Feeling frustrated by your ever-changing body in midlife? Weight gain is just one of the many unwelcome symptoms you might experience during peri-menopause and menopause. And, while this can make getting dressed super frustrating, even downright depressing… there are several ways to get your style mojo back.
Whether you’re navigating perimenopause (which can start as early as 35!) or are in menopause, looking amazing is absolutely possible!
Here are six simple, yet powerful, style tips to help you navigate this new chapter with confidence! Make sure you scroll all the way to the bottom to see our strategic shopping suggestions too.
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what to wear during menopause
#1 – Know Your Shape! (And, Dress For It!)
Just when you had your style dialed in, menopause throws you the ultimate fashion curveball! Body changes during perimenopause and menopause can make getting dressed feel frustrating, but understanding your body shape can make a huge difference!
If you have a rectangle or athletic shape that tends to look boxy, adding structured shoulders and wide-leg jeans, pants or skirts can help create shape (no curves required).
If you’re carrying extra weight in the midsection (like so many menopausal women!), opt for silhouettes that slim the tummy area. An excellent go-to? A tailored blazer like the one pictured above. It defines your shape, adds structure, and helps create a more streamlined look. (More style tips to mask a tummy here.)
If you aren’t sure what body shape you have, this post is a great place to start.
#2 – Love and Dress the Body You Have Now
It’s not just about knowing your shape—it’s about embracing and loving your body exactly as it is right now. Too often, we focus on imperfections or wait to buy clothes until we reach some elusive “someday” body. But here’s the truth—you deserve to look and feel amazing today.
When you choose flattering, confidence-boosting pieces, you won’t just look great—you’ll feel incredible, too. Dressing in a way that honors and celebrates your current shape is one of the most powerful style moves you can make.
And don’t forget the FUN! Fashion is meant to be playful and expressive. Experiment. Wear the dress. Try the trends—like the barrel-leg jeans and houndstooth top above. Style is about confidence, not rules!
Need a little help shifting your mindset? Take a page from Louise Hay’s playbook: Stand in front of the mirror every day and say, “I love you.” It might feel awkward at first, but over time, it can truly transform the way you see yourself. 💖
#3 – High-Rise Jeans Are Your Best Friend
As many of you already know—or have experienced firsthand—one of the most common body changes during perimenopause and menopause is weight gain around the belly and back due to a drop in estrogen. The good news? High-rise jeans are a game-changing style tool to help smooth and support your midsection while keeping you feeling secure and confident.
One pair we swear by? The super flattering and elongating AG Farrah Bootcut Jeans (above). The dark wash + fit-and-flare silhouette creates the illusion of legs for days! (Add heels, wedges or platform sneakers to make legs look extra long.)
#3 – Don’t Underestimate the Right Undergarments
A great outfit starts with great undergarments. If you’ve experienced weight gain, chances are your bust size has changed too. Even as few as 5 pounds can change your bra size! Investing in a proper bra fitting—at a lingerie boutique or a department store like Nordstrom—can make all the difference. The right bra provides better lift, support, and shape, instantly improving how your clothes fit.
Shapewear can also be a confidence booster, especially for smoothing the tummy area. A slimming slip can feel like a life-saver under a less-forgiving silky skirt like the one pictured above.
#4 – Choose Fabrics That Flatter and Feel Good
Beyond fit, fabric choice plays a huge role in both comfort and polish. Structured fabrics like ponte knit provide shape and support while still feeling soft and wearable.
If staying cool is the goal, natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and bamboo are breathable and lightweight, making them ideal for everyday wear.
One staple every woman should have—menopause or not—is a white button-down shirt. The cotton button-down above is a perfect example: breathable, versatile, and incredibly flattering. We love this one because it highlights your shape while still offering forgiveness around the tummy. Plus, the frayed, rounded hem means no tucking required! And the fabric is thick enough, there’s no need for a cami or tank underneath.
If you’re feeling self-conscious about added weight, consider skipping unforgiving materials like lightweight jersey or silk, which tend to cling to and highlight areas you’d rather downplay.
#5 – Layer Smartly and Strategically
The right layers can do wonders for both style and function. A structured blazer, cardigan, or lightweight jacket can not only pull an outfit together, but also creates shape and definition-visually slimming your midsection and adding polish. The right layering piece can even make you lock inches slimmer!
Layers can also be a lifesaver if you tend to run hot. Wearing easy-to-remove, lightweight pieces lets you cool down in a hurry. Think a sleeveless blouse or tank under a breathable cotton jacket, like the beige one shown above—so you can adjust your outfit as effortlessly as your temperature shifts.
you got this…
At the end of the day. confidence is the best thing you can wear. If a piece makes you feel powerful, beautiful, and like yourself—wear it! Don’t worry about the rules. Whether it’s a bold color, a statement print, or a style you love, fashion should bring you joy at every stage of life.
What’s the one piece in your closet that makes you feel like a million bucks every time you wear it? Drop a comment below—we’d love to know!