Gone up a dress size? Raise the style stakes, too: By size 16 fashion expert VICTORIA MOSS 

Put on weight in lockdown? Join the club! According to a recent survey, a third of us Brits have gained weight in the pandemic, piling on an extra 12 lb on average.

But there’s enough things in the world to be miserable about without fretting about your dress size.

And if you have edged up the size chart this past year, the great news is that there are plenty of brilliant brands which now offer more realistic sizes, meaning you no longer have to feel on the periphery of the fashion world, stuck in a wasteland of tent-like dresses and stretchy trousers. Having been a fashion editor for magazines including Marie Claire and InStyle, and hovered around the size 16 mark for years, I’ve learned you don’t need to create an entirely new identity if you go up a dress size or two. With a few styling tweaks you can feel just as confident — and look just as fab — in your signature style.

Follow my guide and you’ll soon fall back in love with your figure, however much it might have bloomed in the past year.

Victoria Moss reveals the style tweaks and brands that can make you look fab, without creating an entirely new identity if you go up a dress size or two. Pictured: Blazer, £69.99, top, £29.99, trousers, £49.99, shoes, £59.99, all mango.com

1. FLEXIBLE FASHION FIX 

Launched in 2016, Universal Standard has led the way for inclusive sizing, offering every piece in its collection up to a UK size 44. A treasure trove of workwear to weekend essentials, it offers a service called Fit Liberty where you can swap pieces within a year for a different size if you’ve gone up or down.

Its latest collaboration is with Erdem. Indulge in its elegant, ruffled, floral printed blouses (like the one above) and dresses for a fraction of the usual prices (an Erdem blouse would normally set you back around £700).

Boilersuit £160, lfmarkey.com

Boilersuit £160, lfmarkey.com

2. JUMP FOR IT

Jumpsuits have become a modern perennial as a cool but practical uniform. There is no reason to avoid this style, whatever your size — wearing one colour or piece head-to-toe is an effective way of pulling together a sleeker look.

Take a peek at LF Markey’s boilersuits, which go up to a UK size 18. They’re flatteringly fitted at the waist with pockets on the bum to break up the line, which is key. See also Stalf, a made-toorder brand based in Staffordshire. 

Nab one of its linen overalls or jumpsuits to wear layered with T‑shirts or sweaters. Ideal for all seasons and most activities. Be warned, however: going to the loo will be a faff.

3. THE RIGHT JEANS 

I haven’t worn any jeans other than Good American ones since it launched five years ago. Running up to a UK size 28, it offers endless styles in soft denim that feature a high waist. This season it’s all about a straight leg jean with stretch, a style which balances out your legs better than clingy skinnies. Roll up the hem or go for a pair that sits above your ankle bone for a lengthening and more modern-looking ankle flash.

Good American at selfridges.com

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Good American at selfridges.com 

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4. ARMS UP 

Finding a decent sleeve is the Holy Grail of any woman over 30 who has a fear of her upper arms on display.

Anything edging towards the elbow is going to offer a flattering balance. A fluted sleeve which fans out at the edge is a pretty option. Marks & Spencer, which goes up to a UK size 24, has some lovely linen tops with elegant sleeve details. I also love Cos — which goes up to UK size 18 — for its modern take on the T-shirt. Its drawstring back detail in this top (above) adds a clever cinching touch.

5. ADD A JACKET TO SHARPEN SILHOUETTE 

Mid-thigh trench coat, £403, marinarinaldi.com

Mid-thigh trench coat, £403, marinarinaldi.com

A little structure to sharpen your shoulders can go a long way. Arket has great short trench coats in beige and black. Also worth a look is Lucy & Yak’s Olly oversized utility style jacket for £45 (lucyandyak.com), Me+Em’s relaxed casual chore jacket for £195 (meandem.com) and Toast’s patch pocket green denim jacket, £175 (toa.st). If you want one that will last for ever, try designer plus-size brand Marina Rinaldi, which goes up to a size 28.

6. A JOYFUL SKIRT 

Banish any old-fashioned nonsense about swathing yourself in black to hide your figure. Colour is a wonderful way of finding your confidence sweet spot. I defy anyone not to be cheered by Kemi Telford’s prints. Her elasticated-waist midi-skirts are style dopamine. Pair with a simple blouse.

Kemi Telford at johnlewis.com

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7. THE 24/7 MIDI-DRESS

Dress, £45, nobodyschild.com

Dress, £45, nobodyschild.com

The printed midi-dress can be dressed up or down. But veer away from oversized pieces which drench, as these can make you look a lot bigger than you are.

This season you’ll find pieces with shirring elastic on the bodice and waist. It’s a great way to comfortably get into a more neatly cut dress. 

Nobody’s Child runs up to a size 24, all for around £40. Marks & Spencer boasts a great new collaboration with Ghost. Its pretty puffed-sleeve tea dresses will take you from work to park to party.