How do you dress an ever-shrinking body?
Many of my clients ask themselves this question as they shed pounds and inches along the course of their weight loss journeys.
Of course, they’re eager to purchase new clothes to celebrate the results of their hard work - and to simply have clothing that fits properly!
Yet, they’re fearful as they continue to lose weight they’ll simply end up with a succession of clothes that don’t fit anymore - along with a succession of wasted expenses to accompany them!
Conflicted in this way, many choose to keep wearing their old, “too-big” clothing, delaying new purchases as long as they can or even hoping they can hang on until they make the ultimate investment at their goal weight.
The way I see it, however, every client of mine deserves to look his/her best and have clothes that show it along the course of the journey itself. My motto for my clients is to never sacrifice their appearance during their weight loss journey and to continually practice positive self-care to help them stay on the path and to look and feel their best.
With that in mind, here are 10 tips for making the most of “in-transition” purchases and strategizing your look for the long-term!
Pitch the big clothes.
Believe me, I know it feels good to wear clothes that are too big for you that previously fit snugly. I distinctly remember this feeling when I significantly changed my body composition and my jeans and pants were literally almost falling off of me. Wearing them made me feel good and served as a great reminder of what I had accomplished.
BUT – I looked ridiculous. Saggy butt syndrome is not classy.
The fact is, you want to avoid wearing clothes that hide your shrinking body. Go through your closet piece by piece and pitch or donate any clothes that don’t fit you properly anymore as well as anything else that is too old or out of style.
Don’t base it on the number: go for fit first.
Although we may love the idea of getting into a size 4 jean, focusing on the number first tends to get us in trouble. Take the power of that number away and go for clothes (in whatever size!) that look and feel good. You may be able to fit into one size but look worlds different and even better in another size.
Get a professional fitting.
This is something I recommend my clients do after their transformation and even a few times during the process.
Many department stores offer this service and can help you determine what your actual sizes are to choose the best styles and shapes of clothing to fit your new body. Have them help you choose pieces that accentuate your best (and maybe even new) assets. For example, if you’ve seen significant change in your midsection, go for something that accentuates your smaller waist.
Buy great pieces – and get them tailored.
Depending on your weight loss goal, it could get expensive to continuously buy new professional clothes throughout the journey. I always encourage my clients to invest in a tailor’s services and to spend their money on clothes that can be adapted as they lose weight.
A great tailor can take your clothes down a size a few times to fit you well over the course of your journey. That way, you can still invest wisely in a few great pieces, such as good blazers, dress pants, dresses, skirts, etc.
Try something new.
“I could never pull off an outfit like that” or “I don’t have the right body shape for a dress like that” are common beliefs I hear from my clients.
When they transform their bodies, one of my favorite challenges to give them is to buy - or at very least try on - an outfit that they would have NEVER pictured themselves wearing before. It’s fun to try something new, but oftentimes it gets people to see that clothes they’ve avoided genuinely look good on them. It can be the ultimate confidence boost to see yourself in a whole new light!
Also, take note of styles or articles of clothing that your friends or coworkers wear that you like to get some ideas for yourself, and make a point to buy one of these pieces at every weight loss milestone.
Don’t forget about your undergarments.
Undergarments are really the foundation of every outfit. For women, I often suggest that they get a new bra fitting every couple months or so during their transition. If a bra isn’t supportive or doesn’t fit you properly, it can dishevel your entire appearance.
Know your colors.
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to dress in black all the time if you want to look slimmer. The foundation of your wardrobe should be colors that you enjoy and that complement your skin and eyes.
If you get compliments every time you wear your red sweater to work or know that blue brings out your eye color, go for it! People will be drawn to what’s striking and appealing in your appearance - not to what size you are. Relish the compliments, and feel your best.
Accessorize well.
Investing in accessories, such as belts, can be great when you’re in between sizes or not ready to purchase the next size smaller pants. Belts can accentuate your new waistline and be a great tool to show how you’re progressing toward your goal as you make your way through the notches on the belt.
Other accessories, such as scarves, jewelry, etc., are also great ways to create new looks that aren’t size specific.
Get another opinion.
Maybe it’s for shopping support or for going through your existing wardrobe. The fact is, a close friend or relative can give you a second opinion on whether something fits or looks good. Because it can take time for our mindsets to catch up to our physical transformations, you may still have a certain image in your head of what you look like.
Having a support buddy for reassurance or just overall support will benefit you. He or she will be able to give you a kind but realistic perspective - and can push you toward taking a risk on new and flattering styles you wouldn’t automatically choose for yourself.
Get a haircut.
As your body changes, your face does as well. Oftentimes, your cheek bones become more prominent, or the entire surface becomes brighter and/or thinner. Whatever the case, make sure you give attention to that “crowning glory” by getting an up-to-date haircut or even makeover. Stylists can assess your face shape to let you know what type of cut would look the best on you and would complement your new look.
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