https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-and-size---an-observation Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 19 May 2026 11:44:46 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-and-size---an-observation/page/2#post-1650703 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 15:18:43 +0000 Anonymous 1650703@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love your choice of post topic! &nbsp;Clothes that fit, right off the rack, are real 'finds' for me but I am ever the searcher for clothes that fit my style AND body. &nbsp;I will pass if a piece of clothing doesn't have both. &nbsp;</p> <p>I like to try on things in person, in the store. &nbsp;But that's not always possible. &nbsp;Ordering online is tricky for me because I usually want to try on three different sizes in the same item, just to check its fit. &nbsp;And then I'll notice a similar pant on a rack nearby, for example, that fits both criterions, style and fit. &nbsp;</p> <p>I'm not an impulsive shopper but I know when something is a home run and I don't look back. The price, however, has to be right for me; my budget has to allow it. &nbsp;I'll pass on an item that is a perfect match and wait for a sale or if the item is a little over budget, I'll go home and think about it for a couple of weeks. &nbsp; If it's still there when I decide to get it, and still not on sale, and if it meets my criteria, I'll move on it.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-and-size---an-observation/page/2#post-1650645 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 13:54:31 +0000 lyn67 1650645@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can totally relate:-). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-and-size---an-observation/page/2#post-1650625 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 13:38:45 +0000 Scarlet 1650625@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I totally get this. My conclusion is that most clothes are cut for a pre-reproductive body, as opposed to postpartum, or, I suspect, menopausal body. Personally, I have had to completely change how I shop for clothes. I am also still totally loving my maternity bottoms, even though my baby is one year old. I recently wore regular jeans. But only until I ate lunch at which point they became unbearable </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-and-size---an-observation/page/2#post-1649870 Mon, 25 Apr 2016 06:12:22 +0000 Jenava 1649870@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just now getting back to this post of mine. &nbsp;So great to hear all the perspectives.</p> <p>Vildy, that is a wonderful, positive way of thinking of it! &nbsp; Thank you for that.</p> <p>La Pedestrienne, my baby is 17 months and still nursing, so nursing friendly is often still a consideration.</p> <p>Beth Ann, you are very intuitive; YES, my personal style preferences have changed to less formal; this is also partly because my job is much less formal. &nbsp;But, even besides that, I'm not as enamored with the vintage or bombshell leanings of my previous style, and instead prefer to go for interesting and minimally flattering (or, at least not actively making me look like a cube...).</p> <p>smittie, if only I could afford to replace my clothes, I think I'd feel much happier with my current size...I am slowly working on it, TBH, and am also making due with a much smaller closet. &nbsp;I did purge about half of my things...but that was more due to my style shift than weight.</p> <p>bella, I heart you! &nbsp;We are in the same spot, exactly. &nbsp;We should have a coffee together to discuss (I wish). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-and-size---an-observation#post-1648967 Sat, 23 Apr 2016 14:31:47 +0000 annagybe 1648967@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I completely understand that situation.<br /> Right now I'm doing the exact opposite, avoiding the stores altogether.<br /> The stuff I want doesn't come in my current size.<br /> But you need more real clothes than me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-and-size---an-observation#post-1648805 Sat, 23 Apr 2016 01:22:55 +0000 Elly 1648805@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I frequently have this problem-- I search so long and hard for fit and buy things, but don't necessarily wear them, even if they aren't my style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-and-size---an-observation#post-1648778 Sat, 23 Apr 2016 00:14:43 +0000 jill58 1648778@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, absolutely. As an example, two years ago I bought a bright blue summer jacket because it fit perfectly and was flattering. The problem is, while the style is perfect--bright blue is not a color I ever wear, or feel comfortable in. I have never reached for that jacket and it probably still has the tags on it. It's not the first time that I've bought something because it fit well while ignoring, or talking myself into, the color. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-and-size---an-observation#post-1648701 Fri, 22 Apr 2016 21:53:32 +0000 Beth Ann 1648701@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh yes, I've experienced this! &nbsp;At size 14, on a limited budget, I find it hard to fill my closet with my ideal "style," but I'm working on it! &nbsp;</p> <p>Has you fashion"eye" or desired style changed in this time period? &nbsp;Perhaps a style shift is coming along with the lifestyle (and clothing size) change? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-and-size---an-observation#post-1648700 Fri, 22 Apr 2016 21:50:58 +0000 Aida 1648700@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yep. It took me a looooong time (years) to stop doing this, but I eventually got it through my brain It's a lot tougher when your current wardrobe is very limited, and you just want <i>some stuff that fits well</i>, isn't it? Hang in there Jenava! I have faith in your discipline!</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-and-size---an-observation#post-1648628 Fri, 22 Apr 2016 18:13:31 +0000 Anonymous 1648628@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'll tell you about my experience post-pregnancy. I was so excited to be able to move around after my daughter was born (hurrah! I can now bend over!) that I immediately went out and bought myself some new jeans. I think I must have been 20lbs heavier. I found some jeans in size 10 at Old Navy (I normally wear size 2). The interesting thing was that I felt JUST AS SLIM AS I DID PREPREGNANCY in these jeans. And the reason is because they fit: The back pockets were in the right place and there was good bum coverage and some ease in the waist. Everything looked ok.