Can I be stylish if I am fat?

[Renovatinghouse]

A bit depressed at the moment due to inability to lose baby weight -baby is older than 6 months by the way. Gained a massive amount of weight during pregnancy so none of my clothes fit and have unsuccessfully tried to diet several times, lost a bit and then gained it all back.

So now I have decided to leave the diet for later and concentrate to look good as I am now. The problem is that being size 20 (tight) nothing fits well and I still look 7 months pregnant. Is it a waste of time to try to find flattering clothes and looking good while I am this big and have this shape (huge wobbly tummy)?

I have colored my hair, trying to wear make up and use perfume but it all feels useless. Worse of all, I am embarrassed to go out and meet friends because I am self conscious of how I look. Have just bought a pretty top and jeans online but I am almost sure they will look bad but wanted to try anyway.

I wish I had the will power. I have an important work meeting in a couple of months and I am already dreading it....

Any tips that can make miracles happen?

Thanks!!

[goodmum123]

Hello,

I'm the same size as you and sometimes feel rubbish but I have been to bravissimo and highly recommend. I was also worried about decent winter trousers and have just had a delivery of gorgeous (slightly stretchy) £22, next corduroys in black and brown which look quite lovely with a cardi and layers. I hope that helps.if 20'is tight, try 22. I will diet when I'm ready.

[MrsCocoa]

Anyone see the piece on architect Zaha Hadid in Sunday Times Style supplement at the weekend? Extraordinary woman with fantastic vision, which is carried through in her sense of personal style (and luxe wardrobe...). Absolutely no ideas what size she is; and the question is rendered quite irrelevant by her brilliance/personal impact. Inspirational!

[garlicbaguette]

When you're fat, you have beautiful shoulders and, often, a gorgeous back. You have fewer wrinkles. Your legs are more curvy. You probably have a stunning cleavage. Your skin probably looks more 'creamy'.

You might just be feeling extra down on yourself due to sleep deprivation. It will pass, meanwhile you can cover it up for public appearances. Your hair will be making a full comeback now, so make the most of its lushness :)

I concur with everyone else - wear clothes that FIT. Measure yourself properly, because your shape will have changed since pre-pregnancy. Instead of judging yourself on your new numbers, take them as pure information, and set about styling yourself on that basis. Fitted styles, ruched dresses and wrap dresses tend to look good on a size 20. Avoid the temptation to yank things in at the waist, if you haven't got a waist - go for skimming, not clinging. If you do have a well-defined waist at size 20, girl, you should be dressing like a wartime pin-up!

Also agree about underwear. That's been the biggest change for me - actually bothering about whether a bra fits and which knickers to wear with what. I bought a variety of control pants, which may not be the sexiest garments ever seen, but are now a necessity. (They were for Pin-Up Girl, too, she wore elastic girdles!) If you have a bit of cash to spend, there's an amazing array of really pretty slips, bodies and things made with up to 80% Lycra! Usually listed as 'shapewear'.

Swing those hips, baby ;)

[BillyBanter]

Try www.marisota.co.uk/shop/fashion/1/_/N-1ytvt88/products/show.action?hnid=11096608&type=cmr

[Renovatinghouse]

Thank you for the suggestions. Freya: the red dress is gorgeous! Good mum: will check out the corduroys, thanks!

Garlic, you made me smile. I think I do have a nice back and face but sadly I am apple shaped. Even when I was thin I only dreamed of a defined waist. I do have shape wear have not bothered to wear it as I feel just too fat. But I guess that it will make a difference in the pregnancy-like belly.

Thanks!!

[helzapoppin2]

MrsCocoa, Zaha Hadid is so stylish, and brilliant too! She really knows how to dress for her shape. Wish I did! I love seeing what she's wearing!

[lillucky67]

yes! i suggest focusing on accessories. even if you are wearing all black or neutral colours to slim, great accessories can make the entire outfit pop.

sophisticated costume jewellery is a great way to do this without splashing out too much or a new handbag. hair accessories are a fabulous way to make your outfit feminine too.

store.rdujour.com - my favourite fashion accessories boutique by the Vogue.co.uk syndicated fashion blog RDuJour.com.

[garlicbaguette]

The Westwood dress Freya showed is fabulous, isn't it? I'm envious!

Glad you're starting to enjoy yourself with this :)

[RichardBrown]

ofcourse, If you are fat.. that is not a big problem.. still you can wear trendy and designer clothes.. This was the same problem of one of my friend.. She got her clothes customized. She wear made to measure clothes from thecustomclothing..

www.thecustomclothing.com/

[NickECave]

Resisting sugar and carbs when you're sleep deprived is really hard. My first DD was a good sleeper and I was back to pre-pregnancy weight in 6 months. DD2 didn't sleep through the night until she was nearly 3 and by then I'd gained a stone. Doesn't sound much but I'm under 5 foot so it feels like a lot. She's been sleeping OK for about 8 months now and my constant cake craving has gone away and I'm not gaining any more weight but not sure I'll shift the extra weight without serious exercise, which I'm extremely adverse to!