Just now getting back to this post of mine. So great to hear all the perspectives.

Vildy, that is a wonderful, positive way of thinking of it! Thank you for that.

La Pedestrienne, my baby is 17 months and still nursing, so nursing friendly is often still a consideration.

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. 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...).

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. I did purge about half of my things...but that was more due to my style shift than weight.

bella, I heart you! We are in the same spot, exactly. We should have a coffee together to discuss (I wish).

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

I can totally relate:-).

Love your choice of post topic! 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. I will pass if a piece of clothing doesn't have both.

I like to try on things in person, in the store. But that's not always possible. 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. And then I'll notice a similar pant on a rack nearby, for example, that fits both criterions, style and fit.

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. 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. 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.