skinny pants with loose (but not flowy or empire) tops

As someone with a similar issue, formerly slim, now 5 lbs+ and flabby post-2nd baby, I'd second this. Most folks' legs are their most "in-shape" part, and a longer top can hide the belly and tush. (Though I see nothing wrong with a decently cut empire/flow-y top. To the contrary, I'd say that a top that skims but doesn't hug the body can be a good bet.)

Other thoughts:
V-neck Ts almost universally flattering.
Dark colors hide bulges
Throw a tailored blazer on top of an outfit to provide structure and shape. Doesn't have to be formal, in fact ponte jackets might be a good option.
Smart color blocking

Anonymous wrote:I've heard the phrase before but didn't quite get it until it started to describe me. I am formerly just plain fat, lost a lot of weight and now am a very small size but... fat. My arms are big. My stomach sticks out. My legs are flabby. It sucks! What's the best way to dress in this situation?

I'm a formerly fat person dealing with loose skin too (not on my stomach, though, because I got a TT). Here are some of my staples:

-- back-smoothing bra
-- high-waisted jeans/pants that prevent side rolls (I like the Old Navy Dreamer cut available online)
-- thick pants: either jeans or other thick fabric like jacquard. (Banana Republic usually carries some jacquard crops like these.)
-- shapewear with skirts (I love this control skort from Commando.)
-- tops with elbow-length sleeves
-- dark colors on top, which aren't as see-through

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Good fabrics that don't cling. You want things that hold structure on their own.

This. This is something that most Americans of any size get wrong. Nobody wants to contemplate your bra buldges in back whether you are size 2 or 22. Tissue t-shirts guarantee that everyone behind you WILL be forced to see just that.

for inspiration, study some middle aged Italian or French women in DC. I happen to see this type a lot because of where I live. And I gotta say, even the plump ones look -great- in their exquisite, well-crafted clothing and simple, high-end shoes. No bra fat and side rolls on display at Jacques Dessange!

I love how Jacques Dessange is perceived as so 'high end' here but in Paris its no different than a hair cuttery chain.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Good fabrics that don't cling. You want things that hold structure on their own.

This. This is something that most Americans of any size get wrong. Nobody wants to contemplate your bra buldges in back whether you are size 2 or 22. Tissue t-shirts guarantee that everyone behind you WILL be forced to see just that.

for inspiration, study some middle aged Italian or French women in DC. I happen to see this type a lot because of where I live. And I gotta say, even the plump ones look -great- in their exquisite, well-crafted clothing and simple, high-end shoes. No bra fat and side rolls on display at Jacques Dessange!

Where can you get clothes with good fabric that holds structure on their own? Most stores that I shop at seem to have the tissue t-shirts.

unfortunately, saks and neimans.