Please help dress me. New 40 yo mum wants casual clothes for hourglass figure and tummy overhang!

[GreatPretender1977]

Hello all

40 years old, 3 weeks post partum (c section).

I am size 16. Height 5.3. Big boobs (34HH). Small waist (although tummy is now bigger than usual, with the section overhang) and big bum.

Before pregnancy I have always been hourglass and I still am, albeit larger and with bigger tum.

I need advice on casual (and stylish) clothing. I've been living in pj's and maternity leggings and t shirts for months now and all my old clothes are uncomfortable. I used to love wearing 50s style dresses, maxi dresses in summer, wiggle skirts with tight fitting cowl neck tops. Skinny jeans with knee high boots and tops that tie under the bust so accentuate the waist.

Now I want to find a casual look, something really comfy but stylish and can be worn out of the house. It's so hard to dress casual with an hourglass figure as anything baggy around the waist makes me look really frumpy. I don't know where to start.

Also all the lovely wide legged trousers are a nightmare because they are all too long on me amd get ruined.

I will be starting at the gym in a few weeks so need some sports wear too...any advice on hoodie for big bust that won't make me look like an over inflated balloon?

I need a new pair of trainers...what's acceptable for a 40 year old?? Haven't bought trainers for about 20 years...I used to love classic Adidas and Nike Air.

I have an account on Very so if I can buy off there, even better. I am on a tight budget as...maternity pay. But I would love lots of links to beautiful clothes that will be comfortable and stylish. And make me feel nice about myself. I'm very paranoid about my new apron overhang tummy.

Thank you if you read all that and I look forward to opening lots of links, lots of advice, and hopefully a new wardrobe!

...anyone ? X

Pleeeeeeease someone help!

I'm hourglass but slightly taller than you. I'm into jumpsuits at the moment. I know they can be awkward but I got one from Stitchfix which is a really soft thick stretchy Jersey ish type material. Cross over bust so pulls down really easy (no buttons or zips) it's elasticated waist with a soft belt in same material. I wear it with converse but it could be dressed up with heels. 3/4 leg length. I love it, and am searching for another!

Do you have clothes alterations service near you? It’s really worth seeking one out. I’m the same height as you and always have to get my jeans and trousers taken up. Same with dresses and blouses, I have narrow shoulders so have to get a lot of things adjusted. It doesn’t cost too much and it means all your clothes are tailored to your shape - it can make something not that expensive look absolutely wonderful on you. Hope that helps a little!

@ImSoMagical

I'm hourglass but slightly taller than you. I'm into jumpsuits at the moment. I know they can be awkward but I got one from Stitchfix which is a really soft thick stretchy Jersey ish type material. Cross over bust so pulls down really easy (no buttons or zips) it's elasticated waist with a soft belt in same material. I wear it with converse but it could be dressed up with heels. 3/4 leg length. I love it, and am searching for another!

I love a jumpsuit! Just a bit worried about how my belly will look. Could you send a link to the jumpsuit please 🙏 ☺️

@MargotLB

Do you have clothes alterations service near you? It’s really worth seeking one out. I’m the same height as you and always have to get my jeans and trousers taken up. Same with dresses and blouses, I have narrow shoulders so have to get a lot of things adjusted. It doesn’t cost too much and it means all your clothes are tailored to your shape - it can make something not that expensive look absolutely wonderful on you. Hope that helps a little!

That's a good call. I mean I wish I could just buy things that fit but that is unlikely really. Its just the hassle and extra expense but you are right...at least it will fit really well!

Ps. I have an overhang tummy too! It’s been there 11 years now and it bothers me a lot less than it used too - too be honest I don’t think most people would even notice it. I have found paper bag style trousers and trousers with loose pleats are quite good for covering it over. Also jeans that have a bit of stretch/elastane in them helps pull everything in rather than a more traditional denim which just sags after a while. Dresses are also your friend - something with a tie waist and as the poster above said a jump suit would look great on you. Great Plains always have some on sale. Good luck!

Thank you for the tips! Off to check out Great Plains

Anyone else about for more advice??

I am 5'3 too, also hourglass and 14/16. I love jumpsuits - Boden do lovely stretchy ones (jersey). Midi dresses - shirt style - are easy to wear with chunky boots or trainers in better weather - M+S and Next have tons of such dresses. I get jeans at M+S too and they do short versions of pretty much everything - the short length is perfect for our height! I like boyfriend, mom or flared jeans, prefer slightly cropped to show a bit of ankle. Midi skirts, chunky jumper, chunky boots...
hope that helps! X

Yes yes. Get things altered.

Get some good underwear that gets all your bits in the right places and is super comfortable

Figure out what colours suit you.

Follow people on social media with similar shape or build who dresses well and learn.

Try lots of stuff on, or go for a personal typing session. JL do these.