</p> <p>It is interesting when I hear people lament having to size up, when the experience for me was so positive. However, I did eventually get back down to close to my prepregnancy weight,and I never had "body issues" so maybe that is why I am OK with sizing up. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-and-size---an-observation#post-1648522 Fri, 22 Apr 2016 15:34:35 +0000 LaPed 1648522@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenava, I totally relate. I found I needed both a maternity capsule and a post-partum capsule. Post-partum meant loose/forgiving silhouettes, stretchy fabrics, easily washable, nursing-friendly -- it's a whole new set of criteria I'd never considered before. I'm not sure how old your baby is, but mine is two now and I feel like my body is still changing. I find a I burn *a lot* of calories chasing, bending, lifting, etc, now that he's lightning fast and independent.&nbsp;</p> <p>My advice would be to come up with a small, versatile capsule of styles you know will help you out the most: things like wrap-style tops, flattering tunics, midi skirts in jersey fabrics, trendy joggers or yoga pants, cute hoodies, etc. If you're on a tight budget, stick to Target, Old Navy, and secondhand, and don't feel bad if it wears out after 6 months or a year, because by then your body will probably be in a whole different place anyway. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-and-size---an-observation#post-1648507 Fri, 22 Apr 2016 15:07:34 +0000 AviaMariah 1648507@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes. &nbsp;I have a serious case of "comfort goggles". &nbsp;If something fits well, or even if the fabric feels really good on my skin, I will convince myself it looks good. &nbsp;When DH doesn't like something I'm wearing he always asks, "it that really comfortable". &nbsp;His way of being sensitive. &nbsp;:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-and-size---an-observation#post-1648421 Fri, 22 Apr 2016 13:08:50 +0000 Anonymous 1648421@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can relate. After losing a bunch of weight, everything I tried on looked better and I needed to replace everything, so bought too much that fit better but without thought of lifestyle, personal style or even best fit. How I wish I had gone more slowly and been pickier.<br /> Beware of clothes that are stretchy and unstructured. They allow you to put on pounds and inches without being aware of it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-and-size---an-observation#post-1648392 Fri, 22 Apr 2016 12:21:30 +0000 Anonymous 1648392@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can definitely relate. I have to remind myself that I'm not just shopping for clothing that fits. I'm also shopping for clothing that reflects my personal style and works well with items that I already own. I learned that lesson the hard way when I looked at my reflection in a bank window and realized I look horrid in ankle pants. Those pants did fit me will, and I did like wearing them, but they weren't my favorite pants and they didn't flatter me. I donated them to charity and vowed never to buy those types of pants ever again. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-and-size---an-observation#post-1648390 Fri, 22 Apr 2016 12:15:46 +0000 Janet 1648390@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What Muffin said. Pants that fit my thighs, are a moderate rise, and long enough in the inseam for me, are such a holy grail that when the darn things FIT in the dressing room, I am too likely to buy, and even duplicate before I know how the item wears and how I work with it. I still have the tags on those recent chinos from Anthro for this reason -- I've worn and enjoyed one pair, now I'm really not sure I will keep the others. I *like* the peach ones, but will I really wear them? </p> <p>Same with dresses. They are a tough fit for me, so when I find one that fits, flatters, and is long enough, I tend to buy even though I don't have much need to wear dresses in my casual life. I suppose I just need to make myself wear the dresses even on a casual day! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-and-size---an-observation#post-1648377 Fri, 22 Apr 2016 11:48:15 +0000 BrieN 1648377@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am more likely to do the reverse. Purchase something that appeals to me whether or not it actually fits. I think it's my scarcity mentality combined with the fact that my body does change quite a bit over the course of a year combined with the fact that I'm always just 5 pounds away from... YLF has been hugely helpful for me, especially in reinforcing that there are countless options to purchase out there. The mantra about waiting for the right item plays in my head as I shop and also Angie's voice telling me we dress the body we have right now.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-and-size---an-observation#post-1648376 Fri, 22 Apr 2016 11:47:32 +0000 Elizabeth P 1648376@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Also guilty!&nbsp; I think for me it stems from years gone by, when I had little money, time, interest or variety in stores, so I'd go into my three favourites 2-3 times a year, and try on everything, and buy everything that fit, that I liked.&nbsp; Which wasn't a lot.&nbsp; And made for a very chaotic wardrobe.&nbsp; Now that I have more interest, and the on-line world has opened up (not to mention lots of YLF influences), I'm finding a lot more things that I love, and a lot more frequently.&nbsp; But that hasn't completely sunk in, and I'm still keeping too much, or duplicating, because it "fits".</p> <p>I love what cocolion said about things that really fit well ending up being too classic for her style.&nbsp; I can relate to this as well... Another thing to hammer home... I will not go naked, only buy 10's! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-and-size---an-observation#post-1648353 Fri, 22 Apr 2016 10:28:45 +0000 Vildy 1648353@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>One of the ideas I use in order to reject a purchase or purge my wardrobe is that just because it fits and flatters so well is not alone a sufficient reason to buy/keep it. I tell myself it is *me* that it is showing off. So that the value is not in the garment (if not inherently exciting otherwise) it is in me and I shouldn't confuse the two. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-and-size---an-observation#post-1648316 Fri, 22 Apr 2016 07:56:29 +0000 Sally 1648316@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes that is why I often duplicate my clothes.&nbsp; </p> <p>I lost weight about 2 or 3 years after having a baby and with my new smaller size was suddenly finding stuff that fit.&nbsp; I went a bit crazy then too and had to stop myself from buying everything just because it fit.&nbsp; </p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-and-size---an-observation#post-1648309 Fri, 22 Apr 2016 07:41:48 +0000 bella 1648309@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>yes! I am in the same boat as you. Haven't lost the baby weight. Am I even allowed to call it baby weight anymore? It is not noticeable by other people, but I don't think I look good, so I don't feel good.&nbsp;<br />My solution has been to build a very small capsule wardrobe with some new but inexpensive purchases and pre-pregnancy pieces that still fit. I realized in retrospect however, that some of these new pieces are not really my style. I don't think I will like some of pre-pregnancy clothes even if I can fit into them ever again. &nbsp;The best part is I have gotten used to my new wardrobe size, I don't think I am going back on that. I should just learn to be more selective when purchasing, which I've gotten a bit better over the winter, but last summer was the worst. We'll see if &nbsp;I fare a bit better this summer.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-and-size---an-observation#post-1648279 Fri, 22 Apr 2016 05:15:34 +0000 CocoLion 1648279@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes! &nbsp;I purchased a really ordinary top today because it fit in the shoulders, was not too long or short, and not too tight nor too loose. At least it's a basic that I will wear.</p> <p>Usually when I find things that fit well, they are more classic than my desired style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-and-size---an-observation#post-1648260 Fri, 22 Apr 2016 03:50:47 +0000 catgirl 1648260@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just want to add that it also becomes a cycle. When I started my new more sedentary job I started to gain and blamed work, so I bought forgiving clothes. Because of that, it took me a year to realize that the gain was not normal (in my midsection but nowhere else), whereas forcing myself into less comfy clothes might have clued me in. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-and-size---an-observation#post-1648255 Fri, 22 Apr 2016 03:44:27 +0000 Anonymous 1648255@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>YES. &nbsp;I'm a lot older than you, and my body changes are not because of a recent pregnancy , but I still know the feeling you are describing. It explains why I buy the same things over and over and over again. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-and-size---an-observation#post-1648242 Fri, 22 Apr 2016 03:07:16 +0000 Missey 1648242@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'll jump on that train...I've decided leggings are my best friend. My closet runners over with things I wish I could wear right now, but the lumps and bumps underneath them are so unappealing. I'm up 20 lb without having a baby! Job change, metabolism change, activity change in the last year packed on the pounds fast. I'm tall and everyone says I look good, I just don't feel good :-/. Time for me to change I guess </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-and-size---an-observation#post-1648226 Fri, 22 Apr 2016 02:52:33 +0000 rachylou 1648226@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, yes. More than relate. I've gone way over board in my lifetime, buying nice things that fit. I have to keep the wet noodle handy for self-flagellation, lol. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-and-size---an-observation#post-1648225 Fri, 22 Apr 2016 02:51:30 +0000 Muffin 1648225@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with Mariana and the pants issue. A couple of weeks ago I came home with light blue Capri jeans because I was so happy they fit in the waist and thighs that I completely ignored that they cut across my already wide calf in a terrible place. I tried them on for my husband and thankfully he was the voice of reason and back they went. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-and-size---an-observation#post-1648214 Fri, 22 Apr 2016 02:31:24 +0000 Chris987 1648214@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I definitely do this. Working hard to break the habit because it leads to a closet full of stuff that doesn't work together. Lots of good advice on this blog but it's like breaking any other habit - takes time and work. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-and-size---an-observation#post-1648207 Fri, 22 Apr 2016 02:13:23 +0000 Staysfit 1648207@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Clothing frequently "fits" me, maybe that's why I have such a large amount of it! :-)</p> <p>Seriously, clothing that fits well doesn't sway me as much as it used to in the past, but this was a very real issue for me before. Now it needs to fit my style and come close to my color palette for me to keep it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-and-size---an-observation#post-1648195 Fri, 22 Apr 2016 01:59:23 +0000 marianna 1648195@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, for sure. Or when I actually find pants in my size at a brick &amp; mortar store, sometimes I'm tempted to buy them even if I don't need them or even really like them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-and-size---an-observation#post-1648189 Fri, 22 Apr 2016 01:53:32 +0000 Dee 1648189@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I definitely do this. I think it's because it's rare for a garment to fit perfectly off the rack, so that makes it more appealing than it might be otherwise. It's hard to pass on those, but if I'm going to love and wear something for a long time, the style, color, etc. also have to work. I'm working at getting better at this too! </p>