I’ve noticed in perusing various sites frequented by the “menopausal set” that issues about dressing are uppermost on everyone’s mind.  The majority of us want to dress hip and chic without trying to look as though we think we’re still 20 something.  After all – so many of us are still in the workplace – unlike generations of menopausal women who came before us.  The rest of us just want to be comfortable without looking like something that slept in a dumpster.  Is that too much to ask?

When you look at the fashion challenges facing women in their early 50’s it can be daunting.  I mean once menopause hits things start to shift – and not in a good way.  Even those of us who maintain a trim and youthful physique (bitches!) can’t help but notice the effects of gravity.  And for those of us whose shape has changed leaving us no choice but to resort to the evil front butted mommy jeans – things are looking anything but up!

Now add in the smaller portion of us who have undergone hysterectomies of various degrees and are faced with the extreme discomfort resulting from surgical scarring and you have a front butted mommy jean with a baggy ass (we can’t take pressure in the front so the butt does not hug!).  I don’t know about you but it’s enough to bring tears to my eyes!

Right after my surgery I was smart enough to realize that a certain amount of swelling was inevitable.  What the HysterSisters refer to as Swelly Belly.  I was nervous but I suspected it would pass with time.  Months later I realized that although it had morphed from the original Swelly Belly things were far from being “back to normal”.  I was confused and disappointed.  I had such a hard time getting dressed for work every morning.  I started to shop obsessively for anything that didn’t “hurt” but still looked ok – and it was a major challenge. And I didn’t really have anyone to talk to about my concerns.  At least not anyone who could relate or offer me any real hope of improvement.

I found a line of pajamas that were sooooo comfortable.  I bought them in every color.  For daytime I wasn’t as fortunate.  I was buying sport pants and hoping that no one would notice as I wore them with suit jackets and incorporated them into my “boardroom” attire.  There was no alternative if I didn’t want trousers so baggy my ass would be hanging down to the back of my knees!  In desperation I contacted the pajama company.  I asked them if they manufactured, or would consider manufacturing, a line of business clothing since they had clearly figured out the secret of comfort.  The response I got from the company representative came dangerously close to making me burst into tears.  “No,” she replied.  “But feel free to wear our pajamas to work.”  I am NOT kidding.  A woman said that to me!

But fear not – there is hope.  More and more manufacturers are designing stretch clothing that is hip and chic and really really comfortable.  Yes, there are now pants that hug my ass!  You need to shop around and try EVERYTHING on!  Especially those of you with scar tissue.  Once you’ve found the slacks that “feel” good start trying them on with co-ordinating tops (blouses/tees/jackets).  If the ensemble looks good i.e. there’s a nice line, they’re not too tight, not too loose, not too trendy (NO bling on the jeans – and for god’s sake no strategically placed holes!!!), there’s not too much skin showing and they don’t make you look six months pregnant – you’re good to go!  And trust me they are out there.  Or don’t trust me – contact me – and I’ll help!