Short-Waisted with a Big Tummy

About Us

Ask The Style Expert

Clothing Care

Closets

Dressing

Shopping

Ten Things

Travel Guide

Resources

Contact Us

Home

Help! I need some suggestions for casual wear. I have broad shoulders, short waisted/no waist, a fat tummy and long legs. Hips and behind are average for being 38 years old and female.

Sounds like you and I are shaped very much alike! I've found a couple of things that create the illusion of a more defined waist and a smaller stomach. I really like boot cut pants that sit just below the waist, like the ones from Banana Republic. They're very flattering, even when you have a top tucked in (though I often wear a hip-length or longer top untucked over pants and skirts, especially when I'm retaining water).

Tops with shirring on the sides (lots of drawstring tops out right now--the drawstrings run up and down the sides rather than around the bottom, and create the illusion of a waist). I also have found that princess cut dresses, with the "waist" right under the bust and a slight A-line skirt are very flattering.

Hope that helps!

Regards,

Kat