Wide leg trousers styling for short fat middle age !

[wohmum]

I need something a bit smarter for an event next week and really like the idea of comfy wide leg trousers … but not sure what top to wear them with.
I’m 5ft 3 and size 16/18 with a definite belly .

any ideas or am i better to avoid?

I've recently started wearing this style, very similar.size/shape. I love it and get compliments. If it helps, I try to.thunk 'st tropez'. Haha, as in, chic pyjamas. Wide trousers, a shirt, nice pumps, hand in pocket. Sunnies and red lip.

I'm sure that's not how it comes across, but, I feel good, and that's all that really matters.

It would rather depend on the specific trousers and how they fit you. Also whether they provide the dressy element or the neutral element of your outfit.

In general a weighty silk shirt in a strong colour should smarten anything it’s worn with.

What sort of budget were you thinking of? (New or pre-owned?)

Do you have good shoes? Accessories? Haircut and makeup if worn? It’s often grooming that makes the difference for smartness.

I'm similar OP and I find wide leg really flattering on me, whereas ankle grazer or skinny type trousers do nothing but accentuate my dumpiness. Make sure they fit you properly though, I'd go bigger than than 'I just about fit into these' as you want the trousers to 'fall' and not stick to thighs. As pp says paired with a well fitted shirt this looks lovely. My dd had a teacher who was probably size 22-24 and she always looked incredible. She always wore wide legs (years before they were in fashion) with a mid thigh length top, and often a chunky pendant thing. She was very elegant.

She didn’t teach a modern language by any chance, @feralunderclass?

No, she was primary.

Love this style too and I'm similar size to OP with belly too. I'd never usually wear something that cuts me off at my widest part but with a simple tuck in and the right length trouser (completely to floor) it works - and I feel ok in it.

I think wide leg trousers only work if your waist is OK, as for short people wide trousers and a long top just make you look dumpy. If your waist is OK to be on view, even with a french tuck, or long jacket/shirt/cardigan over top, the proportions would look OK. Better with a more fitted top, depends on if your belly can take it! Mine can't, sadly.

Thanks all - I’ve bought some of the M&S ones and a lovely shirt from Next. I feel much more put together :)