Shift dress advice

Faith

I've seen a lot of shift dresses about recently and I love the tailored look of them. I've got an hourglass figure so I think they'd show my waist off really nicely. But the thing is, I'm a size 12 and I carry a bit of weight around my stomach. I usually go to great lengths to wear empire line styles, which show off my boobs while ignoring my stomach (and waist, usually). My question is, does it look a bit manky when someone wears something very fitted while carrying weight on their stomach? Or does showing off curves kind of win out?

stripysocks85

I think it would show off your figure very nicely. Perhaps you could get one that has extra material on the shoulders or some kind of detail that would draw the eye away? Or maybe a skinny belt around the waist? I bet it will look just fab anyway as long as your tummy isn't bulging out, which I doubt it is

AnneElizabeth

Faith wrote: »

My question is, does it look a bit manky when someone wears something very fitted while carrying weight on their stomach? Or does showing off curves kind of win out?

In my opinion, yes it does look gross when the stomach is showing. I think hiding the stomach is the most important thing. You could wear a loose dress with a belt, which would hide your stomach but show off your waist.

pixie_dust

I'm much the same, conscious of bit of a bulge in fitted dresses. The best way around it is probably magic knickers or spanx.

jos28

I think shift dresses would suit you but I would go for something with detail rather than a plain one. My sister got a gorgeous one in M&S. It was a shift dress with blocks of colour red/grey/black. I checked their website but it was last years stock so its not there now. Here's another one that might be good for you. It would look really good if you dont mind getting the legs out.
http://www.asos.com/Asos/Asos-Oversized-Sequin-Shift-Dress/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1121042&SearchQuery=shift%20dress&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Cream

Edit: I just found the M&S IN PURPLE ON EBAY
http://cgi.ebay.ie/M-S-New-Grey-Black-Purple-Shift-Dress-Size-8-RRP39-50-/320643948385?pt=Women_s_Clothing&hash=item4aa7de5f61#ht_500wt_1156

ceadaoin.

If you're paranoid about your stomach you could try a dress that is fitted in the waist but structured or ruched in the stomach area

Kind of like this one...

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Larianne

Gorgeous dress ^^

Where's it from?

Loopie

Hi Op,

I think with shift dresses, you need to make sure you're undies are structured (how very Gok Wan of me!) Seriously though, if you have a pair of smoothing drawers, or a fitted slip underneath, it will make such a difference to how the dress will look. I too carry weight on my stomach and if I wear a dress with normal undies on, it just doesn't have the same streamlined look.

L

ceadaoin.

Larianne wrote: »

Gorgeous dress ^^

Where's it from?

Spotted it on oli.co.uk..and it's on sale

http://www.oli.co.uk/Closet-Dart-Detail-Shift-Dress/productdisplay.stm?An=673&A=17D822%5F16&N=4294965277+4294967158+673+697+715+4294963204&Au=P%5FMasterItem&Nu=P%5FMasterItem&Ns=P%5FColour%7C0%7C%7CP%5FSize%7C0

squeakyduck

Faith,

If you are conscious of your belly get one of those "pully inny" knickers. I think they are great if I'm wearing something thats kind of fitted. I love shift dresses, I got a gorgeous one in dunnes about 2 years ago and I find it does not show off my belly, it shows off your boobs and of course your legs.... I find them very flattering

whatlliwear

I got a fab one in Oasis! Very flattering..

I cant find a link though ...

Sibylla

You should certainly wear shift dresses if you like them you're only a size 12. Focus on flattering underwear and team the dress with a belt. Bold colours also distract the eye from areas you are unhappy with.

http://www.oasis-stores.com///oasis/fcp-product/4470072836#EUR

G86

It really depends on the material, a heavier, structured, kind of material will sit better and skim over your stomach, rather than cling to it like a light/stretchy fabric. My stomach has a bit of a wobble too:o so I'd normally go for empire lines or dresses with a bit more shape to them i.e. pulled in high-ish on my waist as it's much narrower.

I'm not keen on those control pants, I've noticed them on a few people at times because of the bulge of fat the goes over the top. Maybe if it was a full bodysuit type thing it'd be better?

Also, you need to watch out if you have bigger boobs, as I find they can to make you look a bit bigger when wearing that style of dress.

Faith

Thanks for all the replies everyone. I actually picked up a great pair of those sucky-inny pants in Victoria's Secret last year but I forgot I had it. It comes right up to my waist so there should be no overspill issue. I'll bring it with me next time I'm going shopping and I'll see how it looks .

whatlliwear

http://www.polyvore.com/oasis_floral_laser_cut_dress/thing?id=24742772

I'm a 14 - 16 so you should definitely be able to wear something similar!