topic Re: Fashion Question... Need answers/advice in Fashion

Fashion Question... Need answers/advice

coffeegal — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 14:02:46 GMT

Good Morning..

I have a question and wonder what you would suggest.

After having 3 children, 2 by C-Section, and about 5 surgeries, I have what would be called a little more than just a "pooch" of a stomach. While it isn't big, big, it does protrude, and I have been wearing tunics, or a longer camisole and then a top..

My question is this: I see some really cute sweaters and they aren't tunic length. So do I still do what I have been doing and putting the longer camisole underneath or is there something else I can do?

Needless to say, I am self conscious, and I will not wear a shorter sweater and have my stomach show..

I know I cant be alone in feeling this way..

Thank you.

Re: Fashion Question... Need answers/advice

151949 — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 14:14:18 GMT

Do you wear a spanx under your clothing? That tends to smooth out the bulges. Then you can wear whatever you like over it.

Re: Fashion Question... Need answers/advice

lolakimono — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 14:17:38 GMT

Can you post an example of a sweater you like?

And what pants do you wear with these sweaters?

Re: Fashion Question... Need answers/advice

coffeegal — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 14:36:06 GMT

On 11/2/2014 lolakimono said:
Can you post an example of a sweater you like?

And what pants do you wear with these sweaters?

The sweaters I like, were from Twiggy, the other day, one had a solider on it, and the other one had an owl on it.. I thought they were cute. Pants, jeans or regular pants

Re: Fashion Question... Need answers/advice

coffeegal — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 14:38:02 GMT

I do like to wear leggings and tunics and that's why I wear the camisole under shorter tops.

Re: Fashion Question... Need answers/advice

gardensla — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 14:41:47 GMT

I think you need to expand your horizons a bit!

Ruching around the sides and waist can help hide a tummy (see this one) as can a surplice top such this one. Also any top that's fitted at the ribcage and flows from there such as this sweater.

While it's counter-intuitive, so can a wide belt cinched just below the ribcage.

Also, prints are a huge help, particularly those designed to give the illusion of a waist, such as this one from Linea (probably more examples here.)

Re: Fashion Question... Need answers/advice

lolakimono — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 14:45:06 GMT

With those sweaters, I would probably wear a shaping cami underneath.

You might like the fit of Land's End Starfish pants, for the thick waistband.

Re: Fashion Question... Need answers/advice

coffeegal — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 14:48:11 GMT

On 11/2/2014 gardensla said:
I think you need to expand your horizons a bit!

Ruching around the sides and waist can help hide a tummy (see this one) as can a surplice top such this one. Also any top that's fitted at the ribcage and flows from there such as this sweater.

While it's counter-intuitive, so can a wide belt cinched just below the ribcage.

Also, prints are a huge help, particularly those designed to give the illusion of a waist, such as this one from Linea (probably more examples here.)

Thank you... I do have one surplice top rom Susan in the brown.. and I don't own a ruched top. I also have some things of Louis's, but not this one..

I do think I would like ruched tops.. I'll be on the lookout for them..

Thanks again.

Re: Fashion Question... Need answers/advice

coffeegal — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 14:49:29 GMT

On 11/2/2014 lolakimono said:
With those sweaters, I would probably wear a shaping cami underneath.

You might like the fit of Land's End Starfish pants, for the thick waistband.

Thank you. My lands end catalog came yesterday, I will have to look there..

The owl sweater is very short. 25".. I just wish some of these were just a tad bit longer. After all, we aren't all Twiggy! LOL!!

Re: Fashion Question... Need answers/advice

IControlMyHappiness — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 14:51:44 GMT

I wear the spanx tanks under my clothes, especially things that are more form fitted. For sizing purposes, I buy my normal bust size but I found it more comfortable to size up one so now I purchase the 1X instead of the XL. But if you have a "pouch" as many of us do....make sure you size UP one size so it wont ride up during the day. I also tuck the spanx cami inside my panty so it does not move at all.

Re: Fashion Question... Need answers/advice

lolakimono — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 14:53:40 GMT

I mention the shaping cami because Renee had this sweater on last week during A.M. Style and even she had a pooch. And we know that she wears an XXS!

