YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Wardrobe Mgmt During Weight Loss (long)

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Wardrobe Mgmt During Weight Loss (long) https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-mgmt-during-weight-loss-long Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 17 Apr 2026 14:41:12 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Chris987 on "Wardrobe Mgmt During Weight Loss (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-mgmt-during-weight-loss-long#post-2023960 Thu, 02 May 2019 18:16:04 +0000 Chris987 2023960@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Smittie! I agree that the answer to my "trick" is sometimes yes and sometimes no :-). I'm not being too spartan about it, that would be no fun :-) Yay Gretchen! We can compare notes as we go!  I too am considering NAS...I've already got a list. Lord & Taylor has started doing a similar sale a bit later in the summer (to compete with NAS no doubt) - they are a go-to for me for petite sized classic merino and cashmere pullovers/turtlenecks. Great suggestions on buying some less practical items. I've been thinking about jewelry or a good quality watch but have not been too excited by what I'm seeing. I definitely will look at the end of season sales, another great idea.  Thanks Suz! The pant alterations I'm doing are all ones I've done in the past to get a better fit and they don't always work :-) Thanks Sterling, Jaileen, Shevia, and lisa p. Thanks Brooklyn. Great advice to focus on shoes, bags, etc. Thanks Featherwitch. You are right that certain fabrics handle weight fluctuations better than others. And good advice on hair/skin care. I always get regular haircuts and like my skin care routines so I'm in good shape there. Fashintern, thanks! The "making up my mind and getting started" was a direct result of seeing a number on the scale that corresponded to a BMI number..and both were higher than ever before. It happened on Jan 1 after a new year's eve party. Of course a little weight gain from holiday overeating sometimes works itself out later, but it made something click for me. I'm trying to get in a mind set of "this is the right amount of food and exercise to keep me at this healthy weight"....but I've never done this before so it's definitely a journey. Stagiaire Fash on "Wardrobe Mgmt During Weight Loss (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-mgmt-during-weight-loss-long#post-2023894 Thu, 02 May 2019 15:39:08 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2023894@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Congrats! How awesome to make up your mind and just get started--halfway there already, woohoo! Pants sizing is so inconsistent that I don't think "dropping a size" is even a thing anymore, unless you stick with the exact same make and model. But you know you're losing the weight and feeling better--that's what counts. Anybody who followed my posts this fall and winter knows that a chunk of the 40 lb I lost a few years ago is ba-aaack. I've gotten to the stage of bemoaning that this gut is in the way and that my clothes won't work, but am not at the decisive action part yet. Weight was only a minor issue for me before life in Florida. I had thought that once I got back to my old life, the issue would go away too, but it seems I'd forgotten about winter weight gain. It always was a thing, but not as much as this past winter. My "wardrobe management" for this is simple: don't put on more weight, don't buy more clothes, wear what fits, and as I shed, be happy to get back to favorites. featherwitch on "Wardrobe Mgmt During Weight Loss (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-mgmt-during-weight-loss-long#post-2023879 Thu, 02 May 2019 14:36:00 +0000 featherwitch 2023879@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Congratulations!  I would add:  Items that can flux between a size or two can be helpful (ponte fabrics for instance) for not replacing higher-priced items as often.  Don't forget regular haircuts, and consider if you want to change up other beauty regimens. They always make me feel better.  Brooklyn on "Wardrobe Mgmt During Weight Loss (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-mgmt-during-weight-loss-long#post-2023778 Thu, 02 May 2019 04:43:02 +0000 Brooklyn 2023778@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Good job Chris! I would focus on shoes, bags and accessories while things are in flux. And as you are moving into summer in any case they are a practical way to add some variety and interest to your outfits. Anonymous on "Wardrobe Mgmt During Weight Loss (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-mgmt-during-weight-loss-long#post-2023777 Thu, 02 May 2019 03:53:46 +0000 Anonymous 2023777@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Way to go , Chris , and respect indeed . I’m in turn awed , envious , ashamed and motivated . Such good advice in this thread too . I hope I can make a post of my own like this one day - I can feel your confidence Jaime on "Wardrobe Mgmt During Weight Loss (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-mgmt-during-weight-loss-long#post-2023763 Thu, 02 May 2019 00:44:31 +0000 Jaime 2023763@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Brilliant! Congratulations and I love how you adapted Toban's excellent guidelines to suit your needs.  