies though - you were looking for jeans. Not had enough coffee to read properly this morning!

Thanks. These do look good. Might give them a go although I dread the faff of returning stuff online!

No, thats fine! Dilemma 2 means I do need jeans alternatives , so thankyou

Given your two dilemmas, I would say that you need a loose or baggy style to allow plenty of air flow. Experiment with different brands too - it's not just about the shape, it's about the exact cut of that brand and the variety is huge.

I'm the same height as you and feel your pain and what I find difficult about baggy styles is that so many of them are too long and they just swamp me. So not only am I short and a bit overweight atm, but I look like I'm wearing someone else's clothes!! But do shop around, try on loads of different brands and styles. One shop's boot cut or carrot leg or barrel or whatever is not going to fit exactly the same as another one. FWIW I'm wearing Levi's 315 shaping bootcut atm. They have lycra in them and they are very comfy and you can buy the exact combo of waist/leg length that you need and this is what I like about Levi's in general - you don't just buy a 'size 12 short' or whatever, you can buy the exact size you need.

Jeans cuts are so variable. My tip is to size up and go super baggy as it’s really fashionable at the moment anyway. I’m generally a 14 but I have some size 16 Primark ones that were cheap as chips, I think they are officially barrel leg but I just grabbed a handful tried them all on till one worked. For length to wear without heels you can just cut them as raw edges on the hems are also fine for casual wear. Sainsburys have good ones too.

M&S have a lovely denim dress at the moment if you want to mix things up a bit. It's available in shorter lengths and the sleeves are a good length. It could be dressed up or down.

https://www.marksandspencer.com/pure-cotton-denim-midi-shirt-dress/p/clp60778348

I also recommend Snag for tights and leggings if you don't already get them from there.

I do think I need to give myself a dedicated jeans shopping day and try different styles and brands. Just have to steel myself!!!

You need to try Halara

Try going up a size. They will probably all look better and will help dilemma 2.

A similar size and sausagey of leg, I’ve got some of the wider leg side stripe type trousers from Baukjen and they are somehow very flattering and super comfortable. I did have to shorten them though, but they do a petite size with a shorter leg.
https://www.baukjen.com/products/marjorie-trousers-with-lenzing-ecovero-caviar-black-and-khaki?variant=40666049413201

OP, are you me? I am exactly the same shape as you, and finding it so very hard to dress for my shape.

What I have embraced: the a-line midi skirt/dropped waist - think similar to this

I'm thinking of buying this from Next - Indigo Blue Denim Full Seamed Midi Skirt Drop waist denim skirt

The top length is very important, a waist length and v-neck boxy T-shirt or light sweater helps with proportions.

I’ve also started wearing soft, stretchy wide length trousers. Again, top length is very important. I know that the French tuck is possibly dated (could not care less about this honestly) but a chunky white trainer and a boxy jumper/tshirt really helps with my leg size. Next have soft ‘jeggings’ whide leg fitted and they’re so comfortable and slim my top of legs quite well.

Tip for the skirts - I have breathable chaffing shorts and they are an absolutely game changer. Stops the uncomfortable feeling in skirts and midi dresses.

Midi short dresses - great for work. I’m finding the open neck/v-neck style much more flattering 🙂

Re: tights. I used to have this problem and finally just started cutting the crotch out. You need the kind with a sort of separate gusset and just cut within the heavy seams (sort of an oval shape), so it won't create a run in the leg bit. It's raggedy and odd but if you're not going where anyone will see it works really well.

@blablablah and @SquirrelFan great tips thankyou .

I also know I just need to lose some weight and that would help me feel better in skirts

And thanks for being kind everyone

I was the same as you - I didn’t buy anything for ages because was waiting for the magical event of 1.5 stone being lost. So far, this hasn’t happened. Really, the drop waist skirts do absolute wonders so go try a few on. You’ll be really surprised 🙂

Have you tried wide with nice flats? I’m short and can’t wear wide legs with trainers, they look awful and bulky but with a ballet flat they look great.

What straight jeans have you tried? I wear the 501 90s from Levi’s as my every day jean. They are a looser straight leg but fitted on the waist.
I’m not overweight but I do carry more weight on my belly for my size and these jeans are so flattering imo.