How not to feel frumpy :/

[twokittens25]

Hi everyone, I’m hoping some people on here might be able to help me with my wardrobe woes!

I’ve recently put on quite a bit of weight and am now a 14-16. I hate all of my clothes and just feel frumpy all the time. I’m only 25 so I’d like some age appropriate outfits that still fit my style.
I have a £500 ish budget to refresh my wardrobe and buy some items I really like.
I hate anything that shows my tummy or clings to my tummy. I feel like everything I find is for an older woman and just makes me look like I’m trying to wear my mother’s clothes!

I love things that are loose and flowy. Also would love some jeans recommendations that don’t cling right to the tummy and highlight it!

any colours but pink is my favourite. Happy with any patterns etc etc but again nothing that makes me feel like someone’s gran.

im after personal clothes and also some office outfits as I work in a corporate role.

please please please give me lots of recommendations of anything you think I may like!

cross posted here to hopefully get more advice!

Hi I think the Fat Face Adele dresses are fab and suit any age or body shape, look on eBay or Vinted for previous seasons as they come in loads of colours. Then I’d say wide leg jeans with a nice belt and a shirt partially tucked in (a French tuck) - not everyone likes a French tuck but it does give a shape to the waist and hides the tummy. After that I’d suggest adding some fun chunky jewellery and some colourful comfy pumps. Best of luck and hope you find something you love ❤️

Go for V necks maybe like this?

https://www.nobodyschild.com/products/avery-midi-dress-2613229007

This is what I was going to advise. Also, there are a lot of peplum tops on there at the moment and these can be very flattering on your type of figure when paired with fitted trousers or jeans.

My Dd got a lovely wide leg black & white satin co-ord in h&m looked nice same problrm as you. Being elastic waist if you lose weight if still fit ok. Also she bought a pink wide leg short above knee with fitted waistcoat in pink linen type mix from pimsrk also some bits from pink boutique worked for her.

Never underestimate a well fitting bra!!!

OP for the time being, depending on your body shape I'd recommend fitted tops preferably with a v-neckline, they tend to be flattering.

Tuck t-shirts and blouses etc in at the waist, this helps give more definition.

High-waisted trousers, wide fit, look really chic and hide your tummy if you have one.

Stick to a basic colour palette with your clothes - black, navy, white or cream, tan. Eg - black trousers, shoes, white t-shirt, tan bag. Or, cream trousers, navy top, black bag & shoes. Instantly stylish.

Keep jewelry simple. Same with bags.

A slightly over-sized blazer jacket will make you look smart, personally I don't wear them but you could give them a try if you want to play around with new things to wear.

The key to dressing well (whatever your size) is to keep colour combinations minimal, accessories simple, and make sure the cut and shape of whatever you're wearing is flattering on you. If you want some inspo check out Lydia Tomlinson, she has some great fashion advice. Can also recommend Nina Lee Caine as well. They're both very chic and explain really well why their outfits work, and how to put things together.

Before you even start shopping I would recommend spending £20 on this book. https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/1529436621/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Y38tpoDETSo4Q_uee-esOA.Ed30MJbhZoEgZuc6OF7P70QnsfRMSJmYyKwkhav5so0&qid=1780257246&sr=8-1

If you understand your body shape, your style preferences and the colours you are drawn to/that suit you it's almost impossible to look frumpy. You can follow fashion trends in so far as they harmonise with all of the above. That way you're not a slave to fashion but can harness it to make the most of yourself. It's a guaranteed way to boost your self confidence and a modest outlay on this book will give you all the info you need whether you are 25 or 85. Enjoy the journey!

I’m corporate and I wear slim leg ankle grazer tailored trousers with a nice belt (I have Gucci, celine, Ralph Lauren but you can get nice belts for under £20!) a silky shirt and a blazer. When I go out I wear wide leg jeans, bodysuit, blazer and a belt again. I keep my outfits quite plain and dress them up/down with shoes, jewellery, belts and handbags. I always get compliments so I must be doing something right.

COS. The maxi v neck dress in linen mix and a couple of boxy T-shirts. And barrel leg trousers.
Also, Uniqlo’s barrel legs are amazing, they skim so so well, I have them in every colour, I think the navy ones would work for work, perhaps the white ones too?
I recently got a satin slip skirt and the matching boxy top from Uniqlo, maybe try that? You can dress it up or down, it works with flip flops and a slouchy bag, I also wore them at a fancy dinner.
HTH

Go on cider.com Everything is amazing. My whole wardrobe is from there! Lots of pink too. I am a size 16.

Some instagrams that may give you some inspo :) Laura Adlington, Maisie Crompton & Steffis Style. Hope you find some things that you like! X

i have a belly. two huge babies mean that even if i was skinny i'd still have a tummy. so i go with empire line tops and dresses. this is where the tightest bit of the item is under the bust line, then will flare out from there. it gives movement to the belly area but cinches in under the bust so they are not 'tent' like. halara do some lovely sucky-in-tum jeans and trousers. look at those. i highly recommend.
also, go get your hair done/coloured/cut, even with a dressing gown on, if my roots are done, i feel much better.