Dressing for big calves

[DXBCat]

Anyone else got bad legs? I am a size 14, 5' 6" and quite athletic build. But even when I can get down to a 12 I still have really horrible legs with big calves and ankles ( inherited from my mum!) Skinny jeans or narrow trousers look awful as feel I am in a sausage casing! I tend to go for boyfriend or straight leg jeans or sometimes a wide leg jumpsuit. Does anyone have any styling tips or recommended outfits? I don't like to always go for loose or baggy things as feel that can sometimes make you look bigger.......confused!

Nude pointy heels, platform and wedges, no ankle straps, skirt floor length or ending at smallest area, dark tights or bottoms.

You dont have to say but do you know the measurement of your calves? They probably dont look as big as you think.

I’m 5’ 4”, currently a 14 but even as a 8-10 I have calves that won’t fit in your average boots. I have skinny ankles which makes them look even bigger.

I have no advice, I’m just looking for tips too!

Join the club... 5'10 and have been anywhere from a size 10-14 and my calves (and large thighs) have never become remotely slimmer with weight loss.

I do wear skinny jeans though but only ones with lots of stretch. I am more comfortable in straight leg. Knee high boots are the most problematic thing for me. I am self concious about wearing dresses but tend to opt for a length that hits my knees (with tights) or full length. I find the trendy midi length that's been around for ages cuts me right across the widest part of my calves and makes them look awful!

I have enormous thighs and arse too, but they shrink with weight loss. Sadly I maintain the same proportions but they get smaller! However my calf measurements never change- they are very muscular and exercise just seems to bulk them up.

Thanks for your comments so far. Glad to hear I'm not the only one.... it is annoying when you can get a nice toned bum, tummy or arms with training but the bloody tree trunks barely change (maybe a little on the thighs but thats it). I feel I have someone else's bottom half at times. I also have hideous wide feet too due to some surgery so basically just need to swap my bottom half lol. Sometimes I see very large ladies or even guys with amazing legs and I feel so envious as it gives so much more wardrobe options.....

same with my calves, I'm 5"6 and just down to a size 12 now after some weightloss but My muscley calves have remained! I still wear slim fir jeans but with boots over them, my legs seem short too no i have to try and keep my thighs slim.

i hide my legs with maxi dresses in the summer. and shorts underneath to avoid chafing.

So glad there are others that are in the same boat. Thanks op for this post

OP at the gym I'm currently on the stair master 30mins every couple of days and this seems to have made them more narrow ever so slightly? so stiar climbing and 15% incline on a 6kmph seems to go well? xx

Thanks for stairclimber suggestion. Will give it a bash. I tend to do mostly weights and cross trainer so this could be a good change. I sometimes wonder if you could get a slimming wrap for legs lol. Thanks for all the feedback. Glad to know I'm not alone. I am really well groomed and fairly fashionable but these bloody legs........

I'm the opposite, I have skinny calves and ankles and would love shapely calves that fill trousers and boots. I am size 14 and 5'10 and pretty average size apart from my horrible skinny calves which look a bit like pipe cleaners hanging below a dress, I am fairly big boned and also have big knees which make my calves look even worse, so its fairly long and sturdy of thigh, big of knee and then pipe cleaner calves. I guess we are never happy

I'm the same - I hate trying to buy long boots or wellies, as the damn things seldom fit my calves without being really baggy around the ankles.

I find knee length or floor length more flattering than midi. And I've never really moved away from straight legs into skinny leg jeans, because I prefer that shape on me

same here - size 10 but can't get most boots on, and look ridiculous in skinny jeans. Straight leg is your friend. Full length, those cropped styles do us no favours.
No midi skirts, worst length possible. I used to wear everything knee length but that does not actually work for me either - if your legs are otherwise fine, above knee is much more flattering and leg lengthening. If you want knee length, full skirts instead of pencils.

You can wear ankle-straps if they are nude/pink and therefore don't cut your leg in half, I have a couple of pairs that are great. Pointy shoes are much better than round toes. And if you do manage to find a knee high boots you can get on, they are the most flattering thing ever.