How do you dress the middle age thickening waistline?

[ch33sy]

Doesn't help that I hate my arms and legs. Used to have good boobs and a waist, so wore fairly clingy clothing but it's definitely not working for me now I'm in my 50s

I'm a size 16/18. 5ft 7 ish, Short waisted, big boobed. Varicose veins so hate showing my legs. Arms aren't very toned but I'm trying to work on that. Have been living in jeggings and tops but my family have (fairly) tactfully suggested that I need to find a new style

Any thoughts would be very appreciated

I also don't think the floaty tops do anything for a bust, if anything, they add weight!
I would suggest wide leg linen trousers, if you want to cover your legs and this will also balance out your shape. Wear with a slightly fitted top, I just got one with a half sleeve, stops just above elbow so disguises the top of the arm.
Another suggestion is a floaty summer dress with leggings so you can still wear summer sandals.
You could get away with wearing flats as you are tall and you should embrace being tall. (I would love to be a bit taller!) Enjoy shopping x

Wrap dresses and tops. I put on 2 stone over lockdown and have been living in jumpers and jogging bottoms because I've never been so heavy and hate it. I ordered a few midi length wrap dress and just wearing a pop of colour and florals has perked me up. Honestly though lose weight if it will boost your confidence (I've started using a diet app, Jillian Michaels exercise DVD and a fortnightly boogie bounce class). In terms of the veins you feel self conscious of varicose veins can be removed by surgery and thread veins can be removed at the Sk:n Clinic (really fab place i has laser hair removal with them and it has totally boosted my confidence)

Thank you @Blossomtoes that is what I have struggling with. I've put on a bit of weight but it has all gone on my stomach.
I was having a secret stare at a friend who is the same age, keen cyclist, no kids and her waist has thickened despite her much healthier lyestyle than mine.
My two teen girls have my figure, it's very strange as they discover how to dress a slim hourglass that I have to rethink my clothing.

I'm a size 14 person that's 5.3 and have the same issue ( tummy is a 16) and I'm currently living in wide linen cropped pants & maxi skirts - all with elastic waists. Plus a linen T shirt on the top. If you don't do ironing I can recommend the crinkle cotton/ muslin that is around at the moment. Lots in h&m and some in Oysho.

@KateOr

Thank you *@Blossomtoes* that is what I have struggling with. I've put on a bit of weight but it has all gone on my stomach. I was having a secret stare at a friend who is the same age, keen cyclist, no kids and her waist has thickened despite her much healthier lyestyle than mine. My two teen girls have my figure, it's very strange as they discover how to dress a slim hourglass that I have to rethink my clothing.

I know, it’s a bugger, isn’t it? My size 8 friend has lost her waist too. We regularly have supportive rants about it!

I've been doing some fitness each day but still have a tummy, my shape is hour glass just about

@KateOr

Thank you *@Blossomtoes* that is what I have struggling with. I've put on a bit of weight but it has all gone on my stomach. I was having a secret stare at a friend who is the same age, keen cyclist, no kids and her waist has thickened despite her much healthier lyestyle than mine. My two teen girls have my figure, it's very strange as they discover how to dress a slim hourglass that I have to rethink my clothing.

I have 3 close friends my age (early 50s) who are childfree, extremely fit and eat far better than I do and all of them have thickened in the waist area, too.

It's hormonal after 50, lamentably, but your best choice is to eat well, yet not too much, and take regular exercise. Pilates does help, and is also likely to improve your posture, which helps even more. There's also some truth in the ancient adage that after 50, women need to balance the choice between the face and the body. A skinny body will wear clothes better, but leaves a lot of women looking gaunt... which is equally ageing.

Just following really. Very similar shape. Pilates helps me be more toned.

I find Richmond trousers from Boden for my shape well and look smart.

And this top works well on big tits www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/the-cotton-collar-notch-tee-ice-cube/sty-j0824-lbl?cat=C1_S2_G18

I wear a lot of v necks.

Good shoes really do help.

I know a few people have suggested cropped trousers, or straight legged trousers rolled up a couple of inches. I think these give a great look with a boxy top. I would just also recommend these for the varicose veins. They are a game changer!

Scholl Sheer Flight Socks Size 6-8, Pack of 2 www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001DZPV1E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_FF7TA6WM9DJZG0BCZRFX?psc=1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=mumsnetforu03-21

Sorry to mention diet on a s&b thread.
I have to say that intermittent fasting is the only dieting that works for me and my rather bloated tummy. Plus avoiding all sweeteners as they can cause major bloating.

She didn't ask for diet advice.

Diet advice is irrelevant. We talking hormone related change in body shape here.

Honestly it's shift dresses all the way I'm afraid. Next do legendary linen shift dresses every summer.

And cropped leggings underneath realistically.

I do wear a lot of those Jersey trousers from M&S. They're basically black pyjama bottoms but are extremely forgiving as they skim down from the tum, and respectable enough to wear them to the shops. Definitely a bit more modern looking than jeggings imo.

www.marksandspencer.com/jersey-tapered-leg-trousers/p/clp22494151

In fact, anything Jersey is generally a friend to the apple shape. Doesn't add bulk but neither does it cling.

Those trousers are discontinued sadly. I’d have liked a couple of pairs of those.

I'm very well aware the op didn't ask for dieting advice. But as a 57 - yes post+menopausal woman I wish someone had told me what causes a bloated tummy apart from just hormones. And I have posted about flattering clothes already.

@Fferny1

I'm very well aware the op didn't ask for dieting advice. But as a 57 - yes post+menopausal woman I wish someone had told me what causes a bloated tummy apart from just hormones. And I have posted about flattering clothes already.

Maybe she already knows and doesn't care. I don't anymore. I can't be fucked with fasting or low carbing or diets. She asked about clothes.

Why does everything have to descend into a fight on here? Its so tiring.
If you don't like someone's comment, just skim past it ffs
I'm only 42 but taking notes here!

@BusterGonad

By flat front I mean that the trousers are flat on your tummy, a bit like the ones that do up with buttons to the side or have an extended bit where the button isn't directly on the biggest part of your tummy.

Are there any trousers with zips on the side, not on the front?

www.pinterest.com/pin/74168725090209970/

Anything of interest here?

I gave some midi dresses with a thin drawstring waist, they are good as they are comfortable but create the look of a waist.

Always had a broad waist, definitely getting worse with middle age, though. I have found that high waisted swirly skirted dresses are my friend. Got veiny legs but show them anyway.

@Blossomtoes

Those trousers are discontinued sadly. I’d have liked a couple of pairs of those.

Which ones? My M&S ones?

Hope not! I must investigate!

If that turns out to be true, Next do identical ones!

Thank you for starting this thread OP, I have found it very helpful.

I speak from experience as at 64 I've proved that diet and exercise do work and lost 2.5 stone, taken up running again after 10 years and do pilates and yoga classes at the local leisure centre. I'm very nearly a size 10 again now and it feels so good.

This is just what I needed to hear this morning thank you