Sense of style

I have problems with buying shoes Skweek. Yesterday I noticed that Clarks are doing some of their shoes in wider fit. I do have a smarter pair of Gabor shoes with a small heel - they were expensive but will probably last for years as I rarely wear them.

Kitspurr thanks for the Alexa Webb link; there seem to be some good ideas on there.
I think I'm the jeans, check shirt and gilet person but sometimes something smarter is required.

Little black dress? I wish.

It's a pity if a size 14 is thought to be a 'plus' size though. I saw an article recently where a size 14 journalist went around the designer shops and it was impossible to find anything much in that size - all catered for sizes 6-10.

My MIL used to say that the designers were lazy - they couldn't be bothered to tailor the clothes properly to suit normal-sized women and that the 'designers' could stick a badly cut sack on a size 8 model and it would look fine!
She would be horrified at some of the skeletal models you see these days.

When I was younger I had a neighbour (and friend) who didn't have much money, as none of us did when we had small children, but she always looked stylish and so did her house.

She just had the knack.

Yes I too have problems with shoes. Have hammer toes and a bunion. Can't wear high heels either. Every outfit has to start from the shoes up!! For me the other problem is that I have not embraced the fact that I am now 2 sizes larger than I used to be so when I try stuff on in a shop I just think I look too fat!

Apart from F&F and George, I buy all my clothes online from Very, which has an amazing range of clothes to suit all styles, sizes and pockets. I'm 5'0, having shrunk from 5'2, and appear to be a standard size 14 in their measurements and you can order by around 21:00 for next day delivery or arrange free pickup from local store of your choice. I live in leggings, t-shirts, and boot-cut jeans, and have a couple of dresses for choral concerts/special occasions and a pair of black trousers, but don't pay more than £25 per item. My main problem is with shoes (I've got short broad feet and most of the time struggle to find comfortable shoes, so live in cheap £10 trainers, slip-on black casuals and sandals with double buckles and adjustable buckle heel straps, but would like to have just one smart comfortable but reasonably fashionable pair (I can't wear those stiletto 6" things and still walk more than a few yards) has anyone any reasonably priced suggestions?

Good alternative to joggers & t shirts is fitted black leggings and a longer tunic / jumper top. Still casual and comfortable for everyday wear but a little more stylish I think. It's what I live in all winter with long boots. In the summer I go for cropped leggings and flat sandals with a lighter cotton tunic. Only get dressed up now for formal occasions, when I usually pick a dress, bolero cardigan and coordinating bag, shoes etc.

I forgot to say I'm 68. Age isn't a barrier to being stylish.

"Tesco's, where I buy my best clothes." That's what my daughter says and does and I love her sense of style. Although she/we buy at other shops we both like tesco.
I find supermarket clothes pretty okay for every day wear.

I wish I had a little black dress and a little flowery dress and some little cardigans to shrug on..........I am far too fat now.

If it's clean and it goes on, I wear it and am thankful for it.

Any John Lewis will give you advice free of charge. Just Book in advance. I've been given advice by my trendy daughters who are in their early 40's. It's surprising how modern you can be without looking like mutton dressed as lamb. I love Phase Eight and at the other end if the spectrum Sahara. But Lands End are good for basics as are M & S although they have lost their way generally.

Damart are not as stuffy as they sound and do a wide range of sizes.

When you try things on and don't like what you see, look hard in the mirror and be analytical about WHY the item you liked enough to try on now doesn't seem right. Chances are it will be fit, or length. Both can be altered at any dry cleaners with an alterations service, for not much £££. Mine charges £15 for hems and £25 to reset sleeve/take in shoulder, which can be miraculously effective and make a dress or jacket look much more expensive than it actually was.
Decide what colour really "sets off" your eyes, and get a few scarves in that colour. Look on the internet for different ways to tie them.
At a make-up counter, ask the assistant to choose you two new lippies; one for day and one for evening. You may be in for a surprise here, as you would probably pick the same colour you always do, and the assistant won't do that!
Have fun! I notice that Dame Judi almost always wears what I'd call upmarket ethnic; long tunics over skirt or trousers along the lines of a shalwar kameez. Try it.

I think some people are just born stylish. I have a friend who would look good dressed in a bin liner!!!!

I always look frumpy cos i am scared to buy anything different to what feels comfortable and familiar.

I live in joggers and t shirts, black tousers and a smart top for going out and i dont own one dress or skirt, i just dont feel like me in them.

I think i am a lost cause where clothes are concerned.

