Weight Fluctuations and Buying Things Twice - YouLookFab Forum

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Weight Fluctuations and Buying Things Twice

gradfashionista

(website)

Veteran

Is it silly to buy something you love that is versatile (*ahem* LBD) in two different sizes because of weight fluctuations?

A few months ago, I bought a the Origami Sheath Dress (J. Crew) and can no longer fit into it. I suspect it may be due to bulking up from running. It's entirely possible that I'll lose the critical inch or two off my hips while traveling during the summer, where running in public in some parts of the world is a faux-pas. The weight gain is less than ten pounds, but makes a critical difference.

I've been stressed out about not fitting into the dress and suspect the best way to overcome the stress would be to buy the next size up. The next size up is flattering, too, just slightly looser in the bust/waist.

Was this is a silly decision? What would you do in this scenario?

p.s. I'm ideologically opposed to Spanx et al.

Shopping

23 replies

Latest reply was from teeandcee

MsMary

Veteran

I think that is a beautifully sensible plan, and I endorse it wholeheartedly!!

rachylou

Veteran

No, do it. And ignore those people who say don't keep anything in your closet that isn't your size. Weight fluctuation is the bane of my existence, esp. in the pants department.

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Well I have this dress and love it so I would buy the next size up if my size changed! I've been thinking about this because I've gained about 4-5 lb and now a lot of my jeans are getting snug. I'm trying to do the Jillian Michaels 30-day shred to combat this, however I'm sitting here eating sour Jelly Belly beans as I type.

I do have some grey trousers in 2 different sizes BTW.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

If you can afford to buy 2 sizes, why not? Who's the wiser? You simply look great in your LBD - no matter which size you are wearing that day.

Fruitful

Veteran

Sounds like a smart plan! Acknowledging weight fluctuation is something I need to do too.

Aziraphale

Veteran

Hey, if I can buy two different bra sizes to accommodate monthly boob swellage, then who's to say you can't buy two different dress sizes to accommodate seasonal hip circumferece changes?

K. Period.

Veteran

I think it makes brilliant sense. Acknowledging how our lives really work and making room for it is really smart and de-stressifying!

velvetychocolate

Veteran

I think this is a really good idea. I have pants some and skirts in two sizes. And no, it's not to give myself permission to gain weight or anything like that - it's just that fluctuations are pretty normal, if you ask me. Totally agree with not wearing Spanx if not absolutely necessary. I've worn them before, where I was in a wedding party and in a somewhat close-fitting dress, but I wouldn't want to have clothes in my regular closet that 'required' Spanx.

If it's a fab dress, and you get a lot of wear out of it then YES get the next size up as well.

Kari

Veteran

I confess, I did it recently with pants that were on sale. I really notice weight fluctuations throughout the month when I wear pants.

Kiwichik

Veteran

Sounds like common sense to me.

Debora

Veteran

I see nothing wrong with duplicating the dress in a different size, especially because you love it so much. I say go ahead and buy the dress and continue to enjoy it.

ManidipaM

Veteran

Go right ahead, says I! Another one who requires entire other wardrobes for different days from bloat alone --- so I completely endorse the plan to feel less restricted in your choices when it comes to favourite garments and workhorses.

ETA: Shapewear is nice with some garments to smoothe you out, but I certainly wouldn't want a garment that *can* work without spanx to *have* to be worn with spanx --- not their purpose to help you size down, anyway!

christieanne

Veteran

I have some black pants in two sizes and bras as well - it is really an ok thing
And who doesn't have jeans that area little looser or stretchy ones for certain days?

Deborah

Veteran

Sounds very sensible and practical to me! I would do it, specially with something like a LBD which is such a staple in my wardrobe.

Meghan R

This sounds sensible to me as a universal rule, and an especially good idea given the dress in question. That dress is such a beautiful, interesting but classic piece. Even if you have it in two different sizes, I'd imagine you'd wear it enough to make it worth the investment.

Isabel

Veteran

I agree with the other ladies that it is perfectly reasonable. There was once a thread on this and Angie agree too. In fact, I believe in duplicates even if it is not a size issue. When one finds something one loves and will wear often and it is becoming, I believe, it is a good use of your fashion dollars.

I am in that boat right now. In fact, I bought THREE pairs of Jag ponte jeans because I love them and wear them a lot but my weight and body shape are all over the map ( well, at least the Northeast ! ).

Meredith1953

Veteran

Just do it! If that style flatters abd is a workhorse should always be able to have it fit! Weight fluctuation is a fact of life for a lot of us, myself included!

Anonymous

Most of my work trousers are duplicates, in two different sizes, to accommodate slight weight fluctuations. Yes, I support your idea.

lyn67

Veteran

I do have bought my favourite LBD also in 2 sizes, so go on, girl!:-)

bella

(website)

Veteran

I've never purchased anything in duplicate, so take my opinion with a grain of salt. For me, buying things in two sizes could be a gateway to further weight gain. If I already have my favorite dress in a bigger size, how can I be motivated to lose weight so I can fit in the smaller?

gradfashionista

(website)

Veteran

so nice to see that it's so common, even sensible!

@bella: i would ordinarily agree, and have given away larger jeans for that very reason. in this case,i was at my thinnest in years from not exercising due to an injury and not eating enough. i'm stronger and fitter than i was in nov, which is why i'm not entirely convinced that, for me, thinner=healthier. lots of cycling and running in the past three months have given me amazon thighs.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I can agree with that sentiment - I am always 3 to 5 pounds up in weight before a big race. And you bet I am healthier with all that training!! I think TX Sarah has mentioned before having to defend her choice to train hard even if it means a larger size pant or dress. Strong is beautiful!

teeandcee

If it was something I loved and wore and could afford it I'd not hesitate to buy another size. What I might do is buy it in another color (haven't seen the dress we're discussing) just for fun though.

I like to tell myself that a larger size will give me "permission" to gain weight but apparently I don't need larger clothing to do this, haha. And it's nice to have something comfy that looks good when...not if...I do put on a few extra pounds.

There's our fantasy life and then there's real life. The older I get the more I embrace reality.