Ok so, I have a wide hip/stomach area and that really annoy "pouch" thing in the front below my belly button. My dad's getting married on the 23rd and I had to get sun dresses for the wedding. My oh my this was a task. Every dress I tried on either was too small or looks like I'm wearing a bag over my body. I am horridly frustrated and need some tips/tricks to help out with this area, please? Also, have any of you ever tried those Aquifina Alive waters? There is one that has Fiber in it and I must say it kept me satisfied for a few hours after drinking one bottle. (Maybe it was just psychological, who knows. lol)

Anyway, have a lovely day & thanks again!

I looked high and low for a dress for a reunion. Finally, I went to Macy's website and found a turquoise sundress (on sale!) and bought it. It was well tailored to skim over that whole area you are talking about and was flattering. Since then, I started looking at Macy's for other plus size clothes. They are high in price, but have good sales if you keep looking. The clothes look good on this bod! Good luck!

I haven't worn a dress in years. For occassions like weddings I would always wear black pants and a long suit jacket or duster. Look on coldwatercreek.com they have some great dusters- sheer asian looks. I also got an inexpensive Red multi-colour sheer one from JCP penney once that I loved wearing. I might still have it- but if I sent it to you not sure it would get there in time from Canada.
Other than that- maybe a wrap dress?

Thank you!

What part of Canada are you from?
My dad's fiance is from Ontario. She is living down here now.

A good supportive undergarment can work wonders, I'm told. I think Spanx is a popular brand.

I did buy some Spanx. It helped smooth everything out but unfortunately it didn't tuck anything in. I guess that's all it is supposed to do. Thanks anyway!

maybe you can post a photo? I'm a good shopper and would love to help you out.

Are you pear shaped or do you carry your weight in your torso? It is doubly hard because you are shorter, too. I have a friend who is short and carries all her wieght from the waiste up- it is difficult but we found 3 dresses for her recently.

a-line dresses are the best bet. i am the same shape, i am actually not plus sized at all on top and it just gets bigger and bigger the lower you go haha. i went to a wedding in november and wore a very pretty dress from ann taylor loft for $99 and it covered the bad area and i got control top pantyhose.

I agree about those A-line dresses.
Right now I'm wearing what's almost like a "baby doll" dress ... not quite though, but it does have a the super high waistline. Not too fitted though, so what I do is take a matching belt and cinch it around my waist. Voila - instant curves! And it just flows out from under the belt too so covers the tummy (my problem area too).

I'll try to get a picture of this.

Try finding a mock-wrap dress (crosses over in front) or one with a very defined waist (with seaming or banding). This draws the emphasis from the lower stomach/hips up to your upper body and lets the rest just sort of get camo-ed under it. Look for something A-line, as well (floats away from the lower body).

Yes! Empire waist is definitely the way to go for the shape described by the OP. One of those dresses that looked like bags could maybe even work if you take a wide belt and put around your chest, just below the breasts.

I love the undergarments from Spanx and Target has a cheaper version called Access (I think) but marketed by the same women who developed Spanx.
I mail ordered for two dresses recently, bought them in two different sizes and with wearing the Spanx, I was able to wear the smaller size and more importantly felt and looked comfortable.
Suzy

Lane Bryant has some really great dresses.....they carry a lot more online than in the stores.