Style these trousers!

[Pinko1]

I can't seem to make these work. I'm a size 16 lower half and I feel like im channelling Janet Jackson when I wear these to work! I don't like heels however ankle boots come up too short. The stretchy style seems to hug my belly unflatteringly. Any thoughts how to make them work for me?

Pic attached

I would emphasise the detailing in terms of how it evokes a classic kind of French look. I’d wear with a Breton top and cardigan and ballet flats in red

This is a nice look apart from the shoes. www.next.co.uk/style/ls126831/p74459

A classic silk shirt with a French tuck?

@declutteringmymind I think that is a fab idea!

I think you need a top that finishes at your waist or tucked in to get the right silhouette.
Maybe loafers if you don’t like heels or some longer sock boots underneath, silver sandals in summer.

However if they cling in the wrong places, admit defeat!

@Niftythrifter wouldn't a brecon top make me look even more massive? I like the white shirt look though I feel I've made a fashion faux pair with these elasticated trousers!

I do think longer and more wide legged would be more flattering!

@Pinko1 medium.com/i-wanna-know/do-horizontal-stripes-really-make-you-look-fat-or-is-that-just-a-myth-e83715f5f02

I'm a 16 and I'd wear those with a striped or plan top and a long blazer with chunky loafers or ankle boots.

I have some similar (no buttons, but same silhouette) trousers and I tend to wear them with a french tucked shirt or crew neck jumper (sometimes with a shirt underneath and the collar showing through), sleeves rolled up a bit, some layered gold necklaces etc and chunky-ish brogues/loafers. I wore them to a couple of events last summer with strappy heels or closed toe heeled sandals (the type with an ankle strap, can't think of the word for them!) then a silk wrap shirt or a fine knit 3/4 length cardigan respectively.

If it's cold I always find that works quite well with a longer length wool coat or trench and a cross body bag.

I do agree that they aren't that versatile though. I do wear mine and find them useful if I need to be a bit smarter but probably wouldn't reach for them much outside of that, especially in black and they are my least worn trousers.

I always think if you don't feel comfortable in something OP, and it isn't working for you then it's better to just get rid - donate or sell. We all get it wrong sometimes.

This with these

Stick a beret on your head and carry a French stick too :)

Try them out, see if you can put together a few outfits. Here are some ideas.
I probably would choose a sweater tucked in or a cropped style rather than a shirt. Would try to layer a shirt underneath if the sweater is an open neck. If the sweater is dark it creates a longer line, but a shirt in white then brings light to your face. Thinking that for the top layer, something cropped would work better.