I have struggled in the past to find clothes that suit my body shape, that I enjoy wearing. I have tended to stick to a pair of skinny jeans and a t-shirt in the spring, but I wanted to change it up a little now that I have turned thirty-two. Like many people, I have gained a bit of weight and let my fitness slide a bit, during the pandemic, and my hips and thighs are curvier than they were last year, but I still want to feel womanly when I am out and about, so I have been trying out a few different styles and think I have found some outfits that I really feel comfortable in, that flatter my figure but also look nice and make me feel good wearing them.
The Striped Shorts
Usually I would only buy denim shorts, and then not wear them unless it was boiling hot outside because I felt too self conscious. A few weeks ago I took the plunge and bought a pair of striped navy and white shorts in Tesco of all places, which came with a tan skinny belt, and I picked out a navy blue t-shirt with balloon sleeves to go with it, and I loved how the outfit looked! It is something different to my usual style, but I think it works really well, and goes well with my tan and black sandals from New Look for a smart/casual outfit when the sun is shining.
The Casual Cardigan
I have needed a cardigan for ages, since my trusty stone oversized knit from New Look got a little too old and tired to wear out and about. I struggled to find one the right colour and material in New Look, but then came across this pale blue longline cotton one in Tesco, and I fell in love. It is perfect to just throw on over an outfit if it’s a little chilly out, and it looks just as lovely over a dress as it does with my trusty pale blue jeggings and a t-shirt or cami top. I loved it so much, I have since picked up a navy blue one in the same style, as this is my perfect casual cardigan.
The Ditsy Print Dress
I had never shopped in Zara, before my sister took me in there over the bank holiday weekend. I tried a ditsy print mini dress on whilst she was trying other things on and I fell in love with it. I struggle to find summery dresses that flatter my figure, as I have a bit of a tummy and most tend to emphasise this, or look unflattering on my wide hips, but this one skimmed over the areas of my body I am self conscious about and I really like how it looks on. The print is lovely and summery, and I can’t wait to wear it over the summer, now the rain has (fingers crossed) stopped!
The ‘Out Out’ Outfit
Again, I don’t generally shop in Next, but I had been given a gift card from the team at work for my birthday, so I bought myself this blue mini dress, after a little poll on Instagram stories, and I love how it looks on! I have always been happiest with my long legs over the rest of my body, and this dress perfectly emphasises them – plus it was only £15 in the clearance section – bonus!
The Floral Skirt
When the weather gets hot, it is all about the floaty, easy to wear pieces and this skirt, again from Tesco, is the perfect piece to throw on when heading to the beach. It can be dressed up and down easily, and it is really comfortable. The only issue I have found is finding something that goes with it, without swamping my figure, but a simple cami is perfect.
The Charity Shop Bargain
My manager gifted me this pretty floral dress, which she had spotted in one of our charity shops. I love how it looks on, although it is quite low cut so I added a black bodysuit underneath to save my dignity… I love seeing what treasures I can uncover in our shops – there’s so many lovely things to find!
