Hi Caryn

The only place I found clothes that suited my shape was Principles and that closed down some time ago.  I find it extremely !!! hard to find anything to wear and am desperate at this stage.

I am size 14 – 16 on top.  Bra size 34GG.
Height 5ft 3in
Waist size 12
Hips size 8 – 10
Bad legs:  big calves and tiny ankles and bad veins on my feet (sounds lovely!!)
Chubby upper arms and often get spots on my chest, so low cut is not always an option.
Nearly forgot to mention – big tummy and tiny bum.

When I go shopping I usually come home with nothing or else one or two things which have to be returned as they never seem the same at home as they did in the shop.

Occasionally I have bought something in Wallis, but I can’t see anything in their shop recently that I would wear.  A lot of their tops are very patterned and just make me look bigger.  My wardrobe at present consists of black, black and more black.  The ONLY thing in my wardrobe at present that I actually like is a pair of Seven Jeans that I bought a few years ago and actually don’t look too bad.  They were the best INVESTMENT I ever made!!  How many more washes I can get out of them I don’t know and God only knows what I’ll do then.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.  Any suggestions for good places to shop online?

Rita – a desperate 44 year old.

Hello Rita

Many of us need a variety of more specialist options to make up our style prescription especially as it is all about getting a perfect fit in garments that suit your body shape. There are some specialist retailers to offer the perfect fit and look you need. Try Duo Boots for specialist calf measured boots. They have a really stylish offering this autumn/winter season.

Duo Boots

Try Bravissimo for lingerie and clothes with more fullness in the bust, Petite Affair and Next for skirts and bottom halves – you’ll find many more petite specialists our shopping directory. But check out our fuller section too for brands that will give you fit around the bust.

Also download our Petite and Top Heavy ebook which will give you the best advice to suit your body shape. In it you will discover techniques for creating the illusion of height as well as much more like understanding how to balance out your top half.

Related posts:

How do I dress to fit and flatter my petite and pear shape? How to make the most of my pear-apple shape Petite Top Heavy and Size 6 Bottom Half