Help me dress my meno belly

[UsernameNotAvailableNow]

I am in early meno and really struggling with how bloated and sore my belly is. I always wear jeans at home, and smart trousers/shirt/blazer for work.

The thing is that it hurts to dress like this now. I’ve got one pair of smartish chinos that have an elasticated waist but even they aren’t great.

Actually contemplating maternity business wear right now. I am 40 years old FGS.

I am not a dress person, especially in winter. But I need a change. I love a summer shirt dress, but Ive tried dressing these for autumn/winter and just feel bleurgh.

Would really appreciate some ideas for smart work wear. I have many beautiful blouses and blazers. Maybe a maternity short A line skirt?

So please help me, I love the light academia aesthetic, and Vinted! Size 12

Jeans definitely aren’t a necessity!

Assuming you’re fully medically checked out - I suspect you may have to embrace dresses if waistbands are currently uncomfortable.

Maybe have a look at

Batsheva

Dea Kudibal

Justine Tabak

Klements

Or you could turn to t shirt or sweater dresses, which can be as smart or casual as you want:

Plenty here in different weights and fabrics.

There are always jumpsuits …

@Aixellency wow they are stunning!! Thank you. That Klements dress is gorgeous, can totally see how that might work.

I hadn’t figured that I’d have to re-think my whole bloody wardrobe with meno

Glad to be of help!

(Not what you asked about but I’m assuming you have a diagnosed reason for early menopause? I don’t think everyone finds it necessary to bypass waistbands, even if temporarily.)

Strong family history, I knew it was coming thankfully. Still getting to grips with HRT and suspect the bloating will pass, but I like to dress nicely and comfortably and am willing to throw some money at it even if it’s a phase.

Ah … Throwing money further (aka some of my favourite sites):

Apres Paris

Casey Casey

Cecilie Bahnsen

Rendez-vous

Have you double checked bloating is not something else? Better than to assume it’s menopause? Our wombs are the size of walnuts I am confused about what the bloating would be about - I have finished menopause now and maybe I got lucky but never experienced bloating

Ok sorry googled it now and it can be a sign sorry but still best to double check it’s not something else

@ittakes2 thanks for the concern but all checked out and benign.