JAileen on "Wardrobe Mgmt During Weight Loss (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-mgmt-during-weight-loss-long#post-2023731 Wed, 01 May 2019 22:02:55 +0000 JAileen 2023731@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Congratulations! I’ve “hearted” it so I can refer to it again later. Anonymous on "Wardrobe Mgmt During Weight Loss (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-mgmt-during-weight-loss-long#post-2023718 Wed, 01 May 2019 20:35:47 +0000 Anonymous 2023718@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Congratulations to you!!!!!!!  These posts are very inspirational to me.  They keep me motivated and moving forward.   Suz on "Wardrobe Mgmt During Weight Loss (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-mgmt-during-weight-loss-long#post-2023706 Wed, 01 May 2019 20:07:49 +0000 Suz 2023706@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Chris, congrats on your weight loss! Toban's post was and is a fabulous resource. I am very impressed that you are managing to alter some needed items so you can use them longer.  Gretchen on "Wardrobe Mgmt During Weight Loss (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-mgmt-during-weight-loss-long#post-2023703 Wed, 01 May 2019 19:50:16 +0000 Gretchen 2023703@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Congratulations Chris! Well done, and I love how you are using those guidelines. I'm on a similar journey, and could not agree more about having clothes (esp pants!) that fit my current size. I'm culling pants/skirts every 2 weeks. I also sent my work clothes to the tailor last week. That interim tailoring will make them last at least 2 more months, and I'll look to replace if needed starting with NAS.  2 amendments I would suggest as you look at this transformation -  1. At certain times, give yourself permission to buy something less practical as a reward. It might be something on your longer term list (earrings? boots?) that will spice up your new clothes, and be a good reminder of your achievements.  2. Look at end-of-season sales to add in some replacements for future. I expect some of my cashmere pullovers to be too big by next season, so I added 2 sweaters in the latest Boden sale. I can wear them now, but also know that I wouldn't expect to go down an additional size by fall, so they will work later this year.  Looking forward to hearing more on your journey! smittie on "Wardrobe Mgmt During Weight Loss (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-mgmt-during-weight-loss-long#post-2023702 Wed, 01 May 2019 19:40:36 +0000 smittie 2023702@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great job. I definitely love the Toban approach of wearing nice-fitting clothes through the journey.  I really like this mental trick of yours: “will I look any less put together to the world around me if I wear only what is in my closet and NOT buy that shiny new thing?”.  Sometimes (and often) the answer is 'no', but sometimes (and often) the answer is 'yes'! Especially during weight loss! Chris987 on "Wardrobe Mgmt During Weight Loss (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-mgmt-during-weight-loss-long#post-2023699 Wed, 01 May 2019 19:12:54 +0000 Chris987 2023699@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ thanks Becky and Barbara Diane. Jane, good for you doing weight watchers. I decided I would avoid joining groups like that unless I found I could not do it on my own, but I know a lot of people have had great success with WW. Glad to have you on team walk! Jane on "Wardrobe Mgmt During Weight Loss (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-mgmt-during-weight-loss-long#post-2023680 Wed, 01 May 2019 18:09:28 +0000 Jane 2023680@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well done Chris. Respect! It is hard work. 10lbs is brilliant. I went to weight watchers last year and lost weight. It made a huge difference to me on many levels but it is hard work. Tobans guide is super I do agree. I think the only thing I can add, is to be super kind to yourself. I will join you on team walk! Barbara Diane on "Wardrobe Mgmt During Weight Loss (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-mgmt-during-weight-loss-long#post-2023670 Wed, 01 May 2019 17:04:05 +0000 Barbara Diane 2023670@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Not necessarily buying the shiny new thing is great advice for me. Pants that fit are essential, and definitely need to be purchased more often than tops during weight changes.. Smart to buy enough jeans. Chris987 on "Wardrobe Mgmt During Weight Loss (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-mgmt-during-weight-loss-long#post-2023662 Wed, 01 May 2019 16:29:19 +0000 Chris987 2023662@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/   Thanks Joy! I do realize my body shape may change and feet may shrink...so taking your sage advice on not investing too much during the process. Thanks Suntiger, SarahD8 and nemosmom! nemosmom on "Wardrobe Mgmt During Weight Loss (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-mgmt-during-weight-loss-long#post-2023649 Wed, 01 May 2019 15:46:18 +0000 nemosmom 2023649@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Congratulations on taking steps to a healthier you - and on the 10lb loss! Thank you for sharing your story and progress - you are an inspiration SarahD8 on "Wardrobe Mgmt During Weight Loss (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-mgmt-during-weight-loss-long#post-2023645 Wed, 01 May 2019 15:42:46 +0000 SarahD8 2023645@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Chris, congrats on making such good progress toward your goals! It sounds like you have a level head about managing