3.30 In a nutshell I struggle with summer dressing with layers. I like to wear wide-leg trousers and need something slimmer on top to balance out my big hips and legs.
However, since menopause, I have changed shape. I used to be a pear; with a small bust, delicate shoulders, and wide hips. However, now my tummy is bigger and so are my arms. My shoulders which used to look narrow, are now in line with my hips, (although my bust is still smaller than my hips). The bigger arms seem to have balanced out the hips, which has confused me when trying to work out which new shape I fall into.
Also, I have no idea which type of cardigan would look good on me. I have big arms, so I am not sure if I should wear a classic crew neck cardigan as clingy arms look terrible. I am contemplating buying a cream shorter jacket to go with darker trousers, but I don't like the boxy jackets that are in fashion now and think something more shaped would look better. However, I don't believe long jackets look good with wide-leg or palazzo pants when you have prominent hips and a small bust.
my biggest style challenge is how to dress a larger body than I used to!
8.31 I'm now a curvy size 14-16. I'm more comfortable in black and dark colours, and stretchy clothes, but I don't feel really great; I don't enjoy getting dressed or shopping. I've started to accept that buying a larger size will be more comfortable and even more flattering, but it's depressing. To compound that challenge, I've started a job this year where the dress code is smart casual in "pale, neutral colours - like white, beige, linen and sand - and sage and olive greens". I love green so that's great, but wearing pale colours makes me uncomfortable.
I'm petrified of getting dirty but more than that, I feel like the Michelin man! Every spare tyre and lump and bump shows up and I feel huge. I can't wait to get home and climb into my leggings and oversized jumper and hide.