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've just seen your update op, and I tried that very same M&S dress on yesterday, that's exactly what I mean!

Great thread thanks OP! Have the same issue and I’m really struggling with work clothes. Summer is ok because I have a lot of A line dresses that work well but I haven’t cracked winter. The White Stuff dress on the first page of this thread looks great.

I can't be doing with wrap dresses either. They are fine in theory but not in practice, add bulk where you don't want it (double layer of fabric over the tummy) and unless very well cut you can end up flashing at the neck & skirt.

Yes same, the best tops I have are tailored in to the waist as much as possible (without being too tight and long enough that they go to my comparitively slim hips)

Same with dresses tailored under the bust to the hips and then flair out a bit.

I am also a size 12, 5'5" and 10stone 10 and carry it all on my tummy (and chin) I also have a short neck and a round face. I don't carry excess weight well at all even though I'm technically on the cusp of "healthy weight".

I have the same problem and our body shape is called “apple”. I buy trousers online from Bella di Notte who categorise trousers according to body shape. Dresses I wear have high waists and I think it’s called Empire line. Fit and flare styles work well. Good luck

Any ideas about Christmas party clothes for a classic perimenopausal Apple? 🍏 I am basically spherical and nothing seems to work!

Clothes that draw the eye away from your middle , interesting necklines, ombre type designs.