A Guide to Fall Fashion for Endo Warriors

​Whether you’re going back to school, back to work or staying home, fall is approaching – and with it, a new wardrobe! Shopping should be fun, but finding clothes that fit, look flattering and, most importantly, are comfortable is almost impossible when you’re facing the dreaded endo belly. 

If you’re like me and frequently look 6+ months pregnant, you know the struggle. Forget making a fashion statement, you just want to make it through the day without anyone asking if it’s a boy or a girl. Luckily, I’ve discovered some tips and tricks over the years that will make choosing your OOTD less painful. After all, you’re already in enough pain!

Here are some of my wardrobe staples for fall:

One of my favorite fall outfits: a:glow maternity jeans, a cute orange sweater (a thrift shop find!) and a scarf that does double-duty as a mask or a blanket.

1. Maternity Jeans

​For those days when your stomach is especially bloated and sensitive, nothing beats a stretchy pair of maternity jeans or jeggings. I recently bought a new pair of a:glow™ maternity jeans with a full belly panel from Kohl’s and they’ve been a life-changer!

2. Flowy Dresses and Jumpsuits

​Empire waists, strategically-placed gathers and flowy, lightweight fabrics are an endo warrior’s best friends! My flowy, black jumpsuit that ties in the front is one of the best investments I’ve made. I can wear it to the office or out to dinner – and I never have to worry about my waistband getting too tight. 

3. Chunky Sweaters

​Sweaters have always been a fall staple, but the chunky knit sweater trend has given new meaning to the word cozy. They’re perfect for chilly days and the best part? They look great with leggings or those maternity jeans!

4. Scarves

​Besides adding a fun pop of color to an outfit, scarves can give the illusion of a bigger bust and a smaller waist. They draw the eyes up and away from your tummy. Plus, they can work as a mask in a pinch!

5. Push-up Bra

​Like scarves, push-up bras can provide the optical illusion of a smaller belly. I have one push-up bra that I reserve for tighter-fitting tops and dresses for just this reason. 

6. Dark Colors and Patterns

​Autumn is the time to rock those darker tones, and lucky for us, they’re slimming! I’m also a fan of patterned tops, which can help to hide a bulging stomach. 

7. Cardigans

​Mr. Rogers was onto something. Anything with an open front is a great disguise for a bloated belly. Plus, cardigans are an easy way to convert those summer dresses and blouses into chilly weather outfits.

8. Compression Undies

​For those times when you really want to wear a tight-fitting dress or run a 10K with minimal discomfort, nothing beats high-rise compression underwear. Compression may not be for everyone, but I’ve found that it makes running more comfortable and minimizes bounce. 

​What are your favorite fall fashion tips for fighting endo? Share them with me in the comments!