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

Wauden I mean like these, buttoned tab trousers etc

www.johnlewis.com/mint-velvet-striped-wide-leg-buttoned-tab-trousers-neutral/p4067275

I now the above are out of stock but it's an example, I find then more flattering on bigger waists personally.

Tops wise I find batwing the most flattering, especially with a slash/boat neck.
I don't wear jeans anymore but wear ankle grazer trousers.
Next have great linen ones at the moment but size down in then. Mom jeans are particularly unflattering if you have a belly.

That's really interesting @Fferny1 I never knew that about sweeteners, I shall monitor closely now.

In terms of what flatters a wider middle, I wear magic trousers, shorts and skirts now and in the winter skinny jeans a size too big, so they don't dig in.

The other thing I've done with all those skirts with agonising too tight proper waist bands, is cut them off, sew a channel in and replace with looser elastic. I take the zip out too and sew up to a point that I can still get the skirt on, I wear camis, t shirts or shirts over, you can't even notice.

Oh I also live in elasticated waists, there's been loads since lockdown.

[quote BusterGonad]Wauden I mean like these, buttoned tab trousers etc

www.johnlewis.com/mint-velvet-striped-wide-leg-buttoned-tab-trousers-neutral/p4067275[/quote]
They’re really nice but since my waist’s departure I don’t wear tops tucked in, those lovely tabs would be hidden.

It doesn't matter if they are covered they just give your tummy a flatter appearance imo.

I also wear big knickers, not sucky in ones just ones that cover my belly and a vest a size down.

My middle is my problem area and at 51 it's the main thing I have to consider now when buying clothes.

Agree about the Next Linen shift dresses. They are a summer staple for me.

Phase 8 is also great but I find more for winter than summer - the Becca knitted dresses are lovely and can be dressed up or down.

Always found Wallis to have a nice selection for apple shapes too but haven't bought much from there lately.

I also look for shirts with a tie waist as I feel better in those.

I've decided that my middle needs to be addressed now so I've started Noom and have lost a stone in three weeks and feel much healthier. Another stone to go and I'm determined to get rid of it. My middle will still be an issue though. Even at my slimmest I have always had a tummy and my waist has never been very defined - it's just my shape.

Shopping trip wasn't a great success. I bought a floral midi dress with a shirred waist, that didn't make me look like I used to, but I thought it was nice, and it made my boobs look bigger than my tummy.

Well, dd was concerned that I looked pregnant. (She is autistic and brutal honesty is par for the course). So I reluctantly accepted that I wasn't following all the good advice that has been offered here, and got changed.

Fast forward 2h and she is wearing my new dress and has cut the tags off. Yes it did look better on her (curvy size 10/12 figure). But it's a size 18 dress!!! I'm sure one in her size would have looked much better. Dh made her pay for the dress, but has pocketed the money. I'm going to have to words as I have no new dress and am out of pocket

Wouldn't mind but I took dad shopping the week before to help me find something that was flattering for me and I ended up buying her clothes and not me!!

Dd not dad... I wouldn't trust my dad's fashion advice

To be brutally honest, I don’t think you should take fashion advice from your daughter either - particularly as she obviously had an ulterior motive with that dress! 😉

Go out without her, try a whole load of stuff on and see what you like in the mirror. If you want post pictures on this thread if you’re unsure, you can rely on S&B for honesty!

www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0816166009.html

I have every colour almost. Im a 16-18 and bought an XL. Super flattering over leggings, jeans, with tights or bare legs. I Feel the plain colours are an all rounder.

I should say they do a longer length one also.

I'm 45 and over the last year my hourglass seems to have disappeared. Sob. I took up running again when we locked down last spring and I'm much fitter now but most of my clothes are getting uncomfortable around the middle. Bloody hormones.

Great to get some links and ideas here.

I am 63 and I have retained my waist. Sadly what is either side of it is unattractive. I would have a breast reduction if I could and possibly an arse reduction whilst I'm at it.

I have just walked round the clothing section at a garden centre and I feel so shit about myself.

Why do we have to be battered with this stuff about Pilates and running..honestly good for you if it floats your boat. Some of struggle to get out of bed in the morning.

@Recruit2020

www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0816166009.html

I have every colour almost. Im a 16-18 and bought an XL. Super flattering over leggings, jeans, with tights or bare legs. I Feel the plain colours are an all rounder.

Do they need ironing?

[quote BusterGonad]Wauden I mean like these, buttoned tab trousers etc

www.johnlewis.com/mint-velvet-striped-wide-leg-buttoned-tab-trousers-neutral/p4067275[/quote]
LOVE those trousers. I'm gutted that they are out of stock. (Although I would have ruined them very quickly, I'm a bit clumsy for light colours

Placemarking as in same boat! It’s not as easy as it was and lockdown has now caught up with me.

Liking some of the suggestions

Well, OP, I could have written your post word for word! Same height, age, size... and problems...

I’m interested in the replies but just wanted to add that I’ve recently discovered the leg tint from This Works which does a really good job on giving your legs a healthy glow. I also bought their leg oil too. Both are brilliant and allow me to wear shorts.

Can’t figure out how to do a link as I’m on my phone. Apols.

I don't want to be abrasive, but diet... Cut the carbs, all of them. It works for everyone.

Yes but carbs are nice😊

I've lost half a stone in a couple of weeks cutting carbs. Waistline less thick!