Saddle bag thighs - Fashion tips anyone?

Is anyone else here cursed with "Saddlebag thighs or Violin deformity" ? (yep, there is a name for it, I found it referenced on a number of plastic surgery sites)

I've always been bigger in the hips than on top (even when I was thin in high school).  But after the major weight loss from the DS, the weight tends to come off my thighs starting at about mid-thigh and down.  The saddle bag area truly looks deformed.  There is also an area on my hips that resists losing the fat.  The area where the leg line on my underwear hits doesn't hold the fat, but just above it and just below it is grotesque.

I'm 6'0" tall, very long legs and short waisted.  My size on top is two sizes smaller than my hips (due to the saddlebag issues).  I was at 377 lbs at surgery in July of 2005, and eventually lost 130 lbs. (sadly, I gained 70 back, but it was because I stopped coming here for support, stopped weighing myself daily, which I need, and ate a diet of primarily carbs and sweets).

BUT, I'm back on track, I've lost 30 of the regained pounds, but even after that, I've only come down one size in clothes on the bottom. 

Okay, here is my question.  Any suggestions on a somewhat flattering way to dress this type of body (you know, kind of like the message board form of "What not to wear").  I wear Spanx with my dress pants that I wear to work, and that helps somewhat, but it doesn't smooth it out completely.

I'm 55, so I'm certainly not hoping to wear skimpy things, but I also don't want to look matronly (oh man, I hate that word).  I like the look of the baby doll type tops that flare out over the hips, but to get something that is big enough to flare over my hips, the bust fit is HUGE. 

My final decision on clothes seems to be what looks least offensive, I can't even get close to finding something "flattering".

I'm coming to the Indy get together in a few weeks and I am dreading wearing the one pair of capris that I own (don't own shorts at all).  They are stretch (that's what I wear when I go walking) and very unforgiving.

So in an attempt to make you all think I have high fashion sense, give me some suggestions!

By the way, I'll still choose the weird hips and funny shape over where I was before.  I feel great and I'm really not complaining.  Just asking you all to be my personal stylists.

(Thank goodness I'm drop dead gorgeous, which diverts people's attention away from my hips)

Okay, I lied about the drop dead gorgeous part, but I DO have a great personality!

Denise

P.S. Do you think it was a mistake that I included this description of my body in my profile on match.com?






 

I think Stacy and Clinton might recommend a pencil skirt at the knee or a wrap dress the same length - love that show, what I wouldn't give to spend a week with them

eta - don't know much about profiles for dating so if its the norm to post body description go for it, if not I wouldn't just cause who knows what kinda pervs your gonna get that wanna some booty

I'm with you, I would love to have Stacy and Clinton give me advice as to what looks best.  Being 6'0" tall, I'd also be anxious to see what type of shoes they would suggest.  I can't get away with 3 inch heels, that's for sure!  Flats or  low heels look dowdy with skirts and dresses (or they at least they do on me), so I just wear pants and the shoes aren't a focus.

And I'm assuming you knew I was kidding about posting my body deformities in a single's profile!  I'd be VERY scared to meet the guy who is turned on by saddlebag thighs!

I get so frustrated with the people who are on What not to Wear and then resist having their hair changed.  It will grow back!  I think it would be fun to have a pro give a makeover (I would definitely hate the 360 degree mirror though).

But I still love watching the show.

Neecy! We're the same height and I will rock 3" heels at the drop of a dime!!

Having a long foot, when I was growing up, it was very hard to find pretty shoes that didn't look like my grandmother's!!  So now, whenever I'm shopping and I see a cute shoe in my size, IT MUST COME HOME WITH ME!

I had an epiphany once when I was in my 20's because, like you, I shied away from wearing heels because I was 6'0 tall.  But let's face it!! Some outfits REQUIRE heels!  It just doesn't look good in flats! So one afternoon, when I saw a cute pair of heels but put them back because I thought I was too tall, I got REAL with myself...

With no shoes on, in my barefeet... I AM TALL
With a pair of flats on... I AM TALL
So even with a pair of 3" heels on...(guess what?)...  I AM STILL GOING TO BE TALL!!

5/8" or 3" doesn't change anything for me so I figured, why ruin the outfit with the wrong choice of shoe! WEAR THE HEELS!! HA!!

I haven't looked back since!
ROCK the shoes AND your DS my sister!!

oh my goodness except for the height we could be twins
5'10 short waisted okay no waist, really long legs with saddles

so what works is to devert attention away

my favorite are bright bright colors on top, or a drop dead gorgous necklace and earrings that keep them focused up top. Chico jackets are wonderful they are a bit shorter again emphasizing the smaller waist, and for me with my short waist they still end up at the tops of my hips.

I like a-line skirts with a fitted top that ends mid hip, accentuate the positive -ignore the rest.  

