Lovely top-don’t know how to wear!

[Acommonreader]

I’ve been given this lovely top as a gift. I’d like to wear it but I’m a size 16 / 18 and whilst it fits well, it highlights my stomach in an unflattering way! Any suggestions for what to wear on the bottom - trousers, skirt, shoes??? Im 42 and 5ft 8. Thanks

mintvelvet.com/products/abstract-print-tie-detail-top

I think it needs something quite contrasting from it's femininity. Like a baggy khaki combat, and white sneakers or for a more formal look a flared tuxedo pant in black. With a pointed heel in red or gold.

In effect it has a peplum which accentuates a tum. As a do skinny jeans. Not sure a size 18 skinny jean ever looks that good. A black leather midi skirt with boots. Or black slim skirt if op suits this style. I am not convinced this top looks great on wider women.

It's a lovely top and I love Mint Velvet but they don't cater for bodies that have a bust or a belly. I'd be tempted to take it back and get something that's going to flatter your figure.

If you want to keep it, a pair of wide leg really fluid trousers would detract from the belly.

Id wear it with skinny jeans and boots tbh. I think I’m stuck fashion wise. I do think shapewear is your friend. I have bodysuits from Amazon that just gives a more flattering silhouette without feeling squished.

As a wider woman. I agree. The length looks bad too, for a tum

A peplum is always going to make your wait look wider. I like the sleeves though.
I think a wide leg black velvet trousers might work.

If it's making your tummy look prominent, is it possible the waist's too tight? I can't tell from the photos how the ties work but, if there's a decent placket behind them or the waist has a drawstring, see if you can even up the width somewhat.

There's nothing wrong with having a bit of a curve to your tum - but the 'bag tied in the middle' look isn't current (you should see some of my 1980s photos - and I was thin!) This top wants to be softly flowing, so try and let it flow with the curves you have 🙂

It’s too short for that, I think. So ends just at the unflattering part of belly

Nice print. I would go with a black pencil skirt or tube skirt.

I love the pattern and would also wear that shape but it’s quite pricey for me.

Straight rather than skinny jeans or a leather pencil skirt IMO.

Just seen it was a gift, well done, I’d be delighted to receive something like that 😀

High waisted straight jeans would maybe disguise your tummy a bit.

Ive got the same dimensions as you. I dont like tucking things in, and its too short to wear with a skirt or jeans if you are conscious about your tummy (as I am) Its quite nice, but id take it back if I coud, or give it to someone. Or vinted if you're into that. I wouldnt dream of buying someone an item of clothing unless it was a dressing gown. Its fraught.

Oh what a lovely gift!
If you’re worried about drawing attention to your tummy I would definitely go with a high rise jean or trouser. Wide leg is much more flattering than a skinny or straight fit.
I think a high waist satin/silk maxi skirt and heeled boots would also work if you wanted to dress it up.

Typos and accidentally clicked on random gif!

Sorry don't know how that gif got in there!! Fumble fingers tonight!

Love the top!! Would you feel more comfortable in a bigger size if you could exchange? I'd wear with straight jeans or nicely fitting trousers

I don't think it's bland at all! It's very pretty and feminine. I'd love that as a gift

Why doesn't anyone give me tops like that, I love it. No idea what to wear with it but some people have been quite rude about the top

I wouldn't wear this top personally. It's a nice enough pattern, but it's just too short and too baggy.

I don't think it looks particularly good on the model tbh so it's unlikely to look good in real life. I think it's pretty difficult to 'style' this because it's just an unflattering cut for most people.

Why the need for people to be rude? OP says she's been given this lovely top as a gift. It's unnecessary to be nasty about it I feel.

I love this idea!

Thank you! I want to see now what it looks like on with that stuff ❤️ x

@Sosoftandfluffycat The op has asked for advice! If it was a nailed on successful gift she would not bother asking. It’s a difficult top for her size and I’m wondering if it was regifted anyway. Those of us who are the same size probably would not think it right for us. Just because it’s a gift (from whom?) doesn’t mean it’s the best gift.

I have no idea ,but it is really lovely, OP. Very classy and feminine 😍

Ok, fair enough. I can see why it might be a bit hard to wear if its not right for OP's body shape but it sounds like she really likes it. I'm the same size actually and I do think it's lovely so would try and find a way to wear it. I suggested she might find a bigger size more comfortable if she could exchange it. I think I'd prefer to have a bigger size if it felt tight on my stomach and it might come up a bit longer too in a bigger size. Anyway be nice to see what OP chooses to wear with it, or if she decides to return it. There's been some good ideas on here 😊