Help me dress with a changed body shape? (Pics)

[BrassicaBabe]

I'm 49 and peri menopausal to the eyeballs!

I'm 5'7. Narrow hips. I think I'm a rectangle shape (vs pear, apple etc).

BEFORE Autumn 22 I was 10 stone 4lb ish and size 10.

Something crazy happened sept to November and I put on nearly a stone. (But that's a whole different thread 🙄).

I've put on 3 inches at my bust, 2 inches around waist (not that I have much of one), 2 inches around hips and 1 inch at thigh top.

While I can't seem to shift the fat weight, I've been weight training and I'm getting strong. Bingo wings are still very evident, but delts and biceps are starting to be visible!

So I'm working with a change in shape that is a mix of good old traditional weight gain and extra muscle from weight training. Tummy is the former, arms, back and thighs the latter!

For casual clothes I was happy in girlfriend jeans and a hip length skinny rib jumper. Well now the skinny rib jumper look grotty because of the tummy. And the loose jeans are tight on the thigh. Firstly I don't want a whole new wardrobe, I'm hoping that I'll shift the tummy weight at some point. But in the meantime I have no idea what to wear, how to dress.

Some pics. Skinny of old (can't find a casual pic). Middle one recent, feeling particularly bad about body. Last pic, same size/weight as other but standing with more confidence and a new (bigger) bra.

I have no idea which direction to go in, what to wear, how to adapt to feel comfortable and confident. Sorry for being self indulgent. I'm just a little "cast adrift" at the moment.

Oh I feel you. I am exactly your height and have become an apple in peri. I am about 11 stone and a size 12, but all my weight is around my middle. So hard to dress with a great big gut.

This kind of batwing top suits me at the moment. www.hush-uk.com/tilda-long-sleeve-cotton-top-khaki/005459-2012-M.html?fo_c=1586&fo_k=5a00d6d4ff43d890227f741c5620f04d&fo_s=gplauk&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&sv_tax3=UK_Pmax_All+Products_All+Customers&sv_campaign_id=18399225353&utm_term=&sv_tax4=005459-2012-M&utm_content=gnetwork:-placement:-gchannel:x-adtype:&gclsrc=aw.ds&gclid=CjwKCAjwq-WgBhBMEiwAzKSH6BD-1SmaqEs3JdXRbfyMXna5KJ8Iw-6z1K-F5F-ZVLxpJpLFcpXLzhoCmaMQAvD_BwE

Oh I feel you. I am exactly your height and have become an apple in peri. I am about 11 stone and a size 12, but all my weight is around my middle. So hard to dress with a great big gut.

This kind of batwing top suits me at the moment. www.hush-uk.com/tilda-long-sleeve-cotton-top-khaki/005459-2012-M.html?fo_c=1586&fo_k=5a00d6d4ff43d890227f741c5620f04d&fo_s=gplauk&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&sv_tax3=UK_Pmax_All+Products_All+Customers&sv_campaign_id=18399225353&utm_term=&sv_tax4=005459-2012-M&utm_content=gnetwork:-placement:-gchannel:x-adtype:&gclsrc=aw.ds&gclid=CjwKCAjwq-WgBhBMEiwAzKSH6BD-1SmaqEs3JdXRbfyMXna5KJ8Iw-6z1K-F5F-ZVLxpJpLFcpXLzhoCmaMQAvD_BwE

Oh I feel you. I am exactly your height and have become an apple in peri. I am about 11 stone and a size 12, but all my weight is around my middle. So hard to dress with a great big gut.

This kind of batwing top suits me at the moment. www.hush-uk.com/tilda-long-sleeve-cotton-top-khaki/005459-2012-M.html?fo_c=1586&fo_k=5a00d6d4ff43d890227f741c5620f04d&fo_s=gplauk&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&sv_tax3=UK_Pmax_All+Products_All+Customers&sv_campaign_id=18399225353&utm_term=&sv_tax4=005459-2012-M&utm_content=gnetwork:-placement:-gchannel:x-adtype:&gclsrc=aw.ds&gclid=CjwKCAjwq-WgBhBMEiwAzKSH6BD-1SmaqEs3JdXRbfyMXna5KJ8Iw-6z1K-F5F-ZVLxpJpLFcpXLzhoCmaMQAvD_BwE

Ugh so sorry, I really don't feel that strongly about it. The site was hanging!

Have a look at dressing for a triangle.
I'd think emphasise your cleavage a bit, which distracts from the tummy.

Honestly though you still look great, albeit not the same.

Get higher waisted jeans with a wider leg. Girlfriend style may not work now.

Looser tops tucked in.

Also have you had your colours done? That orange is only flattering on people who are autumn and even then it's challenging. Wearing colours that really liven up your face will definitely help you feel more confident.

Wearsmymoney on insta is not a million miles from your shape, have a look. Even if you plan to lose weight buying a few new pieces for now will be worth it.

I feel better in dresses but find it hard to find ones that fit me and look ok without a bra. trousers I cant bear as I sit all day at work, I have to unzip them which I dont like to do.

I have no advice but wanted to say you look stunning, you have a wonderful figure and i am sure you will find your style! You are less rectangular yet elegantly proportioned - I know it is a shock to experience a change in shape no matter how slight, but I would recommend stocking up on the appropriate amount of confidence to make the most of how lucky you are! Honestly you look fantastic.

My sister was very straight and skinny until meno and developed boobs and a small waist after. Not many people really discuss the 'good' stuff that can come from meno. I too am 49 but no changes yet. Well, there's my hair, and the less aaid about that the better

@BansheeofInisherin 🤣 x3, you are right, the one batwing jumper I've got already I don't hate. I'll have a look at more.

@picklemewalnuts thanks. triangle (for now) maybe it is. I'll take a look.

@atthebottomofthehill I am an Autumn. I've had my colours done. One of the best things S&B that I've done.

I'll check out the Insta. I'll have a wardrobe rummage. I might have something that's more tuckable

@OtterDisgrace saw your so lovely post this morning but ran out of time. Bless you. Body change is COMPLETELY freaking me out. I'm trying for it not to, but falling completely at that too 🙄🙄 Sodding 50 next month as if to put the boot in. I hope you swerve it all 😊