style

What Closet Orphans Can Teach Us

by Sally on May 17, 2013 · 19 comments

I got a lovely e-mail from reader Corinne, who said:

Your book also made me realize that maybe the key to clarifying and strengthening my personal style was in my “orphans.” Practically everything else I’ve read says to get rid of them because they’re outliers. However, reading your book it occurred to me that perhaps it’s the rest of the closet is what should go quietly into the background.

Which, of course, made me unspeakably happy. And made me realize that closet orphans are basically teaching moments waiting to happen. I mean, we loved them, we bought them, we longed to wear them … and yet we didn’t wear them. If we don’t examine what prompted those purchases and what prevented those wearings, are we not doomed to make those same mistakes again?

Take the leopard print tunic shown above. I LOVE leopard print, and have the mindset that anything featuring this print is automatically classic. But this tunic is made from an extremely drapey and clingy material. It has an asymmetric neckline, which is very cool but a little limiting. It has wide sleeves and a boxy shape, which means it doesn’t layer well. And when I put it on with anything besides skinny jeans I feel a little bit too much like Peg Bundy. (Who is fabulous, but not one of my personal style icons.) Thus, this tunic has been worn once in the past year. As shown above. I’m not ready to give up on it just yet because I haven’t truly tried to style it in a variety of ways, but it has taught me the following lessons:

All things leopard print are not created equal
Wide sleeves SUCK when you’re a layering fan. Which I am.
Detailed necklines are also very limiting in the layering department.
Fibers that don’t wrinkle are convenient, but some of them cling. To everything.

I can honestly say that I’ve kept these things in mind as I’ve shopped in recent months.

I understand why style experts recommend jettisoning items that haven’t been worn in ages. They’re thinking, “If you haven’t worn it in two years, you probably aren’t gonna, so donate and move on.” And that’s certainly one way to operate. Stick to what you love and stick to what you know works well for you. But if you don’t pause to examine what motivated those dud purchases and ask yourself WHY those items are going unworn, you miss the chance to learn from your errors. Additionally, some items are more challenging to style but that doesn’t make them useless. Putting in the effort to build two or three outfits around your closet orphans can open up new worlds of creative dressing.

When you purge your closet, do you stop to ponder why your closet orphans have gone unworn? Have you saved any from donation that have gone into steady rotation?

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Yes You Can (Wear That)

by Une Femme on May 15, 2013 · 15 comments

Photo by Une Femme

How many times have you been out shopping with a friend, and watched as she picks up something lovely from the rack, looks at it longingly, sighs, then puts it back, saying “I can’t wear that; I’m too _______.” How many times have you done this yourself? How many times do we say and hear, “Well, that only would look good on a model?”

I grew up hearing the refrain, “you can’t wear that.” No horizontal stripes, nothing tucked in, no two-piece bathing suits. I learned early on that only certain body types “should” wear certain styles, that “some lucky women can wear anything and look good,*” and that the rest of us mere mortals must make do with more limitations. And I’m here to tell you, as the old song goes, ” ’tain’t necessarily so.”

We all know now that images in magazines, in ads, and often on television are digitized and manipulated to elongate, erase lumps and bumps, and “perfect” images. Nobody and nothing looks the way it does in a fashion editorial, where everything has been manipulated for artistic effect.

Clothing for online and catalog shoots is often pinned in back or otherwise adjusted beyond recognition to fit the model’s body. While we should continue to lobby retailers for models of all shapes and sizes to better represent how the clothing will look on a variety of shapes, in the meantime we must remind ourselves that often the item of clothing shown won’t look like that on us; in fact it won’t look like that on anyone because it’s far less tailored than it’s been manipulated to appear. (One personal red flag: if sweater or jacket is always shown belted though it doesn’t come with a belt, that’s a sign the fit is funky.)

Even though a celebrity may be snapped in public wearing the same Gap jeans that you wear, chances are hers have been painstakingly altered to fit her body perfectly, and that a stylist helped pick that particular tee (hemmed perhaps just an inch or two), sweater and bag she’s wearing with them to create perfectly balanced proportions.

So we need to let go of thinking that if an article of clothing looks different on us than in the catalog or online image, or on a celebrity or model that it’s somehow wrong for us, or that our bodies are “wrong” for the style. Just as no single item of clothing looks great on every body, there is no single body type that looks great in every style.

