Food baby... I love you rachylou ... Your advice is also good..
Actually all of it is.
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..
See if thinking this and setting goals for age 60 or whatever is your next milestone helps..
Otherwise there is always a great haircut.. Even an experimental one may be..

Tons of good advice on this thread already. In general I would say:
-dress for the body you have
-get properly fitting undergarments.
-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.

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.

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 see ourselves differently. We get so used to our own shape/size at an earlier time that when it changes, it just feels wrong. 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.

Point taken, Angie.

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.

Lots of good advice here. 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. a department store makeover (without buying too much).

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,