Improve your posture if required.

Figure out your best bits. Delicate wrists, long neck, lush hair, and make sure they are show cased.

Thank both...really helpful advice

I'm an hourglass too and I love Dancing Leopard dresses - shirt-style and belted.

If you're tight on funds then get a few capsule pieces now but don't go overboard. You're only 3 weeks pp. Your body could look quite different in 6 months!

On trousers, you can still go wide leg but look at getting from a shoe that does short or extra short length. M&S do some comfy jersey wide leg trousers that I like. I think it was these ones

www.marksandspencer.com/jersey-wide-leg-trousers-with-stretch/p/clp60506499?color=BLACK&prevPage=srp

SHOP not shoe!

Have a look at the phase eight becca dresses and tops. They are batwing/blouson and really flattering. They are quite expensive but you can pick them up cheaper on eBay

Hi, I’m the same age with a one year old and looking for similar clothes! At the moment I live in dungarees which are super comfy. Seasalt ones seem to have more of a shape around the waist than other brands I’ve tried. I layer these with a long sleeved t shirt and a big cosy cardigan - a cardigan with pockets is also handy when you are holding the baby but need to carry something else at the same time. Congratulations on your new baby 😀

I have recently got some lovely stuff from bricks and stitches website. I feel I have lost my way in the fashion way and wanted a cooler look. It is quite costly though.

What about black leggings, long black vest top (down to top of thighs) and shackets or denim shirt over the top?

Black faux leather leggings, long jumpers, longerline gilet and boots

I've got some great pleated midi skirts (plain, leopard print and spotty) with deep elasticated waistbands, you can then wear them at a 'waist point' that suits you, comfy and forgiving. Wear with v neck t shirt and biker with your trainers.

Shirt dresses are great too, for wearing undone as a jacket over your leggings vest combo or smarter as a dress.

Lily jeans from M & S are great, £19.50 - very comfortable, good waist height and good weight denim. Wear with floaty shirts?

Something like this?

I was just made to buy a pair of white Lacoste trainers. I was reliably informed by a 20 years old young lady that I wouldn’t look embarrassing wearing them, I’m mid 40s and live in Muck Boots 😂, apparently that’s embarrassing 🤷🏻‍♀️

[quote notdiggin]If you're tight on funds then get a few capsule pieces now but don't go overboard. You're only 3 weeks pp. Your body could look quite different in 6 months!

On trousers, you can still go wide leg but look at getting from a shoe that does short or extra short length. M&S do some comfy jersey wide leg trousers that I like. I think it was these ones

www.marksandspencer.com/jersey-wide-leg-trousers-with-stretch/p/clp60506499?color=BLACK&prevPage=srp[/quote]
Love these trousers! Thank you!

@Rina66

What about black leggings, long black vest top (down to top of thighs) and shackets or denim shirt over the top?

Black faux leather leggings, long jumpers, longerline gilet and boots

I've got some great pleated midi skirts (plain, leopard print and spotty) with deep elasticated waistbands, you can then wear them at a 'waist point' that suits you, comfy and forgiving. Wear with v neck t shirt and biker with your trainers.

Shirt dresses are great too, for wearing undone as a jacket over your leggings vest combo or smarter as a dress.

Lily jeans from M & S are great, £19.50 - very comfortable, good waist height and good weight denim. Wear with floaty shirts?

Very helpful thank you

I like the thought of midi skirt and v neck t shirt qith trainers...but can you recommend what type of trainers...even just the colour, is black or white best? and do you wear with tights or bare legs?

I disagree on the becca dress - I sound like exactly the same size and shape if a few years older. I found the Becca really emphasised my tummy and hid my waist. Everyone different though so worth a try.

I have recently bought some stuff from Thought (concession in JL). They had a couple of good jumpsuits plus some flattering harem/yoga pants. I also tried on some well fitting stuff in their new active wear bit (is it Allday?). Seemed pretty good for the price. I love the look of Hush but I find myself too short for it to fit.

I also agree not to rush it though. Tu at Sainsburys can also fit me well and good for the price. I like their jeans and they do a short length.

@lugeforlife

I disagree on the becca dress - I sound like exactly the same size and shape if a few years older. I found the Becca really emphasised my tummy and hid my waist. Everyone different though so worth a try.

I have recently bought some stuff from Thought (concession in JL). They had a couple of good jumpsuits plus some flattering harem/yoga pants. I also tried on some well fitting stuff in their new active wear bit (is it Allday?). Seemed pretty good for the price. I love the look of Hush but I find myself too short for it to fit.

I also agree not to rush it though. Tu at Sainsburys can also fit me well and good for the price. I like their jeans and they do a short length.

Agree on the becca dress...although it looks beautiful on the model it would hide my best asset...my waist

Will Google Thought and will be visiting Tu very soon