I feel you, OP, as someone whose need to be on steroids has given them a middle section worthy of offers of seats on public transport.
I've found oversized blazers being in fashion to be really useful, as they hide a lot of the side view, which is where my bulk is more noticeable. Might not be the same for you, though. All the best in your job search!
I was also going to suggest this. Adding an open blazer on top of whatever you wear to distract from the midsection. Eg flowy top, comfy pants and a blazer to add structure
Have you tried a shirt dress, that you can buckle just below your boobs/above your belly? I’ve struggled with my stomach post 2 x c sections and this style of dress has been a savior.
https://preview.redd.it/k0pzfgof5hoc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=05a9f07365681d89a4b88e2f27ce99a749e7e85f
Agree. But choose one in a heavier / non-clingy fabric or go up a size. As long as it’s not clingy over the stomach. I’m an apple shape and so I have a belly. I like these dresses on me.
A-line shift dresses can be a good option. They’re great in the summer (with a cardi or blazer indoors) and are versatile in winter by adding a shirt or skivvy under and some opaque tights.
This might be too casual but this dress from [assembly](https://assemblylabel.com/products/piper-dress-black?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw48-vBhBbEiwAzqrZVAhsrvqu3ZVgZTgTUKXYylvz3lwnHbvp4aOA3l0VEafplQrEOjPaDxoCiyUQAvD_BwE) label is the cut I mean. Here’s an option from [Marcs](https://www.marcs.com.au/avril-metallic-mini-dress-a094w40809-navy-sparkle), or a tweed one from [forcast](https://www.forcast.com.au/gabrielle-tweed-dress-clay) (with matching jacket available).
If you prefer longer dresses then something like [this](https://shop.mango.com/au/women/dresses-and-jumpsuits-dresses/belt-shirt-dress_67035738.html?c=37) from m.n.g could work too.
I too have a belly, but mine is self-inflicted! I recently purchased a lovely shirt dress from Maiocchi. It can be worn with or without the belt and I think it looks great either way. The style can be dressed up or down depending on your shoes, too. The fabric is very flowy and comfortable.
There is also a buy 2, get 20% off at the moment.
I hope you find something nice and good luck with your interviews!
Yes, without a belt always looks better for me, but I think it’s highly dependent on if you’re short-waisted or long-waisted. Haven’t looked up Maiocchi in years, thanks for the reminder!!
I don’t have a suggestion I’m just here to say it sucks that women are discriminated against for being pregnant or having a medical issue that makes them look pregnant.
Cos often have some oversized tent style dresses that you can either wear loose or sinch with a belt where the fabric creates a shape that hides a belly
Second this or also Gorman if that's the style you're more into. And this is speaking as someone who was recently pregnant, regularly wore this style of clothes, and was often told I didn't look pregnant and almost never offered a seat on PT 🙃
I have this dress from Cos: https://www.cos.com/en-au/women/womenswear/dresses/mididresses/product/contrast-panel-midi-t-shirt-dress-dark-khaki-1139651003
Which works well for this, it's loose enough to hide a belly but the change in material from top to skirt make it look a bit more polished and not like a sack. Wear a necklace and maybe a cropped blazer on top to make it more formal for the interview.
That's pretty much all I dress for these days, it's a sensory thing for me after gaining weight, I hate anything that clings or sits even a tiny bit fitted around my tummy. I really like this brand, they don't have much stock at the moment but they're often at markets and stuff as well, I think there's a new drop in April.
[https://www.fujinella.com/product/winter-luxe-frock-sunset](https://www.fujinella.com/product/winter-luxe-frock-sunset)
I also like the evil tee dresses from Blackmilk. They fit around the bust then sorta drape down. I'm usually a size 14 in most things and wear a L in this style.
[https://blackmilkclothing.com/search.html?query=evil+tee&page=1](https://blackmilkclothing.com/search.html?query=evil+tee&page=1)
Another fave are linen pants with an elastic waist, then just wear a t-shirt with a blazer. I've gotten linen pants from Kmart and Sportsgirl.
I also have medical belly issues and I wear a lot of jumpsuits. I find that the ones that have a seam across the waist work well because they break up the belly so it doesn't look as big. When the "waist" is under the bust my belly looks bigger.
How formal do you need? A silk midi with a knit over not tucked is a good option if it can be a little more casual. I’m 18 weeks pregnant and this hid my belly well. And dresses that are more fitted on the bust then flare out work well
Edit- dark colours and patterns also help!
While I was hiding it at work:
Trapeze dress.
Loose/flowy wrap dress with a noisy pattern, especially under a blazer. Looks less pregnant if you actually tie the wrap on the belly rather than above it, for me.
Low waisted pants under an intentionally oversized, long top - like a [tunic style top](https://elkthelabel.com/products/joen-tunic), or an untucked longish button up shirt.
