Tops to hide / flatter fat tummy?

[violetlights]

I'm a stranger to the style and beauty forum but I'm here desperately seeking help from all you beautiful and stylish people.

My toddler is 17 months old and, while all my friends were back in their skinny jeans within weeks I still have a tummy that looks 7 / 8 months pregnant. I dieted quite severely for a few months and am generally quite active but nothing seemed to shift it (I had quite a tum before getting pregnant mind... And I can't pretend I ever looked good in skinny jeans).

So basically I'm a bit down about it all. I'm wearing the same unflattering sweatshirts day in day out because I can't find anything in the shops and doesn't make me look 8 months pregnant. (Irony is, I am actually now 9 weeks pregnant...)

If anyone can point me in the direction of clothes which won't make me run screaming from a mirror I would be so grateful. P.s. I don't like my upper arms either so some kind of roomy sleeve would be a plus... Thank you!

[Nevercan]

Have you tried Mantaray at Debenhams. They have some flattering styles which fit on the bust and then are floaty round the tum area. Try debenhams website

[hotcrosshunny]

Have you ruled out separation of tummy muscles? This can make you look pregnant.

[violetlights]

Thanks Never - sound good, I'll look it up. hotcrossbunny - apparently they haven't knitted back together totally but still can't blame it all on that!

[hotcrosshunny]

Well it will have quite an impact! So don't do yourself down too much

[violetlights]

Thanks hotcrossbunny. Makes me feel a bit better. :)

[saggytummy]

Another fan of Mary Portas I have the twist detail long sleeve top in electric blue and green. Always get compliments. Every day wear you could try fat face tunics. Don't go down the gypsy look top as it can look chavvy. Oh and don't hide in black! Sometimes all you need to do is think so what I have a mum tum just wear clothes that draw attention away like if you good norks go for a cleavage enhancing top.

[violetlights]

WholeLottaRosie - That's perfect thank you! I'll get down to Oxford Street to try on. :)

saggytummy I'll look up the blue and green top. And thanks for the tips! I need you in my wardrobe every morning... Not sure that I have the norks anymore tbh. What the hell happened to them after breastfeeding, I don't know... :)