Back to the office... With a fat tummy

[GreenOcean]

Due to go back into the office after 2 years of working from home. I'm size 16 with a big wobbly tum.

Desperately need some suggestions for clothes. I'm hoping you all can help me with midi dresses or tops I can wear comfortably without looking pregnant. Like to keep things plain and simple, most of my clothes seem to be from Phase Eight, H&M, Joules.

Hit me up with your suggestions!

TIA

Bumping this.
Maybe my big wobbly tummy is just so "unmumsnetty"😄

I've heard people say that if you want to hide a tummy you need to:

• wear tops that skim your middle
• wear patterns
• make sure tops don't end at your widest part

StyleMeHappy on Instagram recently did something on this https://www.instagram.com/p/CeEiq9mIFhH/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Thanks @greyinganddecaying I don't understand the advice on empire line or wrap dresses though, always make me look 9 months pregnant!

I do like some patterns but finding it hard to know what to go for that won't look dated in a few months.

Yeah me too!

I'm not a big pattern -wearer but like this from H&M. I have the same one in a plain colour and it drapes really well without clinging

Peplum tops are great!! 😊

Agree- empire line makes me look pregnant!

Check out Jess Millichamp - Jess on the plus size on Instagram - she has a clothing range on In the Style but is always posting about other brands and the fit of their clothes. She's also a geordie and absolutely hilarious

I've a similar problem with a big tummy, although I'm a size 14 (used to be a 12). The various lockdowns have been a disaster for my waistline. I've been trying on my summer clothes for a sun holiday and I've had to buy some new clothes because the old stuff has gone too tight or the waistband won't fasten 😭.

Anyway, I got a really nice pair of cropped trousers in White Stuff. They were expensive but they have a proper waistband as opposed to an elasticated waistband. So they hold my tummy in, instead of expanding with my waist. I got a longish top to go with them.

I got this black, navy and cream sundress in Next which is quite flattering www2.next.co.uk/g64562s1/t09439#t09439?i=12. The skirt bit seems to skim over my tummy as opposed to clinging to it/defining it. But it's probably too casual for your office. I got away with a 12 in it, so I think it's on the big side. I'm definitely a 14 in trousers.

I also bought this dress and it's equally flattering www2.next.co.uk/style/st096466/T78269#T78269

It's a case of trial and error. Some dresses made me look pregnant.

What is your shape I'm a size 16 hourglass but with a stomach post baby the youngest is six 🙄

I've found high waisted belted trousers and high waisted flared/ wide legged works well on me.

Here's pics the suits are Zara.
The flared trousers Next