So what happens to your wardrobe when you lose weight? Do you still wear your baggy pieces or ditch everything and go on a wild shopping spree?
Whoa Nelly…let’s hold up and think about this for a moment.
We all know that our weight and body shape can hold a lot of power over our minds…shouldn’t but for most it just does. For me it’s all about the clothes, you know…how they fit and if they make me feel like ‘me‘
I’m not advocating everyone needs to lose weight, far from it. If you are happy with your curves then keep doing what you’re doing. For me personally I’ve been making changes since treatment ended in August 2013 and so far I’ve shed 36 kilos, in fact yesterday I quietly slipped under 100 kilos. Yup I was 99.9 LOL
While I’m keeping an eye on my weight it’s really for health reasons, having cancer shook me and these days I do things differently. I’ve been bigger and smaller but weight aside as long as my clothes reflect my personality them I’m happy.
But what happens when your clothes don’t reflect your personality? I had plenty of times I had to purchase clothes just because ‘they fit’. Wrangling with size 22 pants in a change room, getting hot n sweaty and hating my thighs n flabby stomach. Trying on a tee that looked plenty large enough only to get it on and look like a sausage butting outa it’s skin.
It’s hard to be on trend when you’re carrying extra weight (in my case a lot extra), when you’re crushing on fashion but it’s not sending the love back your way. More often than not I would ‘settle’ for certain looks and not ever really feel like I fit in…in society and in my own skin.
So these days I’ve lost some weight and I’m rediscovering looks that I’d missed, some feel like home and others are fleeting fashion.
But how do you get your wardrobe going again ‘while’ you are losing weight without taking the credit card for a frenzied whirl? How do you transition your clothes without shopping up a storm every time you lose a few kilos?
Start by sorting, yeah get rid of anything that’s too faded, worn or pilled.
Then check those inner thighs of everything you own…if they are rubbed down and thin get rid of them.
Skirts and pants can be taken in a little to get you through another size or two of losses.
Shirts and tees might need to be tossed because they will tend to hide your new shape, be wide in the neck and baggy under the arms.
These days we are crushing on relaxed pants from harems to boyfriend jeans so sling your slightly ‘too big’ pants down lower onto your hips and cuff the bottoms to give shape and flash your ankles. I pulled out these jeans that 6 months ago were skinnies…
four months ago I wore them with my Harlow ‘Riders in the sky Jacket’ and they were a little looser……
… and yesterday I wore them as a boyfriend Jean. I know, I totally saved myself some serious dollars, repurposed something from my wardrobe and tried a look I’d been crushing on. Oh, by the way I love this look and it feels like ‘home’.
Now add a new shirt and maybe even do a half tuck…see how the pants that were too big can now be repurposed? Good hey. Bigger tops can still have life just cuff the sleeve or push them up and do a tuck or belt. Adding a necklace can create a waistline (drawing the eye to your waist), and a scarf can also create shape.
Set clothing goals while you are on your weight/wellness journey. For every goal reward yourself with a new piece for your wardrobe, a good quality shirt, scarf or some basics.
Don’t forget about underwear either, treat yourself to some new knickers and for goodness sake go and get fitted for a bra because where your boobs sit can make a significant difference to your overall shape. I’m crushing on Bella Bodies bamboo range for everyday wear, it’s comfy, breathes, covers my tum and is resilient.
Don’t ever be afraid to step into new stores. Lots of ladies carry the weight with them ‘mentally‘ even though their bodies have shrunk and tend to continue to buy too big or shop at their trusted haunts. Don’t, don’t do that!
You worked hard, it’s now time to try new things and never ever be intimidated by a polished and well groomed sales assistant. It’s their job to look that way but believe me we all wipe our arses the same way and no one is better than anybody else. Be friendly, honest and flash a smile you will receive the service you need.
If funds are tight then head to thrift stores or outlet stores…gold is what you will find in these places! Trust me if your size is still moving then spend dollars on quality basics and underwear and get the rest discount. Save some dollars for a good shop up later on. Don’t forget to check online too, look at what’s on trend, get to know labels and even save pics to really understand what you are attracted to. It’s a great way to work out what your style is.
When you reach your goals then celebrate and reward yourself with good quality, well fitting pieces…because you deserve that!
Til next time,
Jen x
*Bella Bodies bamboo underwear and *Harlow Jacket were gifted for my editorial consideration. You guys know I love them that’s why I wear them.
Kathryn says
March 24, 2015 at 7:31 amI have been noticing your weight loss, go you! ‘We all wipe our arses the same way’ hahahaha! Can I borrow that saying, one of the best I’ve heard in ages! 😀
Jenni says
March 24, 2015 at 8:33 amHaha Kathryn I use that one a lot, feel free to use it.
