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Let's be honest here...we're all donning something different in the midriff department. Some of us have flat waspish midriffs and others are hovering more around the squidgy `Pillsbury Dough Boy’ or have no inkling of a waist at all (that's me). Whichever you’re sporting it's totally fine and learning how to embrace it and work with our body is a positive step to respecting your body.
Our current form is usually down to a mixture of factors from our bone structure/genes and life events, such as childbirth or surgery to the effects of our lifestyle and the ageing process. All tums are lovely tums because they're unique to the owner.
It's important to embrace who we are, what we have and all our little foibles that go with it and if there are ways to give certain areas a helping hand with a more comfortable fit and give us a bit more style confidence, then why the heck not... flippin"Make it so" as Jean Luc Picard would say.
We’re all different and our proportions are absolutely unique to us, so I’ve kept the guidelines simple, because a full body confidence session to work with your natural proportions is always a better option...performed by yours truly, of course mwah mwah.
So what do you need to ‘TO LOOK FOR’ in garments for a comfier fit and what do you need to be more ` MINDFUL OF’? Before I continue though I want to be absolutely clear that I'm not telling you what to wear, merely giving you my professional insights and advice that I have used for years and which have made my clients feel much more comfortable.
Once you've nailed your happy self image and are body positive to the tee, then style rules go out the window and you wear what the heck you like.
In my own journey, I found that knowing a bit more about what works and what doesn't will help you make more mindful choices and look and feel the million dollars you deserve to. Just saying.... Let's have a looksy then at some pointers...
LOOK FOR
Bloused out’ tops (teased out from a trouser/skirt waistband) can work really well if you feel that your tum is a little rounded, and for those with a little more 'fleshy love' go for a more semi fitted/ narrow tunic style top that settles lower on your hips. Keeping your bottom half with a slim fit will give you a lovely silhouette.
Curved hem shirts and tops are a fabulous because they optically draw the eye downwards and create a lovely symmetry with your curves.
Ruched tops and wrap dresses in a quality fabric that lie flat over the tummy
Good fitting underwear. Some dresses come with inner lycra linings and slips too.
Empire line dresses/tops in which the waistband sits higher up the torso (under the bust) are so gorgeous especially if you have a medium to large bosom.
So too are babydoll styles or trapeze dresses in good quality fabrics.
Single breasted jackets buttoned from the waist will provide snugly support to your tummy area.
Blocks of dark colour positioned strategically are also awesome allies to your confidence and any stripes show off your curves. A smaller waist is emphasised here and so too are the neckline and lower thighs.
A higher rise in bottoms can hold your tummy snugly in situ, proportions allowing, and reduce the risk of any rub on your fleshier bits. Same principle goes for hosiery, if they're too short in the body they'll create that bothersome and uncomfortable feeling of tights rolling down and moving your flesh about.
Flat fronted trousers/skirts with back or side zips and small or no waistbands.
Longer layering (cardigans/boyfriend jackets) worn over darker coloured tops (plain or patterned) creates a vertical emphasis giving a more column like and fluid silhouette.
Highlight and create focal points in areas that you do like, for example bright colours, prints, scarves and statement jewellery. Anything worn near the face can show off those dazzling eyes and awesome features. Celebrate your assets.
Garments with embellishment to necklines will help you feel even more fabulous
Oversized bags can hold the kitchen sink and give your outfit a more put together look, especially if they work with your colour scheme.
BE MINDFUL OF
Front pleats and gathered waist details or those that have elastic running through the seam can often sit funny causing you to fidget with them or flatten them out.
Baggy shapeless tops may cover your tum and help you feel hidden but they can do your lovely form an injustice. Showing a little shape (to your comfort level) is always the way to go and it draws the eye to your feminine silhouette. Wear the right size for a better fit and don't worry about the number on the label.
Tied tops where the knot rests on your tum can look a bit awkward, so place it to the side of your waist if you can,
Skin tight tops and clingy fabrics if you are self conscious. If not, that's great but fabrics that skim are much more comfortable and behave better on your skin.
Tops whose hem sits on and across the area you aren't comfortable with.
Low rises, are really tricky to work fit wise around a fuller midriff.
Try to steer clear of belts if possible unless you know where they work best on your body and you feel ok wearing them. Some women find them a little constricting.
On a dress or longer top, which comes with a belt attached, look to wearing them looser and tied slightly to the side.
Synthetic fibres don't hold their shape and form after frequent washing, therefore look for quality natural fabrics or those with with a little added lycra.
See.. nothing too taxing really and these little tweaks really can make a difference! Clothes should be treated as our best friends and choosing the right colours, shapes and styles for you can make all the difference to your styling confidence, no matter your size or shape.
Lots of styling love
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Sara x
IF YOU HAVE ANY TUMMY STYLING QUANDARIES, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO COMMENT, I'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU.