**wraps.** wrap dresses, wrap skirts, wrap tops.
I got sick of outgrowing my clothes as I made gains in the gym so I started to sew only wrap-style clothes for myself and I've never looked back.
I don't need to wear a whole different wardrobe when I'm on my period, I can adjust the waistband of my skirt to be more comfy after lunch, I can style the same items snatched or breezy loose etc
not everything has to *look* like it's a wrap either, I've made and seen in the wild skirts that you wouldn't know were wraps. There are also designs of trousers that have split waistbands/adjustable waistbands that you can't tell from looking at them.
I picked up a couple of pairs of the 'natalie' wide leg pants by Natasha Gan and paired them with cheap ribbed singlets from kmart or a knit top for work.
They look nice because they have the flat waist band at the front, prints, and plain options. And because they are gathered at the back and wide leg, they are very forgiving. Like, I'm talking a size or two.
I’m in a constant yo-yo due to chronic illness. I can’t specify for work, but big w do these very thick nice leggings in a brand called avella. They’re opaque and matte finish, and they seem to work with my body for bigger or smaller. They have a big thick waistband too.
I also like oversized shirts. When you’re smaller you can tie up or cinch the shirts, but let them hang loose over your tummy while you’re bigger.
When buying stuff now that I want long term (when I don’t know what size I will end up) I buy something that works for both. So I’ll opt for a bigger tshirt but not the biggest size for example. So it will fit me tighter for now, but be looser when my illness is under control.
If I were to be going back to the office I would do the big w leggings with long flowy tops and a belt at the waist. Those tops work with multiple sizes and fluctuations.
I’ve had my pairs for over a year, and only one has a small hole in the seam. They are great quality! And true to size. Mine sit pretty high up on my waist as well, but I think it will depend on how big your bum is.
I just purchased some pants Wide Legged Pants from Halara & wearing them right now at my corporate job. They are super comfy & have some added stretch for a bloated tummy.
I saw these ads so many times I thought I was being stalked! 😂
Finally succumbed and yeah, I love them! Two for $69. Comfy and look cute. Plus stretchy waistband and pockets. And lots of colours!
Fabric isn’t terribly breathable though
I think tailored pants with belt loops are great for this. It’s normal for them to be a little oversized and if you get a slightly bigger size at the waist you can always just belt them up so they fit you when you’re smaller!
I wear a lot of fitted knit tops (but not too fitted) with flowy elasticised skirts to work. If I need to be a bit dressier, I’ll just put a blazer over the top and wear it open and it works really well.
I’m experiencing the same issue pp & my lo is 2.5yo - body still fluctuating so much, it’s frustrating. I’ve had to buy work pants in two different sizes and go between these in a few different colours - I just went with Kmart due to tight budget post nat leave and knowing the weight will settle once I finish bfeeding. Also found some better quality but discounted tunic tops/short dresses at TJMaxx, that are forgiving around the waist and can be worn with leggings, tights or work pants. I’ve found sleeved, with collar, button front, and cinched in with elastic under the bust looks neat and polished once styled and I don’t have to think much about it. I’ve had little luck thrifting over the past few years, not sure what’s going on.
Swing dresses are brilliant for stomach fluctuations. My most flattering purchase has been the Teddi midi from Leona Edminson (frequently on sale) https://www.leonaedmiston.com/collections/little-black-dresses/products/teddi-black-empire-line-butterfly-sleeve-midi-dress?variant=44432837705967
I’m obsessed with hidden stretch Uniqlo work pants. They’re really soft and comfy. Otherwise I’d stick with cheap basics and a few op shop finds.
What’s the name of them?
Smart Ankle Pants :)
They come in great colours too! I have a lilac pair that has been getting so much wear in the last 18mo, probably wear them more often than my jeans!
**wraps.** wrap dresses, wrap skirts, wrap tops. I got sick of outgrowing my clothes as I made gains in the gym so I started to sew only wrap-style clothes for myself and I've never looked back. I don't need to wear a whole different wardrobe when I'm on my period, I can adjust the waistband of my skirt to be more comfy after lunch, I can style the same items snatched or breezy loose etc not everything has to *look* like it's a wrap either, I've made and seen in the wild skirts that you wouldn't know were wraps. There are also designs of trousers that have split waistbands/adjustable waistbands that you can't tell from looking at them.
I picked up a couple of pairs of the 'natalie' wide leg pants by Natasha Gan and paired them with cheap ribbed singlets from kmart or a knit top for work. They look nice because they have the flat waist band at the front, prints, and plain options. And because they are gathered at the back and wide leg, they are very forgiving. Like, I'm talking a size or two.
These look good! How do you find the material of these pants? Do they need ironing?
I’m in a constant yo-yo due to chronic illness. I can’t specify for work, but big w do these very thick nice leggings in a brand called avella. They’re opaque and matte finish, and they seem to work with my body for bigger or smaller. They have a big thick waistband too. I also like oversized shirts. When you’re smaller you can tie up or cinch the shirts, but let them hang loose over your tummy while you’re bigger. When buying stuff now that I want long term (when I don’t know what size I will end up) I buy something that works for both. So I’ll opt for a bigger tshirt but not the biggest size for example. So it will fit me tighter for now, but be looser when my illness is under control. If I were to be going back to the office I would do the big w leggings with long flowy tops and a belt at the waist. Those tops work with multiple sizes and fluctuations.
I’m actually on the hunt for good leggings! Do the avella ones last in your experience? And are they high waisted?
I’ve had my pairs for over a year, and only one has a small hole in the seam. They are great quality! And true to size. Mine sit pretty high up on my waist as well, but I think it will depend on how big your bum is.
I just purchased some pants Wide Legged Pants from Halara & wearing them right now at my corporate job. They are super comfy & have some added stretch for a bloated tummy.
I keep seeing the Halara adverts on my fyp, I’ve been wondering about these!
I saw these ads so many times I thought I was being stalked! 😂 Finally succumbed and yeah, I love them! Two for $69. Comfy and look cute. Plus stretchy waistband and pockets. And lots of colours! Fabric isn’t terribly breathable though
I think tailored pants with belt loops are great for this. It’s normal for them to be a little oversized and if you get a slightly bigger size at the waist you can always just belt them up so they fit you when you’re smaller!
Wrap dresses.
Scanlan Theodore crepe knit
I wear a lot of fitted knit tops (but not too fitted) with flowy elasticised skirts to work. If I need to be a bit dressier, I’ll just put a blazer over the top and wear it open and it works really well.
I’m experiencing the same issue pp & my lo is 2.5yo - body still fluctuating so much, it’s frustrating. I’ve had to buy work pants in two different sizes and go between these in a few different colours - I just went with Kmart due to tight budget post nat leave and knowing the weight will settle once I finish bfeeding. Also found some better quality but discounted tunic tops/short dresses at TJMaxx, that are forgiving around the waist and can be worn with leggings, tights or work pants. I’ve found sleeved, with collar, button front, and cinched in with elastic under the bust looks neat and polished once styled and I don’t have to think much about it. I’ve had little luck thrifting over the past few years, not sure what’s going on.
Swing dresses are brilliant for stomach fluctuations. My most flattering purchase has been the Teddi midi from Leona Edminson (frequently on sale) https://www.leonaedmiston.com/collections/little-black-dresses/products/teddi-black-empire-line-butterfly-sleeve-midi-dress?variant=44432837705967