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I'm midsize, I'm 41 and I love fashion - this is the outfit formula that works for me


Midsize outfit ideas based around the ultimate style formula…


Comfort (cardigan) + Structure (jeans) + One Statement Piece (metallic accessories) © Leanne Bayley

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Leanne Bayley
Leanne BayleyDirector of Lifestyle & Commerce
Updated: September 5, 2025
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I'll admit, I’ve spent most of my life trying to figure out what works for my body. In my twenties, I chased trends and tried to fit in with my friends. In my thirties, I tried to look stylish and keep up with the style mavens I worked on fashion magazines with. And now, in my forties (I'm 41), I’ve landed on an outfit formula that makes me feel confident, put-together, and completely myself whenever I step out of the door. 

What does midsize even mean?

Let’s get one thing out of the way first: 'midsize' isn’t a size - it’s a range. It’s that in-between place, often overlooked in fashion, where you’re not considered "plus-size" but definitely not straight-size either. You might wear anything from a UK 12 to 18 (US 8 to 14), depending on the brand. Shopping can be a minefield - sizes aren’t consistent at the best of times, and the models photographed on a lot of websites don't tend to represent the midsize woman. 

Now I'm in my forties it has only sharpened my focus on what works - and what doesn’t - in my wardrobe.

Comfort (pull on satin skirt) + Structure (tailored black blazer) + One Statement Piece (colour pop accessories) © Leanne Bayley
Comfort (pull on satin skirt) + Structure (tailored black blazer) + One Statement Piece (colour pop accessories)

The formula: Comfort + Structure + One Statement Piece

After years of trial and error, this is the formula I now come back to - day in, day out. It’s flexible enough to work for any occasion, but reliable enough that I never have to stand in front of my wardrobe feeling lost. Here’s how it breaks down: Comfort + Structure + One Statement Piece = a successful outfit. 

1. Comfort is non-negotiable

Let's be honest, if something pinches, digs, rides up, or leaves marks, it’s a hell no. I used to suffer through too-tight jeans or tops that looked amazing on the hanger but made me feel self-conscious all day. Not anymore. No thank you. 

Comfort doesn’t mean sloppy though, I don't want to look like I've given up on life. I just now strive to find clothes that move with me, not against me. Think soft but structured fabrics, waistbands that give a little, and shoes I can walk in without shopping for blister stickers at the nearest pharmacy. This might be the reason why my collection of Adidas sneakers is borderline ridiculous. 

Some of my go-to comfort pieces:

I build from comfort outwards. If the base feels good, I’m already halfway there.

Comfort (M&S barrel jeans) + Structure (cropped jacket) + One Statement Piece (glittery bag) © Leanne Bayley
Comfort (M&S barrel jeans) + Structure (cropped jacket) + One Statement Piece (glittery bag)

2. Structure is key

Structure gives shape and polish - especially on a midsize body, where volume can sometimes overwhelm. This doesn’t mean rigid or overly tailored, but it does mean paying attention to proportions. If I'm wearing my barrel-leg jeans and ballet flats, I'll choose a structured cropped jacket to wear with it. 

Here’s what I look for:

  • Jackets or blazers that fit me well, and if they fall at the waist they're usually my go-tos.
  • The plain white tee that holds its shape - Arket and Uniqlo are my ride or die tees. 
  • Bottoms with a clean line — no saggy knees or stretched-out fabrics
  • A belt to cinch where needed - Cos has a great reversible option I wear all the time

Structure is what makes an outfit feel intentional. It turns a loose blouse and jeans into a look. It frames your shape, rather than hiding it - and that’s something I’ve really embraced in my forties. I don’t want to disappear into clothes. I want to own them.

Comfort (shoes) + Structure (tee) + One Statement Piece (skirt) © Leanne Bayley
Comfort (shoes) + Structure (tee) + One Statement Piece (skirt)

3. One statement piece. Always.

I love a statement piece and I'll admit, this is where I get a bit too excitable when I'm out shopping. It's the magic item that makes you excited to get dressed. 

