https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-tips-to-help-me-fake-it-till-i-make-it Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 17 May 2026 18:45:16 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-tips-to-help-me-fake-it-till-i-make-it/page/2#post-1682346 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 02:02:37 +0000 Anna 1682346@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Don't let the way you perceive your flaws rule you. I did for many years, and all it does is waste valuable time you won't get back. Wear things you like and feel good in, brighter makeup, color by your face. Don't let your day be ruined by a number on a scale. You will get there, </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-tips-to-help-me-fake-it-till-i-make-it/page/2#post-1682173 Mon, 20 Jun 2016 20:34:06 +0000 Elle 1682173@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lots of good advice here. &nbsp;I try to add little things to make myself look and feel better - a new lipstick, scarf in a great color, a fun purse, bright colored nail polish. &nbsp;a department store makeover (without buying too much). &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-tips-to-help-me-fake-it-till-i-make-it/page/2#post-1682170 Mon, 20 Jun 2016 20:24:12 +0000 catgirl 1682170@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Greyscale, so true! Post-surgery I've changed from secondary apple back to rectangle (with even a hint of waist!), but I can't "see" it yet. I am starting to fit my old clothes again which is an eye opener, but in the mirror I still see bloat. My good friends whom I'm willing to pull up my shirt for tell me there's a difference. In my own mind I'm still not there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-tips-to-help-me-fake-it-till-i-make-it/page/2#post-1682045 Mon, 20 Jun 2016 17:03:03 +0000 Anonymous 1682045@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Point taken, Angie. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-tips-to-help-me-fake-it-till-i-make-it/page/2#post-1682037 Mon, 20 Jun 2016 16:57:42 +0000 Greyscale 1682037@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you're a jeans person, buy a great pair of jeans that fit comfortably, maybe even on the loose side. (I think someone said that already.) I hate hate hate the feeling of my tummy being squished. I eventually realized most of my grouchiness about gaining 5 lbs was just physical - my jeans were uncomfortable. Of course, jeans shopping can be its own special hell.</p> <p>In terms of Jedi mind tricks - I think so many of us judge ourselves so differently than we'd ever judge others. Not just that we're more compassionate to others (though we are!) but that we actually <b>see</b>&nbsp;ourselves differently. We get so used to our own shape/size at an earlier time that when it changes, it just feels <i>wrong</i>. But a stranger meeting us for the first time would never have any reason to think it looks off at all. So if you can somehow manage to view yourself like other YLF fabbers do, you might be more inspired by your clothing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-tips-to-help-me-fake-it-till-i-make-it/page/2#post-1682033 Mon, 20 Jun 2016 16:53:58 +0000 Diana 1682033@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tons of good advice on this thread already. In general I would say:<br /> -dress for the body you have<br /> -get properly fitting undergarments.<br /> -if clothing shopping is getting you down, focus on things like hair and accessories. You might want to invest in a nice statement bag that goes with most of your wardrobe. It always fits and will draw people's attention away from other things. A good haircut will do the same. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-tips-to-help-me-fake-it-till-i-make-it/page/2#post-1682019 Mon, 20 Jun 2016 16:41:33 +0000 Nishaa 1682019@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Food baby... I love you rachylou ... Your advice is also good..<br /> Actually all of it is.<br /> Okay.. I know this is weird.. But that day while looking at myself I hated my face .. Skin mostly.. And then I went and googled the benefits of being old.. It cheered me up.. I am an old soul anyways... But it helped me put things in perspective like 10 yrs down this won't matter..<br /> See if thinking this and setting goals for age 60 or whatever is your next milestone helps..<br /> Otherwise there is always a great haircut.. Even an experimental one may be.. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-tips-to-help-me-fake-it-till-i-make-it#post-1681996 Mon, 20 Jun 2016 16:21:25 +0000 approprio 1681996@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Splendid advice in this thread. I'll echo Maneera and say smoke, mirrors and huge helping of confidence go a very long way. Present yourself to highlight your best features and direct attention away from things you don't like particularly.&nbsp;And keep telling yourself you look fabulous. If you believe it, you'll be surprised to find the rest of the world will too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-tips-to-help-me-fake-it-till-i-make-it#post-1681980 Mon, 20 Jun 2016 16:02:35 +0000 Chris987 1681980@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great advice Angie, as always! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-tips-to-help-me-fake-it-till-i-make-it#post-1681974 Mon, 20 Jun 2016 15:46:14 +0000 Angie 1681974@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's good to hear, delurked. FWIW, I think you look fabulous.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-tips-to-help-me-fake-it-till-i-make-it#post-1681973 Mon, 20 Jun 2016 15:41:43 +0000 catgirl 1681973@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Delurked, there is great advice here. I wasn't sure from your original post if the issue was gain or loss, but if you are having a hard time losing weight (or gaining! though that's never been an issue for me), i would also make sure you check your health situation (if you hadn't). I spent a year trying to lose weight that turned out to be fibroids. So many things affect our mood and weight - thyroid, stress, hormones, menopause... It's an endless uphill battle! </p> <p>Fortunately, my style is kind to weight fluctuation - not too structured, a little oversized, and mostly materials with some stretch. </p> <p>I'm not the most rah-rah body-positive person when it comes to my own body, so I try to remember that criticizing myself all the time never leads to success. We can only change so much about ourselves, and life is hard enough as it is sometimes. </p> <p>Hugs! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-tips-to-help-me-fake-it-till-i-make-it#post-1681970 Mon, 20 Jun 2016 15:37:12 +0000 Anonymous 1681970@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree Angie. My intent was not to dwell, but to get others opinions on how to put the focus on the good. Sometimes the right words can resonate for me to get that done. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-tips-to-help-me-fake-it-till-i-make-it#post-1681968 Mon, 20 Jun 2016 15:33:22 +0000 Angie 1681968@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ladies, I do not want to discourage you from your health or weight goals. But may I remind you to take a stand with your bodies. There has been a lot of negative talk about body image lately and I would like to minimize it. I am empathetic to your feelings - I deal with this emotional terrain daily with clients, and it is quite normal. Let me help you gain some perspective.&nbsp;</p> <p>Don't let the extra that there is of you to love boss you around. Same goes for any other body part that you're beating up at the moment. These negative feelings spiral out of control and become all consuming and obsessive. And your enjoyment of life goes out the window. It's non-sensical, counter-productive, and dangerous.&nbsp;</p> <p>There are ways to wear more flattering clothing to help you through these feelings (we can become as specific as you like - this is what I do for a living!). But the most important thing you need to sort out is what's going on in your head. YOU have the power to do that.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-tips-to-help-me-fake-it-till-i-make-it#post-1681955 Mon, 20 Jun 2016 15:08:19 +0000 Anonymous 1681955@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm one of the card-carrying 8 members Peri refers to - lol. &nbsp;And Rachy's comment about being able to compartmentalize style and weight issues hit me like a ton of bricks. How do you do that?? That is what really aggravates/gets me down the most - the fact that the two are so deeply intertwined in my brain.</p> <p>I am SO sick of feeling so shitty about myself, I cannot tell you. &nbsp;The tips here are all valid and good - and the ffbo plan is the only one that works for me. And it's now my entire wardrobe - all 5 pieces of it - ha. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-tips-to-help-me-fake-it-till-i-make-it#post-1681927 Mon, 20 Jun 2016 14:00:37 +0000 RobinF 1681927@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I struggle with this also. As I get older it gets harder to lose those pounds and as Rachy said, even if my weight hasn't changed by body has. I totally agree with your last post about wearing clothes that are comfortable now. It doesn't help at all to feel tight clothes all day. </p> <p>I &nbsp;know for me, I need to stop thinking about what I should have done or didn't do to get to where I am now, I need to start better habits now. Even just a few days of eating better and getting some workouts in and I feel better right away, and that shows more than any extra pounds. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-tips-to-help-me-fake-it-till-i-make-it#post-1681909 Mon, 20 Jun 2016 13:36:07 +0000 BrieN 1681909@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There is good advice on this thread, some of which I am putting in play proactively. We had to get rid of our scale last year on doctor's orders, and I have just ordered a new one and I am literally scared to see what happens when I step on it.&nbsp;</p> <p>Not style related, but the rule over here is if you catch yourself bemoaning something about your bod then you have to also say/think something flattering about it.