I’ve discovered, much to my surprise and delight, that some items of clothing may actually look better on us than they do on the models in the shoots or ads. I recently tried on a jacket in a department store that fit me wonderfully and looked fabulous on. It curved where I curved, and was a perfect length. I went home to search for the same item online to see if I could find it at a discount anywhere, and couldn’t believe the images I saw were the same jacket. On the models it looked boxy and stiff, not at all how it looked on me, and I never would have given it a second look had I seen it on online or in a print ad first. (And I’ve also found that sometimes a couple of simple alterations are all that’s needed to take an item from “meh” to “wow.”)

I’m not arguing against proper fit here, or in favor of wearing something that doesn’t suit you or your style. What I’m saying is that if it fits (or can be altered to fit), if you love it, then Yes You Can Wear That even if your waist is thicker than the model’s, or your legs shorter, your shoulders broader, or your backside curvier. Clear your mind of preconceptions of how it “should” look. Try it on. You might be pleasantly surprised.

*I’ve come to believe that this is more a function of confidence and attitude than body type.

_ _ _ _ _

Already Pretty contributor Une Femme is fifty-six, married to the same wonderful monsieur since 1995, the mother of a special-needs teenager and two hooligan dogs, a full-time administrative professional, a coffee-holic, Paris-obsessed, native Californian, and a petite and curvy femme d’un certain age. She believes that personal style is an essential form of self-expression, and started her blog, Une femme d’un certain âge, in 2007 hoping to start a conversation about style for women over 50.

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Clothes that Make You Feel Good

by Sally on May 13, 2013 · 7 comments

We talk a lot about figure flattery around here. There are more requests for posts related to traditional figure-flattery priorities than just about any other topic, so many discussions point in that direction. But I hope that this message is always clear: YOU get to choose your own figure-flattery priorities, even if they go against the traditional grain. You are the one wearing the clothes and feeling the feelings, and that means you get to make the choices.

Clothes that flatter your figure along traditional lines – elongating legs, cinching waists, creating hourglass silhouettes – can make you feel good about yourself and your body. But so can clothes that do NONE of those things. Clothes that make you feel good about yourself and your body run the gamut, and can affect your well-being and emotional state for a multitude of reasons.

Color

Seeing color can affect your emotions, and so can wearing color. As I’ve said many times, even if a woman looks ghastly in yellow I’m inclined to tell her to keep on wearing it if it makes her feel amazing. And, of course, there are ways to wear color that will have minimal impact on your complexion: Lower on the body, as shoes or accessories, or broken up within patterns. But however you do it, remember that wearing colors you love is a great shortcut to creating outfits that make you feel marvelous.

Pattern

Solid colors can be soothing, but patterns can be enlivening. If the boost you need is an energy boost, go for dots, plaid, florals, paisleys, or stripes. Pattern mixing is a fun sartorial challenge, but just throwing a single pattern into your outfit mix can lift your spirits.

Comfort

A pair of heels can make you feel good about your long leg line, but a pair of flats can make you feel good by cradling your feet. A belted sheath dress will look chic in many cases, but a tunic and leggings might feel more welcoming. Clothing that works with – instead of against – your body and keeps your physical form comfortable will generally make you feel content while wearing it.

Texture

Slippery silk, nubby linen, thick velvet, cozy cashmere. We can take clothing texture for granted because many basics don’t feel all that interesting or luxurious. But a few key pieces in sensually pleasing textures – a scarf or sweater, skirt worn against bare legs, or even an invisible camisole worn beneath other garments – can completely transform how you feel about your look and your figure.

Sentimental value

Many of the items that stick around through closet purges regardless of their ability to flatter our figures do so because they are associated with certain people or events in the past. And this is NOT a bad thing! So long as you have the storage, keep them. And if they bring you joy, wear them. And consider sharing their stories with others so that joy can be augmented.

Security

Aside from 5″ stilettos worn on cobblestone streets, most clothing doesn’t pose safety risks. But certain garments can enhance feelings of safety and security merely by design. Scarves help us feel less exposed, cardigans help us feel enveloped, flat boots ground us, jackets imbue us with authority. Feeling secure in your clothes can boost your confidence and buoy your emotions.

Clothes that feel good may do so because they feature gorgeous colors or prints. You may enjoy the texture of the fabric against your skin. Wearing certain items may remind you of people or places from your past. Aside from traditional figure flattery, there are many reasons why clothing might feel good to wear. And it’s a good idea to wear as many items that make you feel fabulous as you possibly can.

