Struggling to find flattering summer clothes that suit my shape

[Lockettree25]

I’m so fed up, I can’t seem to find any clothes that fit or suit me well.
I’m 51, 5’3”, size 12 apple shape. I don’t like the feel of certain materials as they make me hot & itchy so I’m trying to buy my more natural materials. I suit muted colours rather than bright.

I have spent hours of my life lately trawling round shops & ordering stuff online, only to send it straight back!
I just don’t suit the current trends😔
I would like a nice summer dress to wear to a bbq tomorrow. Everything I’ve seen or tried is far too long on me or has the shirred top which I hate or is too puffy or ruffly, it just overwhelms my shape & size.

I guess I’m looking for a more simple, neutral selection of clothes that all work together but I just can’t find anything anywhere that fits me well.

My favourite shop in terms of style is Zara, love their clothes but they don’t love me, dresses & trousers so long they trail on the ground! Why can’t they make things for the shorter person too, not everyone is that tall!

I’m feeling so fed up & despairing. I don’t want to spend this amount of my life trying to find clothes that fit & suit me but I do want to look nice & modern.

Can anyone relate or help please?!

I got this - really flattering and right length I’m 5ft 3 too
https://www.coastfashion.com/product/dorothy-perkins-petite-shirred-bodice-ruffle-neckline-jersey-midi-dress_bqq16964?colour=black&size=10&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23009727247&gbraid=0AAAAA-UVFwPGMGyDgtoMzju0PfZ71zQvT&utm_source=awin&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_campaign=%C3%98nskeskyen+ApS+CSS&utm_term=1817410&utm_content=coastuk&sv1=affiliate&sv_campaign_id=1817410&awc=57411_1782564369_1500fd5e663ab0d93eff6c8611990d4d

Everything I’ve seen or tried is far too long on me or has the shirred top which I hate or is too puffy or ruffly, it just overwhelms my shape & size.

I have exactly the same problem, same age and height but pear shaped. I have trawled the shops trying to find a dress that isn’t flouncy, has huge sleeves, no sleeves, and is a length that doesn’t drown me, and something that’s light weight! I have actually now given up for this year.

It’s funny you should say about the length that as today I went in Fat Face after not having been in for years. Tried on some nice (palazzo?) style black loose trousers but they were about 4 inches too long in a ‘regular’ length, trailed along the floor. I half thought of buying them and shortening them at home with needle and thread couldn’t be bothered in the end!

Everything I’ve seen or tried is far too long on me or has the shirred top which I hate or is too puffy or ruffly, it just overwhelms my shape & size

I dont think dresses look good on anyone to be honest. I prefer shaped trousers and neat tops

If you're apple shaped you need something to give you a waist, like trousers and top

I completely disagree with the pp about dresses! They can look fabulous and are so nice to wear in the heat. You don’t need to wear trousers and top if you are an apple shape-a nice A line dress can hang really well. Unfortunately it’s not easy to find any at the moment so I’ve resorted to persuading a family member to make me some!!

Shirt dresses with a nipped in waist and fuller skirt can look great. I got a lovely one from new look a couple of weeks ago, which ties at the side and is really flattering. It was viscose.

I think dresses can look great.... if they fit. But it's a very rare dress that fits both my shoulders and arse and I gave up on them a while ago.

My current go-to outfits are either wide trousers or 1950s style swishy midi length cotton skirt (normally hits the top of my ankle which is where I like it) paired with a plain linen shirt. Not particularly exciting and I'll be bored senseless by September if the weather keeps up, but far easier than hankering for a dress that probably doesn't exist. More versatile and budget friendly too.

I agree that petite ranges aren’t really styled for petite people and it’s hard to find simple petite clothing in natural fibres.

Whistles and Reiss Petite do some nice dresses and jumpsuits. Quite spendy though.

Ro&Zo petite might also have something you like.

River island can sometimes be good. This dress might fit your criteria but unfortunately out of stock in a 12 - might be worth trying a 10?

https://www.riverisland.com/p/petite-navy-cotton-midi-dress-936003