Without this becoming TMI, bloating is a real fashion dilemma that we don’t talk about enough, IMO. Besides the fact that it affects your mood and therefore whole day, working out what to wear which will be comfortable and flattering as well as stylish is so hard.
Combine that with the sudden properly summer weather, and if getting dressed in general right now is feeling like a challenge for you, you’re not alone.
Although I’ve got a few fashion regrets (more on that later), I feel like I’ve finally mastered how to get by on bad image days. Read on for my guide on what to wear for days when you’re feeling rubbish, and inspiration for the perfect failsafe, easy and chic outfits…
Pieces to try:
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Styling tips for when you’re bloated
Avoid jeans
I don’t know about you, but I can think of nothing worse on my crap days, particularly in the heat, than a pair of rigid straight leg jeans digging in while I’m sat my desk. There’s one week in the month that I know I’ll feel comfortable in my favourite jeans (Levi’s or Weekday, if you’re wondering), and for the rest of the time, I’m in floaty trousers and skirts.
On that note, anything belted like a shirt dress or blazer should be saved for another day. Not only will you feel uncomfortable, but a belt highlights the area drawing attention to it, which is exactly what we’re trying to avoid.
Opt for simple looks
Anything fussy will likely annoy you at some point in the day, so save your new fringed skirt, pom pom top or cargo skirt for another time – take it from me, having them annoy you on your ‘off’ day might put you off wearing them altogether.
The key is to fly under-the-radar and wait till the storm passes. That means going for low-key and easy to put together outfits. Think (elasticated waist) dark wide leg trousers, a plain oversized T-shirt, tan sandals and a checked blazer. Inoffensive, chic and effective.
Read more on summer dressing:
- Can I wear a denim skirt or shorts to work? And other workwear heatwave dilemmas solved
- The best Hermès sandals dupes, from Chypre to Oran
- What to wear in 25-degree heat this summer
- Work commute outfits that take me from hot trains to an AC-filled office
Go for lightweight layers
We’re still in the midst of a UK heatwave, but since we all know the weather is temperamental, light layers are always best. If your body temperature fluctuates on your crap days, being able to peel off a cardigan and stash it in your bag will be the difference in having a bearable commute into work. T-shirts, cotton shirts, silky skirts and trench coats are all light options, so be sure to base your looks around those.
A silky bias cut skirt is soft and lightweight, and if you pair with a T-shirt and blazer, one will skim your stomach and, quite literally, gloss over it.
Try a dress
Even if you’re not a dress fan on a usual day, given how easy they are to wear and style an outfit around, they could be a saving grace on your crap days. A plisse number distracts with its pleats, as does a printed design over a colour block one.
Wear your favourite accessories
When has a beautiful bag or the perfect gold hoop not cheered you up? It’s for that reason I pull out the big guns on the days when I’m in a funk. My oversized tortoise sunglasses (year-round, obviously), investment handbags and favourite gold stacking rings come out for these days. Not only will they make it appear as if I’ve made more effort than I have on my look, but they also nicely steal the limelight.
Accessories always fit, no matter what your bloat status is.
Shop chic summer accessories
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