I have lost my way in casual dressing <wails>

[NorkilyChallenged]

I have been --obsessively== lurking at S&B for ages now, reading and learning. I really enjoy it.

I have got the hang of my work wardrobe (it's not huge, I only work 2.5 days a week) and feel quite confident buying things for work or putting outfits together.

I thought I was making progress with what to wear when not at work, but now I'm floundering, all lost again. Suddenly I have nothing to wear. How did that happen?

Think I'm stuck halfway between old and the new*. What can I do?

• Old = wearing maternity trousers til youngest child was 18 months for reasons of "comfort" , and large baggy tops from Tesco. And cheap knitwear that makes the hair on my arms stand on end. Pre-baby days was lots and lots of ankle length skirts. Which I learn from S&B are a total no-no

** New - I got some leggings and planned to work the whole tunic/dress + leggings thing. I bought Fly Mols and everything But the tunics feel too short so I wear with jeans, none of my leggings are comfy or long enough. I have slim leg jeans but suddenly they are not comfy either.

Gah I'm just putting weight on aren't I?

I have nothing to weeaaaaarrrr

Eek stainesmassif!!!

Kristina - I think you've got it right there, I have no idea of my shape. I'm not exactly pear as I'm broad shouldered. I'm not hourglass because of chest. I'm not particularly tall. Or short. I don't usually feel that fat, but definitely uncomfy in jeans and lots of trousers. Always have.

Am wide-shouldered but v flat chested (wear 34A but am probably AA cup, just can't bear to to buy them). Shoulders as wide as hips but have a proper waist from the front (iyswim).

From the side, my tummy sticks out further than my chest but only cos so flat chested, just a bit of a flabby tummy as I've not done anything to tone it up after 2 dc close together ruined it for me

Wide hips, big(ish) thighs but nothing too bad.

Am 5'6, have no idea of weight as don't ever weigh myself, am wearing size 12 M&S slim leg jeans, but they are loose round my waist (well actually they're too low-waisted, which I hate), they are fine on my legs and just about right on hips but pull down at the back all the time which makes them dig into my tummy at front. So annoying.

As I said, size 12 Next jeggings just too tight on tum, hips and legs for me.

However, my lovely new work dress from Austin Reed is v fitted size 10 and fits fine.

I see I will have to buy entire wardrobe from Austin Reed in future

I find Next really really skimpy round the hips. All my pjs are size medium, but the Next ones mil bought me for xmas are far too tight.

It's not you, it's them!

Bobbiewickham - I have suspected as much all along

Thinking of your Austin Reed dress - it does have a high waist, and is slightly gathered, correct, to create a bit more of a bust?

sorry norkily, have to do nursery/school/run, will pop back in tonight

or if horrible kids behave and give me a chance to do housework mumsnet

Serenity - yes that's right, it's a lovely shape. Comfy for a day at work though probably not for the kind of days I have at home with the dc.

Right, today I have bitten the bullet and am wearing leggings (they're not great, bit saggy at knees) and tunic. We are not going out so I feel brave - I have a couple of friends coming round any minute so I will be seen by people!

Feeling very comfy but do still feel tunic bit too short, rides up a lot when I'm playing on floor or changing a nappy. Need longer tunics/dresses maybe? But the comfort is lovely (have bloated tum today).

Have also ordered new boyfriend cardigan in grey (already have one in dark green which I am currently wearing, but grey will go with more stuff).

Been looking for dresses but not seen anything obvious yet. Definitely feeling more positive though, so it definitely was a pmt slump!

I know it's fashion hari-kiri these days but I will only ever wear bootcut jeans.

You can get good ones, they don't have to be too-short stonewashed monstrosities from 'weekend woman at debenhams' or whatever.

I buy mine on ebay, ex of River Island.

They are flattering and forgiving, no tunics required.

I have bootcut MorrisZapp, but they don't fit (they're from Next and just seem to get more and more loose on the waist the longer the day goes on).

Basically I just don't find jeans comfy and I never have. I used to wear lots of other kinds of trousers or skirts before dc but now I just feel a bit lost about what to wear any more!