High-waisted wide pants (if you have some that still fit/with stretchy waist), with a boxy top or top tucked in to make it boxier - so there's just a ton of distracting volume everywhere and it's not obviously all coming from the stomach.
Stiff cotton shirt dress - wouldn't work as 'hiding' for me with people I know already, as it makes me look obviously larger in general, but I don't necessarily look pregnant so it works in that sense.
I find Elk to be well shaped for real bodies if your budget stretches to this. I’d be pretty confident recommending the most, but this style is very flattering on apple shaped 170cm tall body : https://elkthelabel.com/products/berg-dress
I got a belly myself and I feel a million bucks in my matching sets from taking shape. I think some of them could be dressed up for the office, im a bit of a wild dresser though but i think you could find some more subdued/ plain patterns if you prefer :)
Basque dresses hide a lot, look professional and are reasonably priced https://www.myer.com.au/p/basque-tie-front-midi-shirt-dress-in-multi?istCompanyId=84873db0-394f-434b-8958-29526fe5f03c&istFeedId=3dd6959f-3482-45a5-8a47-313fef9bbe16&istItemId=lqqimratt&istBid=t&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw48-vBhBbEiwAzqrZVGWaCmJqkle-HZm2NcCR6yfFu_5r0MXhJxxtTo0_g7db27uoS5ImJxoCbjYQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Wrap dresses work for me, I get similar comments but since they wrap just under the bust and then flow out over the stomach it’s much less noticeable and they’re also so comfy
I feel you - I have severe endo and polycystic ovarian syndrome, so I carry weight in my lower stomach and bloat a lot.
I love dresses which are fitted but floaty if that makes any sense. Variety Hour, Gorman and Obus are favs of mine. I also love the pants from Gorman and Obus, high waisted and often pleated so hides a lot, even with a shirt tucked in.
I feel you, OP, as someone whose need to be on steroids has given them a middle section worthy of offers of seats on public transport. I've found oversized blazers being in fashion to be really useful, as they hide a lot of the side view, which is where my bulk is more noticeable. Might not be the same for you, though. All the best in your job search!
I was also going to suggest this. Adding an open blazer on top of whatever you wear to distract from the midsection. Eg flowy top, comfy pants and a blazer to add structure
Just want to say I really hope you take those offers of seats of public transport! There’s gotta be some upside, right?!
Have you tried a shirt dress, that you can buckle just below your boobs/above your belly? I’ve struggled with my stomach post 2 x c sections and this style of dress has been a savior. https://preview.redd.it/k0pzfgof5hoc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=05a9f07365681d89a4b88e2f27ce99a749e7e85f
Agree. But choose one in a heavier / non-clingy fabric or go up a size. As long as it’s not clingy over the stomach. I’m an apple shape and so I have a belly. I like these dresses on me.
Yep - agree - you need a beautiful drapey fabric/not clingy.
A-line shift dresses can be a good option. They’re great in the summer (with a cardi or blazer indoors) and are versatile in winter by adding a shirt or skivvy under and some opaque tights. This might be too casual but this dress from [assembly](https://assemblylabel.com/products/piper-dress-black?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw48-vBhBbEiwAzqrZVAhsrvqu3ZVgZTgTUKXYylvz3lwnHbvp4aOA3l0VEafplQrEOjPaDxoCiyUQAvD_BwE) label is the cut I mean. Here’s an option from [Marcs](https://www.marcs.com.au/avril-metallic-mini-dress-a094w40809-navy-sparkle), or a tweed one from [forcast](https://www.forcast.com.au/gabrielle-tweed-dress-clay) (with matching jacket available). If you prefer longer dresses then something like [this](https://shop.mango.com/au/women/dresses-and-jumpsuits-dresses/belt-shirt-dress_67035738.html?c=37) from m.n.g could work too.
I too have a belly, but mine is self-inflicted! I recently purchased a lovely shirt dress from Maiocchi. It can be worn with or without the belt and I think it looks great either way. The style can be dressed up or down depending on your shoes, too. The fabric is very flowy and comfortable. There is also a buy 2, get 20% off at the moment. I hope you find something nice and good luck with your interviews!
Yes, without a belt always looks better for me, but I think it’s highly dependent on if you’re short-waisted or long-waisted. Haven’t looked up Maiocchi in years, thanks for the reminder!!
I’m very long waisted and 163cm. Am I meant to be wearing a belt?
I would look for an a line or a fit and flare type dress that’s fitted around your bust line and then flows out from there.
I love any 50's style dresses as they're meant to poof out at that point. Styling tips for apple shaped bodies will help too.
I don’t have a suggestion I’m just here to say it sucks that women are discriminated against for being pregnant or having a medical issue that makes them look pregnant.
