Advice on styles for tops and dresses for flabby tum

[Moredofbumsnet]

I have a seemingly unshiftable mummytum after dc3. It looks worse as the rest of me is still approx the same as pre dc, I'm 5'10 and a size 12/14 but I can't get my head round what styles of tops suit me. Last summer I wore tunic type t shirts but I just looked big (bit miranda hart). I'm thinking that maybe tshirts are out and somehting more structured is required. Most things (dresses,tops skirts) look great from the front and awful when I turn sideways! Need to completly rethink my styling and I'd like your advice please.

Wrap dresses are my saviour, great for hiding tummy. Also some hold it in type pants that you can bear to wear all day ie not spanx but light control. Empire line tunics are good. V necks good as distract from the tum.

Any A line tops, waterfall tops or straight down tunics are a no for me.

Empire line is your friend here. I have always had a pot belly (even when really slim!) and I definitely need something to hide it.

Joe Brown's tend to do a lot of nice empire line or flared tunics and short dresses that can be worn over jeans or leggings.

The only dress I've been happy with since I had dc3(she's 2) is empire line and v neck. Will look at Joe browns but I think I'm a bit old for it.

Also, you may find that bootcut or flared jeans/trousers "balance" you more than skinnies. I have thin legs so can risk looking a bit like a toffee apple unless I wear boots over skinny jeans or leggings!

Yy to boot cuts, my skinnys look great with a big coat and boots but not with a t shirt and cardi.

Janmoomoo what sort of control pants would you suggest. I have only ever tried an m and s control cami and that kept rolling up.

No to too old for JB! I'm 40 and wear it . I just steer clear of the really bright stuff. Got a lovely green/blue paisley tunic last year.

I'm nearly 47 fishandjam I wouldn't have thought twice when i was 40! I wonder what this would look like when I turn sideways.

Now that's what I meant by bright! (White jeans? With a 3yo and 7mo? Do me a favour...) Whereas this would do me fine.

I don't think empire lines flatter anyone.

maybe this but would leave me with a dilemma about leggings colour.

I think the second of your links is better, I'm an apple and that wrap shape in the first makes me look like a barrel

Yes levantine barrel is what I look like from the side if I'm not careful. I can't work out what doesn't make me look like a barrel though!

Wrap styles do me no favours either, sadly. (I bloody loved being pregnant from a style perspective - an excuse to wear stuff I never would usually, because I could justify my bulging midriff!)

I like that purple dress. I'd wear black or grey leggings with it, but only cos I already have them in those colours tightwad.

Oh I looked wonderful when I was pregnant with my slim arms and legs and a legitimately huge tummy

Levantine, being a thin legged apple is most definitely a pisser.

My legs aren't even all that thin

I have reverted to skirts and tops - at least I don't look five months pregnant in them

Yesterday I wore a very old A line knee length skirt and a hip length little black cardi and black tights with spots. Looked great compared to any of my trousers. I think i'm so down on my clothes as I've been in trousers more than usual in the cold weather.

Yes, I gave up because I thought tunics/skinnies cover more but actually, a skirt of the right cut can make you look much better

Ruching is your friend. Those extra long Ts from Baukjen are great, as you can just wriggle them to be super ruched over your tummy. Me & Em also does loads of ruched things which are AWESOME!

Otherwise, things that skim rather than cling. Zara linen Ts quite good for that (summer though).

See, I really do Zara linen t shirts. I hve a lovely grey one and it just sort of hugs my tummy. Ruching is good though, I agree there