How to dress a mum-tum for work

[CornishGem1975]

I need a new work wardrobe desperately, but I am really struggling thanks to my mum-tum. Ideally, I'd get some nice trousers or a pencil skirt and a blouse but a blouse tucked in just looks hideous because of my bulging tummy. I'm not hugely overweight, I'm pretty happy where I am but unfortunately, I've had three children, c-sections and have a flabby lower tummy area that won't budge.

I've worked from home for a long time but need to go back out into the world of face to face meetings and office life. Help! What could I wear that is flattering? Trousers or skirts with blouses hanging out will just look frumpy, won't they? Dresses are my usual go-to but everything is sack shaped at the moment, also not flattering on me.

I'm so stuck. Surely other people must have this same issue!

I think hold-it-all-in knickers might help, well they help me !

I've ordered stich fix, two boxes in and I've kept two trousers. Easier than trying the high street

You need blouses and trousers. Blouses could either be silk shirts done w a French tuck, or those more structured shirts that are a bit mullety with a higher hem at the front than the back (Cos always seems to have them). Or a silk vest top tucked in with a blazer over the top (undone) so you can’t see the tummy from the side.

I've tried suck-it-all in pants which work well under dresses but not under trousers, as you can always see the seam of them on the arse @KangarooKenny They're all so uncomfy when worn all day and I've got a lot of travelling to do.

French tuck just shows the tummy off @stealthbanana and even with a blazer I feel uncomfortable, and won't want to take it off if I get warm!

I also don't want sodding leopard or zebra print blouses. Seriously, Has the world not found another print yet?!

High waisted trousers with turtlenecks (although not the weather for turtlenecks very soon). I just avoid any button up type of clothes (i.e. shirts/blouses). I agree, they are not very flattering for mum tums.

It's hard to advise without knowing your exact body shape. Are you tall/short, etc?

I have a small pouch from my two DC so I feel your pain.

I have mum tum, fun isn’t it. There is a certain style of dress that is smart enough for work (especially when combined with a suit type jacket). You have to shop around a until you get one with the right cut for you. Ideally you want navy/black / dark purple/green with empire waist, flared skirt and long sleeves, plus some kind of distraction around the neck/chest (brighter colour? Necklace?) that draws the eye up. Try to avoid anything fitted at the waist, although that can work if there’s a distracting belt.

Below links are kinda what I mean. Jigsaw/Hobbs used to have loads of this style but there are a strange number of polyester flowery bag-shaped dresses cluttering the rails at the moment!

www.wolfandbadger.com/uk/twist-v-neck-aline-wrap-midi-multiway-dress-with-puff-sleeves-and-side-pockets-green/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwpImTBhCmARIsAKr58cyiMhqqv3SkmDu6HNiOTKv2-rE_Pa_YevRKyN98bAzpRHgmjjNiXkQaAqo8EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

www.theshirtcompany.com/kensington-navy-wrap-midi-shirt-dress.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjwpImTBhCmARIsAKr58cx7_ZFEaF-BW1FvkGxKxwVGabrpHVvoJDff-JMBZ160BuUAWVixkQQaAvH_EALw_wcB

www.phase-eight.com/product/elle-double-layer-dress-22028853918.html?utm_source=rakutenmarketing&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=2523611%3ALyst%20UK%2FEU&utm_content=15&utm_term=uknetwork&ranMID=44103&ranEAID=gcdL%2FATRVoE&ranSiteID=gcdL_ATRVoE-0MaxQW6_MdTYyYpKl3oDyw

Been there!

The key thing is stuff that fits well, so would go to stores within your budget and try lots of stuff on.

I went for skirts, dresses and found one good trouser suit, with fitted tops.

@HumunaHey · I am short, and curvy!

Thanks @Neverreturntoathread I'll have a look at the links - thanks.

@Loopytiles I've got covid so can't go to the shops right now so exhausting online!

(I have an IVF/mc tum rather than a mum tum but same concept…) I find that flared 1950s style waisted dresses in this work well and look smart. I prefer black jersey style ones over printed but the shape works regardless. It is a classic shape but hard to find new amongst the seas of sack dresses at the moment but try second hand eg ebay or vinted. Might not work for an apple shape but if you have a waist it nips it in and skims over the lumpy bits. Empire line works too but even harder to find!

What I will say is that other people won’t notice the areas you are insecure about as much as you do. I stressed about mum tum but absolutely do not think anything about anyone else having one. So… is worrying about it a big waste of time?