Wardrobe questions for fuller figures....

[columbine]

Isn't it good to look pregnant your whole life, so people will give you their seat (because you don't have a seat of your own)? Yep, that's me too! I agree with the long shirts, empire waists, and go for comfort, because when you feel uncomfortable, you look uncomfortable, and people pick it up from your body language and tend to be more critical of your looks without even knowing they're doing so.

Love, Columbine

[Callie]

Sure glad I don't have your behinder problem but I sure do the other one.

Used to love the 'sleek' fit of things...until one day I saw a picture of me in one of my favorite outfits. I looked like a stuffed sausage! Enough of that...so now I go for comfort and alter as needed.

Overblouses are a god-send for those with a prominent tummy. No more fussing with tucking/untucking either...blessed relief from ripped out sleeves, too. High bosom and broad shoulders don't mesh with tucked in tailored shirts very well.

Be comfy and take in the pant legs, if needed.

Callie

[catnapper]

I knew PTers would have the same issue.

Lori, Noassatall disease! LOVE it! I am inflicted with that one myself. And yes, Kim, I get the saggy crotch syndrome too. I am NOT petite in any way but I've found petite pants fit me awesome. No hemming, the rise is just perfect. I would have NEVER tried on petite pants if not for getting a box of them. (by the way, they are all Old Navy flared bottom khakis in different colors and I can't wear them. Anyone petite and a size 18, PM me and I'll ship them to you.)

Ok, now I have another issue then. If I get the tops to be fuller around the tummy to cover tighter pants, then they tops are too big everywhere else. Which surprises me because I am rather ample-chested and broad-shouldered.

[Karen]

Check around, there may be a local tailor who can take in the shoulders of the tops that are too big up there, and can adjust the "saggy bottoms" on pants that fit well in front. Depending on how much they charge you might want to get a few items done, so you can look AND feel good!

[Catlady711]

I have found that clothing sizes and fits seem to vary all over the place depending on the style and manufacturer. And I've been every size in the last 12 years from size 24 to size 8!!

Since you were given the clothes and didn't have the option of picking them out yourself for fit, then I'd say ask some sewing friends if they can alter then, or check your yellow pages for a seamstress to make the ones you have fit better.

Personally I've always found that having a looser fit feels better, and a more taylored type top elimitates that 'pregnant' look.

[CathyBogart]

I usually go for what's comfortable and only worry about how it looks if it's something like work clothes where I need to look professional.

[catnapper]

I sorely wish I had the money to take everything to a tailor. I certainly can't do it myself (hems, buttons, etc are within my talent, but thats about it). If I had spare money for wardrobe I would have bought things to begin with

My coworkers were threatening to write to "what Not To Wear" about me! I can see their letter now "Our store designer is a sweet woman who takes care of herself last. Her idea of new clothes are hand-me-downs from friends and strangers." I'm sure Stacy and Clinton would be yelling at me about a tailor too (they were yelling at someone on last week's episode )