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WIW: the start of winter blahs

amiable

Veteran

Wow - it's been a long time since I posted a WIW (thus, apologies for a whole week of pics in one post).

Thistle's post resonated with me - I, too, am feeling blah, and not fitting into my clothes the way I did before I started working out about nine months ago (so far, the work outs have resulted in weight gain - especially in the butt). And it's cold. I'm over-busy with work, and not getting anywhere near enough sleep and the combo is keeping me from enjoying the season, or even really caring - except that I don't like being so cold

Enough whining. This is what I wore the past week. I didn't feel like it was special, but looking back, I kind of like some of them (#2, 5 and 7). Only #6 seems extremely frumpy to me from this point.

#1 the cream fisherman sweater is too short to be worn with my pants slung this low.
#2 Is my version of Angie's Thanksgiving outfit, and I liked it. The wide-leg pants are new to me (and a larger size that I would like to need), but the better fit was much better than the pairs I had been wearing.
#3 is gray over teal snake-print jeans, with a chunky teal scarf.
#4 is a cranberry sweatshirt over black boot-cut jeans (burgundy boots and red/black/blue scarf)
#5 is a navy sweater with white jeans and black belt and boots.
#6 is dark jeans with an oatmeal sweater and red scarf and shoes. I'd like to think it didn't look as frumpy in person, but I'm probably fooling myself.
#7 is gray jeans, a raspberry sweater and black boots and belt.

Comments? How do you combat the winters-not-even-started-yet-and-I'm-tired-of-it blues? I feel like I need more heavy sweaters (The sweaters in #1, 2 and 5 are my two heavy sweaters - the others are medium weight and seem to require more than just a long-sleeved tee under them).

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16 replies

Latest reply was from Sarah A

Beth Ann

Veteran

I understand what you mean -- winter has hit hard, and it seems to get harder to just enjoy the holidays balancing work, family, and celebrations.

As for you, I still see all your best assets and some growth in style. You have amazingly long legs, which you've learned how to use to effect Your footwear has grown more chic, and your sense of modern proportions is masterful.

I agree that #6 isn't perfect -- the sweater seems a bit stretched out and the proportion with the jeans isn't ideal. Still, look at that pop of red bootie -- now, that's fab!

Oh -- and keep up with the gym. Strong is always best!

Karie

(website)

Veteran

I usually don't get the winter blahs until after the holidays, when it really sets in that we have many more months of crappy weather ahead. The only way to combat the blahs is to take some time to pamper yourself. No matter how busy you are, you'll feel a lot better if you do that.
My fav outfit is #4, you look fantastic in that cranberry color!

Anonymous

You look very chic in outfit #2. Also, cool pants in #1 and boots in #7 - combine those two items together and you can kick winter in the caboose.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I think you look great in all of them! I don't see the weight gain, but I get that feeling of discomfort, as I'm going through it myself. It started before Thanksgiving and now I can't seem to stop buying (for other people, of course) every type of Christmas chocolate known to man.

My favorites are 2 and 5. I also like #1 and 7. I think #6 would look fab with another top, the pants and footwear and scarf are all great together. Have you tried #7 with the fisherman sweater? Just another outfit idea for you.

Deborah

Veteran

#1 I love the sweater. Why not layer a longer tank in contrasting or even same colour under it to create some length.

#2 Love this. I like the belt and the proportions.

#3 is good in theory but something about the proportions seems a little off? Or it could just be that I am very used to oversized tops and the tucking here creates a newer silhouette.

#4 and #5 looks great, especially #5. Gorgeous.

#6 doesn't look frumpy to me but I might be inclined to wrap and drape the scarf long for a more relaxed look (but this wont keep you warm):(

#7.... Gorgeous.

Word Lily

Veteran

Could you add a topper/jacket for the additional needed warmth? Or maybe even adding a cami under the long-sleeved T layer might be enough? I've been feeling the cold, too, so I've been trying to figure all of this out, myself.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

#2 and #5 are an 11 out of 10.

#3 is my next fave.

Another vote for thermals - top and bottom - it is the only way to stay warm no matter what you layer over on top.

Kat

#7 made me smile -- you're gorgeous and look really happy. The raspberry is fun and your boots are badass. For me, the best outfits are the ones that make you feel happy and lively. Best to you for combatting the winter blahs!

catgirl

Veteran

#5 is my favorite of the bunch. Winter is easier for me because I'm used to it, but it is easy to feel frumpy when you are trying to stay warm!

Anonymous

I love the sweater in #1, but I'm just a little unsure about the way you layered. Deb made a good suggestion to help I think.

#2 is fabulous, #3, #4 and #5 are good winter warmers with style.