If you hate trawling about trying to find something to fit a less than perfect shape, the more expensive stuff seems to be the only answer. I look at the online 'Just last Season' and Phase Eight, and have got some great bargains in tops that hide the multitude of sins some of us have. However, you cannot buy style it seems, sadly. My friend dresses mostly from charity shops and looks a million dollars; I have tried it and look like a bag lady, and have handed the stuff back within the week. You have my sympathies.

I'm 50 and a size 14/16, and I constantly look on pinterest and google images in search of fashion tips. Alexa Webb on polyvore and pinterest is brilliant for our size.

alexawebb.polyvore.com

www.alexawebb.com

Mango Violeta is also a great source of inspiration for us.

shop.mango.com/IE/plussize

Is there someone in the public eye whose style you like? If so, you can base your starting point on her/them.

Marina Rinaldi and Navabi are great if you prefer something more upmarket.

ie.marinarinaldi.com

www.navabi.co.uk

Have fun!

I went through a phase like this. If you can afford it, think of doing a style consultation (I was lucky enough to win a Colour Me Beautiful one which included make up and clothing). Good advice is given about finding a TV personality of a similar age whose style you like, preferably someone with a similar body shape. I quite like much of the stuff Angela Rippon wears to get ideas from her. I quite like Joe Browns clothing, especially their tunic tops, worn with skinny jeans and boots. I feel smart but not like mutton dressed as lamb. My OH is very honest in his opinion of what suits me and what doesn't, as is my DD so it is good to seek second opinions when out shopping or when trying on online orders. Don't go with someone who will always say you 'look nice' which is totally unhelpful!

I know what you mean about losing one's dress sense. I even had my 9 year old GS going through my wardrobe before we went out the other day. Talk about Gok Wan, he had more sense than me and was putting together outfits which I hadn't thought of.

The key to looking good is to be comfortable in your clothes and make sure they fit properly, otherwise yes we can end up looking like a sack of potatoes. As far as fashion is concerned beauty is in the eye of the beholder and almost anything goes these days if you've got the nerve to be confident in wearing it.

Hi, I am in my 50's and understand it is difficult to know what your style is. Comfort is important, but "baggy" can look unflattering. For Winter I often wear a longish jumper dress with thick tights/leggings and boots. Team this with a co-ordinating scarf or chunky jewellery - all of this can be bought from Next very inexpensively or a combination of High street shops. A good fitted jacket or coat can make any outfit smarter especially Camel, Black or Navy.

Start looking now for Summer pieces, look in shops like Elvi that stock larger sizes and buy one piece a month and build a small capsule collection, e.g. Pair of good jeans, couple of nice tops, pair of linen trousers and a dress. Accessories from TK Max, Primark or Next ?

DS64till I'm in my mid sixties, 5 2 1/2 and a size 16 and whilst I don't consider myself stylish I have updated my look after listening to the wise counsel here on GN. I wear jeggins or slim fit jeans but always with a longer top to hide belly and bum, add low heeled boots (or high if you can wear them, I can't) and you look taller and unfussy - I've even been asked if I've lost weight - which I sadly haven't. If need be buy a bigger size top with a fit and flare sort of shape. Mine are almost all from M&S

I always have a little black dress for funerals or parties!!
A litter flowery dress for weddings, Christenings and summer parties
Smart black trousers are important too with smart top
As for the rest jeans T shirts and jumpers trainers and wellies
Stylish what the hell is that?

If you want to look stylish rather than bag lady go for good tailoring. A decent jacket will make any outfit look better. Don't try anything too girly or frilly. Plain styles in interesting fabrics are good. And fifties is really young compared with some of us

I had a boss who always looked so stylish and pulled together, no matter the occasion. She wasn't particularly fashionable, just really stylish. She told me she always went on Pinterest looking for ideas for outfits for the following day. It is great source of inspiration and it's free to join. Having recently retired,used to wearing business dress, I have gone there to get ideas on casual, but stylish dressing.
Also have a look at the articles in Gransnet. Lots of good advice there in the Style and Beauty section.. If you do not want to change too dramatically, make small changes, one at a time.
Another tip is to get a good haircut and get your eyebrows shaped professionally. I have very fair eyebrows and my hairdresser persuaded me to dye them. It totally transformed my face.
I am very short and I find everything is too long in the arms and legs, so I have learned how to alter make outfits over the years.

DS64till - you are now in your fifties - you can wear almost anything!

Now I have to wear flats I find it difficult to look stylish in anything much - not that I did before really

But - when I lose this weight I am going to lose perhaps I will look a bit more stylish

once they are dressed not giving what they are wearing another thought.
what is it they say? Wear your clothes, don't let them wear you?