your wardrobe during this transition. I appreciate you sharing, I think it is so helpful for others undertaking a weight loss journey, and even for those not in the same space it is great to read about such mindfulness and deliberateness with wardrobe management. In short, APPLAUSE. Please keep us posted! Anonymous on "Wardrobe Mgmt During Weight Loss (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-mgmt-during-weight-loss-long#post-2023644 Wed, 01 May 2019 15:40:50 +0000 Anonymous 2023644@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Congrats-and good adaptations of the rules! Having sustainable good habits is the most important thing and sounds like you're being mindful and sensible with it. Anonymous on "Wardrobe Mgmt During Weight Loss (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-mgmt-during-weight-loss-long#post-2023629 Wed, 01 May 2019 14:43:39 +0000 Anonymous 2023629@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Congratulations, Chris! I had to lose a lot of weight a few years ago for health reasons. As Toban says, be ruthless. Wear fewer but well fitting clothes. As you lose, fewer pounds will cause a change in size. I did lots of thrifting in the middle of the process and went through a period of wearing mostly dresses and skirts rather than jeans because they were easier to fit. Don’t invest too much in shoes. Your feet can change size. Mine did. Your body shape may change. It is easy to get hooked on clothes shopping and hard to stop once you are at your target weight. Do lots of thinking and planning now for the wardrobe you want. Wishing you lots of resolve and patience going forward. Chris987 on "Wardrobe Mgmt During Weight Loss (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-mgmt-during-weight-loss-long#post-2023628 Wed, 01 May 2019 14:41:08 +0000 Chris987 2023628@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Toban! I know EXACTLY what you mean about being nervous before hitting the send button Murph what a GREAT suggestion to buy one pair of good jeans at each 10lb milestone...to keep yourself looking good all through the journey RobinF, yes it definitely gets harder as we get older and the metabolism tends to slow down. Thanks Cardiff Girl, and I agree with you wholeheartedly. Quick fix solutions are marketed everywhere and they might in fact work for quick loss, but the statistics show that you are quite likely to gain it back if you do it this way. Far better for your health to make some real changes. And not easy.  Hah Angie...yes TEAM WALKING! You are the ultimate captain of this team.... Elizabeth P you've got that right..the ultimate capsule/small wardrobe challenge! Believe it or not I'm kind of having fun with it. Becky on "Wardrobe Mgmt During Weight Loss (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-mgmt-during-weight-loss-long#post-2023626 Wed, 01 May 2019 14:36:59 +0000 Becky 2023626@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You've taken a very wise approach and given some priceless advice. Congratulations! Elizabeth P on "Wardrobe Mgmt During Weight Loss (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-mgmt-during-weight-loss-long#post-2023617 Wed, 01 May 2019 14:24:52 +0000 Elizabeth P 2023617@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Congratulations Chris. I love that you are taking Toban's inspiring posts about her journey and making them your own.  I hope you continue to share. This is the ultimate capsule/small wardrobe challenge! Angie on "Wardrobe Mgmt During Weight Loss (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-mgmt-during-weight-loss-long#post-2023615 Wed, 01 May 2019 14:20:59 +0000 Angie 2023615@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ CONGRATS! An excellent achievement, Chris. Toban is an inspiration - and so are you.  Good to have an inventory of jeans that fit for now - no need to buy them!  One small capsule that fits at a time...... GO TEAM WALKING! Cardiff girl on "Wardrobe Mgmt During Weight Loss (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-mgmt-during-weight-loss-long#post-2023610 Wed, 01 May 2019 13:47:44 +0000 Cardiff girl 2023610@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Good for you for taking your health seriously and acting when required.Too many people are passive when it comes to weight management and want a magic fix that means they can carry on as before.No it’s not easy but then succumbing to weight related health problems isn’t a Barrel of laughs either.l applaud you. RobinF on "Wardrobe Mgmt During Weight Loss (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-mgmt-during-weight-loss-long#post-2023606 Wed, 01 May 2019 13:27:23 +0000 RobinF 2023606@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Nice job Chris! I am pretty much always fighting my weight (and it certainly has not gotten easier as I have gotten older!) so know exactly what you are going through. Love #6 especially, make do without, that is a good one for me to remember at all times but especially during periods of change. I believe I am about your height and I find that 10 lbs is approximately a size so I bet you have gone down. Murph11 on "Wardrobe Mgmt During Weight Loss (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-mgmt-during-weight-loss-long#post-2023605 Wed, 01 May 2019 13:25:16 +0000 Murph11 2023605@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you for posting, Chris (and Toban). I appreciate the detailed plan/process, and I’m cheering you on 100%. Count me inspired! Ten years ago, I lost 30+ lbs, and