I want to lose the weight but my wardrobe is holding me back - ETA : added pictures of current fit - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Dressing

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

I want to lose the weight but my wardrobe is holding me back - ETA : added pictures of current fit

anchie

Veteran

I need your advice. Over the last couple of months I have lost about 8kg and I am very happy about it. I would love to lose additional 5 kg which would bring me to my ideal weight. But here is the catch. I have spent great deal of time, money and effort in building my current wardrobe and I am happy with it. At the moment my wardrobe still kind of fits me, even though it feels roomier, I need the belt to hold my pants etc. I probably can already comfortably fit in the smaller size. But if I continue to lose the weight I would definitely need the new wardrobe. And this is not something that I have currently in my budget. I am sure many of you have been in the similar situation. Do you have any advice for me? Should I just accept that I don't need to lose any more weight and be happy with the status quo and slowly over time replace current items with the better fitting ones? Or continue with my diet and try to make do with the current wardrobe until I reach my desired weight? And then what? I am at the tipping point and just don't know what to do.

ETA - took fe pictures to show you how my wardrobe fits me at the moment. Selected grays as example because it shows better in pictures than black or navy, but basically everything is fitting the same. Does it look big or is it still ok? First picture is without the belt.

This post has 5 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Dressing

54 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

What's your reason for losing weight? Mine is to avoid injury, feel better day to day, and have more energy. I will find ways to afford new items or have old ones altered.
If your reason is mostly looks, and you like the way you look in your wardrobe, then you're already there.
Maybe you could slow down the weight loss and if you find yourself between two sizes when buying clothes, make a habit of getting the smaller size, thus easing your wardrobe and yourself down.
Good luck!

Anonymous

First, are you happy and healthy with the weight you are at? There is such a thing as looking too gaunt and losing your energy. Do what will keep you healthy.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I guess if you've been on a new eating/exercise plan and plan to stick with it from now forward, I would just accept that you will have to begin slowly replacing items. I'm not sure I would plan too far ahead myself as things happen and change from week to week and month to month. "Dress the body you have" might mean a continual transition for a while if that's your goal.

minimalist

Veteran

Same here, though I wasn't dieting. For now, I've chosen to do the work of monitoring and maintaining, and use the holding time to build lean mass. I haven't made wardrobe plans, but your suggestion to "slowly over time replace current items with better fitting ones" sounds like the right solution for me.

Would I feel better lighter? Of course. Do I want to put resources into managing that transition right now? No. It's that narrow zone, where the existing clothes still mostly work. For me, for the moment, the best energy conservation plan is to hang out on the tipping point, as you call it. For you, it might be more efficient to continue.

Either way, it seems that the skills required to maintain have to be developed at some point; I'm personally just banking on the idea that what I experience now will be transferable to later situations.

anchie

Veteran

I feel much better, happier and healthier at my current weight. I had some health issues over the last couple of years, and I tried many things to improve the situation but nothing has worked. This spring i decided to eliminate the wheat from my diet. Since then my symptoms have much improved and as byproduct I have also lost weight without much effort. At the moment I am trying not to lose more because of this wardrobe issue.
Dieting is probably the wrong choice of words, but it is the change in my eating habits that I want to make permanent.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

With that new info, I'd say embrace the change! There are some articles in the archive on wearing structure & something loose together. Maybe they'd be helpful as you transition.

Best wishes to you!

anchie

Veteran

minimalist, glad to know we are on the similar path. I am currently leaning more towards your approach. I don't feel ready for transition just yet. I have been in the maintenance mode for a while now, trying to come up with some plan for the future. But eventually I would like to continue with the weight loss.

Anonymous

Congrats on the weight loss and corollary improvement in your health! I think you should continue eating "clean" or whatever the term is. Of course you MUST do this! This is the new normal.

Do you think alterations might work for your suits?

You could then purchase knitwear, which is more forgiving of size fluctuations.

I would not be stopping health-related goals because of your wardrobe.

