Throughout life, many of us women experience changes with our bodies starting from puberty, pregnancy to menopause. Body fluctuations can be a normal result of these big changes due to hormones or other health-related factors. I myself have struggled with my body fluctuating over the last ten years due to an underactive thyroid illness that has really impacted my health. So, if you are in a similar position then I can totally resonate with you as I personally know how it can knock your confidence.
As a personal stylist, I love helping women by giving them the style tools to look and feel good in their clothes. I meet many women whose body image challenges arise from fluctuating weight gain, this has a real knock-on effect on how they feel about themselves. You may feel lost on how to dress your changing shape or you may feel like you have lost your confidence completely. Firstly, it is important to note that you must accept and embrace where you are at right now. Please don't hate your body, be kind to yourself. Nurture it with good food, exercise, and wear clothes that make you feel great. I know it is not easy, and there are no quick magic solutions, but you just have to start somewhere. When I do these things it really does make me feel great.
Self-confidence starts from within so, when you start to make the change in the way you think about yourself then I believe it will positively impact all areas of your life. I really love this quote by author Vex King from his book Good vibes and good life. This book has had such a positive effect on my mindset so, if you do love a good book then this is worth a read.
In this blog, I hope that you will pick up a few nuggets of style information that will help you to start feeling better when you dress up daily. Clothes can have such a powerful effect on how we feel about ourselves. So, wearing the right styles for your fluctuating body shape is key.
Please note some of the below outfit ideas have affiliate links whereby I make a small commission. This enables me to continue to create these blogs and produce quality content for my followers. So if you want to purchase any of these items then please buy them via my links below the style boards. Here are my suggestions on what to wear when your body fluctuates.
Good underwear
Everything fits better when you are wearing good underwear and a bra. I cannot stress this enough. I meet so many women who don't invest in the correct underwear. When you fluctuate in weight then you may find your bra feels snug or if it leaves marks on your skin then that is a clear sign that you do need to go for a new bra fitting. Opt for soft comfort bras with a slight stretch as this will help to accommodate your fluctuating chest. I recommend brands Bravissimo, Rigby and Peller, Fantasie Lingerie, and John Lewis for great underwear and bra fitting services.
Tops TO CONCEAL THE TUMMY
Along with body fluctuation, you may also experience bloating tummy. I personally suffer from a bloating tummy which can make me feel conscious. Opt for peplum, longline shirts, wrap or smock style tops that skim over the tummy. Now I know these styles may not work for everyone but it's worth trying out a few different styles to see which top you feel the most comfortable in. Here are style ideas on what tops you can wear to cleverly conceal your tummy and how to style the complete look.
Sheer fabrics skim beautifully over the tummy area so blouses like this will perfectly hide a bloated tummy.
Top, Hm. To buy click here
Jeans, Hm. To buy click here.
Earrings, Oriela jewellery. To buy click here
Sunglasses, Riverisland. To buy click here
Sandals, Zara. To buy click here
Bag, M&S. To buy click here
Floaty tops like this look great on and are comfortable to wear.
Tops, Riverisland. To buy click here
Cargo drawstring trousers, Riverisland. To buy click here
Earrings, Orelia. To buy click here
Sandals, To buy click here
Bag, &otherstories. To buy click here
This shirred peplum top will stretch over the bust and cover the tummy area.
Top, Oasis. To buy click here
Sunglasses, Free people. To buy click here
Bag, &otherstories. To buy click here
Jeans, Hm. To buy click here.
Mules, Hm. To buy click here
All your tops don't have to have stretch. Why not opt for a relaxed-fit shirt like this stylish one from cos.
V neck loose shirt, Cos. To buy click here
Clutch, Fenwick. To buy click here
Jeans, Hm. To buy click here.
Necklace, Oriela. To buy click here
Courts, Boden. To shop click here
Elasticated waists
I recommend elasticated waistbands and stretchy fabrics all the way. This is the solution for any fluctuating body. I always opt for elasticated waists in my skirts, trousers, and even some dresses. It makes life a lot easier as I never have to worry if the item will fit me. Plus, elasticated waists are super comfortable! This also helps to alleviate the problem of buying items in two different sizes.
You can wear your skirts higher or lower depending on where it feels the most comfortable. Ideally, the skirt should sit at the smallest part of your waist.
I have bought this dress. The fabric and elasticated waist are so comfortable. The ditsy print is so pretty for spring.
Jacket, M&S. To buy click here
Dress, M&S. To buy click here
Bag, Next. To buy click here
Sunglasses, Aspinal. To buy click here
Trainers, Hm. To buy click here
Loose wrap knits like this will cover the tummy and the printed pleat skirt will camouflage and elongate the bottom half. Opt for jersey pleated skirts or sheer floaty styles that skim the hips.
