How do you know what looks best?

Scentia, oh how I can empathise with you. I have just tried on two dresses for a wedding, never worn, but bought before lockdown. I thought I looked nice, until I saw DH's face! It's my stomach which is the problem. I need help too! I don't think fat pants will help!

To make matters worse, the gash I got on my arm this morning, has just bled all over one, as I took it off!?

Peasblossom
I see such a difference in the positioning in the two photos, that if a well nice dress btw!!

Agree mAddyone. Or wear it as tunic over slim trousers ?

I think maybe your dress is a bit short. Wear a longer dress (not too long though) just below the knee, and it will elongate you and make you look taller and slimmer.

I agree with a bit looser. I always go for a v neck and elbow or 3/4 sleeves. I have several long line waistcoats the can totally make an iffy outfit look great. The right scarf can do the same.
I’ve also put on weight and wasn’t slim to start with so learned by experience.
Im now trying to take my weight in hand. Started yesterday with the app Lose It which tracks calories. Im including every cup of tea and every rich tea biscuit. 2lbs less showed today.

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202108/medium-913701-54c07dd5-7d66-470a-b28f-3f752cb50f44.jpeg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202108/medium-179612-f75f545b-a042-49f6-8f27-fe9324e9f403.jpeg

Please ignore the flabby arms, but this is what I mean about the photo.

Lucca

I like your dress too but I would maybe suggest a tiny bit looser would look good plus definitely some long beads,or long earrings.

Exactly what Lucca said, I think that it does need to be looser so that it skims down your sides, if that makes sense.
And lots of jewellery and a perhaps a scarf.
That’s pretty much my style mantra: a bit baggy and over accessorised.

Sally12
That makes such a difference, thank you, I cannot believe the difference that has made. I think I need to spend a bit of time going to try stuff on and see what looks nice. I am usually an online purchaser!!

I’m short too. I love to wear for example a Zara dress with a denim jacket with superga shoes

I like your dress too but I would maybe suggest a tiny bit looser would look good plus definitely some long beads,or long earrings.

Peasblossom
You have not offended at all. My DH took the photo and he was sat down, he doesn’t put in much effort, he is the same if I ask him to do a zip up for me, little effort and concludes “no, it won’t go up!!” This is where I miss my DD living at home?
I think with the 2 stone weight gain buying a guesstimate bra size is not the best idea, you are absolutely right. I may go to bravissimo and get a measure, then take out a mortgage on some new underwear. Thanks Peas

Now changing room are open. Could you and a good friend go and try on a few items, you don't have to buy them. Just give yourself a chance to see what your happy in.
John Lewis have loads of different franchises in the store, so do M&S now.
JL have personal styling (well used to pre CV19) not sure if it's free?
Also check out your Bra that can also make a difference on certain outfits.
Good luck and I reckon everyone who cares thinks your gorgeous.

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

I like your dress, it's really pretty with your toning tights.

I'm five foot two and have started wearing V neck tunics, the style that comes in under the bust and flares out a little over the hips. Was it called 'empire style' in the past? I've put on two stone as well and weigh eleven stone ten pounds this morning. My old 'cut out bread and carbs' isn't working after four months of abstinence, I think I need to up my exercise a LOT as my knees are creaking!

My first thought is about the photo. I can guarantee that in real life you look much better than that. Photos take practice and even Helen Mirren won’t look good standing as you are? That photo and the mirror image you see are not the real you.

Put one leg in front of the other, bend it slightly, turn the body slightly towards the camera. Put that hand on your hip, throw your shoulders back. Now take the photo!

My second observation is that perhaps you should invest in a really good bra fitting. A bra that pushes the boobs inwards so they don’t bulge at the sides and lifts them away from the waist is guaranteed to make anyone look better. Rigby and Peller say you can lose ten pounds instantly and they are right!

I sincerely hope I haven’t offended you.

I like the colour and style of your dress too. I am also of similar build Scentia and I agree, it's difficult finding clothes that suit, flatter and feel comfortable. Whilst I don't want to look like mutton dressed as lamb I don't want to look ancient.
Reading the previous comments perhaps we could form a fashion advice alliance????

tippytipsy
In my world, one doesn’t post on a public forum if they don’t want honest opinions!! Your comments were appreciated ❤️

I know exactly what you mean. I'm 5' 3" tall, and hovering around a size 14 - 16. I went online and did my colour analysis, I came out as winter colours, so silvers, blues, pinks and shades of purple and grey.
I now stick to these colours which has helped me coordinate my wardrobe.
When I buy dresses, which isn't very often these days, I buy swing dresses that flow from the bust, they cover a multitude of sins.
I tend to stick to trousers and long tops.
I too need some more ideas.

Peasblossom

Like other posters, I think your outfit is good. Good colour and style.

But I have two rather personal observations. Would you want me to post them? Pm them. Or just keep my interfering mouth shut!?

(I’m a generous size 16 too?)

I apologise if I jumped in too soon without asking.

Peasblossom
Pop any thoughts on here, it may help others too, I am secretly waiting for a style queen to tell me what to wear!!

I've discovered my own secret to feeling confident is to never ever buy clothes that are tight or too small. I buy things a size bigger and I instantly feel slimmer and comfier, like I've lost weight and my clothes are a bit too big (happy to decieve myself that way ). That makes me feel more confident which I think probably shows. Nothing worse than feeling fat in clothes that pinch and show every bump - I spent my 30s 40s & 50s doing that!

That said, I can't tell you if I'm stylish, I'm probably not but I do feel comfortable in my own skin.

Like other posters, I think your outfit is good. Good colour and style.

But I have two rather personal observations. Would you want me to post them? Pm them. Or just keep my interfering mouth shut!?

(I’m a generous size 16 too?)

I am the one holding the baby not wearing the babygro?

Yes I suppose or something like this photo. I’m not sure if it’s my clothes or the fact I never usually accessorise , wear make up or have my hair down. I just need to try a bit harder maybe to put in a bit of effort!!

I agree with everything said about the colour, and the base.
Something tells me it isn't flattering around the bust and midriff. The neck is fine.
I'm always buying clothes which look lovely on a 5'6" model but not so good on me so will listen to any suggestions here.