Hello Ladybrillers! I hope my post finds you well. Last time after I shared with you how I got my groove back post-partum I got a few responses from women who were able to relate with me and who needed to share their own experiences. I really love getting such feedback. It reassures me that I am connecting with women like myself. Women who are juggling motherhood with career and/or education along with the many other diverse responsibilities we are all faced with.
One of the mails I received was from a friend who asked if I had any tips on changing up her style in a way that flatters her changing body. Particularly, she wanted tips on how to hide her post-partum “pooch” “without looking ten years older than her age.” I am sure most women can relate to this. Whether or not you recently had a baby, at a certain age, once women start gaining a little more weight belly fat becomes a real issue. For post-partum women, it’s even more serious as it becomes “the pooch” that just won’t go away. It influences what outfits you can and cannot wear. Sometimes it can be quite frustrating but it doesn’t have to be. You just need to adapt your wardrobe to styles that allow you to flaunt your assets while minimizing your “liabilities.” So I have put together five easy wardrobe essentials for post-partum mamas or any woman with excess love handles.
- Belly Shapers
Especially for special occasions and anytime you have a fitted dress on, belly or body shapers are a must have. Find one that offers a very firm control for your belly without making you feel like you are short of breath.
- The Structured Blazer
The deep “V” cut of the structured blazer gives you a trim look while hiding the pooch. Invest in colors and fabrics that can be worn year round. Pair the blazer with tight fitting pants/skirts and high heel shoes that make you look extra leggy and take attention away from your mid region.
- Peplum Top
Peplum tops easily create a magic effect that makes the pooch look non-existent. You have to try different brands and cuts to find which works best for your body type. Aim for a peplum top that begins to flare exactly where the pooch begins.
- Statement Accessories
Statement accessories include jewelry, hand bags and scarfs that add unique and bold accents to your basic attire. They have the ability to steal attention and make your problem areas hide in plain sight.
- Wrap Dress
The wrap dress just has a special effect in that it reveals the curvature of your hips while the overlapping portion of the wrap distracts the curious eyes from the pooch that lays beneath it. Get wrap dresses with bold prints or patterns as such designs add more drama and a camouflage effect to the attire.
Here’s hoping these quick fashion tips help you stay on top of your style game while you keep doing exercises known to burn belly fat.
Photo description: Model in a DVF wrap dress
Photocredit: Bloomingdales
Founded in 2007, Ladybrille® Magazine is a California based pioneer digital publication demystifying the image of Africans in the west through contemporary African fashion and celebrating the brilliant woman in business and leadership, with an emphasis on the African woman in the diaspora. Our coverage includes stories on capital, access to markets, expertise, hiring and retention, sales, marketing, and promotions.
