size 12 top, size 14 bottom - help!

[JoRaeMi]

SO - obviously I wear a size 12 top and size 14 pants.

How do you gals that are shaped like me dress your bod?

The other issue that I have is that size 14 pants are OK when standing - almost on the verge of being too big if they have any stretch in them, I'm always tugging on them by the end of the day. However, when I sit down, I have a tummy roll that flops over the waist band and they are pinchy (pinchy in the tummy)! :O( Is it the pants?

So far the brand that I can count on to fit the best is Gloria Vanderbilt.

I also never know what length of shorts to wear. I am 5'6" and fairly short waisted. I have a lot of capris right now, and one pair of knee length shorts. I have some shorter shorts from last year, but I'm thinking maybe I"m getting too old and too heavy for those? (I'm 36).

I'm seriously fashion challenged. I need Stacy and CLinton to come help me!

I'm a stay at home Mom, so I don't need lots of dress clothes. I jsut want to be comfy, yet look neat. You know?

I hope some of you girls camn help me!

Thanks.
Jo

[Shatzie]

I am a 6 on top and a 8 (sometimes 10) on the bottom. I have learned in the last few years to wear closer fitting (but not tight) tops than I used to and although I have not lost weight, I look slimmer. Almost all my tops now are knit, and the few woven shirts I own have stretch in them and are fitted. I am 5'5" but have short, very muscular legs, and I have found that boot-cut pants, jeans, and capris make me look slimmer. Shorts are another matter. I am still not very happy with how I look in shorts, but living in hot Oklahoma, they are a summer necessity. I have found that about a four-inch inseam is best for me, longer or shorter makes my legs look huge.

[charliemae]

All I can think of is wearing a slightly padded bra to even out your shape. Also, maybe a casual jacket or sweater over your tops. About the baggy pants, I don't know what to do. Do you buy proportioned slacks? You know, the kind that come in Petite, Average, or Tall. Also, a dark color bottom and a light colored top will make you look more proportioned, I think. I'd rather have your proportions than mine. I'm a 14 bottom, and an 18 top. Mostly, I mix and match separates.....one piece dresses are always too tight on top and okay on the bottom. Skirt and jacket sets help to balance my ample figure a little better, but it seems that there aren't really many fashionable styles for people of my tender age (56). :(

[Marian Paroo]

I'm pear shaped and love it! I think it's classic and sexy!

It's being 5' 1/2" that's a problem. Dresses and slacks only come in one length here, so I can't buy anything with nice trim on the hems...

[ofgrace]

Hi JoeRaeMi,
Your only as old as you feel! Somedays I feel like you said, way to old for shorter shorts but other days I go ahead and where them anyway if they fit right. Oddly enough, I really do have some days wheres the same clothes either fit well or not. I think I have one of those fluctuating body sizes. I am very similar to Shatzie in size but depending on the clothes and the week I can range in size from 6, to 8, to 10's. Its very frustrating when shopping for clothes. Anyway my favorite pair of shorts have a 6" inseam. I can wear them anywhere and not feel selfconciense. I have always had heaver set thighs and bottom, and very small top. Since my Hysterectomy I have gained weight in the top and and abs so I look a little more balanced but still heavier than I'd rather be. My problem has always been when the bottom size fit my derrier the waist in the pants was always way too big and gapped. Not thats not so much of a problem now with this tummy. Mostly though, I am stuck on skorts since they seam to offer me the most comfortable coverage and help me to feel nicely dressed. Some fashion experts say they are dated but I really like them. I have to agree with Shatzie about wearing more fitted clothes that really does help to slim things down just make sure they are fitted and not tight and binding thats worse. It's a tricky thing isn't it? Well, good luck!

[charliemae]

Marian, it's actually healthier to be pear shaped.....less risk of heart attack, believe it or not! I'm 5'1", so I guess I'm pretty fortunate since the jeans I buy come in Petite, Average and Tall. I'd just be happy if I could get rid of my tummy, but I guess most people just aren't happy with their figure.

[Kate]

Marian, it's actually healthier to be pear shaped.....less risk of heart attack, believe it or not!

And we typically have stronger bones, too! I love being pear shaped.

[occ_gurl]

Skort-wearers unite! I think they're great too - a nice compromise to shorts and very comfy. Wear what you like and what looks good on you.

Joyce

[Marian Paroo]

Marian, it's actually healthier to be pear shaped.....less risk of heart attack, believe it or not! I'm 5'1", so I guess I'm pretty fortunate since the jeans I buy come in Petite, Average and Tall. I'd just be happy if I could get rid of my tummy, but I guess most people just aren't happy with their figure.

Yup, it's an advantage, there too.

Worse thing is rolls of belly fat.

I've got a slight, what I think was called once upon a time, "lover's pillow."

[reddaisy]

I hate this weight gain thing! I was the girl that could eat anything and everything and never go above a size 8 ( I am 5' 7") Now that I've had my hysterectomy a year ago I am a size 12 going on 14. I am 25 lbs heavier. I am also 46 . I just hate it. I know what I need to do but I don't what to. Its so hard after eating what ever I wanted for 40 some odd years . Nutrisystem is looking quite interesting. My hubby also needs to lose about 25 -30 lbs soo we may try it as a buddy system. Maybe that will help. And I know, I know I got to get out and exercise.

[JoRaeMi]

Thanks for all the advice!

I have been wearing my shorts, and they don't look as bad as I was expecting! Also have gotten a few pairs of capris. I bought a really cute skirt on clearance for $3 the other day, but am going to have to do some altering on the waistline - it's got at least 3 extra inches on it, but the hips fit great! LOL Story of my life.

I tried on several dresses the other day and have come to the conclusion that dresses jsut aren't built, in general, for folks that are two different sizes! That's OK - I'll wear a skirt and a top and call it a day!

I bought some casual jackets on clearance at penney's online the other day - I'm hoping they fit OK when they get here. I also bnought a really cute denim blazer for $20 the other day - I thought that was a good price.

Any other suggestions?

Jo

[JoRaeMi]

Hi! I'ts me again! Now that the weather is changing - I'd still like to know what you size 14 or so gals are wearing. My closet is just frightening rght now, but I dont' know what to buy.

Any advice would be great!
Jo