after having three babies, i dont think i can ever wear a pencil skirt or dress again

[Diamondlizard]

ive lost the weight yet i still have a bit of a baggy mummy tummy

i tried this one today here

looked hideous on me, i looked about 4 months pregnant
[i do have a six month old babay]
but i dontthink any dresses or skirts that are tight under the tummy are going ot be good for me

I just bought a pencil skirt from topshop, black denim at the back and fake leather at the front. Maybe not everyone's taste but it looks amazing. The reason why is because it holds me in better than spanx. I think the most important thing is the material.
www.topshop.com/en/tsuk/product/clothing-427/skirts-449/pencil-skirts-597/moto-pu-front-pencil-skirt-2359680?refinements=Colour%7b1%7d~%5bblack%5d%5ecategory~%5b298503%7c208530%5d&bi=1&ps=20

oh interestng thats from top shop, as one of the things i was thinking as i looking round the shops this am, was i hardly ever see anything i like in ts anymore im 36 now
it all seemed like crop tops [no go for me]
and alot of neon

I think you need to shop around and try some different stuff on. What looked good on you before might not now but different stuff will.

I find shopping easier now actually because my tummy seems more in proportion to my hips and thighs. I looked better before though!

Try Pilates, it's good for getting mumtum flat again. Or exercise balls are good, or straightforward sit-ups.

Also, 6 months isn't long. I'd say it was a good year before my stomach went back to 'normal', although that was without doing any specific exercise to reduce it.

Agree that thicker fabrics without a defined waistband are the way to go

Also good shapewear can really help.

Control pants are your friend

I've had 3 massive babies and used a Swiss ball each time to tone my tummy. It flattens out quicker than you'd think if you do the sit ups and other ab exercises everyday. Try it for a month, you will be amazed at the results. I had a hernia after my first on my belly button and te physiotherapist at the hospital recommend the exercise ball to pull everything back together as my muscles had separated so badly I was looking at an op. 10 weeks later I went back and I had a flat defined tummy.... Just from doin the 3 moves she had recommended. I also wore support undies to help me fit back into my clothes. Hope this helps.

What in the name of God were those moves? I need them!

That dress is lovely, but very tricky to pull off IMO. The colour and the pattern, the shape and the sleeveless ness mean you have got to be in great shape to pull it off and be pretty pleased with every bit of your body You had a baby six months ago, please give yourself a break.

It's all about the cut. I had my babies in my 40s and it's horrid hard work to get my body back, but I have pencil dresses that I feel great in. You just need to kiss a lot of frogs. For me, me and em are really flattering, but you just need to find the shape, fabric that works for you.

Yes share those moves Netty!

WitchyWitch - I have to have that skirt! Off shopping tomorrow x

It is gorgeous frankie, happy shopping

Lurking for nettys moves although 16 years on it might be too late for me

Bought the skirt Witchy! Love it. Will wear it with a tucked in faded denim shirt that I found in a charity shop yesterday.

Another one very interested in those moves...

That's fab frankie. I've worn mine with a baggy white tshirt tucked in, black tights and chunky black heeled boots. I think there are going to be lots of ways to wear it...

I didn't used to wear pencil style skirts/dresses at all but do now (I have twins) I spend more money on fewer clothes so can get well cut things in better quality fabrics for work. It's hit and miss though - some things look great, others are terrible.

I have a few work dresses from Hobbs - their cut suits me.

Evil what do you wear over the dresses? I have another thread going unanswered. I have some body con work dresses but neither cardis nor blazers seem to look right over them.

Agree with PP that you do have to put in the hours shopping as you get older.

it was a good 2 years before my shape was completely back to normal, so don't give up hope yet

and even if you don't ever feel comfortable in those particular types of clothes again, it's not the end of the world, right ?

Another one waiting to hear about the exercises - I have terrible muscle separation and need surgery.

Depends. Usually a jacket, sometimes a cardi.

I never could, I've had hips since I was about 11, pencil skirts, sift dresses and anything straight has always looked ridiculous.

I think pencil skirts and fitted dresses are the best things for big hips. A-line etc just emphasises them.

Subbing for magic moves...