What's a good way to cover tummy "pudge?" I'm a secretary in an office and the dress code is business casual.
Love your blog!
-BB
Thanks for reading, BB! Just as general reminder, business casual can mean different things for different offices, so be sure to double check your office's dress code.
Basically, there are two things that I think will do the most camouflaging to stomach pudge:
I know this suggestion will be unpopular to some, but mid or high rise pants are the way to go for the maximum pudge concealment. I don't get why West Virginian women--no matter the size--refuse to buy anything but lowrise pants. A higher pant rise will help you keep the pudge tucked in and out of sight. On top of the rise, look for a boot cut with a slim thigh. You'll probably have to look a bit longer to find them, but the slimming effect can't be beat. If you can't find them, a local tailor should be able to help you out. Also, avoid patch pockets (like those on jeans) or back flap pockets, those ruin the sleek look of the pants. The bootcut helps balance out your middle.
A quick list of no-no's when it comes to pudge-concealing pants:
-NO low rise
-NO patch pockets or flaps on back pockets
-NO flares (generally, leg openings over 20")
-NO skinny pants (unprofessional)
-NO tapered pants. EVER.
-NO polyester pants.
-Go easy on stretch. After a while the pants won't help keep stuff tucked in.
Long shirts are amongst your best ally in the battle against pudge. Tunics are great, like the gray one on the top left hand corner. The belt is also a nice addition because if you tie it at the narrowest part of your waist, it makes your waist look smaller while the draping helps conceal. I use the baseball shirt in the top middle as more of an example of a hemline to look for than as an actual top to wear (although wear it with the white pants from above and then add a belt would be a great summer look). Shirttale hems are wonderful at hiding figure flaws, which is why I added the basic beige button down next to it. The beige shirts is also made out of silk, while expensive, is well worth the money. Silk lasts forever, wears like iron, and can drape and conceal like nothing else. The pink shirt on the bottom is darling, but I think it needs a belt as well or else it leans into the "cut off mumu" look a bit too much for comfort. I added the cardigan because even if it's 98 degrees outside with 100% humidity, your office will be a chilling 55 degrees.
When it comes to shirts, avoid shirts that hit above your hip, as that line draws the eye right to the area you're trying to hide. Also, avoid the boxy jackets and blazers that seem to be everywhere nowadays, as those don't do a damn thing to help you.
