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Please help! Warm weather (city break) dressing with a voluminous perimenopausal middle.

184 replies

LabraDabraDoo · 21/03/2022 09:58

I'm 44, and have in the past couple of years developed a perimenopausal middle, which now leaves me at the larger end of size 12, at least around the middle. The rest of me is in pretty good shape, but the clothes that worked for my last city break (2019, those were the days!) look terrible. In fitted Breton T-shirts or vest tops, I'm just all middle and feel so self conscious.

We are off to Sorrento for a few days soon, and will be doing lots of walking and active visits. Dresses with a waist work well, and I've packed a couple for sunny days. I have two pairs of cropped jeans which look nice, but what can I wear on top to flatter my middle? All the shops seems to have fitted or tucked in tops, which look lovely, but aren't an option. I guess I'll also need to be able to layer whatever I choose, as it can get chilly in the evenings.

Any ideas of styles/ shops I can try would be really helpful as I'm at a bit of a loss and really want to feel like I can look nice again!

OP posts:
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21
Wordlewobble · 29/03/2022 11:42

Try following this lady on Instagram (see photo) she doesn’t take herself too seriously and makes clothes and fashion fun. She is 5’11’ size 18 and she looks great. She tries on the blue and white M&S dress recommended on here and really brings it to life.

Please help! Warm weather (city break) dressing with a voluminous perimenopausal middle.
missfliss · 29/03/2022 12:32

My new hush jeans are here - am happy.
I'm never going to look amazing in jeans as have big tum, long torso, short legs and cankles - but I'm really comfy in these - they are higher waisted and finally I can tuck my shirts in and have a 'waist'.

I'm 5'6" and these are a 12 regular. Generous fit - the 14 were too big ( unusual for me).

Bonus picture of my cat enjoying the box !

missfliss · 29/03/2022 13:39

Bay dress ( also hush)

Good but not perfect. Pockets slightly too far on hips and fabric could be better.

Think will keep as a useful basic though

Please help! Warm weather (city break) dressing with a voluminous perimenopausal middle.
Please help! Warm weather (city break) dressing with a voluminous perimenopausal middle.
Please help! Warm weather (city break) dressing with a voluminous perimenopausal middle.
Rina66 · 29/03/2022 14:32

Just managed to get the Hush Clarice in a 14, it looks like the other sizes are going to be available. Love your jeans and dress @missfliss and also your dress @LabraDabraDoo. I've just bought the Lily jeans in white from M & S and also the Sienna (I sized up to a 14 in those for a more boyfriend fit) - both are great, especially for £19.50. Both great for a menopausal tum.

Please help! Warm weather (city break) dressing with a voluminous perimenopausal middle.
Please help! Warm weather (city break) dressing with a voluminous perimenopausal middle.
missfliss · 29/03/2022 15:31

Let us know how you get on with the Clarice dress.
I wore mine on Saturday and felt lovely - got loads of compliments.

Mines a 12 and very roomy

MaryStuart · 29/03/2022 16:19

I’ve just ordered the Clarice too. 🤞🏻

missfliss · 29/03/2022 16:23

I feel like Hush should pay me commission on advertising it to a specific subset of perimenopausal women 😂

rookiemere · 29/03/2022 18:24

@missfliss I have to say that either you haven't got much of a peri menopausal middle, or that dress and those jeans are doing a fantastic job Grin!

missfliss · 29/03/2022 18:34

@rookiemere - trust me it's a good cut.
I'm not enormous by any means but the wrong clothes sit badly and really show a thickening waist and large tummy x

Maighnuad · 30/03/2022 09:28

I am much the same and travel to Europe for work. I tend to have a linen shirt over a camisole style satin /silk top which is slightly A shaped. Thus I can strip up or down as need be.
This has been a life save for me

RockingMyFiftiesNot · 30/03/2022 20:27

@Maighnuad

I am much the same and travel to Europe for work. I tend to have a linen shirt over a camisole style satin /silk top which is slightly A shaped. Thus I can strip up or down as need be. This has been a life save for me
This sounds lovely. Do the linen shirts crease badly though? Would really appreciate it if you could share links to the A shaped tops please?
Rina66 · 30/03/2022 21:19

These are great for under oversized shirts, jackets, kimonos and long cardigans - they skim, are double layer so not see through, wide enough straps to hide bra straps, little side splits and long enough to cover my tummy and FUPA (thank you menopause!) The black is never in stock though🙄

www.roman.co.uk/v-neck-sleeveless-vest-top-20051338

chocolatesaltyballs22 · 30/03/2022 21:25

@missfliss

Bay dress ( also hush)

Good but not perfect. Pockets slightly too far on hips and fabric could be better.