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-tips-to-help-me-fake-it-till-i-make-it#post-1681908 Mon, 20 Jun 2016 13:31:37 +0000 Chris987 1681908@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These are all such terrific suggestions for ALL of us, whether we are at the body weight we want or not!</p> <p><b>Maneera</b> your comments about "make believe you are gorgeous" particularly hits home with me. Pretending to have self confidence makes it easier to get to real self confidence. I don't know why it works but it sure does. So <b>delurked</b>, try faking it till you make it as far as overall self confidence. Good grooming, nice bag, all the other tips mentioned here help and definitely go for clothes that fit. Also what <b>Ledonna</b> said...accept and honor your body right now for what it is..</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-tips-to-help-me-fake-it-till-i-make-it#post-1681906 Mon, 20 Jun 2016 13:28:54 +0000 Anonymous 1681906@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agree with you Ledonna. I'm trying. I haven't been feeling the greatest this year physically and it's a bit of the chicken and the egg. I was in the shower this morning and was appreciating all my body is doing for me every day. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-tips-to-help-me-fake-it-till-i-make-it#post-1681898 Mon, 20 Jun 2016 13:16:49 +0000 Ledonna N. 1681898@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I stand nude in front of the mirror. I say to myself out loud. My body is strong. I start from the hairs on my head to to my toes. </p> <p>I affirm the love and strength and support my body gives me. I admit to myself that I am not where I want to be but I honor the body I have now.</p> <p>I do not hide it away or talk down about myself. </p> <p>This has helped me great. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-tips-to-help-me-fake-it-till-i-make-it#post-1681894 Mon, 20 Jun 2016 13:12:54 +0000 Jaime 1681894@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wearing clothes that fit you now is key. You will look better and feel better. I also find diagonal lines are my friends. And everything else said above. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-tips-to-help-me-fake-it-till-i-make-it#post-1681893 Mon, 20 Jun 2016 13:10:19 +0000 Anonymous 1681893@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>you all are so right about wearing clothes that fit right now. It's already an uncomfortable feeling to gain weight (for me anyway), and wearing snug clothing just makes me think about it all day when I move. That isn't helpful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-tips-to-help-me-fake-it-till-i-make-it#post-1681877 Mon, 20 Jun 2016 12:31:18 +0000 celia 1681877@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Excellent question. I agree with most of what was already said. A facial or manicure to lift your spirits up and clothes ( even if you have to buy a few ) that fit you and emphasise the awesome body you have right now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-tips-to-help-me-fake-it-till-i-make-it#post-1681851 Mon, 20 Jun 2016 11:01:32 +0000 Helen11 1681851@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm sorry you're not feeling good in yourself right now. I think there are some good tips above, and I would really love to see the Healthy habits thread again. It was really helpful for me to have somewhere to check in.<br /> Hang in there! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-tips-to-help-me-fake-it-till-i-make-it#post-1681848 Mon, 20 Jun 2016 10:57:01 +0000 Maneera 1681848@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm someone who has also gained a few *highly unwanted* pounds. I'm working towards losing the weight. But in the meantime, my tips are:</p> <p>1) Always have great hair. It draws the eye up towards your face. </p> <p>2) Light but flattering makeup *keeps* the eye on your face longer. You're a really pretty girl, highlight your best features. </p> <p>3) People tend to notice a beautiful bag before they notice that the woman carrying it may be carrying a few extra pounds Another thing - I've heard fashion experts say that your handbag must always be in proportion to your own scale but I've noticed that when I carry an extra-large tote, I just look smaller in scale next to it </p> <p>4) Beautiful nail paint also distracts. No one is looking at your food baby when they are busy looking at your pretty nails </p> <p>5) A pretty scarf helps hide lumps and bumps while being a gorgeous accessory. This is my fav thing to do if the weather is cool enough for a scarf </p> <p>6) Show skin somewhere else. For example, I've gained weight on my belly. So I expose more leg, and wear a slightly slouchy top with my shorts &amp; skirts for it to look more 'intentional'. If you feel better about some body part - show it off! Cold shoulder tops, sleeveless, deeper necklines, cut away back, shorter skirts - they all work.