Everyday Clothing That Fits Just Right

Finding the Perfect Underwear

Your base layer sets the foundation for everything else. Many women haven't measured for a bra in years, even though our bodies continue to change. Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause affect breast size and shape, while weight distribution changes alter how bras fit around the ribcage.

Whether you measure yourself or see a professional, do it annually or whenever you notice issues like shoulder pain, backaches or constant adjusting. For everyday wear, T-shirt bras offer smooth lines under casual clothes while providing necessary support. If you're more active invest in a quality sports bra with genuine support.

If you haven’t been underwear shopping in a while, you might be surprised by the improvements in modern wireless bras, which can be more comfortable for long, active days. For those needing fuller coverage and support, like a 36dd or larger, specialised designs can make all the difference. Look for brands, like those Belle Lingerie stocks, that understand the engineering required for larger cup sizes: wide, padded straps that don't dig in, supportive bands that sit flat against your ribcage and quality construction that maintains shape.

Tops That Work for Real Life

Our proportions change as we age, not just our weight, but where we carry it. The goal is to find tops that skim your body without being tight or baggy. This often means trying different sizes in different brands and materials until you find what works for your current shape.

V-necks are universally flattering, creating length and drawing the eye upward, but avoid going too low (unless you’re comfortable with other parents being able to see down your top when you bend to tie a shoelace). Scoop necks offer a softer alternative. Invest in versatile, easy to wash pieces that don’t wrinkle easily.

Jeans and Trousers for Busy Mums

Accept that your ideal size may have changed, that's completely normal. Focus on how jeans make you feel rather than the number on the label, which is largely meaningless anyway as brands all size differently. Try on multiple styles and cuts; you might be surprised what suits your current figure best.

High waisted jeans can be incredibly flattering for the 40 plus figure, providing support and creating a smooth silhouette. Look for jeans with a bit of stretch that will mov with you during active family days out without losing their shape by lunchtime.

Straight leg trousers look great on many body shapes as they help balance proportions. If you want more room for footwear consider a bootcut. And whatever your size, move on from those skinny fit jeggings that were never that flattering for most figures.

Creating a Wardrobe That Works

It's better to have fewer pieces that fit perfectly than a wardrobe full of "okay" clothes. Start with the basics (well fitting jeans, comfortable bras and versatile tops) then build from there. Calculate cost-per-wear for key pieces: that expensive bra worn twice weekly for two years is excellent value.

Consider creating a capsule wardrobe of 10 to 12 pieces that work together. Stick to a few neutral colours that suit your lifestyle like navy, grey or black and add one accent colour. You know that colour that you love so you gravitate to it in the shops. Mine tends to be dark red or teal. This makes getting dressed easier and ensures everything coordinates.

Investing in properly fitting clothes isn't about vanity, it's about practicality and your wellbeing. How much money have you spent on clothes for your children over the years? It’s time to invest in yourself too. When you're comfortable, you have more energy for what matters most: you family, you work and yourself. The goal isn’t to fit into old clothes, it’s to find new ones that fit the beautiful, amazing woman you've become.