Images courtesy Gudrun Sjödén

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Bridging the Gap: Straddling Between Standard & Plus Sizes

by Ashe on May 9, 2013 · 51 comments

Heazure asked, Could you do a post addressing people on the “cusp” between plus sizes and straight sizes? I’m a 14/16 and it’s maddening, and I was happy to share my experiences and insights.

For most of my life it’s felt like no matter WHAT my size, I’ve always straddled the “cusp” between standard sizes and plus sizes. Size 10? Well, that’s still a size 14 and we don’t stock it. Size 20? Well, your arms, legs, bust and hips are too small to fit in everything. Most of my life, I’ve straddled the 14-18 range, and it’s effin’ hard. I stopped wearing oversized everything in high school, so it can feel especially difficult to find a fitted shirt, dress, or skirt when I’m on the cusp. (You’re on the cusp! You’re plus, but not! You must hide your body!)

Many standard clothing stores stop at a size 14 (and some stop at a 12). Many plus-size shops begin at a 14 … and yet there’s this huge difference in the way those two size 14s are designed. Many women find that at the standard shop, you’ll get a little muffin top, the thighs may be too tight, but when you pop into the plus-sized shop, you’re finding that the pants are falling off of you everywhere.

For a comparison: The Limited, Express, and Eloquii are all sister shops, and you can see how their sizes compare:

At Express, a size 14 has a 40″ bust, 32.5″ waist, and 43.5″ hips.
At the Limited, a size 14 has a 41.25″ bust, a 34″ waist, and 44″ hips.
At Eloquii, the size 14 Women’s has a 42″ bust, a 37″ waist, and 45″ hips.

Between the Express and Eloquii size 14s, you have a 4.5″ size difference. And what happens if you’re between that Limited 34″ and Eloquii 37″ waist? A 3″ gap is a pretty big! And yet, when you’re on the cusp of clothing sizes, that’s a pretty frequent occurrence.

Shopping is already a difficult, anxiety-inducing task for many of us. When you’re a size that’s on the cusp (and that could be another cusp — perhaps you’ve got a very petite frame and a 0 or 00 is a bit too big!), it just feels like extra work. You’re too large for one shop, too small for another.

Another factor that contributes to this is grading scale for patterns. In a standard size shops, clothes are usually graded with a 1″ difference between sizes; yet as soon as you hit size 10 or 12, the grading jumps up to an 1.5″. Once you’ve moved into full-on plus-sizes, it’s not uncommon to see a 3″ variation between sizes, which means it can be difficult to find that perfect fit.

It’s Not You.

Sally says this all the time, and it’s true. Straddling the cusp isn’t YOUR fault. Don’t beat yourself up, think your bangin’ bod is odd, or swear off fashion forever.

They’re just clothes.

Each store has their own version of the ideal customer, vanity sizing, and sense of draping. Even if you absolutely love J.Crew, Anthropologie, or Nasty Gal OMG SO MUCH, their styles may not work with your body. But the amazing thing about shopping and the internet? How much easier it becomes EVERY DAY to find the styles you want, a size that fits, and a brand you love (and can afford!).

Know which Shops ARE Designed to Fit You.

It took me a long time to learn that the woman Lane Bryant designs for is not shaped like me. And neither is the girl Urban Outfitter designs for.

I’m sure you’ve found a few places where you’ve bought clothes and felt good. What is it about those items that do work? Is it ample room in the bust? Extra space in the hips? A slim cut thigh? Do you need a junior’s fit, a standard fit or a women’s fit? Once you know what brands work and what it is you want from your clothing, finding that perfect fit becomes a bit easier.

I’ve personally found luck with places like ASOS, City Chic, Modcloth & Ruche’s plus selections. I have luck at places like Macy’s, Kohl’s, Target, or Old Navy, where the standard range may run from 0-20 and they have a variety of junior’s, standard, and women’s fit.

If you’re having a hard time finding brands that work for you, a service like Gwynnie Bee may help. For a monthly fee, you “rent” clothes from a wide variety of brands. Sizes start at 10 and go up. I received a one month free trial from Wardrobe Oxygen, and my quick and honest thoughts are: For a woman going through weight change, starting a new job, or who has a tendency to wear clothes a few times and then buy new items, it’s WELL worth the cost.

Find Inspiration in People Built Like You.

I may have a fashion blog, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have days when I hate fashion. I love looking at women of all shapes and sizes, because a great eye for shape, pattern, and styling is universal.

But finding other bloggers built similarly to me? It’s a huge relief.

