Autumn casual wear recommendations that are flattering on flabby stomachs

[Bluffingwithmymuffin]

I had a baby earlier this year and have lost weight but still have a paunch / belly that sticks out so most of my pre-baby autumn clothes don't fit. The paunch is particularly pronounced as I have diastasis recti.

I'm finding dressing this body shape difficult as I'm size 8 measurement for most of my body but needing to wear size 12 clothes because of the paunch, I'm also short at 5'2 and need breastfeeding friendly clothes. I used Claude to help design a capsule wardrobe but I have struggled to buy bottoms as they've been uncomfortable.

Does anyone have any recommendations? I like wearing shirts and have an elasticated skirt that I basically live in but would really like jeans, cords and dresses too. Thanks!

Pretty Mama do a great range of breastfeeding clothes

Would elasticated waist trousers work? There are loads around.

I'm interested in ideas too OP. I also have a post pregnancy belly and don't know how to dress. I'm currently just wearing 'Mom jeans' and oversized (for me) tops - but I don't think I look good. I haven't ever looked at breastfeeding specific tops as, tbh, I've thought they're a marketing gimmic...

Lottie Drynan and Carys Whittaker are good people to follow on instagram and also the confident mama (Melissa Suffield) for comfortable waistbands, larger stomach etc.

I found a smock shirt dress, this sort of shape worked well for after I had DD and was bfing also the technique where you have 2 tops layered and pull one up and one down.

I love that dress, especially as it buttons down for breastfeeding - thanks so much.

Melissa Suffield is a great recommendation
, I have pretty much the same body shape as her atm just with a bigger bum!

I am doing the same as you but I realised last month that I am really unhappy with such a limited wardrobe - especially when I see my colourful pre-pregnancy clothes.

Also haven't bought breastfeeding specific clothes as it feels like a waste of money for such a short period of time.

Hopefully this is just a short phase for both of us, and if it isn't the kids better be grateful for our sacrifice 😂

Even with elasticated waistbands it is hard to find the right fit due to my awkward measurements. I have found skirts that work, but not jeans or trousers. They seem to sit at the flabbiest part so they dig in deeply when I sit down. Maybe I just need to go for low waist or wide elasticated bands...

I breastfed my kids (currently bf DC3) for about 2.5 years (each) and I never bothered with breastfeeding-friendly tops. They are often overpriced and not really stylish (for me) . Just a regular shirt, shirt dress or a top I can lift up. The only thing I stopped wearing were pinafore-style dresses that cannot be accessed without lifting the whole thing up. DC3 has recently started nursery at 18 months and the first thing I wore on my first day back to work was a pinafore dress 😅.

I don't know if you can purchase these in UK they are currently reduced from 52 EUR to 9 EUR! I bought them at full price and currently wearing them post partum. They are super flattering, I wear them with a Claudia Traitors inspired jumper (for breastfeeding under), Adidas trainers, a Barbour jacket and hoop earrings. You can order them in your normal size whilst having space for the mumtum.

https://www.next.ie/en/style/su952660/g57619?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23694589156&gbraid=0AAAAADn-_y-SyQVfycGeqpkugvVyiw_Tp&gclid=Cj0KCQjw6ObWBhDDARIsAFdfcUgCLk6rb7oXaLOE4FzvCG8sp32Fz_h9k8LGXwh3ge02YOZ5myuVkEAaAmt8EALw_wcB#G57619. Whoops forgot link

@Bolonese These are fab - I hadn't considered looking at maternity clothes, thank you. Love the sound of your Claudia Traitors inspired outfit, comfortable but still fun and stylish.