Re: Fashion Question... Need answers/advice

coffeegal — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 14:56:10 GMT

On 11/2/2014 sunshine3215 said:
I wear the spanx tanks under my clothes, especially things that are more form fitted. For sizing purposes, I buy my normal bust size but I found it more comfortable to size up one so now I purchase the 1X instead of the XL. But if you have a "pouch" as many of us do....make sure you size UP one size so it wont ride up during the day. I also tuck the spanx cami inside my panty so it does not move at all.

Thank you.. I do have a black & off white v neck with the lace top from Spanx. I will try those.. but they aren't the size bigger.

Re: Fashion Question... Need answers/advice

IControlMyHappiness — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 15:07:42 GMT

This is the one I wear, it has support, and firmness. may not feel like it but it does work.

I'd suggest trying one and see if it makes a difference, also take a picture of yourself wearing under a sweater to see the difference. Then take a picture of yourself with the same sweater and NOT wearing the tank. If the difference is great enough for you then you will know it works.

A219020

<h1 class="fn">Spanx Trust Your Thinstincts Tank</h1>

Re: Fashion Question... Need answers/advice

silkyk — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 16:27:20 GMT

You might want to try an all one piece bodybriefer to smooth everything out...I love the Flexees brand. Works for me!

Re: Fashion Question... Need answers/advice

author — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 16:52:20 GMT

I detest wearing shapewear, will do it only for special occasions when I truly feel better with some shaping, and don't want to invest in it for every day wear.

Instead, choosing cuts and shapes that flatter works well for me - ruching is great, fit and flare too as in the new Linea swing sweater A259620 which perfectly camouflages my tummy and is slimming all over. The weight of this sweater is good too; flimsy thin clingy tops (some Logo) only make it worse.

Sometimes long tunics look bad too as they emphasize any pooch if they cling underneath that area. A loose cami or tank, some shirring or a bias cut, with a more fitted top worn open (jacket, cardi, etc.) works well. You'll have to try some things and experiment because you really can look better with the right top.

Re: Fashion Question... Need answers/advice

MaeE — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 16:57:21 GMT

Sounds like you have it right. I like the look of the longer tops underneath to give that illusion of leaner..When we cut tops too short it emphasizes the middle..Thank goodness, longer tops are in..and the longer open front sweaters with uneven bottoms are just great and allow us more freedom to do layers. Good luck and continue being style conscious..

Re: Fashion Question... Need answers/advice

snapdragons — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 17:24:21 GMT

Have you tried a higher rise jean? I like the Lee Rider Slimming Jean boot cut. They are very comfortable and the rise is at my belly button. I could go down a size from a 8 to a 6. I can wear my shorter tops without my tummy showing and helps hold back the tummy.

I also purchased 3 button high waisted straight leg jeans, they sit above my belly button and again can wear my shorter shirts and sweaters, and also help hide my tummy. They are very cute on and the shorter shirt shows off the buttons

I will wear my boy short shapewear panties occasionally, which I think work better than the shapewear shirts, I am always tugging at the shirts to pull them back into place.

Re: Fashion Question... Need answers/advice

faeriemoon — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 17:26:01 GMT

I like the short over long look so I think you will look great.

Re: Fashion Question... Need answers/advice

Tinkrbl44 — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 17:36:45 GMT

I highly recommend the Carol Wior Belly Band panties .... they are great!

As for covering the tummy without looking like you're wearing maternity wear , try loose tops that come to wear your legs meet your body ....

Re: Fashion Question... Need answers/advice

goodstuff — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 17:59:45 GMT

Layering can be a very good friend to those of us with "tummies". A dark or neutral tank, mock turtleneck, or other close-fitting, non-bulky layering piece or dress recedes and de-emphasizes body flaws under an open jacket, cardi, or other outer layering piece. If the jacket or cardi is a bright/contrasting color or a pattern to draw attention away from one's middle, even better! Eye-catching necklaces or earrings or well-placed garment embellishments draw attention upwards and away from the tummy area.

Sometimes a longer button-front tailored blouse worn so that the hem peeks out from under a shorter, non-bulky pullover sweater can work (if you like the look), but it depends on the shape and proportions of the pieces -- and your shape and proportions. Tummies and shapes are very individual, so I'd suggest you play with different top styles, hem lengths, layers, ruching, belts, etc. to see what works best for you. I personally wouldn't wear shapewear every day for casual wear; just too darned uncomfortable for anything but special occasions!