Let's style that momma booty!

December 27, 2014 4:23 PM

Until I loose that last 30 pounds from having a baby I got a bit of a belly and butt to contend with. What clothing can I wear that doesn't make me look like a sausage?

Formerly slim and tall lady here, now still tall but about 30 pounds overweight in the belly and butt having just had a baby. I'm working the whole diet and exercise thing, and hoping to be back to my previous weight soon enough. But in the meantime I need some temporary clothing and style that doesn't highlight my butt, my belly or make me look like a sausage. I'd like to still be stylish - my look is typically casual. Something like this, this or this would have been my previous look. What do you recommend I do now? Style and store recommendations welcome.

posted by Toddles to Shopping (9 answers total)

My go-to postpartum look was skinny jeggings with a waist high enough to hold in my tummy (I got mine at JC Penney but couldn't find them again when I tried to buy more), a nursing tank or long maternity tank, and Oxford shirts from Old Navy on top. I had voile and eyelet shirts in the summer, and heavier cotton or flannel ones for the winter. The shirt sort of floats over "problem areas" and allows boob access for nursing. I would tuck the jeans into boots, or roll them and wear ballet flats or sandals. It was really nice having a uniform I didn't have to think about, especially one that is flattering and more put together than yoga pants!
posted by apricot at 4:43 PM on December 27, 2014 [3 favorites]

Look for A-line skirts and dresses (none of those pencil skirts), and "curvy" cut pants. I really like Loft's Curvy Straight jeans and Old Navy's Sweetheart Skinny jeans. Dress Barn (don't be put off by the horrible name) has cute dresses that fit curves nicely.
posted by radioamy at 4:44 PM on December 27, 2014

Also at risk of stating the obvious, Spanx (or the cheaper but just as awesome Assets by Sara Blakely) are great for smoothing everything under a dress.
posted by radioamy at 4:45 PM on December 27, 2014

Oh, for dresses look at the fit and flare style at Lands End. I'm on my phone so I can't link, but they have a whole section of that style on their site.
posted by apricot at 4:55 PM on December 27, 2014

What stores did you shop at previously? Have you checked out their current offerings to see if any selective choices would work for your new body? (Make sure to try things on before dismissing them.)

For example, J.Crew is normally not that forgiving of flab--but I recently bought a plaid flannel shirt from them that would definitely skim over a baby pooch. If you like Anthropologie's aesthetic, they always have flowy tops in stock and putting an open blazer on top will give you the illusion of waist definition.

You can also schedule a personal stylist appointment at a big department store like Nordstrom, letting them know about your new body shape. I've never done so myself but have heard many good things.
posted by serelliya at 5:22 PM on December 27, 2014

I liked long shirts, tights and belly bands, tight low rider pants with long shirts, and shirred clingy dresses like the ones here. Cowls. Don't get belted stuff until your waist comes back, it's just annoying.
posted by feets at 6:09 PM on December 27, 2014 [1 favorite]

Wrap dresses are your friend! They really help with the tummy area.
posted by christinetheslp at 6:49 PM on December 27, 2014 [2 favorites]

Gap curvy skinny jeans.
The Vanessa wrap tee from Sundance.
A long sweater or hoodie and boots or booties of your choice.
posted by hapax_legomenon at 7:24 PM on December 27, 2014 [1 favorite]

In the long run, I ended up adding a lot of dresses and scarfs/necklaces. I dress up more now, but pants are a lot less forgiving for me. Dresses also take less time to make into an outfit. (Boden has been my go-to for wear and go. Talbots was good for basic dresses but required adding more accessories.)
posted by typecloud at 11:58 AM on December 28, 2014