It doesn’t matter if they’re a size 2, 12, or 22; I know which bloggers aren’t super busty, who gains weight in their stomach, and those who may have a long torso. For those who fall into a similar size range as me, I check out the places they shop. As a result I’ve found tons of new shops I’d have never known about. They’ve lead me to independent designers who create custom clothes for women of all sizes.

The average American woman is a size 12-14, which means a larger portion of women are likely straddling the cusp than we realize. If you’re in that cusp, I’d love to hear your thoughts — what tips and tricks you’ve learned for shopping or what fabrics or styles you’ve found are great and easy to adapt for your body.

_ _ _

Call her Ash, Ashe, or Ashley– she doesn’t mind! Already Pretty contributor Ashley began blogging in 2007 about fashion and style to fill a void in her life while living in the wintery tundra of Indiana. Her blog Dramatis Personae focuses on food, life & style. Ashley’s love of fashion began at 10, when she bought her first issue of Seventeen magazine; this also began a life long battle with learning to love her body (she never looked like the girls who graced those pages). As a plus-sized woman, she loves promoting fashion for all women and shops that want to make all ladies feel beautiful. She currently calls New Orleans home and share her little house with a wonderful fiance and two brilliant and playful Maine Coons kitties.

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Reader Request: What to Wear on a Long Flight

by Sally on May 7, 2013 · 40 comments

Sarah V had this request:

I would love to get your take on what to wear for a long flight. I want to look nice but be comfortable and not get too hot.

I can’t say that I’ve got any amazing or unusual tricks for long flight comfort, but I’m happy to share my formula!

Knits

Since long flights generally involve long stretches of time spent in airports before and after, picking soft, stretchy fabrics will be key. I stick to knits – jersey, ponte, and various sweater knits all of which can look chic and sophisticated in the right styles and cuts.

Leggings

I have finally come back to enjoying denim, but NOT for long airplane trips. I can’t remember the last time I wore anything other than leggings to travel, as they’re comfortable, lightweight yet cozy, and allow you to move freely.

Cardigan

I am generally freezing on long flights, so Sarah’s concerns about being too hot amaze me. Regardless, a lightweight cardigan is a good idea as temperatures can fluctuate. Throw one on with a knit tee and leggings for added interest and potential warmth.

Scarf

This is the real key piece. Even if you tend to overheat while traveling, give a scarf a try. Ideally something large and lightweight. It will add polish and interest to your travel outfit, can be removed and stuffed into your carry-on if temps become too high, can be thrown over shoulders or legs if temps become too low.

Boots or flats

Again, I skew cold so unless I’m traveling to a much warmer climate, I generally opt for boots. Otherwise, comfy ballet flats run a close second as they can slip off easily for security checks but look more polished than sneakers.

What’s your go-to travel outfit for long flights? Do you utilize any of the same pieces that I do? What advice would you offer Sarah on keeping cool, besides removable layers?

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When to Replace Your Clothes

by Sally on May 6, 2013 · 41 comments

Recently, I worked with a style consult client who had a question about replacing her worn-out clothes. I don’t know about you, but I find the process of replacing beloved wardrobe items to be difficult and stressful. Once you’ve gotten used to wearing a certain item, and then absolutely worn it out, hunting down a replacement that has the same fit, quality, and characteristics can feel like a wild goose chase. It’s possible, but it’s not much fun.

So I actually talked to my client about other factors to consider, including …

Determining if an item is in need of replacement

My client showed me a pair of chinos that she’d worn almost constantly the previous summer, and asked about where to look for replacements. But the chinos were in excellent shape! I talked her out of replacing them by giving her a list of potential reasons to replace a garment:

Faded color, especially spotty fading which is more noticeable
Chronic seam problems (A single unraveling seam can be repaired easily, but if a garment is continually coming apart at the seams, that can indicate larger problems including poor construction or cheap materials.)
Rips, tears, or holes that cannot be easily mended
Stains
Fabric worn thin
Deep or noticeable scuffs or snags

This list encompasses a handful of reasons you might want to consider replacing an item, and it’s certainly up to you to make the call. But I think some of us fall into the trap of believing that pieces we wear over and over again are worn out when, in fact, we might just be tired of them! If you’re sick of a certain pair of shoes or a particular skirt, replacing it with something similar may or may not help. Examine the item to see if it’s in poor repair, and if it isn’t, think about why your instinct was to replace it.