It could be:

  • A pop of colour
  • Sequins or metallics
  • Animal print
  • A statement shoe
  • Bold earrings or a chunky necklace 

This is where I get to play. I’ve stopped saving special pieces for “special occasions” - life is the occasion. If I want to wear a full on leopard print outfit to work on a Tuesday, I'll do it. If a sequin mini skirt makes me feel alive, I wear it with a comfortable shirt.

That one statement piece is the exclamation point in my outfit, and it has to make me smile.

Comfort (dress) + Structure (belt) + One Statement Piece (colour pop clutch) © Leanne Bayley
Comfort (dress) + Structure (belt) + One Statement Piece (colour pop clutch)

My verdict on this winning formula

The beauty of this formula is that it adapts. Swap a blazer for a chic cardigan, or a statement shoe for a statement lip. The framework stays the same - and it always works.

My top tip would be to invest in quality basics. The right jeans, the perfect white tee, the blazer that goes with everything - they’re worth spending on. If there's a store that you love that's a bit expensive, save your splurge for when they have a sale on. That's what I do with the likes of Me+Em and Mint Velvet, two of my top brands. 

Confidence is the best accessory. Cheesy but true. When you feel good in your clothes, it shows, and people notice.

Comfort (cardigan) + Structure (jeans) + One Statement Piece (metallic accessories) © Leanne Bayley
Comfort (cardigan) + Structure (jeans) + One Statement Piece (metallic accessories)

Midsize 'comfort' outfit ideas

Cos Arch Tapered Jeans

Cos jeans© Cos

Editor's Note:

These jeans are on order - I'll report back if they're a winner!

Me+Em Curved Hem Straight Shirt

Me+Em shirt© Me+Em

Editor's Note:

Style with a pair of straight leg jeans and ballet flats for a cool girl look. Extra points for a neckerchief or statement earrings.

H&M Side Stripe Pants

H&M trousers© H&M

Editor's Note:

A pair of comfortable wide-leg trousers are really a must. Ideal for the office and for running errands, I couldn't be without mine. Style with a structured white tee and a statement necklace. 

Adidas Samba OG In Maroon & Cream

Adidas trainers© Adidas

Editor's Note:

Nothing will get past me and my love affair with my Adidas sneakers. Don't even try!

Midsize 'structure' outfit ideas

Karen Millen Shorts & Waistcoat

Karen Millen shorts© Karen Millen

Editor's Note:

A city short can be very flattering on midsize shapes. Pair with a comfortable tee and a statement metallic slingback shoe. 

Marks & Spencer Skirt

Marks & Spencer skirt© Marks & Spencer

Editor's Note:

This skirt is hanging in my wardrobe right now and I'm really looking forward to wearing it with my comfortable black tee and my statement glittery ballet flats. 

Mango Red Jacket

Mango jacket© Mango

Editor's Note:

My textured jacket collection is getting a little bit out of control. Wear with your comfortable barrel leg jeans, Mary Jane shoes and a statement lip. 

H&M Belt

H&M belt© H&M

Editor's Note:

I never used to wear belts with my jeans, but the older I'm getting the more I see how a belt can pull a look together. Wear with your comfortable shirt and your statement jorts. 

Midsize 'statement' outfit ideas

Boden Scarf

Boden scarf© Boden

Editor's Note:

The silk scarf really is my new fave trend. This will be the cherry on top of an outfit. 

Soru Duo Coco Statement Earrings

Soru earrings© Soru

Editor's Note:

You'll be surprised by how much wear you get out of these earrings. 

Longchamp Le Pliage Xtra Small

Longchamp bag© Longchamp

Editor's Note:

No outfit is complete without a statement bag, and this new-in Longchamp beauty really is divine. 

Never Fully Dressed Silver Sequin Mini Jaspre Skirt

Never Fully Dressed Silver Sequin Mini Jaspre Skirt
© Never Fully Dressed

Editor's Note:

Sequins never go out of style in my opinion. 

River Island Heart Shoes

River Island shoes© River Island

Editor's Note:

I heart these shoes. 

Final thoughts

If you’re standing in front of your wardrobe, wondering what to wear — try it. Comfort + Structure + One Statement Piece. You might be surprised at how much easier, and more joyful, getting dressed can feel.

Follow me on Instagram @leannebayley and on TikTok @dailybayley9to5

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