Mumsnet Talk

... or will I just look like a swede parsnip?

I'm really struggling to lose the baby weight after DC2 and may have to face the fact that I can't realistically wait for the length of time it takes to replace the vile leggings / tunics / BFing wear with normal clothes. The only jeans I have at the moment are some godawful Next bootcuts in the most horrible stiff denim. I didn't want to spend any money on clothes yet, but honestly I'm embarrassed to be seen in what I'm wearing, and I've been asked more than once when I'm due, 16 weeks postnatal

But what can I actually wear now anyway? I need everyday clothes, and I have a 21st birthday party and a wedding coming up. I can't bear to look like a fat, shapeless frump any longer.

And, as the title asks, would skinny jeans be beyond the pale? (I'm 5'4", and carrying the weight everywhere).

ok you can wear skinny jeans but balance out the "parsnip" legs with knee length boots or maybe mid calf boots heels or no heels. Either.

I am a size 18 and 5ft9. I wear them as I would leggings, so only with tunic bottom covering tops. I wear with boots or sandals in summer

I wear skinny jeans and am a size 20, 5'6"

Of course you can, just dress well! So get well fitting ones (no muffin top or builder's bum) and choose your tips wisely.

I can recommend the Gap High Rise Skinnies.

Look at Dorothy Perkins jeggings. They are just £23 and so much comfier than skinny jeans. And you will only need a size 14.

I just missed 1/3 off Gap high rise, didn't I? Are jeggings pretty much leggings?

Oh fuck, I have nothing and no idea or money. Just don't know where to start.

I wore skinny jeans when I was similarly postnatal. I got a great pair from Primark, about £14 or so iirc and they were great, very flattering on the legs. I wore them with ballet flats and a top like this very one which I got in a charity shop for a few quid. Made me feel and look very good actually, I wore a fitted jacket over it, and I just wore a vest under everything so I could bf without exposing my tummy (I still do and ds is 10 months). Fwiw, go easy on yourself about the weight. I've had 3 dc. " I slogged my guts out to lose the weight, this one I've not put in any effort and it's gone on it's own. It'll happen when it happens. Best advice is to get some decent underwear (I think Anita underwired nursing bras are worth every penny as they give you your shape back rather than the dread granny bra monoboob.) Also, what you're wearing should make you fee lgood. Don't keep things you hate wearing, as they'll drag you down. Charity shops are your friend, go shopping with dc in the pram, chances are they'll get a good sleep, and you can update your wardrobe for less than 20 quid. What's not to like?

Incidentally, if you like the look of that top, I have no need of it anymore as I've shrunk. It's a size 16 and weighs nothing, let me know if I can pop it in the post to you It's only off back to the charity shop otherwise.

I live in them in winter, size 16 and 5'5. Wear them with mid calf or below the knee boots, or walking boots in bad weather, long tops/short dresses layered over long sleeved tee shirts/boyfriend cardis etc. Always make sure tops cover bum completely.

I wear M&S denim jeggings, they are jeans in as much as they have pockets, buttons and a zip, but they are extremely stretchy and comfy, with a high waist to contain the muffin top, cost £22 I think.

Another M&S jeggings fan, I have denim, blue cotton and black cord.

I agree, for looking smart long boots and long top.

For every day I confess just a normal long sleeved T and ankle boots, I probably look like a short carrot, but I don't care

I do!

I actually find the Primark SUpersoft skinnies are brilliant. They are higher on the waist that some and wash well, they have them in a million different colours too.

They are about £11 I think? Really comfy too. I pair them with boots and a long top. Sometimes flats.

Another vote for the Primark skinnies, £9 and fit fine on my size 16 figure they even come in 3 lengths and last better than the Dotty P ones my mate spent £30 on!

Yup, I'm size 14 and have no qualms about skinnies. Do get high waisters, they eliminate muffinage.

I've found that flat ballet shaped pumps are actually flattering on me, even with my short legs. Knee high boots look good too.

MN044, yes please, it's lovely

Thank you for all this. I'm going to get some Primark ones for now, and a couple of long tops. I have ballet flats and boots, so that part is sorted.

I like the advice about getting rid of the stuff I have but don't like wearing. I'm going to get it on eBay at the weekend.

No problem, just PM me your address I can probably chuck in a pair of those skinnies as well, I've been in denial about actually being a size 12 for a while now (yippee) and have a wardrobe full of stuff I've not sorted out since ds was a few months old.
Honestly, don't hang onto stuff that makes you feel bad wearing it. I have a few outfits like that for when everything else is in the wash or needs ironing, and it just ruins my day. Makes me not want to go out. But I am secretly very vain ;)

OP I have a really lovely black top that looks lovely with skinnies and always felt nice in when I was 16-18. I haven't been able to get rid of it despite my weightloss bit it's too big and I won't wear it again. I could dig it out and send it to you? Would be pleased to see it go to a new home . If you want it just PM you address and i'll dig it out this week.

That's really kind MustTidyUp, yes please again!

I wasn't dropping hints upthread though, honestly

I'll PM both of you some time tomorrow - phone doesn't seem to want to let me.

MN044, just saw the bit about the skinnies. Here, have some too!

I have come round to the idea of skinnies recently but I fear the parsnip leg effect, so I tried straight leg and I really like them. Gap and Boden ones are nice. I wear with longer tops too, or a normal top with a longline cardie.

Skinnies require decent legs. If you have them, wear them. (Parsnip. Weep!)

I'm a 16 but have the chunkiest legs imaginable (family trait. Thanks, Dad) so I steer clear of skinnies (I prefer bootcut because they counter the chunk). For some reason, I get away with skirts/tights just fine; my legs are quite muscular so they at least have some shape. The demonic construction of the skinny jean somehow wipes out this effect. Waaah.

I wear
Skinny jeans and a plus size purely because they fit better and I feel really comfortable in them x

I'm a size 16/18 and I wear them . I wear them with converse or brogue style shoes and oversized tops and shirts . like this

I think anyone can wear them these days you see all sorts of shapes and sizes in skinnies and leggings as thats just what people wear now, ive only just moved to skinnies, i loved my bootcut but there are extremely unfashionable and frumpy these days sadly, just wear a longer top and they will look good, im a wobbly size 10 and still cover bum in mine, i have a big ass!

I am a 16/18 and look horrible in them..

My sister is a size 16/18 but is about 2 inches taller then me and looks fab in hers. She lives in her primark ones but recently picked some up from ASDA in the sale. Only £4 and they are lovely.

I hope your like my sister