Dieting? Here are my top picks from ESPRIT that’ll help show off your progress, even if you’re in-between sizes.

A casual look at my Facebook feed tells me I’m not the only one on a weight loss mission this January. Last year I got totally fed up of bumping into school friends and having them not recognise me, zips breaking, and having to suck in my tummy when I pull up my jeans. So as of Jan 1st I popped myself on a diet, cobbled together from things I’ve seen on the telly, Buzzfeed and protein powder adverts. Somehow it’s seen me drop some 14lbs already and I feel pretty good; My thighs are no longer rubbing together, and my third chin has disappeared. My tummy is no longer bloated, and supported by some shapewear, actually looks flat to the casual observer.

Despite this weight loss, I’m still suffering from phantom weight. That’s to say, I look in the mirror and still see the lumps and bumps that were there before I started. Although my clothes are falling down and I’ve clearly dropped a dress size, given I’ve another to go, I’m a bit to loathe to hit the shops and buy a new wardrobe that will most likely be too big in six months time.

So I’ve popped together a few looks that will support me throughout my dress size transition. From dresses that will cling flatteringly to a size 14, then skim reassuringly over a 12, to oversized jumpers, and belted trench coats that’ll see you through the fat days and skinnier ones.

Featured (all from ESPRIT): Lace & chiffon day dress (navy) £69 / (Body con block dress) Sundresses £55 (mixed blue) / Chiffon mini dress with trumpet sleeves (navy. dotty) £55 / Fitted sweatshirt dress, Bouclé £39 (in grey blue) / Stretchy denim dress with a flared skirt £59

When I was carrying the extra poundage, I lived in black. Now, having dropped a dress size, I’m feeling a little braver. I’m not quite ready for white jeans, body suits and boob tubes (more’s the pity), but I am loving navy at the moment. It can be dressed up and down, and accessorised with brights when I’m feeling particularly confident.

When it comes to dresses when dieting, it’s a great time to experiment with different hem length. Top pick for me is therefore this super cute poka dot chiffon dress from ESPRIT. The floaty material skims over lumpy hips and thighs, with full length trumpet sleeves to both cover your upper arms, and help create the illusion they are perfectly proportioned. Throw in the little belt to adjust the waist as the weight comes off, and you have a perfect little number that looks equally great on the school run as it does on date night.

If your arms are toned but you’re currently battling with excess stomach fat, the lacey number above is also incredibly flattering. The full length flared skirt will do all the right things to your legs and thighs, with an oversized belt to hide away your wobbly tum. Throw on a shawl at night, with coordinating heels, and you’re good for any after work occasion - or team with a cardi and knee high boots to add a touch of glamour when ferrying the kids to and from after-school clubs - who said cocktail dresses were just for weddings!. Check it out here.

Featured (all from ESPRIT): Ruffle top (mixed) £29 / Long sleeve top (bardot peplum) £25 / Fine-knit jumper with frilled sleeves (baby pink) £39 / Trenchcoat (light blue) £99 / Mac (baby pink) £99 / Lace overlay top (black) £29 / Oversized jumper (white/black) £29 / Blazer (black) £ 55.00

It’s all very well buying the perfect dress, but the wind has literally just torn down a fence panel in my back garden. The fact is, just when you’re slimming down and need encouragement from mums at the school gate, you’re layered up with hats, scarves and heavy winter jackets that do nothing to show off your flatter stomach. In short, you need a tailored raincoat that nips in at the waist.

I’m loving this baby pink mac with drawstring waist and oversized hood for everyday. Perfect with jeans, it’ll offer you enough protection from the rain whilst showing off all your hard work. If you’re still a bit unsure your bum and thighs, the pale blue trench coat above is available in a variety of sizes and colours to lift your outfit into spring when winter eventually clears off and leaves us all alone!

Light cotton mix sweaters, with sleeve details and ruffles also help draw attention away from areas that still need work. By adding a little fluff and frill to your boobs and shoulders, it forces the eye out then back in, showcasing any lost inches. Even better, as you drop a dress size, these same tops will get slightly more free-fitting, making them bang on trend for summer evenings.

In conclusion. there’s no reason to put yourself on a shopping ban if you’re dieting. A pretty new dress, statement sweater, or to-die-for coat will give you the motivation to push on through to your goal weight, so try not to deny yourself the odd treat.