please advise - I don't know where to start.

[examtaxi]

I am fiftyish.

I have gained over 20 pounds over the last year - I know I need to do something about that, but I am finding it difficult - I am very stressed ATM and have a health problem that makes excercise difficult because I am in pain.

I am pear shaped, and have spent the winter wearing longish jersey type skirts that cover my bum and legs, and cardies that cover my hips. Sounds horrid, but actually looks reasonably smart, with boots and nice jewellery.

I have NOTHING in my wardrobe that

• fits

• is suitable for the warm weather.

The trouble is, I need to cover my legs - fat.
I need to cover my arms - fat.

I am beginning to see the advantages of being draped from head to foot............

This is making me even more stressed.

Can anyone help?

Linen trousers or long skirts with long sleeve tunic tops...like this or this

Wideleg linen trousers - long enough to disguise the bits you're paranoid about but lightweight enough to still be cool. Wide leg will balance out your hips.

Wear something short sleeved but fairly fitted on the top to accentuate your good top half.

sorry second link meant to be this

Thank you - I like the look of the Monsoon stuff. I have never tried the tunic plus trousers look (except when pregnant about 20 odd years ago )

I have to nip out for a little while now. But am feeling a bit more optimistic.

I just feel like I have lost my way a bit.

Definately go with linen trousers, I've noticed that a lot of the t-shirts, this year, are much longer, definate bum coverage.

BTW nobody else is looking at your legs and arms and recoiling in horror It's only you that is self concious.

If you are going for linen trousers, can I recommend a linen-cotton mix rather than pure linen? They keep their shape much better and for far longer. They dont sag as much as pure linen and therefore make your bottom and legs look better

And agree with cocolepew....we are our own worst enemy when it comes to "deconstructing" ourselves. We see faults that others see as beauty. And if they are looking that closely at us that they can see these perceived "flaws" then their lives are empty and they are incredibly insecure in that they feel the need to check out others with such scrutiny

Thank you for your comforting words.

I think it is just that I have never been overweight - it is since I turned 50 I have piled it on, and I am struggling with this reflection in the mirror that doesn't look like me any more.

I feel frumpy and unattractive, my children are growing up, and it all seems a bit much.

regarding clothes-you want 3 pairs of these in navy, black and stone. i would start power walking every day for half an hour as well, find a friend to do it with you, it's more fun if you're doing it together. drink loads of water as well, and don't keep cakes or chocolate in the house