My post weightloss clothes don't fit - and I have forgotten how to shop

[JFDIYOLO]

I need advice 🤗 I lost three stone over the last year or so, the eat less/eat better/move more way.

I'm 63, way past meno and the weight gain crept up over 16 years or so when redundancy, unemployment, peri and the uncertainty of freelancing became my reality.

I finally faced the truth, took control and lost it after several gynae operations under general anaesthetic, plus sensible thinking about my history of back, shoulder and varicose vein problems, plus difficulty hauling myself out of the bath ... And several photos and videos including me that friends posted online ... I decided NOPE and did it.

Anyway ... The problem is, none of my clothes fit. Everything is floppy, saggy, baggy and pinned. I went down a jeans size and a bra band size and so bought a few new bits, but for a long time there has been precious little money for new clothes.

Last time I bought a flurry of new clothes was 2010 when the redundancy money landed. Before that was just before leaving uni, so this has never been in my world.

I'm 5'8, 12 stone / size 16 (aiming for 14), 36D top, still quite big bum, and defined waist. I have a business and busy activities, tho not currently a full time job. I prefer natural fibres, longer skirts, upper arms covered, V necks. Summer is long dress / skirt and light top and sandals, winter jeans or thick skirt and tights, boots, fitted jersey tops & jumpers & coats.

I do like a charity shop, currently wearing my beautiful charry Jaeger ankle length grey fine wool skirt ... With an enormous safety pin to stop it falling down...

So could I ask - what you would advise? How to build a new budget capsule wardrobe from scratch that can build and grow and serve the person I am now?

Thankyou again for great comments.

I think I'm getting the best stuff altered - the Jaeger skirt and a silk one from East are lovely and I don't want to say goodbye to them. Sadly I can't afford the same quality replacements so make do and mend is my solution for the 'look at me being successful in my business' illusion.

One thing I've found is a nice men's basic cotton jersey t shirt with the good skirts looks great with jewellery, costs little and feels cool and fresh. Chanel was right.

I will do mindful charity shopping - look for vintage, good labels, great condition and fabric. I'm enjoying the Shift the Thrift programme so maybe do it in a more focussed way.

There's also a dress agency near me which I've never really looked into.

I've seen a linen range in Primark that might do very well for budgety summer casual.

To the shops!!!

Have you considered visiting a store that offers a stylist service? Perhaps set a budget for that store and go in prepared to buy a couple of good quality pieces.(I'm thinking somewhere like Mint Velvet or John Lewis) then you'll get an idea of how that brand fits you and can look for other pieces pre-loved. It might be helpful to have someone impartial to guide you and try things you might have overlooked on the hanger (while keeping in mind that they are looking for sales).

eBay is your friend here. I wear Max Mara for corporate work and brands like Landsend for quality linen.
I'm 180cm and down over six stone.
I rarely buy new but I do buy end of line.
I have no bum and huge boobs.
I do have the advantage of working in the beauty industry so we have to be quite fashionable as many brands have perfume calibrations with designers.
Do check your sizing as 12 stone makes me a 14. I'm currently a 16/18 due to the afformentioned boobs!
Start with really good black or navy trousers and build from there. If they're wide leg you need a fitted top and the opposite if they're straight. You can't do loose on both or you'll look flappy!
Get a summer blazer (lined linen) and a winter one. You can wear a t-shirt with a silk scarf and the blazer for WFH and teams. Dress up, you've earnt it.