Emily K

(website)

Veteran

I think...if the change will be better for your health, then you've gotta go for it. I can empathize greatly with your apprehension about sizing out of your wardrobe. I am going through this right now and, although I do not at this time have a large or beautiful wardrobe, I'm still feeling the pinch. I'm on the fence about making pricier purchases (like the winter coat I want) and sad abut seeing fairly new and much-enjoyed clothes go into the donation bin. Being OK with your weight right now does make it a more difficult decision.

Dianna

Veteran

I agree with Joy, health is a priority, and if you feel healthier and better at your new weight, then continue with your change, and slowly replace your wardrobe. I wouldn't hurry up in buying a whole new wardrobe right now, though. Congratulations, Anchie.

Anonymous

I am reading this with great interest. I have been living with a transitional wardrobe for 3 years now, assuming I'd be able to drop the weight I was gaining over this period,and it's been very frustrating. My clothes aren't great anymore, and I have lost a lot of interest in fashion because of my weight. I am now under doctor's orders (as of this week) to lose at least 20 lbs - making the transition thing carry on even longer. My situation is opposite of yours - but I relate to yours very much. I had only been buying very few "basic" pieces over these past few years in my new big size to give me something to wear. I was really hesitant to spend any money on these pieces, because I assumed/hoped they would only be temporary. Now that I have no choice but to provide the results my doctor has ordered within her time frame, I am not buying (nor throwing out) ANYTHING until I get my health and weight under control. I actually allowed myself to fantasize about what I'd do when I finally got rid of this unhealthy weight - and what I'd buy for myself......but then decided to cross that bridge when I get to it. You sound like you are still on the path to better health , and are still motivated to lose more weight, so I'd not buy too many new things right now . Maybe one or two new pair of jeans or pants in your new size - what a great treat that would be until you reach your goal!

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Lisa P, commiserations! That sounds tough. You say your doctor has ordered you to drop weight, but do you have anyone assisting you in doing that? Living in a transitional wardrobe can be tough. Have you made up new combos with your pieces? Sending you good thoughts!

unfrumped

Veteran

I would look at it like any transition that has both + and - feelings, gain and loss( haha), and just accept it.
For example, I've thought, what if I moved from my sorta 4- season climate to Deep South? I'd not need most of my sweaters, jackets. What if I retired in a year ? Many of the " work" clothes I've bought in past 2 years would not be needed. Yes, I would not HAVE to buy all new things, and less of a problem than fit, but I'd have the sense of loss of current wardrobe and need to buy some new things.
More to your point, I need to get back in better shape and if I am successful, it's likely I'd drop a size, and so if I'm still working, I'd need to replace some things. I did literally wonder if I'd like that and had to go, are you crazy?
So I'm reading more on minimalism, NOT because I need to be that, but as a reminder that if size/ fit changes, I really can get by with much smaller core wardrobe, so could still dress well, and in fact should do less " overbuying" for any one area of life. I am giving more though to the most useful key pieces, what I kind to repeat, and so on.
So all this is to say, go for it and trust that it won't change you overnight AND many items do fit over a weight/ size range. Also give some thought to running a tighter wardrobe of pieces that fit great and you'll have more budget for replacing since less is tied up in duplicates/ unworn items.

Anonymous

Unfrumped - you're absolutely right in realizing that these transitional situations can show us how much less we can get by with and still be happy with our wardrobe . That has been my experience exactly . I don't have all holes filled by any stretch, but I'm not exactly going naked to work nor am I inappropriately dressed . I love having fewer clothes and love wearing what I do have often! No, I don't have any good work trousers anymore , nor do I have any skirts , but somehow I don't really care . And Fashiontern - I have the info and tools I need to lose the weight , and it's up to me to make it stick !

karen13

Veteran

I have been through a similar change - after 20 years at a larger size, I lost about 15-20 lbs almost 2 years ago and am much happier with the way I feel (and look) at the new scale number. I hung on for a long time with too-big wardrobe items because I am frugal and wasn't sure where my weight would settle - I lost a lot more than I expected to because once I figured out my particular challenges I blew threw the number I thought was my goal. I found YFL after buying some replacement items that I ended up not loving, trying to figure out why they didn't look as good as I thought they would.

