5 tips for dressing for festivities as a woman with an ostomy
Christmas time can be full of joy and catching up with friends and family but I’ve been there as an ostomate…that’s right, the panic that sets in when you’ve somehow got to string an outfit together that you feel confident in for a Christmas party.
Whether you’re new to ostomy life or well-versed in it, sometimes this can feel like such a tedious task, filled with dread, but rest assured, I am going to share 5 tips with you to hopefully make choosing a party outfit more enjoyable.
1. Sequins, glitter & sparkles!
Utilising outfits with sequins, glitter & sparkles is a perfect way to take any potential worry about people being able to “see” your ostomy bag through your clothes and instead, focus on shining like a Christmas mirrorball!
You could combine a sparkly top with some high waisted jeans or trousers and some heels, wear a sequin dress with a coloured blazer and ankle boots, or wear a black outfit even with a glitzy blazer. Those festive accessories are a great touch as well, from earrings to handbags, necklaces to glitzy tights.
(L to R: Sequin top from Stradivarius £25.99, Bright Pink Sequin Cami Top from New Look £21.99, Sequin dress from H & M £34.99)
2. Finding the right basics through supportwear
Before I even plan any outfit, I always start with underwear. Since my ostomy surgery in 2011, I’ve worn stoma support most days of my life & I always wear it when going out. There is thankfully a brand that I swear by and have sworn by since day dot after surgery (& now, I am super lucky to work for them!) Comfizz Level 1 briefs I wear most days, or their support thongs, boxers or 10” waistbands. I also find the 20” waistband perfect for under longer dresses (& it actually helps me to keep warmer!)
(L to R: Comfizz Level One Bamboo Briefs with Lace Trim £22.50, Comfizz Level One Boxers with Lace Trim £21.50)
3. Jumpers with leggings & heels
Christmas jumpers can be styled up for sure. If you buy an oversized jumper if you want a bit more bagginess, this is a good thing to do and pair it with some leggings and boots or even some pretty heels!
Jumper dresses are also a great idea, especially this time of year when an excuse for a busy Christmas pattern is definitely on the cards!
(L to R: Mint Green Fluffy “Snow Way” Jumper from New Look. £26.00, Red Jumper Dress from next £26.00, Christmas Jumper from House of Fraser £16.50)
4. High waisted trousers
High-waisted trousers are a personal favourite of mine! You can do so much with these when it comes to what you wear with them. I find high-waisted garments work best with my bag, especially when wearing ostomy support underneath too.
All the brights are in when it comes to colours at the moment for high waisted trousers, but even with darker coloured high-waisted trousers, you can put together a really stunning outfit. They’re also really good for bloating, I find, which is probably going to come in handy this Christmas, especially! Below are some I have found whilst browsing:
(L to R: Green Tailored High-Waisted Trousers from New Look, £24.99, Black Scuba High-Waist Wide Leg Trousers from River Island, £35.00, Navy High-Waist Wide-Leg Trousers from River Island £29.00,)
5. Layer it up!
Clothing with layers is another good fashion tip for ostomates. I wear skirts with layers quite a lot and find that this bides me extra time before I feel I need to empty my bag if I’m starting to worry about bag bulges through my clothes.
A Christmas outfit idea could be to wear a black roll neck, tight fit jumper with the skirt below on the right, tucked in, and accessorise with layered necklaces and jewellery and a red clutch bag to finish.
(From L to R: Red Layered Playsuit from River Island £47.00, Layered Dress from Zara £35.99, Red Fringe Mini Skirt from River Island, £39.00)
I hope this post helps give you some festive fashion inspo & here’s wishing a Happy Christmas & New Year to you all! I’ll be back next year for my next blog in January with Respond.