I have never had a waist or hip; In my 20s I always described myself as “straight up and down”. Now, babies and epidemics later, I’m 25 pounds heavier, and it all appears around my stomach. It seems as if fashion is doing a better job of appreciating a woman’s “curves”, but it always means hips and booties, never a bell. How do I dress to flatter my new shape? – Lisa, San Francisco
Many of us have changed shape since last year as we were locked indoors and the sensory joys of life had diminished so much that could come out of the kitchen, walk around the block and you would see the person in your house How much hag can I do?
Wrote a lot about “Quarantine 15“- how they happened, how to lose them – but it is also true that it is only possible to be at peace with them, to prioritize what is important to the individual. Unquestionably more to worry about than a new spare tire. There is more, and if we accept different types of shapes after the previous year, then this is a positive development.
Director, writer and actor, Leena Dunham captured it An instagram post In December when she wrote, “Oh hey, just self-segregation with my pod, my pot belly and my sunglasses” – a post liked more than 115,000 times.
But you are correct in saying that when fashion focuses on women and weight, it focuses on breasts and bottoms instead of bells. For example, stating that when IMG’s modeling arm decided it wanted to represent older girls (good), the agency rejected the “plus-size” terminology (better!) Throughout, But then on calling his new division … “Curve”
So how to proceed?
For expert advice, I turned to Elizabeth Saltzman, who works with stylists Jody Comer and Sandra Oh, and Carla Welch, a stylist who works with Tracy Ellis Ross and Sarah Paulson. Ms. Welch also co-founded an app Vashi Which advises users on style and wardrobe.
Both women said forget Spanx – it’s for the “red carpet”, Elizabeth said – and focus on comfort and what makes you feel good. Both also said that do not show off your stomach, wearing mumuna does not exist. That an intention usually has the opposite effect. In addition, empire-waist tops and dresses make equal motherhood in many minds and should thus be avoided. (So holding one’s hand does not fill anyone’s stomach. Just think of Meghan Markle.)
Fashion, however, is a major tool of optical illusion, when used correctly, to manipulate the eye of the beholder.
For example, do not ignore the waist. Even if you think you don’t have one, you can make one with a cheerful skirt and a tucked-in top – preferably one with an interesting sleeve to pull the eye. (Sleeves are big this season, anyway.) According to Carla, it’s also worth investing in a great belt for the same reason. And the A-line skirt in bright colors or patterns will cover your belly without stressing.
High-rise pants perform a similar function, especially when paired with a boxed blazer – Elizabeth’s favorite fix-all. Wear it over a tailored shirt (you don’t even have to tuck it) or dress.