Wrap knit, &otherstories. To buy click here
Bag, Next. To buy click here
Skirt, Oasis. To buy click here
Sunglasses, Aspinal. To buy click here
Trainers, Nike. To buy click here
This stretchy smock dress is gorgeous for spring/summer and will conceal the top of the arms and the tummy.
Frill denim jacket, Riverisland. To buy click here
Dress, Hm. To buy click here
Bag, Hm. To buy click here
Trainers, Hm. To buy click here
dresses to fit and flatter
Stretch jerseys or smock-style dresses are great to wear when you want to conceal any lumps and bumps. Printed styles will help to camouflage areas that you want to hide. When wearing a smock dress you can add a thin belt at the smallest part of your waist to create some definition. Dresses with fabric belts in the same colour are also great as they cleverly highlight the waist but still create a camouflage effect over curvier frames.
Personally, I love a dress it is usually my everyday go-to item. My thyroid issues have caused a lot of weight gain over the years so, I feel most comfortable in a printed dress, boots, and a cool leather biker that gives my shape structure on top.
This floaty sheer dress will cover everything. When I am not bloated on my tummy I may wear it with a thin structured belt to add more definition at the waist. Style with mules in spring/summer or style with a biker jacket and boots for cooler temperatures.
Dress, Mango. To buy click here
Sunglasses, Riverisland. To buy click here
Hoops, Monica Vinader. To buy click here
Bag, Mango. To buy click here
Mule, Next. To buy click here
Everyone needs a good jersey smock dress in their wardrobe. They are super easy to through on for everyday style with trainers or styled with sandals for holiday.
Dress, Hush. To buy click here
Sandal, Abercrombie, and Fich. To buy click here
Sunglasses, Hm. To buy click here
Bag, M&S. To buy click here
This lemon wrap dress is gorgeous in real life. This will mold around the body beautifully. You don't always have to go for very loose-fitting styles, embrace your curves when you are not feeling too conscious.
Blazer, Hm. To buy click here
Dress, Hm. To buy click here
Sandals, To buy click here
Sunglasses, Riverisland. To buy click here
Bag, &otherstories. To buy click here
Jersey Blazers
Knit jersey blazers or any jackets with a slight stretch will feel comfortable over your everyday outfits. Opt for a blazer with a great structured fit. When you wear this over a loose smock dress this will give more shape to your silhouette. A short stretch denim jacket will also highlight the waistline over a floaty dress.
A knit jersey blazer will give you that extra room when your body fluctuates. Whistles sell these blazers in lots of different colorways. If you are looking for quality jeans then these Good American jeans are great for curvier shapes. They have a great memory in their material so investing in these will last you many years.
Blazer, Whistles. To buy click here
Cami, Hm. To buy click here
Jeans, Good American from the Outnet. To buy click here
Bag, Mango. To buy click here
Sunglasses, Riverisland. To buy click here
Mules, &otherstories. To buy click here
Jersey blazer, M&S. To buy click here
V neck top. To buy click here
Wide leg jersey pants. To buy click here
Trainers, M&S. To buy click here
Bag, Allsaints. To buy click here
Stretch pants
Stretchy pants, jeans, or leggings with a great memory are perfect for us curvy ladies. The better quality you buy the better stretch memory they will have. You can also consider trousers with a drawstring that you can adjust according to your waist. Here are a few ways to style these pieces.
Jersey wide-leg trousers are a super comfortable wardrobe staple but I know some women are afraid to wear them. If you are short and curvy then wear them with a chunkier trainer to give you height and create balance.
Denim shirt, Hm. To buy click here
wide-leg jersey pants. To buy click here
Sunglasses, Hm. To buy click here
Bag, Arket. To buy click here
Veja, Arket. To buy click here
Instead of a white shirt maybe opt for a longline blouse that will give you a better fit and cover everything.
Longline top, Mint Velvet. To buy click here
Stretch leggings, John Lewis. To buy click here
Bag, John Lewis. To buy click here
Sunglasses, Hm. To buy click here
Sandals, Air, and Grace. To buy click here
I hope you found this blog post useful. As always I love to hear your feedback, please do leave me a comment below. If you have any personal requests for the next blog post then please do send me an email at info@thefashionstylefile.com
If you would like more information about my personal online styling or in-person personal styling services then please do get in touch. I can help you create a bespoke capsule wardrobe of considered outfits that will work effortlessly for your busy lifestyle. Please click here for my online styling services that can be booked directly via my website. For in-person services please do get in touch here.
Thanks for reading!
Jas x