Cool trousers for slightly bigger of belly?

[Eesha]

Can someone help me out here in case I'm being thick. I'm a size 34 Jamie Topshop jeans wearer (so essentially a size 16) which I wear with a blazer if going to work. I'm looking for some nice work cropped trousers to wear with flats, think Cos style but everything seems to hug my belly and make me look mahoosive. I tried Boden Hampshire in an 18 and a Zara XXL and its the same. I'm not massive but trousers look so unflattering and now I'm determined to find a decent cut. Any tips? I definitely think it's the cut as I've sized up but still the same.

www.zara.com/uk/en/high-waist-trousers-p07901432.html?v1=117729572&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIuJn3nfDy8wIVis13Ch3DOwjZEAQYDiABEgLtNfD_BwE

this is the style lengthwise I like

You need a top to cover your stomach OP. One that skims it. It's not easy to find as many look maternal or make you look bigger but if you look at tops cut on the bias, it might help.

What about wide-legged trousers instead of slim tapering ones? On the ones you’ve linked, they start narrow on the ankles and rise up to emphasise the widest point of the front lower tummy, then accentuate this by tapering in to the really high waist. They would look shit on me. Also no proper waistband is bad if you have a tummy. What about these? www.zara.com/gb/en/share/-p03067227.html?utm_campaign=productShare&utm_medium=mobile_sharing_iOS&utm_source=red_social_movil&v1=138389519 Zara has loads of smart trousers - look for something with a proper waistband, fly, normal hip pockets not stupid line ones and preferably belt loops to disguise a tummy. High waist is fine but those are a weird paper bag look that come practically to the bust.

Agree that the style of pant should be either a straight or slightly a line cut to even out the proportion visually. Something that highlights your waist but then skims over your stomach and hips to smooth your silhouette. Definitely cropped at the ankle to give the illusion of length and slim you out.

I also think you should consider the fabrication carefully, cheaper fabrics tend to be thinner and less forgiving, showing every lump and bump you don't want highlighted. If it's in the budget try to find something in a thicker better quality material as I think that really elevates an outfit in an understated way.

I have a friend who is also a size 16 and she is incredibly stylish, she tends to go for quite structured pieces, blazers, pants, loafers or ankle boots and a nice handbag. She always looks phenomenal and all her clothes fit her so well, she always get compliments.

Try whistles, expensive but well cut and good fabrics

Agree with the posted who said straight legged are best but NOT wide legged. Unless you're over 5.10. If you're any shorted, you end up looking wide all over.

@NewbieSM thank you for these tips, do you mind posting some examples of these styles?

I used to buy more cigarette styles at Zara years back but definitely the material was thicker.

Essentially I want a bit of a smarter alternative to my jeans for work. I tend to dress quite slightly relaxed / casual but like the structured look. The Zara trousers I linked to made me look so huge!