Think will keep as a useful basic though

I've got this as well, haven't worn it yet though. It's a bit snugger fitting than usual Hush sizing but I like it on.
FolornLawn · 31/03/2022 10:34

I love the cut of the Bay dress but the colour wouldn't work for me. You look lovely it in @missfliss!

missfliss · 31/03/2022 12:12

Thanks @FolornLawn - I am actually returning it. I like the cut (would size up though i think) but don't love the fabric / pattern or where the pockets are. Debating trying a 14 to see if more flattering.

chocolatesaltyballs22 · 31/03/2022 20:25

I got this today, really like it and IT HAS POCKETS!!!

www.next.co.uk/style/st701904/937039

Sunnycats · 31/03/2022 20:55

Oooo might have to order the Clarice too - is it tts or is it best to order a size down? I ordered the black Jersey play suit from Hush and it arrived today and I love it.

missfliss · 01/04/2022 07:16

@Sunnycats I'm usually a size 12 or 14 depending on shop. The Clarice dress I'm pictured in downthread is a size 12 and very roomy. I've got big upper arms and that's the only bit that's a little snug

missfliss · 01/04/2022 17:25

Found this dress on 'and other stories'

Looks really nice and flattering with lots of prints - I won't get one as very similiar to my Hush Clarice dress - but might be helpful to someone

Please help! Warm weather (city break) dressing with a voluminous perimenopausal middle.
Please help! Warm weather (city break) dressing with a voluminous perimenopausal middle.
Rina66 · 01/04/2022 18:32

I bought this today, so much nicer in real life, it's a stone, khaki, black and blue print - it has pockets too! The model is 5ft 10 so it's actually longer than it looks. Two women (also with the peri middle) in the changing room went to get it after they saw me try it on. Online pics do not do it justice.

Please help! Warm weather (city break) dressing with a voluminous perimenopausal middle.
MaryStuart · 02/04/2022 13:37

Clarice arrived today. I’m not sure about it in me. I think it looks a bit ‘Handsmaid’s Tale’ so I’ll probably send it back.

Rina66 · 02/04/2022 15:21

Now I love the Clarice but it does not love me! I bought the 14, it doesn't hang off me, it fits where it touches. I've ordered the 16 to see if that's better. I've been kidding myself with one size stretchy loose fitting clothes, thought I was a big 12 - that ship has well and truly sailed.

Sunnycats · 02/04/2022 15:48

I've just ordered the clarice, due to be shipped on 12th April as not in stock currently. I ordered a size down but now I'm not sure!

missfliss · 03/04/2022 20:30

Well off the back of this thread I have had a good honest sort out of my wardrobe ! I've accepted that size 12 bottoms are no longer right for me - and I've listed loads of stuff to sell - so far made £200, with more to list. It'll offset the recent purchases I've made for flattering things that actually fit and look nice.

I've recently ordered:

2 pairs 'mom' jeans
1 x bay dress
1 x Clarice dress
1 x soft cardigan
1 x new tee
1 x shortsleeve shirt

And I have coming 2 x hush jumpsuits to try on following the recommendations here :-)

chocolatesaltyballs22 · 04/04/2022 08:39

@missfliss

Well off the back of this thread I have had a good honest sort out of my wardrobe ! I've accepted that size 12 bottoms are no longer right for me - and I've listed loads of stuff to sell - so far made £200, with more to list. It'll offset the recent purchases I've made for flattering things that actually fit and look nice.

I've recently ordered:

2 pairs 'mom' jeans
1 x bay dress
1 x Clarice dress
1 x soft cardigan
1 x new tee
1 x shortsleeve shirt

And I have coming 2 x hush jumpsuits to try on following the recommendations here :-)

Ooh which ones? The two I have are the absolute favourite things I own!
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