How do you dress for it? I have a huge nasty droopy tummy and a tire around my waist. I have heard about tunic tops, but also how baggy shirts make you look bigger. And "cinching at the waist" doesn't work with my body type. It's kinda hard to describe my body type, I guess I could post a picture. I have such a distorted body image that I don't even know what my type is. My best guess is some weird apple/hourglass hybrid. Sorry if posting a picture is kind of weird...

Your figure is not weird or bad at all. Your arms are tight, breast sitting upright, hips and legs look tight as well.

I have what I call a spare tire as well and I find it difficult to find shirts. I did however buy a shirt last year from Francesca's Collections I believe it called which had an empire type design. I like the kind of shirt that does not cling to my belly.

I was going to suggest the empire-style as well, which works with my pear shape. Have to say, I wish I had your hips! Have you tried Torrid? Since I'm small on top, that store hasn't worked so well for me, but I think some of their stuff would look terrific on you.

You're adorable!

You need to abandon the low rise jeans. I'm not saying go out and get some mom jeans, but a dark rinse in a trouser cut will make a WORLD of difference if you get the right ones. You will have to try a few because it's hard to find jeans that skim just right in the front without making your but look weird, but it's worth it.

Second, you might try somewhat longer tops. It's awesome that you're layering, but you need to find something just a bit longer, like mid-hip. Still go with fitted tees, but fitted does not have to mean tight.

Go for a longer sleeve or one that doesn't fit tight on your arm.

Also, Spanx tanks are awesome. They just sort of smooth everything out.

You're shaped a lot like me *cough 100 pounds ago* cough and those are the things that worked for me.

The What Not To Wear books are really good for breaking down area by area what things work and what don't.

I think that anything belted at the waist, not at the hips, would look good on you. Your body has that nice inward curve at the waist and any dress, jacket, or loose shirt that you bring in with a belt placed at the smallest part of your waist would look great and I think get rid of that "spare tire" look

Try on clothes, try on clothes, try on clothes.
You NEED to be that b*tch hogging the dressing room with your "6 at a time" and a friend outside with 106 more. You'll develop an eye for what works for you.

As a guess - fitted tops that cinch under the bust but release to the hip. I bet if you got a long enough blouse you could pull off leggings, you young thing you... Trousers with a wide leg - use your narrower bottom to "balance" your top. Create some hips and butt, and the tum will cease to take center stage.

Dresses?

You're gorgeous. Go thee hence and ownerize it!



(We edit a**? But it's such a great word.)

i second the tummy tanks, they are a godsend! i am more a pear shape, and don't have that much tummy, but it tucks and smooths everything. I totally believe in faking it until you make it!

edit: it makes my boobs perkier too! i don't think you need that, but i like the feeling of being locked and loaded.