I’ve tried on so many clothes and I could cry.

[Ladyofwoods]

Has anyone else been like this? I’m trying to lose weight and am size 16/18. I’ve just tried on loads of clothes and at the weekend too and everything looks hideous on me. I actually got really upset and don’t have enough clothes to wear at the moment.

I'm apple shaped with no hips or bum and skinny legs with large chest. Lumps around the middle which overhang. I look so weird in everything and don’t know what to buy. I caught sight of myself in a window today and I looked like an old frump.

Dresses with a waist are hideous on me. Too loose tops make me look even bigger.

Does anyone have any good advice before I’m forced to walk the streets naked! Thank you.

No advice but I feel your pain. Shopping makes me cry. Solidarity

Thanks for understanding! I know it’s not a major issue but I find it very demoralising.

I am the same shape and I find clothes shopping miserable.

What do you need? Everyday clothes? Or for an occasion?
I have found wrap tops with skirts quite useful, or wrap maxi dresses. Otherwise tops that aren't tight with bootcut jeans. Did you know that you can get padded knickers to help with the way skirts and dresses hang?

Fitting room mirrors are awful. They make most of us feel worse about ourselves. You're not alone!

There are lots of body positive influencers online, can you find someone with a similar build and follow their style? I think alot of people feel disheartened, so dont feel like your the only one, im unhealthly slim (health issue) and it makes me feel awful.

I meant to say fitted but not tight and it's too late to edit sorry

Sorry I have nothing to offer than sympathy and know where you are coming from. I have used the expression about high street clothing on offer as a national disgrace.

The first top for a long time I bought that really worked was from Live Unlimited. It had a v neck, sleeves just below the elbow, was long to the hips and had small ties that caught it in at hip height and it stayed loose over the belly. I’ll see if I can find something like it.

I also find that side fastening high rise trousers are infinitely more flattering to apples.

Do you know the brand Manners? I am a similar size and shape to you and I look absolutely banging in their tops with a full skirt. They are so well made I often don't even wear a bra!

I also booked a personal stylist session in John Lewis. She found me a pair of jeans that fit me brilliantly. Now I have great jeans, everything else is easier. Good luck xx

I’m with you too. Menopausal weight gain, huge stomach and all of a sudden a huge pair of breasts that make everything look matronly and inelegant. I despair as everything I see in the shops are totally unflattering on a bigger body. Ugh frigging puff sleeves or polyester… Where are all the classic flattering clothes in nice colours and fabrics?

Oh @Ladyofwoods I feel exactly the same. I spent 4 hours trawling through every shop in my local area today and bought sod all. Tops are hopeless as im short fat and enormous boob's...most tops are short and wide and im short and wide enough!! Or super short and tight which does nowt for me. As for trying to get jeans...jeezo....tried next and m&s to no avail. I dont want jeans with elastic in them, they fall down as you walk....
As for trainers, jesus went again....j have small wide feet with a high instep...and got nowhere.

Im having a drink now... 😱😭

Dresses are my go to.
This is pricey but there are always S&D dresses on vinted op and they are cut so well.

https://scampanddude.com/products/neutral-jaguar-shirred-zip-detail-midi-dress?variant=56565077049726&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=22207347079&utm_content=178426619950&utm_term=&utm_id=22207347079&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22207347079&gbraid=0AAAAACesJqsSOINjfdKsMZh89FtOn3GbW&gclid=CjwKCAjwzevPBhBaEiwAplAxvqEK3WgVWiLjOgzymE34sve2vM1hl3LaDy5Wq3Q5vxhjs8GGv8gpCRoCuLMQAvD_BwE

And for jeans I’m a fan of M&S high rise Mom jeans.

a bit of boden is good too:

https://www.boden.com/products/women-amber-pleat-jersey-midi-dress-calla-lilly-blossom-grove-d1503prp

Can I ask what jeans you got? There's a JL near me. I am very short though, your jeans may drown me.

Could you afford to have a one-off session with a personal shopper in a department store (or ask for it for your birthday etc). They would help you find a style that suits you and then in future you would know what to look for. I have a friend who did this and it wasn’t as expensive as I’d thought it would be.

I love and/or too - all cut generously I find and lovely quality

https://www.johnlewis.com/brand/and/or/_/N-1z04dn1?chunk=2

Yes - I like Molly Campsie

This is the kind of top I mean, though mine had ties at the side (why put them at the front, whyyyyy?)

I hear you! Walked into shops and walked out again recently and can’t find anything I even want to try on. Size 12/14, heavier than I want to be due to perimenopause and injury forcing lack of exercise, and I just want to look respectable for work! The shops are full of stuff that doesn’t suit my body shape or only suitable for beach holidays and it’s still freezing here!

petite in size 16 or 18 check sizing on websites ... empire line dress or wrap dress help as it will adapt to your body shape. The finery have nice fitting clothes .

For jeans btw i find Sainsburys ones a good fit. I used to go to M&S but they've changed the sizing. Sainsburys jeans fit properly over my slim thighs and hips and I can still do them up over my not so slim belly.
Good thread. Thanks for starting it @Ladyofwoods

OP I am smaller than you BUT have the exact same issue. Apple shape, no bum or hips. Can’t usually wear a waist.

These two dresses have worked for me.

Lucybyoga on Instagram has made a huge difference to how I feel about my weight. Go check her out.

If you have slimmer legs then what about dresses, tights and boots?

My friend lives in these sorts of outfits and they look amazing on her.

You just need to find clothes that accentuates your positive features like legs and boobs.

I am you!! My dresses are from live unlimited mostly - with one or 2 from love n roses - I am a JJ cup so wear wrap tops and v necks as they are more flattering with a really good bra. The bias cut longer satin skirts suit me, they hide many sins alongside wrap dresses. I also have proper swim wear with the right cup size from brastop or bravissimo. Linen skirts are forgiving and there are some lovely little cardigans about! I never wear shirts or jeans I look hideous in both!!!