Lardy lady needs style help please!

[cerys]

I went to the hairdressers' today. Was feeling reasonably good about myself until she asked me when my baby was due - I am not pregnant.

I know to avoid those smock tops like the plague, but could anyone suggest some styles of tops for me, please? I am 5'5", short legs (29" inside leg) and a size 16, with a pregnant looking tummy, it would seem. I am also a SAHM so don't need work clothes - I usually wear jeans.

many thanks!

bump

You need things with v-necks, and wrap-style tops, I'd guess. Things with a defined waist could work too, as long as they're not too tight. Are you generously norked, or not so much?

They used to be my best bit, pre kids! They are 38DD, but need a lot of support, IYKWIM. I thought the top I had on today was a good one - it has a v-neck and goes in a bit at the waist, but I have strangely gone off it now!

Bumping in case any other stylish ladies can help me? Thanks JackieNo for posting yesterday.

I wouldn't say your legs are short. What about the new wider leg style trousers with slightly higher waists than hipsters style jeans, that shove your stomach back up under your boobs!

V-necks are good, agree, avoid smock tops.

When did you last get properly measured for a bra?
This can make all the difference to tummy area as well as reclaiming your norks.
And [strict face] even if SAHM you still deserve nice clothes - boots and fitted jumpers with those jeans, not trainers and fleeces.

(NB are you watching How To Look Good Naked? Good tips in episode 1 for the well-endowed of tummy)

Thanks for posting, MrsBadger and Wotzsaname. Was last measured for bra at Christmas so maybe need to go again? My weight is fluctuating but is hopefully starting to come off.

I only wear trainers for running, honest! I LOVE shoes and boots, but need to be able to run after my toddler DS in them

High waisted, wide leg trousers sound good - which shops have those? My favourite, and most flattering jeans are Gap Long and Lean, as recommended on Mumsnet!

Marks and Spencers are doing a nice range of trousers and wrap style tops. Reasonably priced too (not the old fuddy stuff and not the per una range, it's a new one.)

I'd say definitely get your norks re-measured and go for an over the shoulder hoik-em up so it gives your waist definition.

If you've got big hooters (again refer to how to look good naked program) that gay bloke says to wear a bloody good bra and draw attention to them - scoop necks, v necks, deeper v necks. Definitely not high necks or roll necks etc.

Another trick I found from some book or other is to not wear short capped sleeves if you're conscious of the tops of your arms (which I am!) so that's a good tip.

Skirts that flare from the hip are a good one as are bolder colours on top to enhance bust and block colours on the bottom.

Also wear the flat panel trousers and not ones with belts or those silly little wrap over button flies that can add inches.

Oh God, the tops of my arms are awful. Somewhere in the last 7 years I have acquired arms like my grandma.

Thanks for all the advice - I feel a shopping trip coming on (without DS in tow)

And change your hairdresser

LOL Swizzler! I didn't leave her a tip, that's for sure.

see link and watch video clip from Channel 4 - 10 years yonger. You may find something you like.

FIGHT THE FASHION FOGEYS Video: Styling for the fuller figure

Underwear is the best answer to most outfits.