Style advice for fatty

[Doobydolly]

Hi, looking for some inspiration/advice for dressing the larger lady. (Sadly me). I am only 5'5, but am a size 16 on my bottom half with longish slimmish legs and hips (comparitively so), with enormous GG boobs and all my considerable weight on my upper half - I look 9 months pregnant with ginormous tits balancing ontop a space hopper. I also experience horrific menopausal sweats, so my temperature control is out of the window and am always stripping off layers. Can't contemplate tights, anything too hot or constricting like polo necks, or jumpers with nothing underneath. Anyway, my shape is a nightmare to dress, and I find most tops not long enough to hide my embarassingly large mid section. I can't wear anything waisted such as dresses with a defined waist, but nor do I really suit those tent like dresses which Cos specialise in as I look even larger than I really am. Midi/maxi dresses are also a no go as they cover up the slimmest part of me - ie legs. I've recently bought a pair of NRYB cropped jeans which really suit me and are flattering, and I;ve been wearing them with some chunky boots. But I really struggle with tops....which are big enough and floaty enough to accomodate vast boobs and long enough to cover belly. HELP!! Any style advice or inspiration gratefully received.

No real advice but while you're waiting you could do worse than having a look at:

Beyond Nine

Their clothes cater for all body phases so you should at least find something to fit.

I would say go for a shorter top. I have the exact same problem!

Find a stretchy or fitted top that goes to the waist or slightly lower, so you don't look the same width as your boobs all the way down. Short jacket or cardi over the top (layers). You will have to get used to seeing your stomach but think of it in the shadow of your boobs, not many people will look that closely!

Hi Sticky, thanks for the advice, but I really look awful with short tops. I need things that go down to my hips at least. And tight would be even worse! You are probably slimmer than me, but a tight fitted top to waist level would only highlight the enormous roll of fats, one above my so -called waist, and one below. But I agree, boobs overshadow both bellies :)

Any1Else, thanks for the link, I'll take a look!

Hi Dooby, honestly, I do get it, I am size 14 and 36G so perhaps a bit slimmer but not much. I definitely recognise the multiple rolls issue

What you call down to the hips is probably what I call just below the waist, we mean the same length. I'm thinking fitted/stretchy rather than tight. Do give it a try as an alternative to the top coming straight down from big boobs.

I know it feels counter intuitive but long tops tend to make you look bigger. They make your legs look shorter. Invest in some good quality high waist trousers and a nice belt, and tuck tops in.

Umph, thanks for responding - but tuck tops in to high waisted trousers?- OMG not in a million years!!! All I'd be conscious of were rolls and rolls of fat belly on display. I get what you mean about big baggy long tops making legs look shorter, but I don't mean that long - just to pubic bone, not half way down my thighs!! I don't find high waisted trousers flattering - they just seems to emphasise the vast expanse of stomach on display.

Sticky, yes, I know what you mean re tops hanging from big boobs and making you look larger and some element of fit/tailoring is more flattering. I guess I'm just really struggling to have the confidence to wear stuff that means showing off my stomach which i absolutely loathe and am massively self conscious of. I see makeover shows on TV/trinny etc and they make these larger women look great, but I honestly can't imagine ever wearing anything tucked in/belted/with a waist/showing off my mid section.

Have a look on Silkfred for nice oversize tunics. They look good with straight leg cropped trousers

How about slim (patterned) 7/8 trousers with a maternity t shirt or vest (so would be long enough) and a thick cotton shirt undone over the top, I'm thinking like a man's Ralph Lauren type that won't cling. Plus all natural fibres to help with the sweats. Maybe colourful shoes to draw the eye down.

My husband has bought me a voucher for a full 'analysis' by this lady for Xmas (at my request!). Not sure if something like that may be helpful?

www.stylemehappy.co.uk/

I'm a similar shape to you. All my weight goes on my belly and boots. No way would I wear a short top.

Hi Stasis, Yes, I think that's the kind of look I feel comfortable in, it's just finding nice tops which are suitably long/capacious but don't completely drown me and make me look like I'm wearing a tent!!

A little bitAhAh - thanks for the link, I'll have a look. Though to be honest I'm so self conscious of my hideous belly/shape that I am too embarassed to get undressed in front of anyone.

On another note, a few of my friends have, over the years, had breast reduction surgery and I am seriously tempted. But aware of the fact that I need to lose about five bloody stone, as any surgeon will probably just tell me to go away and lose the excess first. However, even when I was slimmer I always had disproportionately large knockers, so they are not going to go away by losing weight, sadly.

Honestly the best thing you can do is talk about yourself more kindly. 'Fatty'? 'Rolls', 'hideous shape' etc. think about the message your sending to yourself - and others (I am a size 20 with J cups and tuck tops into high waisted trousers).

The best thing you can do is never say about yourself, what you wouldn't say about a friend.

Not the main point of your message OP but a surgeon might consider a reduction if you have a BMI below 30. So “overweight” is ok, but not medically obese. I know this because a couple of friends told me, separately.