https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-my-changing-body Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 06 Apr 2026 14:13:31 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-my-changing-body#post-2387326 Wed, 04 Jun 2025 15:16:33 +0000 karen23 2387326@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>I also feel myself nodding along. This has happened to me too.&nbsp; For me the problems have been thicker waist, and my belly is not as flat.&nbsp; And I have high hip fluff.&nbsp; So my old pants don't fit.&nbsp; Tops are not as much of a problem because I have always liked knits.&nbsp; I'm also almost plus-sized, so the local Nordstrom's is more a source of inspiration than a source for clothing.</div><div>I'm also looking around for places to shop.</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-my-changing-body#post-2387055 Thu, 29 May 2025 20:19:58 +0000 Sal 2387055@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes that phrase “just flattering enough” is really helpful. I totally agree. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-my-changing-body#post-2387049 Thu, 29 May 2025 17:47:26 +0000 Janet 2387049@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m almost 12 years older than you are, but I hear you — I’m adjusting too. My post-menopausal body has definitely changed from what it was even 10 years ago. </p> <p>I mostly shop in the same stores I have for years — Nordstrom, Anthro, etc. I still have similar tastes and preferences but I am working on making peace with the fact that some things don’t work for me now. I have 10+ more pounds on me now than I did then, and it sits differently now than it did. </p> <p>I find more satisfaction now in honing my preferred style — I’m leaning into how I enjoy dressing. A little rocker/edge, a little sporty, a defined color palette I know works for me, and a good dose of refinement all help me feel I look my best for this phase of my life. </p> <p>I will share that I think what helps me feel good about my outfits these days is balance — a little classic with edge, a little roomy with a bit of structure and ease, and juxtaposing something sporty like sneakers with a more tailored or dressy look. Keeping things modern and embracing “just flattering enough” helps me. </p> <p>Hope this helps! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-my-changing-body#post-2387037 Thu, 29 May 2025 13:54:27 +0000 unfrumped 2387037@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really agree with what Runcarla said about looking for new aspects of structure and detail, fabric quality. You might not know what to look for yet, so also use lynn67’s suggestion to find some blocks of time to do “retail research “, without pressure to buy, without budget limits, but to learn what looks good NOW and try to analyze why, how to look for that in your price point. This is much easier to do if have access to a big variety of B&amp; M clothing retail shops, because it’s easy to take a load of things in different styles and sizes to dressing room and then walk away, no credit card churn &amp; returns.<br /> Sizing and tailoring is also a great idea, especially for pants, in my own experience. </p> <p> I’d also add the idea of trying to focus on almost a “ capsule wardrobe “, not Instagram- wise, but making a list of key wardrobe pieces you need to be able to do your job or activities , and then be very intentional about having just enough of the BEST of these items, pieces you feel good in, to get through a week or so. Tolerate repeats, even a kind of “ uniform “ ( a silhouette or 2 or most flattering proportions), and use accessories for variety . This is akin to finding a pregnancy-stages wardrobe, or a health or weight change wardrobe, of quality ( good - enough quality, insofar as certain attributes wear better and look more polished) without getting too random or expensive, and saving some resources for your learning curve as you try some new-to-you styles &amp; fits. </p> <p>Is there anything on your current wardrobe that DOES still fit well and “ spark joy”? Or could be not the fit, but best colors that you want to continue. Use that as a starting point or benchmark for new purchases. </p> <p>It can also be useful, as I think was also mentioned above, to understand whether you are having trouble with figure- flattery, or feeling current, or on trend, or “ youthful “ , or just what. It’s all very personal and not right or wrong, but being able to identify will help guide what to aim for. </p> <p>Another thing is to take time for healthy habits ( she says as she struggles with her own!). Mood- boosting exercise, nature, interesting activities , healthy AND delicious foods, will always be a good investment and a lifelong part of “ style”. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-my-changing-body#post-2387036 Thu, 29 May 2025 13:49:59 +0000 Angie 2387036@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with.&nbsp;<b>Jaime, </b>and nodding along to <b>Suz's</b> excellent advice!<br /><b><br /></b>There are many people here your age and older who are stylish inspirations. Also feel free to delve into this topic in detail so that we can be more helpful and provide informed suggestions.&nbsp;<br /><b><br /></b>For example, what doesn't suit you anymore, and why do you think that is? Soul searching and pinpointing the challenges is the way forward to solutions. Don't ever think of it as a breakdown in style. It's a break through in style :)&nbsp;</p> <p>Let us know if we can help!&nbsp;<br /><b></b></p> <b><br /> </b> <p><b></b> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-my-changing-body#post-2387027 Thu, 29 May 2025 11:26:15 +0000 Helena 2387027@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You've got great advice already so just adding that I am there too, and there seems to be a lot of trial and error involved. Good luck and hang in there, you're not alone! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-my-changing-body#post-2387015 Thu, 29 May 2025 07:02:12 +0000 lyn67 2387015@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Welcome to a persisten problem for the fashion aware crowd! I suggest trying on everything you can in&nbsp; B&amp;M stores you never entered before to see what you like there (or NOT) and what&nbsp; fits there (or NOT). Take many picties in the dressing rooms and analyse them at home. You cannot skip the hard work and I know it sucks, but you will get better with time in adjusting your expectations to the reality of all what is available to you in all terms of fits, style and prices, too! Good Luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-my-changing-body#post-2386879 Mon, 26 May 2025 22:42:37 +0000 Lisa 2386879@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great advice here already so not much for me to add. But for myself I have found that with a changing body shape from age, has also come a changing lifestyle and priorities. It's important to factor in those needs as well when revising your style. Good luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-my-changing-body#post-2386757 Sat, 24 May 2025 23:52:51 +0000 Jaime 2386757@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think the responses so far are fantastic. I am not sure I am have anything to add, just completely agree that there are no shops off limits except by your own discernment. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-my-changing-body#post-2386753 Sat, 24 May 2025 23:13:55 +0000 Sal 2386753@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Transitional periods are hard. Being based in NZ I am not helpful with store recommendations but I have moved away from some stores that used to serve me well - and in all honesty that has meant spending more too.</p> <p>I think the prevailing era of clothes can make a difference too. Long over lean was pretty accessible to a lot of people as a silhouette. Crop tops and mini skirts are less so. </p> <p>I make less mistakes now because I shop with clearer plans in place. But I am still learning. I figured out only this week that drawstrings on pants and skirts will usually be a fail on me as will pants that need a belt or require the top to be seen. Now I know this it is a style I can easily avoid or be extremely cautious over. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-my-changing-body#post-2386747 Sat, 24 May 2025 18:15:53 +0000 kkards 2386747@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenn I find myself nodding along with Suz and Runcarla -but also pondering a lot.<br /> The clothing that I'm drawn to just doesn't suit me anymore— I was assuming you meant they did not fit you physically but then rereading I thought maybe she means environmentally and/or stylistically. I think the answer here leads to different remedies. If the style works but the fit doesn’t-I’d experiment with sizing up your largest size and tailoring the rest of the garment to fit. This will add expense but will give you wardrobe that works well for and with you.<br /> If it’s the clothing no longer fits who you are—that’s a different conversation and a much different journey </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-my-changing-body#post-2386744 Sat, 24 May 2025 15:47:08 +0000 Carla 2386744@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don’t quite know what you mean by ‘stores intended for more mature women’, but here’s my two cents.</p> <p>Cheap/inexpensive clothes, and often brands marketed to young women have less fabrication details and depend more on the shape of the body for silouhette. &nbsp;To some extent, younger women by virtue of youth, have elastic skin, firm muscle tone, posture, etc. and are ‘hangers’ for the clothes.</p> <p>With changing body shape. - whether it’s thickening through the waist, flattening of the rear, drooping of the bust line - you might look to clothes with more fabrication details (tailoring) to give you a silouhette you desire. &nbsp;I don’t think better made clothes are restricted to brands that market to ‘women of a certain age’ - but they are more expensive - so might be&nbsp;<i>perceived&nbsp;</i>as marketed to ‘mature’ women because ‘we’ generally have more disposable income and can afford clothes that are more complicated to make. &nbsp;‘Fit’ is more than being able to get a top over your head, or the zipper on a pair of pants closed.</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-my-changing-body#post-2386741 Sat, 24 May 2025 15:25:49 +0000 Suz 2386741@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Welcome Jen! You are most certainly not alone. Many of us go through this transition (probably more than once!).&nbsp;</p> <p>A few questions to help the forum get started:&nbsp;</p> <p>What do you consider your general body type?&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/category/individual/body-type/">https://youlookfab.com/categor.....body-type/</a></p> <p>What are your flattery priorities?&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2021/09/20/your-personal-figure-flattering-priorities/">https://youlookfab.com/2021/09.....riorities/</a></p> <p>What are the changes you've been seeing that make it more difficult to find clothes you like? For example, you gained a bit of weight, lost some, found your waist expanding, are your feet more fussy, etc. etc.?</p> <p>Also, have you experienced lifestyle changes recently also?&nbsp;</p> <p>Are your old favourite shopping spots still available to you or not?&nbsp;</p> <p>As someone who is almost two decades older than you, I can assure you that you don't necessarily need to start shopping in stores for "more mature" women if you don't want to. (In my 60s I still shop at stores like GAP, Anthropologie, J. Crew, Zara, etc. which cater mostly to much younger women, in theory.) However if you've been shopping in stores that typically cater to younger women, you might choose different kinds of items or need to buy in a different size from your former size. And you might want to do a style analysis to see if items from those stores will really contribute to the overall style you're hoping to establish, going forward. It's a process of discernment. And a fun learning exercise!&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-my-changing-body#post-2386738 Sat, 24 May 2025 15:08:02 +0000 jam 2386738@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good morning! My name is Jen. I've been here a long time but have rarely posted. I love this site!</p> <p>I'm posting now because I need some advice in dressing my changing body. I'm 48 years old and my body has changed quite a bit over the past 1-2 years. I know this isn't unusual and I'm not overly upset about it. I've always had an okay body image and would like to continue this as I age.</p> <p>The hard part for me right now is that I'm really having trouble dressing my new body. The clothing that I'm drawn to just doesn't suit me anymore. I enjoy clothes and shopping and really do need some new things, but the things I'm trying on don't look great. Does anyone have any suggestions for this transition time? Do I need to shop more in stores that are intended for more mature women (I hope not )? I know that I'm not alone in this and am hoping those of you who have navigated this with grace and continued excitement for style can share some ideas and insights. Thank you so much! </p>