Flattering style sweaters.
Over the last few years I have been clearing out my waist hugging sweaters. Slim style sweaters are just not working for me anymore. They tend to cling in all the wrong places. There is nothing worse that that slight roll round the middle.
I am roughly the same weight as I always have been. It is just that the pounds/kilos seem to have mysteriously redistributed themselves. I still have a small waist to hip ratio yet my stomach is definitely no longer flat despite my valiant attempts with pilates. Apparently this is the only area in the body that we are able to store oestrogen after the menopause. Although to the best of my knowledge my hormones left the premises some years ago.
Back to the subject of sweaters I have taken advantage of the MeandEm sale, they do great trapeze style sweaters so I purchased this grey swing back sweater that I am wearing above. I normally wear slightly longer line styles but am short of sweaters that work with jackets. This one is ideal.
Photos taken by Mr.P in the ruins of the medieval chateau in Grimaud.
ALTERNATIVE SWING SWEATER STYLES
Hi Josephine. I was surprised to see this post today as I spent last evening doing a cull of exactly the type of slim fit jumpers you describe Like you I have not gained weight but have definitely changed shape. I hate the look of rolls and tummy bulge. My question is how to balance the swing top with trousers that are easy over the hips and thighs without looking big the whole way down? In the past I had always worn neat tops with wide trousers. I would love to hear your advice as I have been puzzling over this one. You look great in the photos by the way. Thanks in advance. Margo
Hi Margo
Good question. I think that the trousers need to be good quality and definitely not baggy round the hips. The ones I am wearing are by MeandEm they are quite tight fitting but have no extra bulk with any pockets etc. The fabric is reasonably thick and has some elasticity which helps. I plan to try the sweater with my Hope trousers and with some wider ones shortly.
You look like you are in great shape. That outfit fits you perfect.
Love this style! It’s not only flattering but looks very modern too.
How that jumper suits you Josephine, I love this “swing” style, in fact, I think they look better on every one, even “stick insects”. I may have said this before, as much as I love this colour grey, and have wasted much money on various trials, I might add, it just does not suit me.
Susan.x
If you have warm colouring or too pale skin you are right Susan light grey will probably not work for you.
Same problem for me Josephine, but just haven’t got round to the cull yet! That middle bit is so hard to shift. I keep reading ‘French Women don’t get fat’ but so far its not working ! I certainly think Hope fits the bill these days, so kind yet stylish.
ps I love your hairstyle, bet you had it cut in France ?
Hi Viv
Actually I have my hair cut here in London. I have had the same hairdresser for about 15 years or more.
Oh yes, this is the issue for so many of us who had slim waists and flat stomachs. Without doing anything differently the shift takes place and Voila, those form fitting clothes are a thing of the past. Like you I hae slimmed down the shape of the pants to adjust to the looser tops. I also find that a length a bit below the largest part of the hip works well, or just below the waist is good too. Not mid-thigh!
Lovely silhouette and beautiful color of blue. It looks stunning with your hair.
Happy 2016 Josephine!
SO pretty with your hair. Fresh, modern, comfy…great look!
I also have the same problem with a tummy and didn’t know that is where we store estrogen. I have been wearing LL Bean Perfect fit pants in slim. They don’t have any fabric clutter around the tummy/waist area. I would like to find a better quality similar style in Canada as our C$ to U$ is only 70 cents. Add tax and duty and ouch. This outfit looks great on you.
NYDJ (Not Your Daughter’s Jeans) from the Bay fits the bill. Love their leggings and skinny jeans.
Once you know your size, easy to order online. A few weeks ago they had the leggings on half price. Subscribe to their emails but always good to check what’t on sale at any give time. I also do intermittent fasting where I eat only two meals a day starting at noon and a snack in between, that helps and I am never hungry.
Hi Dainne
I have about 3 pairs of NYDJ jeans they are very hard wearing I have had mine for about 3 to 4 years and they are still good. Interesting idea on the 2 meals. We are currently cutting out potatoes, pasta, rice and not too much bread as my husband has high blood sugar and this was recommended by his doctor. There was also an interesting TV program last night saying that you should not eat late in the evening and give ourselves at least 12 hours before eating again in the morning.
That’s a really lovely sweater you are wearing, lovely soft colour. I am always on the lookout for tummy friendly tops and sweaters due to the dreaded ‘jelly belly!’
Cos can be a good bet I find.
Being in the US, I find that the sweaters from JJill are great length, style, and quality. I found three on their winter clearance. In fact I am wearing one right now. You might check them out.
That is a great look, Josephine! I love those colours on you. I have warmer colouring so it wouldn’t look as great on me. I really like the shape though. Might have to go shopping soon… I tend to wear wide, straight trousers but I don’t think that shape top would go with them.
Hi Wendy B I think that the sweater will go with wide straighter trousers. I am going to try the combination out shortly so watch this space.
Wow ladies this post really struck a chord with me. It seems I am not alone in seeking out the swing tops, skinny pants and ditching the figure hugging sweaters. Unfortunately I have a lovely supply of this style of sweater in fine wool and I feel so sad to see them go. Currently my husband and I are attending a weekly session with a personal trainer so maybe all is not lost yet 😉