Dressing for the menopausal midriff

[Cornflakecrack]

It’s always been my ‘problem area’ I have a rectangular brick like body with long limbs but have always had a bloated rounded lower belly with along with no waist at all isnt an easy shape to dress for. Brick shape means a big rib cage also although my boobs are relatively small.

I have rock hard abs underneath it from all the core work I do but it makes no difference I’m always bloated in shape.

Now add on the meno belly extra layer of fat on belly and love handle area and it’s really getting me down clothing wise. Nothing hangs right, I look like a teletubby and it’s just so ageing. It screams middle age (which I am but who needs to be shouting it!).

If I wear ‘floaty’ or shift shapes the fabric will skim across my belly and make me look pregnant

I cant wear fitted dresses as I have nothing to fit to as no waist.

Cropped anything is awful

Long is awful as see floaty above

Mum jeans just look ridiculous

Just about can do a half tuck with a t shirt or shirt but I have to have elasticated waist trousers else they don’t fit (which are thankfully all the rage right now)

Im a Zara/Free people on pay day kind of dresser.

All help grateful received.

@Stacybrown those colours aren't for me (so blinking pale) but the style is fab!

I like the Schein dress ( although a bit about giving them custom) but that split! Noooooo! Instead of Angelina Jolie I’d look like Nellie the Elephant

Same here. IBS is an absolute pain in so many ways!

So depressing! I avoid things which will dig in by the end of the day.

Thinking of waist bands, I like a lot of Eileen Fisher petite linen trousers etc. They take vanity sizes to a whole new level, particularly the paper bag crops etc. Very roomy! They need a boxy top to really work, or a camisole under oversize shirt, but I've had some old favourites which have fitted all stages of bloat. Not having a zip at the front helps I think.

I tell myself I do NOT look like a cast member of Pirates of Penzance!

I just bought this from Matalan, it doesn't look terrible, I actually quite like it and it doesn't cling to my tummy. I'm not sure the colour is mine but at this point I'm past caring!
https://www.matalan.co.uk/clothing/et-vous-orange-box-top/14564375.html

They do it in a khaki as well.
https://www.matalan.co.uk/clothing/et-vous-khaki-box-top/14564383.html

We need to stop beating ourselves up about this.i think we need to be aiming for a relaxed, elegant look and not worry if it's fashionable

Have you tried wrap dresses? They are very good at creating a waist where this is none and also minimise bloated abdomens. I don't know how - they just seem to work.

Apologies if this has been suggested already - I haven't RFT'd.

Ooh,I like that orange Matalan top

@Hedjwitch it's nice in real life too (for a change!) I also bought a dress online from there but it's hideous and is being returned.

My best-ever wrap dress came from Matalan! £16 and I wore it to death. The best thing is that it was a false wrap dress so no gaping top and no leg-exposing (or, as with some wrap dresses crotch exposing ) flap.

I am this shape and my strategy is; a casual a-line dress with a boxy (shoulders pads are good) crop top over it. It works really well.

I was watching a YouTube video for dressing this body type recently and the holy grail of dresses to flatter the shape was the Whistles Alba dress here

I couldnt believe how flattering it looked on. It's gorgeous.

Shein have a dupe here if Whistles prices are prohibitive

Agreed. I have several navy (as I like consistency) Whistles dresses that style and they are absolutely amazing. And you can size down if the rest of you is less troublesome than ones stomach! Magical

See that kind of dress, though nice, looks like a sack on me. I need a bit of waist definition but not too much. Nothing beats trying on everything.

It's not sack like at all when on CatfoodOzymandias as its slightly fitted at the waist but the front pleat skims over and disguises any hint of a belly. It's actually very slimming. Definitely worth a try

I tried the Alba dress on a while ago and found it very flattering, though too short for me.

I think finding something flattering, very much depends on where you carry your weight. If like me, its all on the front - boobs and tummy - the alba dress would suit. However, if you are wide, they don't generally suit. Also think having good shoulders makes a huge difference to how clothes hang.

I really like those Whistles dresses, I used to wear them for work, have them in lots of colours, agree that they could do with being 2 to 3 inches longer, especially if you're going to wear them with, horror of horrors, heels! H & M do a good version for about £20, I'll see if I can link it. They skim rather than waft, which I think is key.

Comes in lots of patterns and plain.....

Have just bought this on impulse for a holiday. It looked flattering in the changing room, loose in the right places. I wish the model looked more cheerful and not as though she's hating modeller it. Comes in a dark olive/khaki as well.

www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-linen-blend-tunic-mini-dress/p109633217