Cos often have some oversized tent style dresses that you can either wear loose or sinch with a belt where the fabric creates a shape that hides a belly
Second this or also Gorman if that's the style you're more into. And this is speaking as someone who was recently pregnant, regularly wore this style of clothes, and was often told I didn't look pregnant and almost never offered a seat on PT 🙃
I have this dress from Cos: https://www.cos.com/en-au/women/womenswear/dresses/mididresses/product/contrast-panel-midi-t-shirt-dress-dark-khaki-1139651003 Which works well for this, it's loose enough to hide a belly but the change in material from top to skirt make it look a bit more polished and not like a sack. Wear a necklace and maybe a cropped blazer on top to make it more formal for the interview.
That's pretty much all I dress for these days, it's a sensory thing for me after gaining weight, I hate anything that clings or sits even a tiny bit fitted around my tummy. I really like this brand, they don't have much stock at the moment but they're often at markets and stuff as well, I think there's a new drop in April. [https://www.fujinella.com/product/winter-luxe-frock-sunset](https://www.fujinella.com/product/winter-luxe-frock-sunset) I also like the evil tee dresses from Blackmilk. They fit around the bust then sorta drape down. I'm usually a size 14 in most things and wear a L in this style. [https://blackmilkclothing.com/search.html?query=evil+tee&page=1](https://blackmilkclothing.com/search.html?query=evil+tee&page=1) Another fave are linen pants with an elastic waist, then just wear a t-shirt with a blazer. I've gotten linen pants from Kmart and Sportsgirl.
Get a blazer - looks professional but also hides/distracts from the belly. And good luck
Yes this is a great idea. Get the next size up for that on trend boyfriend look and it will work even better as a disguise
I also have medical belly issues and I wear a lot of jumpsuits. I find that the ones that have a seam across the waist work well because they break up the belly so it doesn't look as big. When the "waist" is under the bust my belly looks bigger.
Gorman have quite a lot of loose flowey designs. When I was pregnant I was able to hide from work for sometime because of this.
Second this. I only wore gorman dresses and everyone was shocked at 20 weeks when I announced I was pregnant.
How formal do you need? A silk midi with a knit over not tucked is a good option if it can be a little more casual. I’m 18 weeks pregnant and this hid my belly well. And dresses that are more fitted on the bust then flare out work well Edit- dark colours and patterns also help!
[Maiocchi](https://www.maiocchi.com.au/) is my favourite. Brisbane designer. The bamboo fabric is very flattering & forgiving
While I was hiding it at work: Trapeze dress. Loose/flowy wrap dress with a noisy pattern, especially under a blazer. Looks less pregnant if you actually tie the wrap on the belly rather than above it, for me. Low waisted pants under an intentionally oversized, long top - like a [tunic style top](https://elkthelabel.com/products/joen-tunic), or an untucked longish button up shirt. High-waisted wide pants (if you have some that still fit/with stretchy waist), with a boxy top or top tucked in to make it boxier - so there's just a ton of distracting volume everywhere and it's not obviously all coming from the stomach. Stiff cotton shirt dress - wouldn't work as 'hiding' for me with people I know already, as it makes me look obviously larger in general, but I don't necessarily look pregnant so it works in that sense.
I find Elk to be well shaped for real bodies if your budget stretches to this. I’d be pretty confident recommending the most, but this style is very flattering on apple shaped 170cm tall body : https://elkthelabel.com/products/berg-dress
I hid a pregnancy for 7 months with a size up in COS dresses 😂
I got a belly myself and I feel a million bucks in my matching sets from taking shape. I think some of them could be dressed up for the office, im a bit of a wild dresser though but i think you could find some more subdued/ plain patterns if you prefer :)
Recommend a-frame or trapeze dresses (or tops with wide leg pants)
Basque dresses hide a lot, look professional and are reasonably priced https://www.myer.com.au/p/basque-tie-front-midi-shirt-dress-in-multi?istCompanyId=84873db0-394f-434b-8958-29526fe5f03c&istFeedId=3dd6959f-3482-45a5-8a47-313fef9bbe16&istItemId=lqqimratt&istBid=t&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw48-vBhBbEiwAzqrZVGWaCmJqkle-HZm2NcCR6yfFu_5r0MXhJxxtTo0_g7db27uoS5ImJxoCbjYQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
It's like they covered it with an optical illusion that could hide anything! I love it
I love them. I don’t work in an office anymore but if I did I think I would buy them in every colour.
Wrap dresses work for me, I get similar comments but since they wrap just under the bust and then flow out over the stomach it’s much less noticeable and they’re also so comfy
Not sure about hiding it, but I have endometriosis and live in maternity skirts for work.
I feel you - I have severe endo and polycystic ovarian syndrome, so I carry weight in my lower stomach and bloat a lot. I love dresses which are fitted but floaty if that makes any sense. Variety Hour, Gorman and Obus are favs of mine. I also love the pants from Gorman and Obus, high waisted and often pleated so hides a lot, even with a shirt tucked in.
Alannah Hill dresses with a blazer - some of the prints are a bit out there but they are cut well and stretchy .