Considering repairs

Many minor issues can be dealt with through DIY or professional repairs. For clothing, seam issues, replacement buttons and hardware, some rips and tears, and many other problems can be handled by a professional tailor or a skilled sewist. For bags and shoes, hardware, heels, zippers, and minor construction issues can often be solved by a shoe repairperson or leather specialist. If you love something but feel it might need replacing due to a flaw, consult an expert before beginning the hunt for a replacement.

Deciding if replacement is the best plan

As I mentioned above, sometimes we consider replacing items because they’ve been worn so often. That can mean they’re wardrobe staples and important to our personal styles. But it can also mean that we’re sick to death of them, and buying another similar item will be a waste of money. If you’ve worn a certain jacket a couple of times per week for months on end each summer, and this summer you feel like it needs replacing, consider if a different style or fiber might excite you more. Maybe you don’t want a close facsimile as much as you want a new, more interesting version that is equally versatile and fun to wear.

If you consider all of these influencing factors and conclude that you DO want and need to replace something, here are a few things to bear in mind:

Your search will be less frustrating if you spend time determining what you love about the item that’s being retired. Don’t just decide that you need a new pair of brown flats that are just like the old ones. Think about why you love those old ones. Is it the color? Texture? Comfort or fit? Charging yourself with finding a replacement that’s virtually identical to the item being replaced is a recipe for disaster. It will suddenly become the one item you absolutely cannot find. Anywhere.

Give yourself a long timeframe and explore as many options as possible. Again, if you decide that you must replace your pink v-neck sweater this weekend at the mall, you will find nothing but blue crew necked sweaters everywhere you turn. Look at thrift stores, online, in person, and over a relatively long period of time.

And if you find yourself becoming frustrated, ask for help. Consult with a personal shopper or sales associate at your favorite stores. Put the word out to friends over social media or e-mail. The more searchers you have on the lookout, the quicker you’ll find what you need.

That’s my take! How do you determine when it’s time to replace wardrobe items? Do you try to repair them first? Ever decide to replace something and suddenly discover it is in short supply? How do you tackle the search process?

Image courtesy Benny Lin.

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Rivet & Sway: Ritzy Knows Best

by Sally on May 3, 2013 · 3 comments

I partnered with the fabulous women who run Rivet & Sway for a glasses giveaway back in November, and they offered me a free pair for myself … but I didn’t need glasses. I just barely need them now and only for reading, but the eye doctor said I might as well take the plunge. So I buzzed creative director Britt and stylist Ritzy to see if they were still game. And they were.

Since I’ve never worn glasses in my life, the Rivet & Sway system appeals to me: Fill out a quick quiz, send in a headshot, and Ritzy recommends three frames for you to try. R&S sends the frames with blank lenses to you via FedEx, you try ‘em out for three days, and then pop them back in the mail. (USPS this time, so any post office will do.) Based on my preferences and face shape, Ritzy recommended the Ruby Red in Heartthrob, Core Strength in Confetti, and Je Ne Sais Quoi in Amber Glow. The Je Ne Sais Quoi just didn’t ring my chimes, and I was dying to try a sultry cat-eye pair called the Spitfire. I liked the Ruby Red but, having tried on a few frames on my own, knew that tortoise and brown frames blended weirdly into my bangs. So – as is suggested if you’ve got questions – I wrote to Ritzy and asked if I could try the Ruby Red in Dragon Fire instead, and what she thought of the Spitfire for me. She said to absolutely go for the Dragon Fire color as the red would look great with my skin, and to give the cat-eyes a try but bear in mind that they run quite wide.

Here’s a look at the frames I sampled:

Core Strength in Confetti

Spitfire in Cherry Bomb

Ruby Red in Dragon Fire

Although I didn’t feel that the cat-eyes were too wide for my face, the bows were too short for my noggin!

And I just didn’t feel like they worked somehow. So Ritzy was right to skip those for me! I did like the Core Strength frames, but really loved the Ruby Reds. You can’t see it in these photos but they’re a dark red with just a hint of glitter running through. Just the right mix of classy and sassy.

Rivet & Sway specializes in frames for women, and I really cannot recommend Ritzy’s services strongly enough. Especially if, like me, you are new to wearing glasses and unsure where to start in terms of frame shapes and styles. Working with her is completely free to all customers, and she does a fantastic job. If you’re reluctant, the website includes a face shape chart and you can search by frames recommended for your specific shape … but really, just work with Ritzy. She’s fab.

