Clam diggers - inadvisable? Help please!

Ugh. A while back I mentioned health issues (I have Lyme Disease). One of the consequences of worsening pain and illness over the last year is a 20lb weight gain that I can't seem to shake, even though I've been well enough to exercise quite a bit for the last 3 months. Unfortunately, this means that hardly anything fits (stretchy and flowy dresses are in heavy rotation). I keep holding out hope that all this exercise will finally get me back into my wardrobe, so I'm REALLY hesitant to buy anything that won't fit once I lose the weight.

This is where my decision to try to transform some flares into clams comes in. I'm feeling grumpy and discouraged and would really love honest feedback about whether any of the lengths I've tried work for me. I'm concerned that I'm just too wide right now to successfully sport this look, but so excited at the prospect of having something "new" to wear that I'm conflicted. Please tell me what you think.

This post has 3 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

11 years ago

DeclawedJaguar

Veteran

First of all, I think you look fantastic. And second -- the rolled up look is very flattering.

Anonymous

You look really good.

Chrizzle

Active Member

I think the clams suit you, and that any widening effect you're seeing have more to do with pairing it with that particular top. I think it's the length and the triangular cut of that top that doesn't quite work when worn with the clams. The clams themselves look good on you. I'm not style-savvy enough to suggest other kinds of tops to try but perhaps someone else will chime in.

Having seen your recent pics in other outfits, I'm surprised to read that you're struggling with your weight because I think you look gorgeous and sexy! But I know how it is to not feel like yourself due to weight gain because I'm feeling that way now, and have for the past year or so.

Janet

(website)

Shu, you look great, and I understand feeling self-conscious. That said, I think these look fine on you. I like #2 best.

Joy

You look great in clams. I agree with Chrizzle that the top is hitting you at about the widest part and you may feel that a longer top closer to crotch length would be more slenderizing. However the color of the top you are wearing is so pretty on you that you should wear it anyway.

annagybe

I like #1.

Sarah A

i also like the rolled look. i think #3 is best and looks great on you. would wear in a heartbeat!

texstyle

You look great - stop worrying! I think the rolled look is best - and a different shape on top would be more flattering overall with them. I'd say *not* sleeveless for the most part as it does emphasize the bottom half, although boatneck sleeveless might work.

I've been wearing my really light weight woven button downs (sleeves rolled up) with my shorts this summer, and I've stayed feeling cool even in the high 90's. Plus, I don't freeze when I go into the grocery store, cafe, etc. I look for "lawn" weight cotton or very light silk/cotton blends. Plus, since I live in a warm climate, I can wear the same button downs with sleeves left down into the fall and winter.

qpswan

The clamdiggers definitely work for you - especially the length in photo 3! I think a top with sleeves might better balance your lovely curvy hips.

I completely understand how you are feeling; I suffer from RA and have gained weight recently. I think that it is important that you dress for today to keep your spirits up - even if that means passing on clothes once they become too big. Good luck!

goldenpig

I love #3 rolled up like that--the clams look great on you! 'm sorry to hear about your health problems. I think you look fantastic, weight gain or not. IMaybe a blouson rather than empire top would de-emphasize the tummy area. I've been struggling with the same sort of issue as my jeans and shorts seem a little tight right now and I'm looking for more flowy clothes--it's amazing what just a couple of lb difference can make. I think you should definitely wear the clams...they look really good to me!

rae

I find *all* these lengths fun and flattering, so I'd leave long and roll when the mood strikes you!

I hear you on the unwanted gain, and it is so frustrating when it feels like your own body is out of control. Still, you have a really fantastic shape and I would not have guessed that you would want to lose weight if you didn't mention it. I hope your health improves so that you can be happy inside and out once again. *hugs*

Your weight gain (I would have never even noticed it) seems to have produced lovely curves in all the right places. Please enjoy your *new* clams in good health. They are perfectly flattering on you! I hope you feel better soon and I'm glad to hear you feel well enough to work out. <HUGS>

Aida

I like the length in #1 a lot! I would try a longer top so that the hem doesn't hit at the wide part of the hip. A high-low hem that hits a little lower could also work really well with these.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

You look INCREDIBLE in these clams. I like all the incarnations.

Shu

Thank you all so much for the feedback! YLF has been such a blessing when I try new things.

DeclawedJaguar, Mary, Anna, Janet and Sarah, thank you for the feedback and encouragement!

Chrizzle, such a good point about the shape of the top! I was about to jump on the treadmill when I got an impulse to cut up my pants, so I just grabbed a top I thought looked benign to throw on over my sports bra for the photos. Thanks for getting me thinking about a different silhouette.

Joy, your compliment about the shirt color made me smile, thank you!

Texstyle,and qpswan thanks so much for the longer-sleeved suggestion! qpswan, I'm sure you know what I mean when I say that it's nice but sad that you can relate to chronic pain :(. I think your advice to dress for today is good, and has me reevaluating a bit.

gp, thanks for the blouson suggestion, great idea!

rae and Claire, thanks for the encouragement and hugs! Claire, yes, being well enough to work out is MAJOR!

Aida, thanks for the hi-low idea!

Angie, thank you so much for the *incredible* stamp of approval, and for creating a space that is so helpful and supportive. You've all helped me dress with so much more confidence.

Here's what I did with all your inspiration:
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ost-658073

tiddles

You look just lovely! I hope the Lyme disease passes quickly and you're able to feel better soon.

Meredith1953

I like all three and really love them rolled! You are a curvy shapely woman. Flaunt those curves lady!

Category