What do you wear if you're short and shaped like a barrel?!

[WellTidy]

This is my new shape. Yay! I am 5 foot 1, petite frame, but now a flabby and fleshy size 14. My natural size on my frame is probably an 8-10. I have no boobs, a belly, bum and thighs. I've lost my waist. Need to lose at least 2 stone to be in the middle of a healthy BMI.

I tend to buy from petite sections of shops as my shoulders are narrow, I'm so short etc. But I am not finding anything that suits me at all due to my barrel/tree trunk shape.

Help!

I feel your pain. I’m 5ft2 and naturally a size 10 but I’m really a 12-14 these days thanks to my bipolar meds.
Best advice I can give is don’t try to hide yourself, very loose clothes will just make you look bigger. I’ve been through agonies over my new size but the fact is I’d be dead without my meds so I have to accept it.
I like dresses with tights and boots - clothes that skim rathythan cling. I’m wearing skinny jeans today with a v. neck cashmere jumper. Good fabrics make all the difference. I’d concentrate on a capsule wardrobe of very good quality basics - good jeans, knitwear, shirts, good boots say good leather bag.

What do you wear if you're short and shaped like a barrel

doesn't matter, you will be invisible whatever.

(Sorry, but from experience....)

Though to answer - M&S, short, straight leg, high waist black trousers, nice t-shirt and a cardi skimming over the hips are my everyday work wear...

Beyond When you say a top and a cardi, is the cardi done up? I have rolls of fat above my trousers/skirt that I am trying to cover. A t-shirt doesn't cover them and I look very lumpy. I can see that they would be covered if the cardi was done up, but not if it wasn't.

*slipper8 I agree about the fabrics. Are your cashmere jumpers loose? I ask as mine are sort of straight and slim fitting, so you can see the rolls of fat underneath them, which is why I've given up on wearing them. Mine are like this and I'm wondering if yous are more like this?

Mine are maybe more like the first but if you get a good pair of proper denim jeans with a higher vest you shouldn’t see any flab, they will hold you in.

I don’t agree that you’ll be invisible. Don’t apologise for yourself and be nice to yourself too. Start by not describing yourself as a barrel.

Higher waist not vest

A line dresses that sit above the knee and have peplum or detailing at the waist in stiff fabrics. Long sleeves. Wear a padded bra that gives you a decent bust shape.

My jeans are all high waisted, and come up even higher on me as I am so short. But still rolls of fat above the waist. I am basically carrying far too much weight. I buy in M&S or Next.

I wear lightly padded bras every day.

I can't find a dress that is flattering that fits me on top as well as on my tummy and hips.

I need to lose weight, I think that is the answer.

my cardi is open, I just own the roll on top of the jeans - I am a size 20, so "hiding" a big belly is not going to happen unless I stand behind an elephant....

good for you Beyond and quite right about owning it too.

honestly, I would lose some weight and then treat yourself to some new clothes. I have recently lost some weight, petite too, and it's so hard to carry it when you're short.

You don't sound as though you are barrel-shaped more like you don't like your shape, and you are carrying extra. Try jersey dresses that skim (Seasalt) with leggings and ankle boots. You can cut yourself in half with sleeveless cardigans over the top. Look for shorter length ones otherwise they might drown you. Aim for block colour on the length, rather than pattern. The weight will come off when you have the head space. In the meantime finding shapes that work is the main thing.

Get your boobs properly measured. I am a similar shape to you. I was measured as a 38c by Mand S- using boob or bust method I'm a 34E. Buying and wearing this size has made such a difference to my shape and confidence.
I don't know how to link but google will be your friend.

I have done tv e me as ring thing and I am a 32C. Thought I was a 36A for ages but I am a shallow cupped 33C so that at least is sorted.

I shall look at Seasalt for block colour dresses, thank you.

I am a barrel on legs and short, I tend to wear layers and block colours, I wear very stretchy skinny jeans in black, with the black boxy top from Next and then wear either a open hoody or zip up hoody, or I wear a loose floaty blouse with a cami underneath, in. the summer I live in baggy crops with loose vest/cami and kimonos, but I am very casual most of the time, if I'm being smart then I have a couple of shirt dresses just very straight up and down, but I tend to wear a cropped trouser under them and leave the bottom unbuttoned.

Swing dresses. They come up a bit short on me so will probably come to your knees?

www.marksandspencer.com/ribbed-swing-dress/p/clp60265919?image=SD_01_T42_7300_XB_X_EC_90&color=INDIGO&prevPage=srp

Oooooooh. I am liking those swing dresses. I have one in my ward robe that miraculously still fits but last time I wore it someone asked if I was pregnant. Hopefully nobody will ask again (even if they think it)! But they are a great suggestion, and I particularly love the green. Thanks.