bought a new pair of mid-price (for me) jeans at each of the -10 goals. I was spot-on 10lbs per size, and this simple purchase kept me motivated and feeling great :-) #8 and #9 are KEY! You’ve got this! Toban on "Wardrobe Mgmt During Weight Loss (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-mgmt-during-weight-loss-long#post-2023601 Wed, 01 May 2019 12:53:44 +0000 Toban 2023601@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Congratulations, Chris! Your progress and mindset is so awesome and I love how you personalized each one of my tips to adapt to your style and life. I am so flattered that my post was inspirational and helpful. I still remember how nervous I was about hitting the submit button on that one. It is a good reminder to me that our biggest impact can happen when we allow us to be vulnerable. Thank you for sharing your journey and progress. It will inspire others! Chris987 on "Wardrobe Mgmt During Weight Loss (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-mgmt-during-weight-loss-long#post-2023600 Wed, 01 May 2019 12:35:46 +0000 Chris987 2023600@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ If you’ve been around YLF for a while , my title may sound familiar. Fabber Toban wrote <a href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-during-weight-transitions" rel="nofollow"> this forum posting </a> last year with a similar title. I have recently started my own weight loss journey, and have referred often to her posting. What she wrote is incredibly wise and thoughtful with many great suggestions! Sometimes when people share very personal things it ends up being a great inspiration for others - her posting was that way for me. Maybe I can pay it forward here. My weight went up quite a bit last winter, mostly due to inactivity and “misery” eating after an injury in November.  My weight has gone up very gradually as I've gotten older, but this was different. I also learned at my annual physical in January that my BMI and other vital statistics had moved into unhealthy ranges, so it was time to act. On Feb 1 I started a program of reducing calories and increasing exercise (mostly walking), tracked in MyFitnessPal and Fitbit. I’m very happy to be down 10 lbs since I started! That’s just under halfway to my final goal. My approach is to make changes I can live with long term, not just things that work for quick weight loss. Probably the best quote from Toban’s posting… "It is very important to me to wear excellent fitting clothing even in the midst of body changes. I am working too hard on weight loss to have poor fitting clothes add visual weight and I receive a very big confidence boost from perfect fitting clothing." This is the full list of her  “rules”, with how I tweaked them for myself in italics 1. Ruthlessly cull pieces that do not fit.  I am generally following this, but will occasionally wear things that are a little too big when I’m not leaving the house. I’m also doing a bit of alteration on some pieces to see if I can extend their life. 2. Identify wardrobe needs for the next 4 weeks. I’ve been doing this about once a month. The idea is to see what’s absolutely necessary and make sure you have it  at your current weight,  4-6 weeks at a time, but don't do much other shopping.   3. Identify core essentials and a core color palette. I’m making NO changes right now in my essentials, color palette, or typical silhouettes.  4. No duplicates! and do laundry frequently. I didn’t follow the “no duplicates” rule entirely - for example, I wear jeans almost every day so “one pair of jeans” was too few for me. 5. Replace sparingly and only with a piece you love. I’ve been doing this by sticking with lower price points, not buying any higher priced items like jackets or coats, and doing more thrifting than usual. I'm learning a fantastic lesson in just how small a wardrobe could work for me. 6. Make do without. Yes! The mental trick I use is “will I look any less put together to the world around me if I wear only what is in my closet and NOT buy that shiny new thing?”. If the answer is NO, which it usually is, I usually make do without. I'm not being super-rigid about this but am following it generally.   7. Prioritize bras! I’m not quite at the point of needing to buy new ones but hope to be soon. 8. Patience.  This one is sooooo important. It's been a slow process and I have moments of being very frustrated, but also some very upbeat moments. 9. Enjoy your weight loss and your improved health. Appreciate your strength and persistence. Yes, also so important like #8 above :-) So far this year I’ve put most of my budget into shoes and bags, including some outdoor fitness items and summer sandals. I have also bought a small number of new spring pieces. I'm spending under budget to save for later on when I need to spend more. At 10 lbs down, many of my larger jeans/pants are too big, and I’m now wearing the smaller ones I couldn’t get into over the winter. With jean sizing all over the map I’m not  sure if I’ve dropped a size or not. I’ve successfully altered some (taking in inseam, back yoke, and/or back waist) and some have been put in the donate bag. I never put clothes in the dryer, but I might try doing it with two pairs of thrifted jeans I bought in January that are now too big.  Tops, toppers all still fit ok.  A huge thanks to Toban for the couple of PM conversations we’ve had about her journey. She’s kind, gracious and so inspirational!   Feel free to chime in with your own experiences, tricks that work for you, comments, questions etc!   .