can I wear 50s style?

[Smerlin]

I am really keen on a little post pregnancy reinvention and love the look of 50s style dresses. Sadly six months after giving birth, I still have quite a bit of a tummy and am not sure if circle dresses will flare out and disguise it or if they will cling to it and flare out underneath IYSWIM.

My measurements are bust 36, hips 38 and waist is 30 if I measure skinniest part of torso but 37 if measure across belly button!!!!

I am guessing wiggle dresses are out but what about swing dresses? As it is literally just my tummy sticking out and nothing else, I don't want to wear anything that makes people think I've gone back to work pregnant with no 2!

Am keen to make it my style rather than dressing up for a wedding/party/one off so looking for day to day ideas that would work.

Any advice from retro glam MNetters gratefully received!

Why would you suddenly want to make it your style if you haven't been interested in this before? I'm just thinking that you won't feel comfortable in it and will gradually revert to your tried and trusted style again. Six months post-pg is still very early days to worry about your tummy IMO.

Well I've always liked full skirts and patterned dresses and think 50s fashion will fit nicely with that.

I don't have a tried and trusted style- tbh I just pick up a lot of 'safe' items just because they are on sale or match something I have already even if they aren't particularly exciting/flattering. I want to invest a bit more in my appearance now- a way of focusing a bit on myself after months of maternity wear and then having no time to look in the mirror!

Plus I am shamelessly addicted to Mad Men...(early 60s I know!)

You are a similar shape to me...sadly mine isn't a result of pregancy, I'm always like that! I think 50s fashion is very flattering for ladies like us.

I've usually got a bit of a belly..IME circle dresses are fab as they nip in at your waist and then go out, skimming over your tummy and hips. They definitely make you look slimmer. They also give the illusion of a smaller waist because they flare out.

Full skirts are great too so long as you team them with a fitted top. I find it's best to accentuate my waist/boobs and skim over the rest to give the illusion of a more hourglass shape. I find high-waisted trousers are flattering too (e.g. capri pants); they seem to suck in your tummy a bit and again, nip in at the waist.

When it comes to wiggle dresses, you may be pleasantly surprised...I wouldn't wear anything TOO fitted (i.e. bodycon, with lycra), but if you go for more structured dresses, they are usually quite fitted at the bust, waist and hips but skim over the tummy. Try a few on and see. Think Joan in Mad Men.

Dresses are your friend. If you're comfortable wearing dresses, it's easy to dress them down for day-to-day wear (add cardigan, pumps/ankle boots, maybe leggings; experiment and see what you like and feel comfortable in).

Thanks for the great tips Danny - am doing a lot of online browsing at the moment prior to arranging some babysitting for a try it on trip? Are there any brands you have found to be affordable and well made? Also for things like capris and blouses, do you just raid the high street?

I do indeed raid the high street! I buy a lot online too though. I've got bits from all over the place to be honest. If I'm looking for something specific I usually turn to ebay. I do love Dorothy Perkins, especially for dresses. Rarely pay full price for anything there as they always seem to have a sale on and there are always discount codes about (tend to buy online - free returns). I've also got some lovely stuff from Tesco of all places, quality can be a bit hit or miss though.

If you're willing to pay ££ there are loads of gorgeous vintage/retro shops online, but everything I buy is high street/ebay/charity shop; I am a cheapskate bargain hunter

Come and join us on the vintage quiche thread There is loads of good advice and bargains on there :)

But yes you could easily wear a full circle frock, I wouldn't rule out wiggles either, I'm a 20 and wear them! I wear 50's/rockabilly style daily now, only started about 2.5 years ago when we got into the rockabilly scene :)

Thanks theportlypinup as well- will join the thread! Think I am going to order a couple of nice dresses from a vintage shop and then look on the High St for blouses, trousers etc