https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-the-weight-gain Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 11 Apr 2026 11:24:48 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-the-weight-gain#post-2296985 Sun, 18 Dec 2022 12:36:45 +0000 Olive Green 2296985@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>First of all, sales assistant sounds like a real pill. They keep bringing me tiny clothes and I have Large sized shoulders and muscles, and hips. We should shop together, lol. Swap!<br />Yes, lands end does have some good elastic waists. They are so comfortable that you can sleep in them if things get long and tiring.&nbsp;<br />After a couple trips with DH and others to hospitals and such, my criteria is being able to sleep in clothes when it all goes long or overnight. One less thing, right? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-the-weight-gain#post-2296964 Sun, 18 Dec 2022 07:48:25 +0000 anchie 2296964@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Strechy materials, ranglan sleeves, elastic waist, focus on accessories- yes! All great ideas.<br /> Not sure about maternity clothes, I never liked them even when I was actually pregnant. But maybe things have changed in last 15 years.<br /> I will try to stretch my current wardrobe as much as possible but if I get tempted into buying anything new I will carefully consider if it has potential to work in the future.<br /> I am not looking forward to this because from my previous experience I don’t carry weight that well and I always look bigger than I actually am. I am currently US4 or UK8 but when I ask for my size in a store, they don’t believe me. Not once sales assistant forced me to try first one to two sizes bigger clothes before bringing me my size that I asked for. And same thing also when I was up by 17kg, I wore only US 8-10 but again looked much bigger and very overweight. And it is not that I am petite, I am 169 cm which is I think between 5‘6“ and 5‘7“. I am not sure why is that, maybe because I don’t really exercise and I am more soft than toned. Oversized and shapeless clothes would make things even worse so I have to be careful about it, but I will give it a try.<br /> And yes, I know, I need to start exercising, but ugh! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-the-weight-gain#post-2296906 Sun, 18 Dec 2022 02:12:25 +0000 jussie 2296906@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I second Rachy Lou’s advice re maternity pants, and also maternity shorts. Honestly, some of them are amazing; comfortable,<br /> stylish and well made. I kept mine for a good few years as I really liked them!<br /> Also I second the idea of loose fit dresses. So comfy and breezy.<br /> I know you mentioned you prefer to wear pants and a blazer, maybe some elastic waist black or dark indigo jeans? I wear these all the time and they’re extremely comfy and they look pretty much like normal nice jeans if you cover the waist band with your top.<br /> I also find loose fit silk button up shirts very comfy and forgiving, and they look classy.<br /> This might be a nice time to really treat yourself to some nice shoes and accessories, to take the sting out of having to change your wardrobe against your wishes.<br /> Sorry to hear your health has been giving you trouble. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-the-weight-gain#post-2296904 Sun, 18 Dec 2022 02:00:52 +0000 Jessikams 2296904@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love Rachys suggestion about the maternity section! I stole a friends maternity jeans after she finished having kids, and they are totally blissful. </p> <p>You’re in luck Anchie, it seems you are in tune with the zeitgeist. Stretchy forgiving clothes are in! </p> <p>I am so awed by your equanimous attitude. I always get very grouchy and whiny about health challenges. Wishing you a relatively smooth recovery/ or just adjustment to the new reality, if “recovery” is not in the cards. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-the-weight-gain#post-2296903 Sun, 18 Dec 2022 01:57:52 +0000 Anonymous 2296903@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'd say buy as slowly as possible, since the medication is temporary and you don't know how you'll react to it. Definitely look for elastic waists and knit jackets, which are much more forgiving! And yes to checking maternity wear too.<br /> Honestly jeans are problematic (at least for me) if your weight isn't stable. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-the-weight-gain#post-2296902 Sun, 18 Dec 2022 01:57:51 +0000 Indigoprint 2296902@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>&nbsp;I am not sure if you need something for work that is above jeans, but Land's End has some interesting elastic waist pants that look comfy and professional. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-the-weight-gain#post-2296890 Sun, 18 Dec 2022 01:16:25 +0000 DonnaF 2296890@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Dropped shoulders and raglan sleeves—styles where the shoulder seam does not need to sit precisely in a particular place. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-the-weight-gain#post-2296798 Sat, 17 Dec 2022 12:08:58 +0000 rachylou 2296798@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This may sound crazy… but I got a pair of small pants from Walmart’s maternity section. They were pretty stylish, office appropriate and looked good through weight gain AND loss. Tbh, I wondered how anyone pregnant could get into them, but anyways… the maternity section has useful things… </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-the-weight-gain#post-2296776 Sat, 17 Dec 2022 06:58:38 +0000 Sally 2296776@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’ve been 15 kilos heavier than I am now and I have a few dresses that I can wear (and get compliments on) regardless of size. I have 3 tunic dresses with an unusual shape at front and zip. I have a dress made out of pleats.<br /> Pic 1 style of tunic dresses (sorry photo is not clear)<br /> Pic 2 pleated dress<br /> I find these dresses can be worn throughout weight fluctuations. I still enjoy wearing them at my current weight. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-the-weight-gain#post-2296627 Fri, 16 Dec 2022 09:40:45 +0000 Zaeobi 2296627@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry to hear of your health issues but on the plus side, at least you aren't running so hot anymore! </p> <p>You've already got some fab suggestions - I'd invest more in accessories to help dress up some solid basics (e.g. belts, to hide any exposed elasticated waistbands). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-the-weight-gain#post-2296625 Fri, 16 Dec 2022 09:20:38 +0000 anchie 2296625@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know that it is difficult to plan for something so unpredictable. Thing is, I already gained 2kg in very short period of time. So it is happening. I have another week in office and then I am off for 2 weeks, so things will probably be clearer beginning of next year. I did struggle this week with overheating but this is getting better now that medications are working. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-the-weight-gain#post-2296568 Thu, 15 Dec 2022 19:21:24 +0000 Angie 2296568@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Anchie,</b> I hope your health is in good shape soon. Sending healing thoughts.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;Such excellent advice from wise Fabbers!&nbsp;</p> <p>I echo<b> Sisi,</b> wholeheartedly.</p> <p>Don't pass on items that become too small in the next year either. If you can store them, do so!</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-the-weight-gain#post-2296536 Thu, 15 Dec 2022 16:57:26 +0000 Dee 2296536@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree that slowly acquiring what you may need is wise approach as you never know exactly how your body will react to the medication.<br />I would look for pieces that have a bit of stretch in them and fit a little looser against the body. Yes to all kinds of skirts/ cropped pants with elastic, and cotton knit tops for your heat issues. Its certainly a challenge and I wish you well.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-the-weight-gain#post-2296533 Thu, 15 Dec 2022 16:02:53 +0000 Cardiff girl 2296533@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from health issues and wish you a speedy recovery.l wouldn’t buy anything in advance ,buy as required and the bare minimum to get you through.Chances are once you are past your health issues things will settle down again then you can take iI from there.Menopause doesn’t always bring a change in the scales so much as a change of body shape which until it has happened can be hard to anticipate. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-the-weight-gain#post-2296532 Thu, 15 Dec 2022 15:48:23 +0000 unfrumped 2296532@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You could review Toban’s older posts on weight loss journey as it applies in either direction. Echoing other suggestions run a much tighter capsule type wardrobe of essentials ( using that word broadly) so your not too “ deep” into certain sizes or even styles, but have budget to make additions and adjustments here and there. </p> <p>Perhaps as important, and you may be doing this already, is to get guidance on fitness plan, particularly muscle- building, that is medically appropriate for your situation, and / or how to re- visit that and adjust as things change, since that is pretty much foundational for health, weight stability, aging/ menopause issues. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-the-weight-gain#post-2296528 Thu, 15 Dec 2022 15:14:21 +0000 Anonymous 2296528@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When building a new wardrobe, think of limiting colors to just your most flattering and chose one light and one dark neutral. &nbsp;Think of outfits that can be made to span seasons. &nbsp;Columns of each neutral will be helpful. &nbsp;To change up just using different toppers. &nbsp;Take it slow and add just what you need most. &nbsp;Good luck. &nbsp;And remember that after menopause you will lose some weight. &nbsp;Think of all the skinny little old ladies you see at church. &nbsp;You will also run colder than before.. &nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-the-weight-gain#post-2296527 Thu, 15 Dec 2022 15:13:56 +0000 Sisi 2296527@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I suggest not to worry too much in advance. Maybe you will put on weight, maybe not, maybe less than you expect ... See how it goes. Anyway it is a good idea to start experimenting with new silhouettes, you could find out that you like them ! Best wishes for your health.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-the-weight-gain#post-2296516 Thu, 15 Dec 2022 13:51:29 +0000 anchie 2296516@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet - good point that weight will most likely distribute differently this time. More around midsection, waist and stomach and that was not so much issue before. I am not big fan of oversized fits but I see how that can come useful. I need to experiment more with different silhouettes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-the-weight-gain#post-2296509 Thu, 15 Dec 2022 13:38:45 +0000 Janet 2296509@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Now would not be the time for any fitted/tailored purchases. Elastic waists, cuts with ease and some of the fashionably oversized looks could work. I’d milk the trend of roomy styles at the moment.</p> <p>I will however just caution to not plan too specifically for this anticipated change. My experience has been that weight/size changes are different once you reach a certain age, which you are now likely approaching. It’s been nine years since my hysterectomy and my body changes have not been extreme but enough to cause changes in dressing strategy. </p> <p>I found that jeans that fit me 10 lbs ago were still mostly ok, but tops and bras are more of an issue. My waist, which was always on the smaller side, now holds onto extra fluff. Like many post-menopausal women, I find my body wants to pad my midsection rather than my hips. It’s a bit disconcerting but I’ve been adjusting with less tailored fits and shapes with more ease. (All this while gently attempting to adjust my healthy eating habits — I’m down 3 lbs from my peak a few months ago, and don’t mind slow and steady.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-the-weight-gain#post-2296499 Thu, 15 Dec 2022 11:25:05 +0000 anchie 2296499@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This post is not about body shaming. I have accepted that due to my hopefully temporary medical condition I will gain weight. I am on medications that cause on average between 7 and 12 kg weight gain. I should be on those medications for about a year, but not sure how easy will be to lose the weight afterwards. I don’t have any signs of perimenopause yet, but I am 53, so it is probably around the corner, and it will probably make losing weight even more difficult.<br /> My weight has fluctuated a lot over the years, 4 years ago, I was up by 17 kg for example.<br /> But last few years my weight was kind of stable, I invested lot of time, effort and money in rebuilding my wardrobe after last weight loss. I just recently edited out last of the too big clothes. I am very happy with my current wardrobe. More than fashion, I love wardrobe management, tracking, building capsules and complements. And I really don’t want to go through another cycle of completely rebuilding my wardrobe. I want to be smart this time since I do have experience with huge weight fluctuations.<br /> I know that pants and blazers are not very forgiving but unfortunately they are core of my office wardrobe. So this will have to change. And this is ok, since I am also currently running very hot and sweaty and blazer and pants uniform is not best for that issue too.<br /> In my experience, fluid dresses and a line skirts with elastic waist are the way to go.<br /> Knitwear can tolerate few sizes difference. My coats will be fine since I wear them oversized to accommodate layers.<br /> When I gain weight it usually goes everywhere evenly, to my face, shoulders, boobs, and even calves. So blouses will probably be tricky in the shoulders. I will need new underwear, no doubt.<br /> I am not sure if I will need new jeans - I may do without them.<br /> Do you have any other tips or recommendations?<br /> And please keep me accountable that everything I buy from this point is something I can wear now but also in the future. </p>