What clothes work if you carry your weight around your middle?

[ChienneDesFromages]

I’m 45 and have changed shape over the last year or so. I’m not huge- size 12, and average height, but carry all my excess weight around my middle (I know that’s not a healthy distribution.) I’ve lost lots of waist definition-I’m sort of rectangle shaped nowadays! However, I’m pleased to say I’ve still got lovely old legs.

I’m not into shapeless dresses as that seems to make it worse. I want to make the most of what’s left- not hide it under swathes of floral viscose.

I’m keen to try some different styles, but I’m a bit clueless. What styles work well for someone carrying a bit of perimenopausal heft (not unrelated to cheese consumption) around the middle?

I’m wondering about something like this: https://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/thea-long-sleeve-midi-dress-brilliant-red-geo-charm/sty-d0836-red

Or this? https://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/kate-midi-shirt-dress-french-navy-artizian-geo/sty-d0733-nav

I have these and think they look quite nice with a blouse or fine knit tucked in: https://www.seasaltcornwall.com/asphodel-cropped-wide-cord-trousers?glCountry=GB&glCurrency=GBP&color=24918&gad=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIvePCwPT1gQMVUO7tCh3OkgckEAQYAiABEgIpyvD_BwE

Was going to say to try a shirt dress!
I’d look at something with shape and avoid anything too full skirted as that’s prob your better part.
absolutely love the boden Kate shirt dress (was looking at it this morning) & that print is stunning.
think the other dress would work also as will give definition to your waist area.

I would also try on a shift dress to see if it works; would draw attention from waist and to your legs. preferably short, above the knee with black tights is flattering and low maintenance.
it’s hard when your figure changes; you just have to try things on to get a feel for what works

You need empire line dresses and tops anything with a, waist will accentuate you in the wrong way. Something like this is nice.

www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/satin-empire-midi-tea-dress-nightshadow-blue/sty-d0599-mul

Sorry posted too soon, you need styles that fit under the bust and a good fitting bra then it skims over the waist.

not sure I agree about empire tbh - I think they can make you look preggers if you’re not skinny on your tummy.

Maybe try on OP and report back!!

Yup I agree! I carry around my middle and have an empire dress that makes me look pregnant!

I’ll try both- think I’ll do a big Boden order just to try some different shaped dresses on. I’m glad they have gone back to some staple styles this year.

I went looking for jeans today- and gosh, I really did look prefers! Eventually I found a soft, midrise pair that worked well. Cropped, wide legs seem to work, which I’d never have worn two years ago.

We sound like we are a similar size and shape! Peri has ruined my middle despite a ton of exercise and strength training! I still stick to slim leg bottoms as my legs are good. I find doing a French tuck with tees or any tops really creates the illusion of a waist. I layer to break things up a bit. A blazer does wonders and can be worn over most things. Wide leg trousers are also very flattering.

Wrap dresses are good for hiding a mum tum. You don't want to draw attention to that area so anything that sits on the waist isn't going to be flattering.

You need it either fitted under the bust or slightly loose around the waist. I think a shift dress that sits on the waist area won't really work. Maybe wear shorter lengths to focus attention down to your knees, calves and ankles?

Agree with every word of this!

Empire line looks terrible on me - I look VERY pregnant ...

I think I’m similar- 5’6, size 10-12 but I tend to carry my weight in my middle and don’t have a very defined waist, my slimmest part is a couple of inches under my boobs! I find high waisted tends to suit me, but not empire line- too much material round the middle just emphasises it! I bought this dress recently from White Stuff and it’s really flattering https://www.whitestuff.com/p/2368/rua-printed-midi-dress/BLK_MLT

I also like peplum tops- the ones that flare out at the bottom, like this https://www.newlook.com/uk/p/880455034?extcam=UK_SOC_APPPDPSHARE

I have a few high waisted skirts that I wear with a fitted black polo neck tucked in for work.

Dungarees are also your friend especially this time of year!

Sorry is this some sort of Boden ad?. I find layers work well. Trousers, top, long jacket. Or if dresses, then simple shirt dresses are great but I would look hideous in those jolly polyester Boden affairs, modelled on tall slender types. Clothes that skim is what I say. Life’s not all about being thin, but about looking and feeling good, and relaxed without having to breathe in or worry about thick stomachs etc.

So many of us have this problem they should have a special clothing line. I am also 5'7 and a 10-12, but menopausal tummy. I wear

shirt dresses as suggested above
french tucks
wide leg trousers
fit and flare dresses
darker tops, lighter bottoms.
no large florals

No empire line, peplum or baggy dresses with excess volume. Amishcore makes me look pregnant.

Anything that sits under your bust will make you look pregnant if you have a tummy. A Peplum will make you look wider in my experience. I have a tummy (and boobs). I don't agree with hiding your waist you need to find a way to define it.

I find fitted dresses with a slight a-line skirt look better. Like this one (which I have 3 of!). But I do also wear shift dresses, just make sure they fit.

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/812688695234154724/

That is a really cute dress @Yettisrus2

@TheFormidableMrsC I was planning to ramp up my exercise and weight training, but now you are discouraging me. Pah. It's all so hard.

I am with the other posters disagreeing about the empire dress suggestion - I carry my weight on my tummy and if I wear anything empire cut I almost always get people asking me when my baby is due! Avoid, avoid, avoid!

Thanks. There are some great ideas. I really don’t feel ready for hiding under billowy clothes just yet, so there are some helpful suggestions for alternatives.

I have just ordered this to wear to the evening dinner of a conference I’m going to in November. Fitted, with a flare so it might work. I loved the red contrast- like those eighties geometric curtain fabrics! Will report back..

https://www.collectiflondon.com/Mobile/en/Collectif-Womenswear-Marol-Swing-Dress/m-m-7514.aspx

@Lentilweaver No no no don't be discouraged because if I didn't do what I do I'd look like SpongeBob. But I don't. So get on and do it! You won't regret it!

That's lovely. Make sure your undies are good, get some shape wear!

V neck and empire line

And blazers

I’m size 10-12, five foot 2, with a peri stomach (which is not helped by my predilection for cake). Fit and flare or shirt dresses work best for me. Amish-type stuff or empire line looks absolutely dreadful - it swamps me and makes me look pregnant. I also wear wide legged trousers but not too wide, in drapey type fabric. Team with a more fitted sweater or top.

That is a very striking dress @ChienneDesFromages. And cotton!

If you are into shift dresses look for ones with french darts or with shaping only in the back or sides. That gives some definition at the waist without being restricting, and skims over the tum.