^ Dressing with confidence - style tips to hide a bloated tummy
Midlife and Beyond Midlife brings many changes, and one of them that I know personally only too well is the occasional bloated tummy.
It's a natural occurrence, but it can leave you feeling self-conscious and uncomfortable. While diet and remedies can help, it's essential not to let your style take a back seat.
I've got some outfit ideas to keep you comfy and looking put together.
1. Embrace the loose fitting dress and blazer/jacket combo. A loose-fitting dress paired with a structured blazer or jacket (like I am pictured wearing) is a winning combination. The jacket adds structure to your look and prevents it from feeling frumpy. This ensemble effortlessly combines style and comfort, allowing you to feel confident all day.
2. Master the art of layering. Structured layers are your best friends. Start with your comfiest jeans or trousers then add a graphic print t-shirt or cami worn loosely for that relaxed feel. On top of this, layer a tailored shirt, a cardigan, or a biker jacket. The key is to keep your bottom half fitted while allowing the top to flow comfortably. High-waisted jeans or trousers can prevent any discomfort around the middle area. There are some stylish elasticated waist options available like these soft cotton jeans pictured from Next.
3. Flatter Your Figure with a loose fitting short dress. A-line, Flared or shirt style mini dresses (pictured) show off your legs and these cuts gracefully flow over your tummy area, giving you both comfort and elegance. Pair them with your favorite footwear, and you're ready to go!
4. Don't Forget to Accessorize. Accessorizing can work wonders. Don't underestimate the power of statement jewellery, a chic handbag, a vibrant scarf, or bold lipstick. These accessories divert attention from your tummy and make your entire outfit pop. When you feel good about your accessories, you'll feel great about yourself.
Remember, everyone is too preoccupied with their own lives to notice what you might be self-conscious about. Confidence is your best accessory, so embrace these style tips, dress up, show up, and be confident! You deserve to look and feel your best.
Who is enjoying the September sunshine?! There is certainly no need to pack away those summer clothes yet but the good news is that even when the nights start to draw in and the temperatures drop there are some exciting new trends to get onboard with for Autumn 23.
Read on for a summary of the main ones this season. Always remember to buy quality items, choose well and shop second hand where you can. You will be able to find almost all of these items on preloved sites such as Vinted and eBay and in your local charity shops too.
Colours
Pantone always come up with the colours for the new season as reflected on the AW designer catwalks.
Expect to see on the high street - dark pink (the pantone colour of the year), burgundy, coral/orange and deep red, light yellows and lighter shades of green such as minty/pistachio greens and pea greens plus light purples. Don’t forget that if you are nervous about any of these colours you can dip your toe into the trend with an accessory or two!
Checks
This trend never really went away but this season they are bolder and brighter incorporating some of the trending vibrant colours. The catwalks paid homage to the great Vivienne Westwood showcasing a punky vibe alongside checked pieces. Why not try a check jacket/blazer with your jeans or work trousers?
Pinstripes and suiting
Saint Laurent and Louis Vuitton were just two examples of designers who showed models dressed in sharp suiting, pinstripe blazers and skirts and fluid trouser suits. White button-down shirts were also everywhere proving that it is always a good idea to invest in those quality basics!
You could try wearing your suits with trainers for a more relaxed look. Pinstripe blazers are easy to find in charity shops. I found one recently for just £8.50. You could wear this with denim or over your dresses. Search out oversized versions in the men’s section.
Silver
Metallics are everywhere this season particularly silver. It’s super easy to add a silver clutch or a pair of silver shoes to your jeans and a nice top outfit. A pleated silver skirt like the one pictured from mint velvet will be so versatile come party season.
Blanket Scarves
Designers wrapped larger than life scarves around models on top of coats and knit wear. Once again, a quick search on Vinted showed a huge variety available second hand. Drape a scarf over your shoulder. You could even secure with a brooch for extra style points.
Luxury Textures
Velvet was popular on the runway as well as shearling and boucle fabrics. Cosy and practical for those cold days to come. Coats and jackets will be everywhere as well as bucket hats and bags in these fabrics.
Maxi Dresses
You will have seen a lot of maxi denim skirts around in the summer particularly on Instagram. Longer lengths are set to continue to be popular over autumn especially for dresses. Wear now with your sandals and then with boots as temperatures drop. They are easy to layer too with jumpers and jackets.
Leather
Once again leather pieces were popular. Modes wore everything from skirts to dresses and trousers. The high street always makes this trend accessible with faux leather pieces. Why not invest in a coloured (think brown, burgundy, red) biker jacket or skirt? These pieces will always be on trend and are great staples to own.
In addition,
Puffa jackets are still popular this season and over the knee boots. I mentioned corsages in my previous accessory blog but bows are also having a moment as showcased by Victoria Beckham and Simone Rocha on tops and dresses. Coloured and patterned tights featured heavily too with black dresses and coats. An easy way to add some drama to your outfit!
So which pieces are on your list for the new season?
