Please help me I have no idea how to dress for my new body

[chancelloroftheexchequers]

Am desperately trying to lose the 2 stone I need to get rid of to get to m pre-pregnancy weight and getting nowhere fast.

Anyway, I've got a party to go to on Saturday and have no idea what will suit my new (depressing shape) and keep gravitating to things that would suit the old me.

Can anyone make any suggestions, I now have a fairly sizable chest (which I don't know how to dress) and a horrible, horrible belly.

My legs have held up pretty well, as has my bum as I only tend to put on weight on my tummy, arms and face.

Can anyone suggest anything to wear? It's an engagement party at a golf club, I am so depressed after a days shopping in town, I cannot seem to find anything that will hide my tummy.

(meant to say am a very typical apple shape, if that wasn't obvious).

Well... I would go for a v neck loosish longish top/short dress that you can wear over a pair of skinny trousers or leggings with some wedgey heels.

OR find a dress whish is ruched in some way acros the front panel (still showing off sizeable chest however), as that will help disguise your tum.

I can'T stress how much control pants come into their own on occasions like these...disregard them at your peril.

What about this from Bravissimo?

www.bravissimo.com/products/clothing/dresses-and-skirts/bravissimo/bh39-details.aspx

Thanks maidamess, I like the idea of a longish top.

What sort of control pants should I get, the ones that are like shorts or something else?

That's nice drum, I'm worried about it clinging to my stomach though.

Mrsmaidamess has just reminded me that Bravissimo also do this ruched number. It has had positive reviews on Mumsnet for itsd ability to flatter rounded tums:

www.bravissimo.com/products/clothing/dresses-and-skirts/bravissimo/bp13-details.aspx?colour=Red

Spanx are really good, but pricey.

That one's nice, thanks Drum. We have a bravissimo in town so I might go and try it on.

chancellor I believe as far as control pants go, the longer the better. My faves start under the boobs and go to mid thigh.

Thanks mrsmaidamess, is there any particular make/shop you'd recommend for control pants?

Let me know how it looks, CofE. I have similar 'challenges' and a posh birthday do to attend!

I bought some Spanx last week and they are working miracles on my post baby tummy (5 weeks so really quite grim ATM). The ones I got go from under the bust to above the knee. They are surprisingly comfy. £27 in John Lewis.

I got mine in Matalan, they were £10 and are great. They come in 'flesh' coloured or black.

Thanks ladies.

Can only really afford matalan atm, will have a look tomorrow.

I really hope they work, actually cried in town today over how hideous I look

DD is almost 6 months and I've actually put weight on in the last few months

this would look nice with some dark 'bottoms' of your choice, high heels and chunky beads. And control pants of course!

£10

I don't know where Matalan is but I might try and find out. Curses!

I bet you don't look as bad as you think. A few good sit up sessions works wonders. I do callanetics, which is very 80s I daresay but I honestly see results in 2 or 3 sessions. I imagine pilates would be similar.

The chiffon paisley dress bottom left I mean

Yes that one's quite nice, thanks maidamess.

CofE, don't cry. That's so sad. Try not to focus 100% on your body. Could you have your hair done on Saturday and do your nails/makeup really well to make yourself feel a bit more confident?

My local leisure centre has an excellent creche which I started using two years ago when I was feeling very low about my body. I am still overweight, but I like my body much more than I did when I started going to classes! Could you perhaps look into something similar? I know it won't happen by Saturday, but at least you'd be feeling happier about the next party you get asked to.

I hate to quote from fassion dilema shows (i.e. Gok) but the base of any outfit has to be well fitting underware!!

Control underware, really does, give more confidence - firms up the wobbley bits that prey on your mind.

Exagerate your good bits.. and forget the other bits, seriously - if you look happy and confident, then who cares!

For an added boost - try having your hair just blow dried and finished at a salon - so you look fresh and pretty.

Don't forget things like nails and skin - moisturise!!!!

Thanks everyone.

Drum, that's a good idea, thanks, will look for one.

re: the control pants though, aren't they a bugger to go to the loo in? that's what puts me off TBH.
(sorry to crash thread btw!)

No, they are fine. A bit of tugging and hey presto. Its a small price to pay for the difference they make.

what about one of those baggy fashionable dresses with opaque tights and shoe boots
Load on the smokey eyes pale lips and allow everyone to stare at your pins

Like the sound of the make up and tights. WOuld I not look pregnant in a baggy dress though?

I shall rephrase that, I look pregnant, won't that make it worse.