What to wear for a family photo after major weight loss

[HappySonHappyMum]

First of all please be gentle! I've lost 9 stone in the past 18 months so I have no idea what I should be wearing anymore. I'm still 110kg and 5 foot 7. I really want to look nice for a photo with my daughter on the day but I have no idea what to wear. My weight loss has left me with a big stomach and saggy arms so I need to disguise them. I never wear skirts or dresses - I would feel incredibly odd if I did so would prefer trousers if possible. Am currently a size 20. Any general guidance would be appreciated. Please help.

Wow that is a fabulous achievement

What

Ok - speaking as someone who has gained weight , lost it, gained it again…

The photo isn’t just what you wear it is how you stand. Practice or even ask a friend to take photos!

Usually, turning a little to the side, so your feet are in a “two oclock” position can help.

Not only tho abut practice seeing if you look better if you consciously drop your shoulders and pull them back. Arms behind or one in front and one behind, or one behind+one in front

Male sure your neck is long, tip your chin up a little to pull the skin tighter , but stay relaxed. Imagine yourself drawn up by a string to your full height. Practice. It may feel a bit uncomfortable!

And most important - once you have feet in place , neck and Spine long, chin tipped up just a little - NOW pull your pelvis forward and as you do you should feel your stomach muscles contract and at that point squeeze you tummy tight and SMiLE! Snap.

Even the flabbiest old flab can be pulled in a bit, and a confident posture and smile will win the day - trust me.

Come back in the same outfit and give us a new photo!!!!

Something that doesn’t point centrally as it highlights the area you don’t like. So I’d say something like an empire line or drape co-ord set with long trousers. It’s cool and comfy without being clingy.

https://www.debenhams.com/product/boohoo-plus-woven-drape-blouse-trouser-co-ord_hzz41527?srsltid=AfmBOoq1AFktAz00kIWG4zRSnS0cRkof6nQhEBaYdeTt7wkAwetCG6Zh2-I

Wow! Thank you so much for all of your replies - I honestly thought I'd get flamed. Losing so much weight has been a real headf*ck to be honest - wearing size 18-20 clothes when you've been buying size 28-30 for years is pretty frightening actually. Going through my wardrobe and throwing out clothes that had been my 'go to' outfits for years because they were falling off me was pretty stressful. I'm having to find a whole new me in the clothes department and I now have access to shops that I would never have previously shopped in because they wouldn't have had my size. I absolutely love some of your suggestions and will go out and try some things on I think - it's my DDs graduation, she will be wearing a nice dress under her gown. I think the reason I am so anti dress is because I never wear them - and people will think I'm trying to hard to look nice when they see the photos, which is ridiculous I know.

@HappySonHappyMum Can you think of this as the new you! You are now a different version of yourself! I’ve lost some weight and I’m celebrating! I’ve DDs wedding coming up later this year and I’m buying dresses again for the first time in years! Everyone will be so proud of you and you will feel so proud of DD.

What does she think about an outfit for you? Would she like a new mum? Why not order some dresses from M&S? You can try them on at home and return if they don’t make you feel good? Just have a go! You can do this!

A linen type of co ord, you can find plenty with fairly long sleeves, you say you dont do dresses- try and find a milkmaid number (covers the arms, wear some cycling shorts under for your legs- assuming youll have some loose skin, I do after losing a significant of weight too!)
The dress in particular is a confidence booster for me, hides my arms, skims my tummy, comfy and i feel like ive made an effort.

Do you have a favourite pair of jeans? Them and a statement top might be lovely?

Its hard finding your style when youve lost a considerable amount of weight, but you will get there.
Ive been on a weight loss journey for 5 years, went from just shy of 24 stone, and now im 12 stone- and im finally finding what works for me.

Surprisingly shein has been quite good for me. I thought id do a few massive shopping hauls to find what works and what doesn't without it breaking the bank.

Huge congrats on losing the weight. Have a look at Melissa Murrell on YT - she has lots of videos on styling tips for all different shapes and sizes including apple shapes and apron stomachs. I know a lot of people on here are recommending dresses, but I have yet to find a flattering dress for my stomach. I think the right pair of trousers - wide legged, dark colour with a top which maybe is draped with some kind of detail. Also try a more delicate/pointy shoe as this gives a slimmer silhouette.

Also, I don't know if its been mentioned, but rantsandbigpants on Instagram is helpful for dressing your shape.

I am so grateful! I'm all over the youtube and Insta suggestions so thank you - and Shoes! I hadn't even thought about them!

@HappySonHappyMumI would not wear jeans at a graduation event. Few women will do this. It’s not appropriate.

Shoes - there is standing around! Often a drinks and canapé reception. Flat shoes might be a must!

As someone of similar size who has also lost weight (but not as much as you, very well done!) I avoided dresses for years. But I’d really encourage you to try some, I love them now, so comfortable and easy to wear. Don’t forget chubby rub shorts if not wearing tights. I’d say look for v necks and loose or a line fitting. And really don’t think about what others think (easier said than done I know) - this day is for your daughter and you not anyone else.

I would be with you on the personal shopper front, I know they are good but I’d find it embarrassing. I think online ordering might be your friend, order lots and send back what you don’t like. And try on things you think you won’t like, you might surprise yourself!

Congratulations on your weight loss OP, that is a fabulous achievement.

I'm the same size as you and was never much of a dressy person until I discovered chub rub shorts! I feel weird and half naked without them 🤣