Todays post in the little series on how to dress your body its best deals with back fat and muffin tops. Neither of these terms needs further definition, but I will say that muffin top is a relatively new phrase. I remember when there wasn’t any such thing as a muffin top because pants and jeans came up to your real waistline and covered this part of a body up. Granted, the very high rise wasn’t the best look but at least it didn’t create a new issue. Geez.

Ok, below are a few strategies for dressing muffins:

Shape wear:
Indispensable for smoothing out any little bulges. Always choose high waisted garments that provide coverage from the bra band down.

Jeans:
Choose a comfortable fitting medium rise (9” or so). I like a medium rise because they are available all over the place now in lots of styles (skinny, boot cut, straight, trouser, etc.), are easy because shirts will stay tucked in, and as a grown up, they are more appropriate as opposed to something super low.

Tops:
Long tops in A-shape and empire waists are flattering on muffin tops. Look for pieces that drape and/or ruche too. Basically, tops need to be long enough to cover the body. Consider layering any iffy-length shirts over a matching tank top. This is a favorite trick of mine and has saved me from pitching many short-ish cardigans and shirts as well as shirts whose neckline plunges just a little too low.

Back bulges:

You know, this is a weird phenomenon. I mean, what’s the deal? I see bulges and lines around bra on even the slimmest backs?

Bra:
No matter what, we all need a bra that fits. “Most of a bras support comes from the band being snug around the body and level side to side.” If a bra is too large, the band will ride up in back and the straps will need to be tightened way up to get hoist in front, which also causes the band to ride up in back. But, for me anyway, a bra that fits according to this criteria and sits properly low around the back, digs into the flesh on my rib cage, which isn’t nice and smooth from the rear view. I guess it’s not as bad as panty lines, but still. I don’t have a good answer to this.

Shape wear:
A camisole with a bra is awesome for providing a nice smooth silhouette front and back. I love mine, especially under a white t-shirt or sweater. Smaller sizes can get by with the built in shelf style bras while larger busts can wear the styles with a more real bra or just layer a bra-less tank or cami over your regular bra. These pieces are snug so they gently compress and smooth out bulges making them much less noticeable, plus they’re slippery so nothing clings.

Tops:
The main thing about selecting a top is that it isn’t too tight. It shouldn’t be too baggy either-there’s no need to hide your shape, ever. Look for tops that skim rather than cling. Draping, pleats, and tiers are great design details that camouflage back fat. It’s also easy to layer a vest, cardigan or jacket over a t-shirt or blouse and avoid the issue all together.

I know we all work too hard to have any of the body challenges we’ve talked about over the last few weeks, but maybe you know someone who does? Ha! Please share any of your own tricks in the comments.