The lowest my weight has been on this journey is about 3 lbs less than I am right now, as I have just returned from some indulgent vacations. I have one item that fits me at that lower weight, and a largely rebuilt wardrobe that fits me now. I am still finding and filling lots of holes. I would like to hit the lower weight again, because I know when I travel (which is often), I gain weight and I'd like a bit of wiggle room.

You need to understand why you want a lower weight and what that will mean for you health-wise and lifestyle-wise. And at least buy a few pieces that fit your body now. Maybe at lower price points but it is important to feel good now.

DonnaF

Veteran

Has anyone else found that they lose weight from the top down and gain from the bottom up? And that after awhile (not sure how long, but it's always after a purchase of something fitted), the weight redistributes itself?

Grace

One thing that I have found about weight loss, that losing the weight is not real hard, The hard part is keeping it off. So, I hope you are developing a good life style diet post weight loss, and also a good exercise routine.

As others have mentioned, your health is the most important thing. Also, if you have not done so, you should consider seeing a physician and get their opinion on what would be a good weight for you.

anchie

Veteran

Great food for thought ladies.
The biggest reason why I am hesitant to continue withe the weight loss is my collection of blazers. I have around 20. Half is spring/summer, other half fall/winter. I know it sounds excessive, but blazers are my thing, and I wear one every single day to work. It took me years to build my current collection. They are starting to feel little bit funny, like I am wearing somebody else's clothes. The shoulders are bit too wide, sleeves little too long, they are roomy around the waist. But I can still wear them. I have been on the opposite path before, but with the weight gain there is a point when clothes don't fit at all any more and you don't have a choice, you have to buy the new things. With the weight loss it is little bit different, the point where you can't wear your clothes is more fluid and I am not sure when I will reach it exactly. But because all my blazers are same fit and size, they will be all too big at the same time. But to a minimalist point, maybe I don't need that many things to replace to be happy with my wardrobe. I am still mulling this over.

lyn67

Veteran

Hah, I even think some of us (fashion or style lovers:-)) are unconsciously more attached to our beloved current (and bigger size) wardrobe than to really be able to reach our ideal (lower) weight....(sobbing:-)).
So, a perfectly currated wardrobe can be a real (but unconscious) brake and reason of struggling so hard with those extra pounds....did you ever consider that???? OMG:-)

anne

Veteran

DonnaF - yes I always to that I think! First off the bust, for sure.

Anchie, it is an interesting problem to have! I don't have any further advice on the fashion front, but did want to warn that I lost weight too when I first went , in my case, gluten free but that it didn't last, partly because

I got given some gluten free "'treats" (,which are higher in fat and sugar than wheat ones)
partly because I think one's body adjusts over time
and also because I am coeliac, and once the gut heals because of not being harmed by gluten, it can absorb food better. I'm not sure if that is why you are cutting out wheat though, so it might not apply to you.

Also you've lost the weight over summer right - it might slow down in winter. I found it almost impossible not to gain winter weight (though I'mm thinking up some new strategies for next year) but I can lose it okay in the spring.

It is nice that you have such a great wardrobe right now!

anchie

Veteran

anne, this are all great points that I have to keep in mind. At the moment I have not invested anything in my new body, because I am not sure if I will keep loosing or gain it back, and I am trying to make do with my old too big wardrobe for now. But as the new season is approaching, I am not sure what should I do with the new purchases or should I buy anything at all for now until I am more clear where my weight will be in the future. But I have to remember that it may go up again, you are completely right.

karen13

Veteran

Seasonal fluctuations are real for me too. But I have the opposite pattern from anne. I have discovered a winter sport that I love, XC skiing, which is convenient where I live, doesn't seriously aggravate my various injuries, and can burn a lot of calories in a fairly short time. I travel a lot in the summer, and indulge at the weekly park concerts/town events. Grilling and dining on the deck seems to encourage opening a bottle of wine. While I hike a lot in the summer, it takes 2-3 times a long to "earn" that glass of wine.

