Nice dress needed to diguise low down tummy pouch

[TheOriginalNutcracker]

I had a total abdominal hysterectomy 5 mths ago, so incision from just below bikini line to my belly button. 3 days after that the same wound had to be opened again for more surgery, so my stomach muscles are now non existent. I've always had a tummy, well since the dc (3 sections) but this is different. The biggest bit is quite low down and so anything remotely tight makes it very noticeable, and even in jeans you can see it (well i can).

I have a wedding party coming up mid Jan, and will probably go out a couple of times over xmas, and i'd like at least one dress that looks nice and hides my tummy.
I have large boobs and they are ok so don't mind something that shows them off a bit, but also don't want anything longer than knee length as it just makes me look frumpy as I am only 5'2.

The whole thing has made me feel old (was thrown into the menopause) and I am only 36 and I'd just like to feel nice and like me again

Hello, you may not be too keen but wouldn't good support wear (spanx or similar) sort out the tummy issue meaning you could wear what you like?

I have tried some support stuff (not spanx though) and they did help a bit but I dunno, I still felt podgy lol.

I had a tummy before but I still had a waist, now I don't.

Would this shape work? The waist seems quite high....almost empire line.

This looks very forgiving but i'm not sure if a long dress is suitable for where youre going.

It's worth a try. I see what you mean about the waistline. Think I am just going to have to try lots of styles on and see what works best.

I have this dress - very forgiving on the tummy and shows of the legs. Quite short on me at 5 ft 8, but probably about knee length on you? Whistles describe it as casual, but I think with the right shoes and jewellery it looks really smart. I'm also large of boob and there's plenty of room in there.

here

That's nice too but wanted something a bit fancier

Petite strapless dress
The tummy is draped over but all eyes would be on the cleavage anyway.

Don't think that wouyld suit me keely. I have tried something similar on and i looked a mess

Ohh i really like that last one

Coast had some lovely dresses in recently in my local concession some short some maxi but quite a few had gathered / draped bits around the stomach so great for disguise. I was forced to buy 2 in the sale

Coast are very good for 'clever' draping. Some shops have too many gathers or in the wrong place (making me look pregnant), but Coast seem to get it right with soft gathers and drapes to the side which are really forgiving.

I got this dress for my birthday party and felt really good in it.

Lol petal, I am often forced to buy clothes too.

That is nice behoove, lovely colour.

I love this but not sure how suitable it would be.

I am supposed to be dieting but my hrt tablets make me feel constantly hungry so it's not going well.

If it's quite low down then something with a more fit and flare style can be a good solution - I'm cursed with a low stomach too (trousers full stop are a disaster on me) so I tend to wear dresses which fit under the bust/at the waist and then flare out. Retro, fifties style shapes are also great as they just hide it completely under the skirt!

Few things which might work shape wise:

coast
isabella comes in lots of fabrics
swing dress
karen millen
hobbs red
pepperberry

I'd also try coast and go in and try loads of styles on (even if you don't think they'd suit you). I've had a few dresses from there which are fitted, but don't cling, and have a bit of clever draping.spanx work much better under a fitted dress than something clingy ime - good at giving a smoother line. I can't wear them under anything jersey or clingy though - I just look pregnant!

OP you sound exactly like me - big boobs, short arse, mummy tummy. I like the one posted by burnished best for our shape. I find that I can't wear a round neck at all cos my enclosed norms just look frumpy.
I can't help with a suggestion but wanted to say - avoid round necks!!

How about the Ophelia style from Lindy Bop? Or something 50s where the skirt starts high up/just under the boulderage area, with an underskirt too.

Norks not norms. Bloody autocorrect.

YY to Lindy Bop. Also Hell Bunny worth a look.

Ah yes, norks. That was the word I was wanting! :)

this might work.

It would showcase the norks but skim over the rest without going into maternity wear shaping.

Peacocks have these comfortable knicker shorts that give you a bit of support without crushing you and no VPL. They're £6 and bloody marvellous IMO.

Just going to catch up with the latest posts

Loving the Coast one and the Pepperberry one SC

I love the lindybop style dresses but not sure I have the guts to wear one tbh. Worried i'd look like a prat.

Will check out Peacocks mingebag. The knickers I have are from Primark. They aren't bad for the money but there is room for improvement.