what i wore…containing the fluffy parts…
WOW!
You guys are so sweet. The comments on last weekend’s What I Wore were kind of awesome. Apparently I am not the only person in the universe with this body type. Phew!! I thought I was in my own little universe. Glad to see there are many of you also traveling on the crazy train to making peace with your size no matter what the numbers say.
This weeks entry is all about embracing the fluff. No not the marshmallow fluff, which, if you toast a slice of bread (whole grain to ease the guilt of course) and then add some peanut butter, marshmallow fluff and sprinkle on some chocolate chips…sweet Mama. NIRVANA on toast.
But I digress.
This week I wanted to show you a few styles that might help you hide the fluff around your middle or at least wrap it up all purty like.
First up we have a Ralph Lauren number that appeared in my closet thanks to a friend of mine who was gracious enough to lose fifteen pounds so she could no longer where it. LOVE her! I wore it to the first wedding of the season and let me tell you, wrap style dresses are your friend when you have middle fluff.
This dress was comfy and great to dance in. I also wore a lovely pair of Spanx because when dancing, you really need to control the movement of said fluff. I mean when I get to groovin on the dance floor, watch out sista, I got me some serious moves…Do the Dougie, do the Dougie…
Spanx are required for everyone’s safety.
Second in line is an A-line from Macy’s house brand Style & Co. I have had this hanging in my closet since November just waiting to bust it out in the spring.
An A-line falls away from the body while maintaining a structure without a lot of frill and fluff. We have enough fluff naturally, no need to add any more with fabric.
Not the best photo to see the bodice of the dress but notice it’s sleeveless. That’s right ladies, rock those chicken wings with pride. Those hummers heft your babies and dig your gardens to feed your families. They heft your groceries up three flights of stairs and hold your squiggly toddlers during the longest Mass on the planet. So embrace the sleeveless and walk on.
Number three is an empire waist dress with a pattern on the bodice that takes the eye up and away from the waist. That same pattern falls away at the hip. It’s not a solid band but more soft and feminine, which in turn makes me feel less pumpkin like and more feminine.
Fourth up is the maxi-dress. I know, I know. Some of you are petite and don’t feel comfy in one, some of you are fluffy like me and aren’t confident enough to give it a whirl and some of you just don’t like that style.
That’s cool but in my experience, given the right drape of the fabric and the color/print of the maxi-dress, this can become a very versatile piece in your wardrobe. I wore this out to dinner the other night and received many compliments. It’s a flattering neckline on me as well. At least I think so.
You notice the chevron stripe comes from the hip to the center of the halfway point of the skirt. Again drawing the eye away from the fluffy middle and lengthening my silhouette. A girl has got to work any angle she can.
Last we have today’s church outfit. It’s not my best effort by any means and a combo I will not be repeating. Just keeping it real my friends. No perfection here.
The problem here, is there are two pieces that have length. Instead of making my torso look more slender (like the maxi-dress above) it makes me look dumpy frumpy. I should have belted it to give a little waist definition and break up the very long line. I also could have chosen a different top, regular length and not tunic length. Again, it would have broken up the line and given the eye a place to rest.
So what are you wearing this week? Have any questions about what’s in your closet? Let’s chat in the com box shall we…
I love the maxi dress on you! And the other dresses look great too – I especially love that wrap dress! That skirt is awesome too and with the right shirt would make a really great outfit! Keep rocking it, Mari!
Thanks Beth! I am always trying to figure out new ways to wear things. It's back to the drawing board for that one skirt, bit I will get it in time.
You give great advice! Maybe a work from home option for you! Seriously, this is the kind of stuff I try to reach my daughter. It's challenging when you just want to wear the super cute whatever that's in style. But one style is not made for all body types. I haven't tried the soft knit skirts but I'm wondering if, at the right length and with some spanx I just may be able to pull one off.
Give it a try Beth. Really. You never know what will work until you try.
I love them all!!!
Awww…thanks Ana!
I love them all! But my usual look is your last one, and as you said, I usually feel frumpy wearing it. THough I thought you looked perfect! I really love the maxi dress on you and the one above that.
I need you to help me dress here Mary, 😉 I should send you some money to make up my capsule wardrobe. How fun would THAT be!?!?!
Yu can do it Sharonabelle! I promise. Just try some different styles. Sometimes stepping outside your wheelhouse is hard but you might be surprised.
I love how you analyze everything, I've almost never thought about my wardrobe before in that way, it never really occurred to me that it could be done. And, you totally look great in all your outfits!
Ruth Anne
My hubby says I over think everything. LOL! Thanks for the compliment.
I have the same green shirt in 3 colors! Love it!!!! I highly recommend it with funky colored palazzo pants and rocking flats! Wore it tonight like that:) I love, your love of color. Always makes me smile!
Thanks for the tip Mimi!! Love that idea.
Great tips Mary! And I love that green top – it would be perfect paired with a pencil skirt or skinny jeans 🙂
I have rocked it with skinny jeans before Rosie. I will just avoid pairing it with fluffy long skirts in future. 🙂
Ok, I completely agree with you about the maxi dress! You look UHMAYZING in it and it really is all about the right fabric and neckline. I was a convert to maxi skirts last summer and I'm a 5'3" Apple-shape. Even the shorties can work it! Lol
Mary that maxi dress looks SO good on you! And I also think with your height you could totally rock palazzo pants. They would be flowy and lovely with the right top!
You are so beautiful, Mary. That maxi dress especially looks INCREDIBLE on you!!!
You are so beautiful, Mary. That maxi dress especially looks INCREDIBLE on you!!!
You are so beautiful, Mary. That maxi dress especially looks INCREDIBLE on you!!!
YOU are gorgeous no matter what you wear! I love love this advice – so helpful! Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom!
pretty as ever!