DH has used My Fitness Pal for 6 years, I've been at it for 2+, and the seasonal patterns in weight are really apparent when you look at the charts.

So I find I am using the the clothes that fit at the higher end of my new range more than I thought I would.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

DonnaF, my gut is my sticking point. Weight goes there first and leaves there last. It's like a deep end of a swimming pool. When you fill the pool with water, it goes to the deep end first. After that, I gain /lose weight in my chest, arms and legs, pretty much all at once.

Anchie, why not get a blazer altered to fit you now, then see how you feel and if the changes stick? Many people here seem to be talking about making changes to try to lose weight. You sound as if your changes were for other health-related reasons, and the weight change is a side effect. I don't see how anything can affect your quality of life like good health.

JAileen

Veteran

I lost weight last winter after a health scare, and my weight *seems* to have gone more from my hips and thighs than anywhere else. It was welcome because those were always problem areas for me. Angie insisted I wasn't a pear, but I always had been previously.

I cut so called bad carbs - white flour, sugar, potatoes, white rice, and other carbs that affect blood sugar. I had gained weight and couldn't seem to lose it. I think these bad carbs had caused my weight gain, so removing them caused my weight loss. I wasn't trying to lose weight. I don't count calories, and eat as much as I want, as long as I avoid the bad carbs. I don't know if this would work for others.

anchie

Veteran

JAileen, is your weight stable now and how long it took you to get to this point?
I eliminated only white flour and immediately started feeling better and losing weight. I don't have a sweet tooth and I don't eat sugar, and never have but I still eat rice and potatoes. I don't think I could last long if I restrict too much. In my opinion that was the problem why my previous attempts to lose weight, it was too restricting, I would get cravings, I would suffer and could not imagine maintaining this for long term. Now I don't feel like I am on diet at all.

JAileen

Veteran

It's been eight or nine months. Yes, I would say it's stable. I lost the weight in four months. I don't feel restricted. I will occasionally indulge in these *bad* things. On our eclipse trip I had a Basque chorizo sandwich on an ordinary bun, and chips at a Mexican restaurant. My weight went up a couple pounds. After a day or two of my regular diet (no high glycemic items), my weight returned to where it's been for the past six months. I guess I don't feel restricted because I indulge myself in other ways. I eat a lot of nuts which I adore, and everyday I have iced coffee with whole milk and sweetener (stevia). When I have Thai or Chinese, I order brown rice. Rice and potatoes aren't that attractive to me.

SandyG

Veteran

I like blazers too, and have a bunch of well-tailored vintage and designer ones. It's expensive to have one recut, and even altering the shoulders and upper arms for fit is pushing $60 with variable tailoring quality at the final product. You'd really, really have to love them to keep all, alter them enough to look sharp, and accept all that tailoring cost (that could be put toward new garments).

If you continue losing weight, why not explore other toppers like stretchy ponte moto jackets, cute seasonal jackets in a smaller size, or softer cardigan jackets where size is more forgiving? Consignment shops have a good selection of blazers and jackets that fit and most are much less expensive than new ones.

Vanessa

Get to the weight where you are healthiest, happiest and most comfortable. Eventually, you will have to transition things out but don't make any big moves. Is there an option to adjust some items with a good dressmaker/seamstress?

anchie

Veteran

I have not considered altering, because blazers are big all over and it looks to me like a lot of effort and expense to reshape them with uncertain outcome. But I could be wrong. My FIL was expert tailor specialized in man suiting and if he was still alive he would be able to help me. But I did not find new tailor to replace him yet

12