Fashion for the 'larger' lady

I am a size 22 and can't really afford the clothes at the specialist stores such as Evans or from catologues like Simply Be. I'm only 26 and seem to have turned in to my mother.

I'm afraid I purchase most of my clothes from charity shops and what I do buy is usually out of fashion or makes me look frumpy but it's all I can really afford.

Can you help me?
Mum2ethan

Antonia O'Brien (my-wardrobe.com presenter): If you do not already have a perfectly fitting bra - that is where you need to start.

Shops like Panache, Bravissimo and Freya have really feminine pretty bras in larger cup sizes. Shockingly 80 per cent of women wear an ill- fitting bra! Now you are well supported, you can dress to impress.

For your bust size you should avoid tops which are high necked or clingy, because they draw perhaps unwanted attention to the size of your chest.

Layering is a wonderful tool. For example, wear a blouse in a light colour with a dark vest top underneath, with perhaps a small touch of skin/cleavage showing. The contrast will balance out how your breasts look, making them more subtle, chic and sophisticated.

Why not layer a cardigan over a floral summer dress, or with a scoop neck Tee and a great fitting pair of jeans?

As for shops, the British High Street is famous for how well it caters for women of all shapes and sizes. The best place to browse for clothes which are on trend but not violently expensive is Primark.

They never stray too far to the dark side of fashion because they take inspiration from the catwalks and designer labels, but adapt it to be more everyday and wearable.

ivillage uk

Fashion for the 'larger' lady