I like dresses that are longer and fitted through the torso then flare out at the bottom.

Hell if I followed the fashion advice- the pants of my legs would be so wide I would look like popeye in his sailor pants. Definately wear boot cut, it brings the eyes in at the knees and flares out some at the bottom. Also no clingy knits, you do better with a medium weight  cotton non- lycra. Loose fitting but not huge, tight only makes it look worse
.

The other trick I love during the summer is a loose tunic- think indian style in a gauze or very very light weight cotton. worn over a tank top and fitted pants. The trick is to make sure the slits are not gaping over the saddle bag. Better to buy it bigger and take in the side and have a loose fit through the hips.

Hi Amanda and THANKS for the great tips and especially for including the pictures.

I agree that I'm probably going to have to buy the tunic type tops based on hip size and then have the top altered.  It just gets so expensive, but I don't think I have a choice if I want my clothes to fit.

I don't think I fit in Chico sizes, I'm still a plus sized lady (20-22 on top, 26-28 on bottom).  When I try on clothes that stop at my waist, I feel like it accentuates how short waisted I am, and also does nothing to cover the very odd shape to my upper thigh and hip area (I'm not talking a minor saddlebag issue).  I often wear jackets or "big shirts" that fall below my hips.  Again, not necessarily slenderizing, but at least the bizarre hip shape isn't visible.

I love the idea of going shopping for new jewelry to bring the attention away from my hips.

Since you are also tall, what type of shoes do you wear when you wear skirts or dresses?  I can honestly say I haven't owned a skirt or dress in over 10 years.  When I used to wear a skirt or dress and then wore flat shoes, I still felt dowdy looking.

I think I feel the best when I have on flared pants with a top or jacket that falls just below where my saddlebag area is located.  In the winter, that isn't too difficult, but in the summer, wearing a shirt of jacket over my clothes is SO hot.

Thanks again for the great tips and the pictures too!

 

 

 

shoes all about the comfort
summer flats, sandals and sneaker sandals
my favorite of all time play-time sandal is the Ugg- I luckily have casual dress for work and I wear them with capri's and some skirts as well.


winter 1- 1 1/2 inch heels or ankle boots.

Hope it's okay I copied your idea of including pics... great thinking!

Hi!! I'm 6ft tall too!!!!! You are SO not too tall to wear heals! We look even more powerful the taller we are!  almost superhero like! hehehe
Anyhow... my suggestions would be

I personally own this dress and it's FAB! The style is great... the collar and v neck draw the eye to the center of the body and up to the face. It's longer and covers the hip area.

This dress also creates the illusion of a nice V.... again drawing the eye to the face and chest.

This skirt creates a waste line... and is roomy enough for the hips. I almost always wear a dress or skirt because it is fluid and doesn't highlight the hip area.

This won't likely be flattering....

The wider leg creates a better line...

Try different sizes in everything... fit is VERY important and a good undergarmet! Step outside of your box! Enjoy your new body and be proud of what you've done!!!  And remember self confidence can be the sexiest thing on a woman!!! Go get em girl!

Lisa

Hi Lisa,

Wow, another tall lady!  I've been amazed at how many tall women I've met here.  I always used to say that the fashion world made clothes for overweight women or tall women, but not overweight tall women.  JC Penney's has some great tall clothes, but only go to a size 20, so I'm not too close to that yet.

I've had luck with pants at Lane Bryant that are big and tall, but seldom find any big tops with sleeves that are long enough (in fall and winter).

When I was in my 20's, I only weighed about 160, and I wore three inch heels all of the time.

But, I weigh 280 right now and I can't find nice looking heeled shoes that can support that weight.  I do wear two inch heels with pants, but they have a thicker/boot like heel that is supportive of the weight.

If I ever get below 200, I may give the pretty heels a chance again.

I especially loved the first dress in your  pics.  Of course, I would have to buy it to go over my hips and then have the top altered.  (and then find a cute little summer jacket to provide short sleeves).  I doubt I'll ever be able to afford plastic surgery and I know I can't be comfortable in something sleeveless.

I agree that confidence is what is most attractive, but when my worst body parts aren't sufficiently hidden,  I struggle showing confidence. 

The Spanx have been a godsend with my pants, but even with Spanx, the odd saddlebags are quite visible.  I've tried the long dresses on before and once it fits in the top, the bottom is so much bigger, that there is no smooth line.  All attention is at the outer thigh area.

I'm kind of thinking that I'm not doing a good job explaining just how odd my outer thigh is shaped.  I still don't fit in many theater seats unless the arms go up.  I can't even consider going on an airplane unless I can afford to buy a second seat.  If you see me from the waist up, you would have no idea that fitting in a seat is still such an issue.

But, I will still go out and try some of your suggestions and see if there is a work around in making them look attractive.

Thanks for the tips and I'm glad you included the pics too, it really does help!