Now through May 12, R&S is running a SuperMom contest with prizes that include free pairs of specs and gourmet chocolates from Vosges Haut-Chocolat. Click here to check the details of the contest and nominate your SuperMom!

AND! Just for Already Pretty readers, Rivet & Sway is offering $25 off any single pair of frames now through June 30! Just use code SUPER-MOM when you check out to get the discount

*CMP.ly/2 I was not paid for this post, but I did receive a free pair of glasses after reviewing the service. All opinions are my own.

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Reader Request: Clothes That Fit While Sitting

by Sally on May 2, 2013 · 22 comments

Reader Mirjam sent me this request via e-mail:

I was wondering if you might consider doing a blog post on clothes that look good on the well-rounded of us when sitting down? I have many gorgeous outfits that look super cute and fit comfortably when standing, but as soon as I sit down all that fat shifts and bulges and nothing looks nice any more. I am sure you must have come across that problems with clients at some point or other? I would love to read something about that!

Indulge me for a moment and read this passage from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice*:

“Miss Eliza Bennet, let me persuade you to follow my example, and take a turn about the room. — I assure you it is very refreshing after sitting so long in one attitude.”

Elizabeth was surprised, but agreed to it immediately. Miss Bingley succeeded no less in the real object of her civility; Mr. Darcy looked up. He was as much awake to the novelty of attention in that quarter as Elizabeth herself could be, and unconsciously closed his book. He was directly invited to join their party, but he declined it, observing that he could imagine but two motives for their chusing to walk up and down the room together, with either of which motives his joining them would interfere. “What could he mean? she was dying to know what could be his meaning” — and asked Elizabeth whether she could at all understand him?

“Not at all,” was her answer; “but depend upon it, he means to be severe on us, and our surest way of disappointing him will be to ask nothing about it.”

Miss Bingley, however, was incapable of disappointing Mr. Darcy in any thing, and persevered therefore in requiring an explanation of his two motives.

“I have not the smallest objection to explaining them,” said he, as soon as she allowed him to speak. “You either chuse this method of passing the evening because you are in each other’s confidence, and have secret affairs to discuss, or because you are conscious that your figures appear to the greatest advantage in walking; — if the first, I should be completely in your way; — and if the second, I can admire you much better as I sit by the fire.”

Even Mr. Darcy knows that bodies look better standing than seated. Doesn’t matter how tight and flat your abs are, how little or much you weigh, or how you’re shaped. Sit down, stuff shifts, clothes pull a bit, and you look slightly less pulled-together than you did just a moment ago standing up.

Additionally, a lot depends on your unique figure and how it shifts when you’re seated, so it’s a little tough to generalize. For instance, I tend to pooch out in the lower belly area and – having recently viewed some photos where I was hunched over a table – the upper back/bra strap area. Other folks may have other body areas that make them self-conscious when sitting.

So, with all that stacked against me, I have two meager bits of advice:

Go structured

A slinky knit will reveal more of a seated body than a lined blazer. Drapey rayon will show more lumps and bumps than thick ponte. I wouldn’t advise going oversized, since clothing drapes differently when you’re seated and you might just add volume. And I wouldn’t advise going super-thick, as truly chunky knits may also add bulk. But lined garments, fabrics with some stiffness to them, and structured designs will generally hold their shape a bit when you sit down, and stand slightly away from your body without making it appear bigger or different than it is.

Employ distractions

For those worried about tummy bulges, a flowing scarf will generally cover and distract. If back bumps worry you, wear your long hair down or go for a busy printed top instead of a simple solid. I once read in a Trinny and Susannah book that one of them (Susannah, I think) always places her handbag in her lap when seated to distract from any bulges. (I do that a lot, too, but mainly because I have recurring nightmares in which I’ve misplaced my bag.) If changing up your actual garments won’t do the trick, try a few styling switches or clever accessories to help out.

I’d also add that when you try on clothing for potential purchase, make sure to sit down in it and look at yourself in the mirror. Even tops and jackets. This will give you and idea of pulling and gaping that might cause you stress later on.

And that’s it. Because my main advice would be that old chestnut, “try not to worry about it.” Easier said than done, I know, but since we all look a little like melted humans when we’re scrunched into chairs and couches, at least we’re in this together.

Any other ideas for clothing styles or designs that fit and flatter while sitting? How do you deal with this?

Image courtesy Garry Knight.

*I tried to find a YouTube clip of the beloved BBC miniseries showing this scene, but failed. Bah.

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