Festive wear for scoliosis

[Thecaravan]

Am hoping someone here might be able to help. I really struggle to get flattering clothes which is partly due my appalling dress sense and partly due to my odd shape! I really want a nice Christmas outfit or even just nice going out clothes.

I am mid 40s, about 174cm, 60kg, size 12ish but have quite severe untreated scoliosis so have no waist on one side of my body and a huge sticking out hip on the other side. And a rib cage bulge at the back so look like a hunchback. Clothes hang strangely on me. My waist is also very high on the side with the big hip and non existent on the other side so waists hang down on that side.

Skirts with gathered waists as they make me look like a tent so tops tucked into skirts/jeans look not good. Loose jeans not great either as make me look very wide. Skinnies look the best but are apparently not cool. Body con type dresses can look okay if not too tight as they emphasise my hip and slight tummy.

I tend to go for shorter dresses that skim over hips and are a more A line shape but would love longer clothes now as legs are good but getting very veiny and I live in the middle east so no tights needed. People dress up here even for a general weekday night out and I love wesring heels.

We have most high street stores here and online shopping is pretty easy.

Helpppppp!!

My DD used to have quite severe scoliosis before she had it surgically corrected. I remember the last Christmas before her surgery (when her curve was at its worst) her go to party outfit was a leather skirt and a baggy white jumper on top - would certainly work with a longer skirt too. It gave the illusion of a waist whilst making her look more even and hiding the curve.

My sympathies OP - scoliosis is rubbish!!

No advice but my dd (adult) has untreated scoliosis

She has accepted her shape.

How about a long aline dress with a loose belt.

Thank you both. I'm quite accepting of my shape but sometimes it gets so frustrating to not be able to wear the clothes I want to. Any suggestions of places/cothes would be awesome. Am at a bit of a loss right now and sick of all my current clothes.
@RuthW any suggestions from your daughter would be gratefully recieved!

I have severe scoliosis with a big rib hump and what works for me is a slim fitting satin midi skirt with a not-too-tight cashmere jumper, just the front part slightly tucked in. Would that be too hot where you are? Maybe you could find a sleeveless roll neck type of jumper instead. I also like fit and flare type of dresses that create a waist where I don’t have one, they do usually show the rib hump though. Or if skinnies look good on you, what about faux leather leggings with a nice shirt/blouse?

Ooh that sounds lovely @Gervhill the satin skirt and jumper. Weather is much cooler now so could defo get away with that in the evenings when sitting out. Will have a look for that style of clothes. Can tolerate the hump as I can't see it from the front 🤣 it's my giant hip that irritates me more as clothes hang so strangely but what to do!

I know what you mean, my hips are slightly unlevel but not too noticeable, it’s the back that bothers me but like you say at least I can’t see it 😂

Sympathies OP. My beautiful DD has scoliosis and really restricts herself in what she can wear. It's the waist thing for her.
Her brother has an interesting take tho, and says her posture makes her look like a supermodel striking a pose.
At the risk of repeating, I'd say a satin pencil skirt or dress with an expensive looking mohair or cashmere sweater would be great.

I have severe scoliosis but had a long spinal fusion a few years ago.
Asymmetrical clothes are definitely your friend! Particularly if you can counterbalance your curves. One shouldered clothes with the strap over the convex rib side worked particularly well even for swim wear.
I'm lucky now because my spine is so straight that no one would know I was ever curvy. Obviously the surgery was for health rather than purely aesthetic reasons but I love the result and am much taller too!

@MySilverSpine that is so great to hear! Sorry to hijack but my 27 year old DD is having surgery sometime next year. Did you get a sense that surgery as an adult was tougher than for someone much younger?
She'll also be having id done for health rather than aesthetic reasons, though is looking forward to finally being tall like the rest of her family!

@faffadoodledo I was twice your daughter's age when I had surgery. Yes recovery for me has been very hard and still continues.
Much of what we see online is teenagers bouncing back from surgery! Your daughter is far closer in age to teenagers than to me but my top tip is definitely do your research (and buy an inflatable cushion!).

DD had hers done at 17 - they really encouraged her to have it done then as surgery + recovery is much easier, even compared to a 21 year old. She did bounce back really quickly. The older they are the stiffer the spine is and therefore risks go up as well as the fact that they likely won’t be able to get the spine quite as straight

random thought - have you looked at All Saints ? i think they have good asymmetrical stuff that is very wearable and ranges from very cool to more formal. good quality when
i have bought from
them
in the past and don't date
IMHO.

Ideally, yes. But life doesn't always pan out in the easiest ways does it? At 17 DD's was just below threshold for surgery. Sadly it has since deteriorated. We'd been hoping she could dodge it but alas no. I'll try and focus on positive outcomes like @MySilverSpine 's I think

I am 55yrs with severe scoliosis and have a similar shape. I've been told surgery is too risky. Can I ask about pain control people use and also interested in any views on the whole spinal fusion and recovery. I also struggle with dresses and now wear loose fitting knee length or below dresses. I hope you find something that you feel good in.

I’m in constant pain with scoliosis-
Unless lying flat.

Did spinal fusion help you,?
My quality of life is seriously affected.
( probably need to claim Pip as am quite disabled now.

I'm very conscious we're on a style and beauty thread by @Thecaravan who may have no interest in surgery at all. Happy to answer any questions in health.
I second All Saints, I wore and still wear a lot from there. Also Baukjen have a lot of asymmetric and stretchy clothes. I couldn't wear shirts for example as they didn't stretch over my rib curve.
I also loved jeans and tops which were loose but knotted around my hips.

I've started a thread in General Health and tagged you all but ignore if not interested.

Thank you

Sorry @MySilverSpine you're right. I think I derailed.
One thing you could do OP is to Google celebs with scoliosis. There are some gorgeous women out there who haven't had fusion and rock slinky outfits and bare backs.
My DS had a point I think, which I mentioned up thread, when he said his sister stood like a model! Not what she thought, but I must say i tend to agree with him.
Let us know what you decide to wear! X

Hi all, no worries about derailing. Is fascinating hearing about surgery as well. Last check with my doctor was 4 years ago and it was 68 degrees so he said surgery will be needed at some stage, however luckily am fit and healthy and have no real pain from it so am putting ot off as long as possible. Best wishes to those getting or recovering from surgery 💐
All saints is a genius idea! Never thought of there and we have a good number of their stores here. Asymmetrical ideas also brilliant so thank you very much!! Will come back to you when have been shopping 🙌

We definitely need a picture or link to the outfit you choose.
I had a loose sleeveless long vest type top in a sheer material but which had loads of beading including dangling beading which I wore over a tight velvet skirt one Christmas pre-surgery, it covered a multitude of bumps!

I have exactly the same issues. So good to hear of another person the same problems. I need a mother of the groom outfit and feel so awful in anything smart. I look dreadful. Hump on my left side as my spine has gone to the left and bulges out, no waist as my hips and ribs meet, I have a sticking out stomach on the right side partly because of bowel issues. Advice to avoid attention to my middle and spine hump?