merlotgran
I spend most of my life in jeans, cords, T shirts, jumpers and fleeces. I live in the middle of nowhere so I'm quite happy with my country 'smallholder' look although I try hard to avoid looking too 'butch'.
My big problem is finding smart casual clothes that soften my appearance. I stick to trousers because I often wear calf supports and as soon as I think a top is showing bulges, back it goes in the wardrobe. I seem to have loads of tops I've only worn once. I'm 5' 7" and a size 16 and have tried buying the next size up but then I look even bigger.
My shape has changed over the years. I used to hate being a 'pear' because horse riding had given me big thighs but now I'm turning into an 'apple' which is even worse.
I've tried layering but don't seem to be very good at it and scarves get on my nerves after a while.
Hello Merlotgran,
I think I might accidentally be wearing the country smallholder look too (minus the fleece, far too warm on the commute). But what I do in order to dress up my casual clothes is to wear jeans and a lovely shirt or a lightweight tailored jacket – have a look at the Ines de la Fressange collection for Uniqlo, there are some fab jackets at quite reasonable prices, and Boden has a soft linen jersey blazer that would look quite neat. A semi-fitted style is good for you.
Don’t buy the next size up, this is a never a good idea and, as you mention, it just makes you look bigger. It's worth learning to love scarves, they are a quick and easy way to make a simple outfit look chic – and as Mary Berry says 'hide a scraggy neck.' Try a smaller version tied neckerchief style - think French Chic not Butch Country Smallholder, and you'll be fine! Lightweight fabrics are easy to wear and once the scarf is in place, it's quite easy to forget you're wearing one.
I would also recommend spending some time going through your wardrobe and trying on all these tops you've bought. Take a good long look in a full-length mirror, from all angles, maybe use a handheld mirror or ask a friend to hold up another mirror. If they're a real friend they can also give you an honest report on the 'bulge situation'. Then give anything that isn't flattering to charity. By streamlining your wardrobe you will end up with the clothes that you like and feel comfortable in, and this will help too.