Tunics Are the Answer to Tummy Trouble
Dear Fashion Police: Over the last few years I’ve put on 20 pounds and find I have something I haven’t had since I was a baby: a belly. I’m starting to exercise again and eat better (although I haven’t given up chocolate), but until I lose the poundage, how can I disguise the bulges? I work at a company that goes by the nebulous “business casual” dress code, so big sweatshirts are out of the question. Help!
--TUMMY TROUBLE
Dear Tummy: One of the most fun things about gaining weight is discovering the myriad ways it manifests itself: a double chin, jiggly thighs, the ironically named “love handles.” At least earlobes stay roughly the same size.
Your belly bulge, though disconcerting to you, can be camouflaged while you’re on that broccoli-chocolate-ab buster diet plan. Sweatshirts may not be appropriate for the office, but you can wear the next best thing--tunic tops. They should be loose-fitting, not voluminous, just gliding over the body and ending around the hips. You can find them with a variety of necklines, including turtlenecks, jewel and V-necks, but choose fabrics that have some body, such as sturdy cotton or wool knits, woven cottons or weightier silks. Flimsier fabrics tend to conform to your curves. Avoid tight shirts or sweaters tucked into pants or skirts, which will emphasize what you want to minimize. It also helps to avoid horizontal stripes, pockets or other details that fall right at the waistline, drawing the eye there.
Some layering is OK, but be careful--you don’t want to go overboard and end up swimming in yards of clothing. A shirt jacket or cardigan over a tank or T-shirt shell is a good idea, or even a twin set is fine, as long as it isn’t snug.
As for skirts and pants, choose styles with regular or elastic waistbands, whichever are more comfortable. Although your lower half may be smaller than your upper half, stay with styles that skim your body and have the same proportions. Wearing clothes that are monochromatic or tone-on-tone won’t draw attention to your midsection.
If you prefer dresses, look for ones cut straight from the bust, with no defined waist. A shirtdress or tunic-style jumper are two styles to look for.
Once you’re down to your desired weight have your pants and skirts altered, if possible. Many people forget or skip this step, but some weight-loss experts believe it’s an important one. The theory is this: If you know that you have clothes that will fit if you slip back to your old weight, you might be less driven to keep the pounds off.
Dear Fashion Police: Promise you won’t laugh? I need a garter belt. I have these pairs of white cotton thigh-high hose (not sheer) that look adorable with a couple of outfits, but the elastic is dead and gone. The only garter belts around are those “babe” kinds, lacy and skimpy. I’m looking for something basic. I have tried all the department stores, and most of the saleswomen didn’t even know what a garter belt was!
--BUILDING A FOUNDATION
Dear Building: We’re not laughing at all, but we are shocked and amazed that few salespeople knew what you were talking about. Granted, they’re probably on the young side, but please! Didn’t any of them ever step into a Victoria’s Secret or look at a fashion magazine or even read a schlocky romance novel? Geez. It wasn’t like you were asking them if they had corset stays.
The garter belt you seek does exist. Different styles of Leading Lady brand white cotton garter belts can be found at Firm Foundations Ltd., a store in Lombard, Ill., that also has a Web site (https://www.firm-foundations.com), or call (630) 620-1385. They’re also available at Ann’s Bra and Lingerie Shop, with two locations in Missouri and a Web site (https://www.brashop.com), or call (877) 272-7348. Ann’s also carries Crown brand cotton garter belts, and prices for all are in the $12-$16 range.
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Write to Fashion Police, 202 W. 1st St., Los Angeles CA 90012, fax to (213) 237-4888, or send e-mail to jeannine.stein@latimes.com.