I do see what you mean about #6. It doesn't seem to shine like the others.

#7 is great, love those boots.

E

Veteran

I empathise with the winter blahs; in my climate (south Texas) I get the opposite, the summer blahs, in which all I seem to be able to think about is how ungodly hot it is and how I just want to hide inside in a/c forever and I can't wear anything fun because it's too hot. The only ways I counteract them is 1) going for walks right at sunrise before it gets super hot and 2) collecting lightweight swingy cotton tops for max ventilation. Neither of which are helpful for winter. Perhaps add some silk longjohns underneath? And drink lots of warm drinks (even just hot fruit juice is quite nice in cooler weather)? And remind yourself that after December 21st, the days will start getting longer? I hope you feel better soon!

#2 is my favourite, you look incredible. How do you feel in wide(r) leg trousers? Whenever you post an outfit with them I just think 'WOW!'. I think they create a beautiful line with your heavier tops (by heavier I mean bigger knits, adding cowls/big scarves, etc., not your body) & still show off how stunningly long your legs are!

I really like the colours you've used in your other outfits too.

Aubergine

Veteran

I'm also really not a winter person, so I definitely relate. Sometimes staying warm and doing the bare minimum of acceptable stuff I can't avoid is all I can manage, and I think sometimes that's fine.

But your outfits look like they've gone way above the minimum, so you're doing pretty well! #2 is simple and lovely, the cranberry in #4 really lights up your complexion, and the gray jeans and boots in #7 are great.

krishnidoux

Veteran

First off, Amiable, congratulations for your fitness regime! And gain weight in the butt is very good news! Stick with it just a little longer, I promise you will start seeing other changes around that rear end such as slimmer waist and thighs. (A little trick for when the butt area starts to fill before the rest: add planks and especially side planks to your workout. It really works in carving the sides of the body). Do me a favor and try some bootleg Levi jeans and look at your butt in the mirror. If in a store booth, be sure to bring a pocket mirror. Yes. (Be sure to bring money or your cool head because you'll want to buy those jeans on the spot).

I totally relate with you about the blahs: combo of cold, business, and winter habits that throw off previous health routines.

You look great in your supposedly "blah" outfits lol!
Pic 1: Good combo idea, although something is off with the fit. Looks too loose, too big on you. Belt too low, sweater too short.

Pic2: Great look! Fantastic pants! But sweater here again, a tad too short. You should be able to front half tuck comfortably.

Pic3: Possibly my fave here! You look fab! Please look at your rear view in this. You will be pleasantly surprised.

Pic 4: Another great one! Perfect proportions too.

Pics 5-6: Non, non non. These pants are too large for you now. Or maybe I can't see well. Or maybe it's the neckline.

Pic 7: Excellent! LOVE the boots! (again I fin the top a bit short, but I like the v-neck and 3/4 sleeves on it for the silhouette).

May I add that what you seem to favor, low rise with belt and square sweater, is something very difficult to wear on a transitioning body. It doesn't seem like so, but IMO you need to wear something closer to the skin on top. At this stage, again IMO, it is best to avoid trying to "hide" your body under square things. Low rise as in 2, 3 and 7 work well because they are visually skinnier, and provide shape. I would definitively try some of these with a casual shirt over a fitted tee, and if the shirt is on the stiffer side, keep it trim close to the body, with side seems and darts for example. If the material is draping, then you could go looser, tucked, semi tucked or belted, either closed but unbuttoned in the front, or open on a tank. Play with your neckline too, show it off, it will give the illusion of a longer torso and help you deal with whatever hangups you might temporarily feel about the fitness "weight gain" perception. Don't over look the bra situation: when the body is changing, it can make a huge difference. And don't forget not to weigh yourself too much, lean muscle mass weighs more than fat tissues.
XXX Hugs.

amiable

Veteran

Krish you made my day. (And you're right about weight gain - I weigh more than I ever have except when associated with pregnancy. But I'm a smaller size than when I was my largest, so I'm taking some comfort in that).

And thank you to all of you! It helps to know that I don't look as blah as I've been feeling.

And a bit of good news - I feel actually pretty good this morning after my first night of 8 hours sleep in, well, at least months (maybe years?)

Sarah A

Veteran

I feel you on the blahs but think yiu dont look it for a second. Im so taken with 7 & 2 here. I love your ecclectic loojs and Krish's advice was fantastic... Ill be taking that for myself as well. Do you have a white belt? Love to see that on your Jackie O white jeans outfit, although the black does enlonfate the tops hem. You are looking great Amiable, hang in there spring and sunshine WILL come again!

Sarah A

Veteran

Typos grrr! Posting from phone