Kirrily says
March 24, 2015 at 7:57 amThis is great information Jen. By the way, you are looking mighty fine! Looking forward to catching up soon. X
Jenni says
March 24, 2015 at 8:32 amCan’t wait Kirrily x
merilyn says
March 24, 2015 at 9:06 amyou are gorgeous jen! … and your personality is shining through!
you are looking ab/fab
the best thing is that your health and wellbeing is in tact!
that’s how it is for me anyway! … I always run pants in if I loose weight!
nothing worse than gaping waist lines!
enjoy your new self hun! you deserve it! love m:)X
Jenni says
March 24, 2015 at 10:00 amThanks Merilyn, I wish I was clever in the sewing department, unfortunately I’m really ace at ‘unpicking’ LOL
magda says
March 24, 2015 at 12:32 pmHi Jen,
been reading lots but not taking the time to comment. I love the way your transitioned-to-boyfriend jeans look. A couple of years ago I bought a pair of boyfriends whilst holidaying in London. Except I totally didn’t understand the concept of boyfriend jeans and bought them too tight. They have a wider, more relaxed leg and just look wrong without the sloppy fit. I guess they will have to wait for that elusive ‘oh look, Ive lost weight’ moment.
xx m
Jenni says
March 24, 2015 at 5:46 pmI didn’t know if I would like the look Magda but I absolutely do. Try cuffing them, it might help x
Michele says
March 24, 2015 at 1:16 pmOhh those wearing of the inner thighs. My favourite black linen pants succumbed to this fate last week. I’m still not over it. 😉
Jenni says
March 24, 2015 at 5:44 pmoh no Michele!! An excuse for shopping?
Lisa mckenzie says
March 24, 2015 at 1:49 pmI love your humour Jen ,and well done on your wellness journey Xx
Jenni says
March 24, 2015 at 5:49 pmHaha thanks so much Lisa x
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid says
March 25, 2015 at 6:16 amI too have noticed your weight loss, you are looking totally hawt. I wish I’d read your post when I was on my weight loss journey, such great tips! Now I’m just putting it on! And there ain’t nothing you can do to make your small clothes big! (Except lose weight!)
Jenni says
March 25, 2015 at 6:44 amOh no…at least most dresses move with you, add shapewear and wear button up shirts ‘open’ kinds like a jacket. You’re a running machine, must be all muscle x
Antia says
March 25, 2015 at 8:37 pmLooking wonderful Jen. And as always, showing the way. Go girl!
Ax
Jenni says
March 25, 2015 at 9:29 pmThanks Anita, I could never have imagined this beautiful life I’m leading…I’m so grateful x
Raychael aka Mystery Case says
March 29, 2015 at 1:25 amWell done on your weight loss. I’m the opposite at the moment with new meds, and everything is a little too snug, no matter what I eat or how much I exercise. I really don’t want to fork out money for new clothing, hoping that things will soon settle and the weight side of things (at least) will get back to normal.
Jenni says
March 30, 2015 at 7:51 amOh I totally get the medication thing Raychael. My hormone tablets and injections are very hard to deal with…which is why I experiment with food and thankfully I’ve got a formula that works. It takes time and dedication and listening to your body which is hard and the last thing we need to deal with when unwell. Elastic waists and ‘stretch’ are my friends. Hope you are feeling better soon x
Mumma McD says
March 29, 2015 at 8:19 pmWow, looking fab! Love how creative you’ve been, I tend to just chuck things out when I lose weight, then, lo and behold, I put some weight back on and have to go out and buy bigger stuff again! Very frustrating!! And bloody expensive!
Sarah @shewrites says
March 29, 2015 at 8:40 pmYou look fab! I love the transition of jeans from skinny to boyfriend. I love the boyfriend look on you. The beauty of keeping the clothes and transitioning them is that it is a reminder to yourself how far you have come.
Jenni says
March 30, 2015 at 7:44 amIt is a good reminder Sarah, sometimes we can’t see how far we’ve come because we see our body daily.
Fleur @ Our urban Box says
March 29, 2015 at 8:43 pmI love your style Jenni! You are one stylish lady and you just have fun with fashion. Thats what its all about – having fun!
Jenni says
March 30, 2015 at 7:41 amIt sure is Fleur…let go and trust yourself x
Bev from Iris May Style says
April 2, 2015 at 7:16 amI LOVE you Jenni. Not only do you look sensational – your infectious personality shines through! Can’t wait to me you at PBlogger
Jenni says
April 2, 2015 at 10:50 amOh I can’t wait to meet you too Bev x