</p> <p>7) ETA: Most important- make yourself believe you are gorgeous. Honestly, no way can you fake it until you make it if you're conscious of your weight. Trust me when I say this - most ppl don't even notice it on their own. It's our body language that gives us away. It says "I'm not feeling fab" or "I'm not confident of how I look". I'm quite the expert on Fake It Until You Make It....trust me. Smile and look self-assured even if you aren't feeling it! Looking great has more to do with your attitude than your actual weight. I've 'looked' fatter in photos when I weighed 8 pounds lesser. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-tips-to-help-me-fake-it-till-i-make-it#post-1681842 Mon, 20 Jun 2016 10:43:42 +0000 Summer 1681842@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My advice would be: <ul> <li>Get a great new haircut</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Treat yourself to a facial or a make-over</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Find and wear your most flattering colours near your your face</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Use a column of colour, as per AJ and Joy</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Dress for the body you have right now</li> </ul> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-tips-to-help-me-fake-it-till-i-make-it#post-1681838 Mon, 20 Jun 2016 10:36:18 +0000 Anonymous 1681838@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lots of good advice so far. I'm sorry I can't reply individually right now. I will definitely be referencing each one. And since it's morning, I will try to take a little step forward today. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-tips-to-help-me-fake-it-till-i-make-it#post-1681825 Mon, 20 Jun 2016 09:12:34 +0000 Anonymous 1681825@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This may or may not work for others, but I have a catalogue of my absolute favorite outfits. &nbsp;The 10's in my life. &nbsp;The 10's can be luxurious fabrics that make me feel safe and comfortable; or a really flattering fit that makes me feel good about myself; etc. &nbsp;I <u>get</u> to wear them. &nbsp;Somehow this rejuvenates me and sets the tone for the day or week to come. &nbsp;</p> <p>I avoid anything drab or oversized or slouchy. &nbsp;All those things seems to make me feel worse. &nbsp;</p> <p>Hope this helps. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-tips-to-help-me-fake-it-till-i-make-it#post-1681821 Mon, 20 Jun 2016 08:36:41 +0000 Barbara Diane 1681821@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't know your shape or size or style, but I feel better when my bra fits and is supportive, and as a bonus, all my clothes look better. It was hard to spend the money when I had good bras one size smaller, but I found it worth it.&nbsp;</p> <p>Make sure you have at least a few outfits that fit well. Everyone is different, but if I don't feel good in my clothes it doesn't inspire me to lose weight, it just increases my negative self talk.&nbsp;</p> <p>I don't know your life, but I find it helpful to get fresh air-even one minute can help. 5 is good and 10 can be amazing.</p> <p>Will read Angie's tips later.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-tips-to-help-me-fake-it-till-i-make-it#post-1681778 Mon, 20 Jun 2016 04:56:12 +0000 ALeigh 1681778@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I tried many, many weight loss things over the years, if you or anyone else is interested, these were what I found worked out for me:</p> <p>Less Bread and grains are a great start for cutting back. They're really easy to get rid of, too, I found some awesome spinach wraps for lunches. Yes, spinach, they are tasty, way nicer than the cardboard-flavoured rice ones I first tried. Bread is really bad for bloating, as is starch in general. </p> <p>Tea instead of wine, diluted apple juice instead of coffee. Better for you, and less expensive (bonus!)</p> <p>Definitely find someone to do it with, if you ever decide a path to go down. That way you can back each other up along the way! It's why I think WeightWatchers is so popular.</p> <p>The first three days of any change are the hardest. If you get through those, you'll find it easier. This goes for eating, smoking, spring cleaning and shopping! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-tips-to-help-me-fake-it-till-i-make-it#post-1681771 Mon, 20 Jun 2016 04:32:13 +0000 ALeigh 1681771@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Don't give up looking good. I did and it was a terrible idea in the long term - I looked even worse than I was and it just became a downwards spiral for a while. Finding bloggers, friends, fashion sites with other people in the same position successfully looking good and loosing weight really helped me find myself again... </p> <p>In the meantime!</p> <p>Curved hems are great. Try pieces that curve over your biggest parts and cinch at your smallest. The old hi-low was popular for good reason!</p> <p>Try wide boat necklines, things emphasizing arms, necks, away from your torso - there's so many cool sleeves our right now! And as always higher waistlines - makes you have more legs, less body. Don't tuck things in tightly, pull them out a little. </p> <p>Ideally, anything that draws away from what you don't like right now. And if that means spending more time on your hair or makeup or making an investment in handbags, go for it. </p>