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

Also agreed. The whole idea is very "10 years younger" and other such hideous TV programmes made to make us feel shit about ourselves.

But I will also say that if I could afford that top I would be buying it - it's BEAUTIFUL!!!

I have a similar top from Mint Velvet. I wear it with flared (from the knee) jeans, and trainers for a 70s vibe. The flare of the jeans goes well with the sleeves. My blouse also has a slightly flared bottom (although still short) though too.

I can see it's quite a short top and if you have a tummy it could be accentuated. In which case, instead of trousers which are likely to highlight your tum, how about a black or navy A-line shaped skirt which will skim over it?

For an evening look, this kind of smooth-fitting maxi, perhaps?
https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-seamed-maxi-skirt-black/p112623120

Or a leather skirt, or a midi or go full-on 80s with a pencil skirt (I used to wear the pencil skirt and peplum top look). Or with a straight jean or flares (but I agree, not a wide-legged jean which could make you look very bottom-heavy). Take the top out shopping with you and try things on until you find something you like.

If it emphasised my stomach I would not wear it, end of.

I would wear with high waisted black jeans - slim or straight leg but I think a bootcut/flare from the knee would look good too. I would also wear a long black vest underneath it as it looks as if it would ride up.

I think jeans.

A knee or midi straight skirt- possibly denim?

Yes a denim skirt would look nice with the top, a bit of a hippyish vibe.

I’d leave it untucked but put a belt over it at the smallest part of your waist to give you some definition. The loose fit and patterned area around the tummy (plus slight peplum style) will make most people look bigger!

I think you could work with the Bo-ho look with this top, team it with jeans, boots and either a suede or faux fur gilet, that’s my go to when I’m conscious of my tummy, it skims your tummy and covers/detracts from it. It’s a lovely top, that I think this look would work well with x x

What’s so funny about my comment @NoJamSlags ?

Yes don’t wear with jeans (unless black) or anything wide leg. Doesn’t work on the model either. Black cigarette pants or straight skirt.

Sorry, but the cut of the top will only emphasise any tummy, even on an otherwise slender woman. It won’t work on anyone who doesn’t have a flat or concave stomach. I would sell on Vinted and buy something that looks good on you and your shape.

A slightly dropped crotched pant in a dark colour should shift the focus away from your middle. Coloured shoes would look great with it too.

If you feel relaxed and comfortable it will show

@Acommonreader I'd avoid trousers and go for a skirt, probably a fluted hem but fairly straight. Take the top to match the colour with a skirt. So yiu can see how they are together.

https://www.houseofbruar.com/l-long-cord-skirt-navy/?locale=gpb&glCountry=UK&glCurrency=GBP&istCompanyId=facab9df-87a0-4360-a00c-69f8b6f60974&istFeedId=e1385490-e58f-4fe4-b510-6708df5ec276&istItemId=ixlxirlrl&istBid=t&src=webshp&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw16O_BhDNARIsAC3i2GCDrfuDwaH7zb8kFGAy71v2VtO_RkD8miei7S91JyaYekohXJZSFacaAnnLEALw_wcB

However, if the top cuts off at the wrong point, its orobably not going to flatter you no matter what you team with it. Could you take it to a tailoring service to see if they can do anything to change the length of it?

I would say jeans, like the model is wearing or a long black maxi skirt

I think it’s a gorgeous top and I would wear it with wide leg jeans or wide leg trousers. I am slim but big of tummy and have a couple of peplum tops like this. Surprisingly they don’t accentuate my stomach and I’m not just saying that – every item of clothing I ever buy is scrutinised for how it makes my stomach look!

Maybe a black pencil skirt, possibly denim, and black open toed stilletos?