Suggestions for attractive clothes wanted

I like Gudrun Sjoden but expensive.

I like Toast but it is also expensive (for me) Alexa. I found it because someone watching the making of a dress on a programme I was watching commented on it being like a Toast design. I will keep an eye on the designs I really like and then make something similar for myself. This is not a cheap option (I love natural fabrics and they are rarely cheap) but if you do it right clothes that fit always look good and you end up paying roughly what you would pay for a less expensive choice.

If you take your favourite styles and find patterns that are the same sort of style and make your own (look past the fabric in the pattern) you can look well dressed. Off the peg dressing, where you are expected to fit the dress size rather than the dress fit you has only been around for 60 or 70 years. People are now dressmaking for style rather than savings and some beautiful, well fitted items are being produced.

QVC and Kaleidoscope I buy. Lot from.

I like Roman as well , not too expensive and good for grand and they’ve a good online store . They’ve got very easy returns policy as well . Good old m and s is fine for basics jeans t shirts etc .

Bon Marche have really nice clothes in all the colours that are on trend. Easy to order online & if they haven't your size in store they will order it in for you. The prices are really good too so you can get an even bigger wardrobe full!

Mamissimo Hmm I think I may have been thinking of someone who had a waist when I mentioned those!
I have just sent DD a palava dress bought in a sale. They are pretty fabrics.

Grammaretto try typing rockabilly followed by your size in eBay.....I spied several dresses of a similar shape to the Palava ones? ?

*del’y. not delay. Blooming spellcheck.

Grammaretto Only if the dress is “A keeper”and makes you feel nice ?
I sent for a top on Sunday - and it was pushed through my door yesterday without paying for 48 hrs delay.
I’m wearing it today!

Puzzler61 with me in it! perhaps better not.

Please post a photo when you get your new red dress Grammaretto. ?

I bit the bullet and have bought a dress on Ebay Nanna58
It's bright red cotton but cheap enough that it won't matter if it's a mistake

You all forget that the rules are different in Scotland and none of our stores are physically open.

Shops such as TKMaxx invite scouring the rails for bargains like the charity shops which are closed too.

I will be sure to look at all your suggestions. Half the fun is being tempted and I wasn't being.
There are some beautiful dresses at Palava, for the fuller figure.
palava.co/collections/palava-curve

If you ladies like elbow length sleeves go to Cotton Traders. Dresses and tees. Mock wrap dresses suit most people. C T are very good with their sizes.

I like Shein. It is dirt cheap and the clothes are lovely. I also like Damart, Kaleidoscope, Next, New Look. TK Maxx is worth a look if you are ok to rummage around, I got a beautiful Vera Moda jumper in there a few years ago, lilac with little holes in it that formed a pattern for £12. I've had many many things from there, I once saw a DKNY dress for £20 and had to stop myself. Also the supermarket clothes can be good, especially M&S and Tesco. X

Have you tried Roman Originals Grammaretto? I've bought quite a lot from them during lockdown and there's generally a code floating about to get money off. I think the code HELLO gives 20% off for new customers. Orders arrive quickly and I've been very pleased with the quality considering the relatively low cost. The only downside I can find is that there is a charge for return postage [deducted from the refund] and if you choose to return things to one of their shops the money isn't refunded but is put on a gift card.

I am a size 14/16 but have large thighs and tops of arms. So end up looking like a tree trunk with fat branches!
Any suggestions?

I love Uniqlo for basics and Cos for something a bit different.

I still buy (at times) from the J D Wiliams catalogue. They do all sizes, and a variety of styles. If anything doesn't fit or suit, it is very easy to return

E bay is always worth looking at for unused/ lightly used clothes from the expensive brands like Masai, Sahara , Mint Velvet, Seasalt etc. Sometimes you strike it lucky! Today I’m wearing a beautiful Masai dress and Jones sandals - both secondhand from there! Good luck!

Forgot to say, order your actual size as they skim your curves so are flattering. Also, have pockets, wish more dresses had pockets!

Next have some nice Linen blend dresses for £30 in lots of patterns/colours.
I got a few last year and they are really cool and comfortable, and wash and iron beautifully. Don't crease much either. They are just on the knee length and sleeveless. Can be dressed up with a little thin cardi.

Joules are nice and very wearable. Hush do nice easy to wear clothes. I’m not sure if they are too expensive but worth a look.

Thankyou pals. I am glad I asked. I knew you would have some good suggestions.
I have a friend who is a poster girl for gudrun sodjen but not for me. Toast is sometimes nice too.
I'll look again at seasalt and try to get excited.

I like Seasalt, not everything, but I’ve had some v nice tops and tunics from them. For summer I particularly like their striped pure cotton T shirt type tops with elbow length sleeves - not easy to find.
Online delivery is fast.

I like Masai clothes, but they are expensive.
I have bought from QVC too. Nina Leonard, Kim & Co, and Antthony Designs are the brands I tend to favour, but you have to be selective. I usually read the reviews before I buy.
I like White Stuff for tops, they are fairly reasonably priced.

I agree that if you've got a bit plump it's better to wear separates. A dress that covers you comfortably will be too wide, whereas if you cover your bottom with a tunic, loose blouse or a tunic, you can narrow the silhouette a little with trousers. Not a skirt, or you'll be back to the pillar box shape again.

However, have an honest look in the mirror and see if you're not overestimating your bulges. Maybe you'll look good in a waist length top and fitting skirt or trousers. Or even a shift dress.

For me the only priority is to look and feel cool and comfortable.

Oh, and I don't agree about Gudrun Sjoden. I thin they look uncomfortable and very impractical.