Shopping when weight is fluctuating??? - YouLookFab Forum

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Shopping when weight is fluctuating???

Nicole in OC

I have a question for you all: what is your stance on shopping when your weight is fluctuating??? I just returned from vacation where I ate my weight in good old fashion southern home cooking. ( I DO NOT regret it!!).

So I'm 10 lbs up from where I normally am, and it will eventually get back there. I have today off work and was thinking of hitting up one of our outlet malls, since I lack the ability to sit still for any given time, but since I'm fluctuation in weight I wonder if it's a good idea.

Do you shop when your weight is fluctuating either up or down? It's the perfect opportunity to go today since its mid week and won't be crowded, should I just accommodate for the extra poundage?

FYI: I'd primarily be looking at shirts.

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20 replies

Latest reply was from Laura (rhubarbgirl)

Anonymous

It depends on the item. I stay away from pants, especially jeans, because as a pear, I don't have as much leeway for fit fluctuations. Tops are more forgiving, so I'd still feel comfortable shopping for those pieces.

Good for you for enjoying your vacation to the fullest. If you ask me, FOOD is a major highlight of traveling.

Anonymous

Have you actually gained inches? If you have and think it will come off quickly I would wait.

Nicole in OC

I have no idea if I've gained inches but the pants are tighter so I'd lean toward yes

Kristin L

Veteran

Of course you shouldn't feel guilty! That's one of the perks of traveling.

How quickly do you think the weight will come off? I know whenever I travel, I put on a fair amount of water weight. Once I get home and get back into my routine, most, if not all, of the weight comes off within that first week to week and half. I'd hold off on getting something new until you're sure you'll be at that weight for a bit.

Colette

Veteran

I generally don't shop for anything but accessories/shoes if my weight is up. I've learned this from experience because when I'm back to my ideal weight I usually end up not wearing what I bought. With that said, I would make some exceptions for tops and jackets since I gain weight in my thighs/hips first.

So nice that you enjoyed your vacation!

Nicole in OC

When I fluctuate weight this quickly I can usually get it down in one to two weeks. Im lucky in that respect, but not lucky in loosing weight overall. So I'm not worried about being at this weight for a prolonged period. I'm more worried that it might throw off fit, and lead me to not like/purchase anything that I might have otherwise purchased.

Mamapicklejuice

Veteran

Well, I know that sizing is notorious for being inconsistent...YET, I still maintain if you are always, pretty much a size M in tops, and all of a sudden you find yourself fitting in size L or XL (particularly if it's a brand where you are *always* a size M, then you might want to pass on that item, because it's likely the size shift is due to temporary weight gain. Size variations don't bother me when I know my weight is stable (I could be a 4 or a 6 in skirts, for example) but I'm wary if I feel my "workhorse" clothes feel tight, and I have to size up in anything when shopping.

KWIM?

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Personally, I've learned to dress the body I have now and want clothes to fit, flatter and be comfortable for the weight I'm currently at. I would probably pick up a couple of things (without breaking the bank) to fit perfectly now.

Liz A.

Veteran

My weight is constantly in flux so I don't have the luxury of waiting. You can always keep the tags on in case you need to return.

Glory

Veteran

I'm with Shannon on this one. I spent years trying to dress a virtual body for a virtual life. I would pick up a few new items to try and a good price point.

hedgiehog

Veteran

First thing....I am glad you nejoyed your vacation and the accompanying food. For me and my foodie family, it is one of the highlights of traveling.
Your post applies to me in a very personal way. I have been attending Weight Watchers and have lost 16 pounds over the past 9 weeks. Whilst I have slowed down on major purchases, (no more business suits for work right now) I haven't stopped shopping altogether. I love clothes too much and I find that my lower weight has made me consider items I would have passed on before. Additionally, I recently invested in a sewing maching because I know I'll have to make alterations once more weight comes off.
In answer to your question, I would probably pick up a few things and alter if necessary down the road.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I would say I continue to shop if I'm within half a size up or down. With fits being looser all over this year, I'd say it's probably safe to buy some tops knowing you have temporary bloat from your trip.

Sunee

(website)

As a personal stylist, I always advise clients to shop for the body you have now. If you are fluctuating, that means that you might want to be very budget conscious, (so the outlets sound like a fantastic idea) but I do not think it means that you can't shop at all. I feel sad when I hear people say they won't shop till they his a specific target, (unless they are VERY disciplined). Also, look for things that are easy to alter later on. As someone pointed out, that does not include jeans or trousers in general. Tops, skirts, and dresses are easier to take in down the road.
The other tricky thing for some women is that when your weight changes, your body shape can shift as well. If you experience that phenomena, you may find it even more difficult to dress, so try taking advantage of the complimentary services of a company like FitValet.com who will email you looks based on your body shape.

DonnaF

Veteran

How long was your vacation? My guess is that half of those ten pounds is water weight and that it will disappear within a week or two once you resume your normal routine. For me, such fluid would show up in my stomach, waist, hands, feet, and wrists, so I wouldn't want to buy garments fitted to those areas. The other half of the weight gain might be with you longer, and I would buy for THAT body.

I tend to want to shop when I am on the thinner end of my spectrum since clothes are apt to fit me better then. . .but really, not much stops me unfortunately!

rachylou

Veteran

If you're still fitting into your same pants, I'd go. Have some fun!

On the other hand, 5 lbs will do me in when it comes to pants sizes, so I'd maybe, as suggested, stay away from pants.

MsMary

Veteran

Team Shannon. Dress the body you have now.

Sona

Veteran

I think some of the fab mesh sweaters with a curved bottom hem cami/tank would be a great idea. another solution would be a looser high low top.
also you could thrift shop in the interim.

K. Period.

Veteran

Hmmm. That's a tough one. If it usually only takes you one or two weeks to lose that amount and you've done it lots of times before, then I'd vote in favor of not buying or only buying things that you need anyhow and could wear ten pound lighter. I've noticed that sometimes a certain number of pounds lost makes no difference on me and sometimes that same number makes a huge difference, shifting me a size or adding just the amount of ease to make something look great--or too big. Since one or two weeks really is not that long, I would wait and tough it out, revisiting your decision after two weeks.

Nicole in OC

Thanks all!!! I took most your advice to heart and only shopped for accessories... But also found 2 shirts :). I will the keep them in the closet for a couple of weeks with the tags on until I lose those 10 lbs and decide from there! I also kept it local instead of driving the hour to the outlet

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

You've gotten great advice from everyone. I am in the middle of actively losing weight and I know how frustrating it is when you want to shop or need a new item and don't want to waste your money. I am of two minds about it. First of all, when my weight is stable it still fluctuates at least 5 pounds over each month, maybe up to ten if I've changed my exercise routine or gotten sick. (The range is probably smaller for most people, who are smaller than me.) so I don't mind having a few items in a size smaller or bigger than my 'usual', because I know there'll be a few days I'll be really happy to have them as an option. Who wants to be miserable in something that's uncomfortably tight or loose? The other thing is whether having clothes around that you don't fit into yet motivates you or depresses you. I'm one of the latter but I've heard others say it's good motivation for them. For me, it just makes me crazy to have clothes in my active wardrobe space that I can't actually wear. As I'm losing weight I have been regularly, like every week or two, trying on everything that's a question mark, culling most of the too big (keeping a couple pairs of jeans for those pms days) and donating them, and going through my stash of not quite yet and putting the newly wearable in my closet or drawers. The rest goes back into the back of the closet until the next round. This has the bonus of being literal shopping my closet and it helps satisfy my urge for buying new stuff without actually doing so. I have written a tome so I will stop.