Weight Loss Wardrobe - YouLookFab Forum

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Dressing

Weight Loss Wardrobe

MsLuna

Veteran

Some of you may know that I'm updating my wardrobe but I'm also looking to lose weight. Weight loss takes some time but I really wouldn't mind looking stylish despite it all. Since I have a small wardrobe to begin with, I'm looking into an even smaller (16 pieces?) wardrobe for weight loss and likely of a lower price range.

Have you built a wardrobe during weight loss before? If so, how did you build your wardrobe, and what have you done to look/feel great while in the process of losing weight?

Dressing

18 replies

Latest reply was from MsLuna

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I have not consciously built a weight loss wardrobe, but I do know that when I lost weight after leaving full-time work several years ago (I attribute it to less stress), I was glad to have some loosely fitting styles, knit pieces and elastic-waist skirts that still fit. I would concentrate on those kinds of pieces--I would say less structured styles and knits are going to be your long-term friends.

Jen W

I find dresses, in casual, not body con styles, hide fit issues as I go down in size. I like to have a pair of jeans, but those show the fit issues quickly between sizes. Perhaps a boyfriend fit would work better? Good luck with your weight loss goals!

MsLuna

Veteran

@Firecracker: interesting how you lost a lot of weight after leaving your full time job. When I was laid off and on employment insurance, 20 lbs melted off without effort. So yes - it must've been stress!

So waist-surrendering styles and those lovely lovely VC skirts would work then. And I could probably go back to structured ponte leggings instead of jeans until I reach my end goal.

@Jen: non-bodycon dresses are a great idea! I've been seeing some kimono sleeve dresses around this season. Hopefully they work!

rizamei

I've lost about 18 lbs this year and hope to lose another 15 or so. I buy things that fit the current me with an eye to future tailoring potential. I've been most reluctant to buy trousers, since that where my size has changed the most. Instead I've bought more skirts and dresses, which can be fairly easily nipped in later.

I've been using belts a lot as I change sizes, and longer tops to cover the un-stylish cinching. I've also been lucky that I am fitting back into some old clothes that I hadn't purged.

I did go ahead and buy a pair of $20 Old Navy jeans. For that price, I don't mind that they may not fit in three months, and it's great to have something that fits great now.

Anonymous

I used thrift stores and sales to keep a small efficient wardrobe while loosing weight. Wear something that fits the body you have to feel fab and it will I courage you to keep losing. If you look good in wrap dresses, tops, or skirts, them really work well across sizes because you can adjust them. The fluid look in style now should help too.

catgirl

Veteran

The Kut from the Kloth Jennifer ponte skinnies have been my friend through ups and downs this past year!

http://www.amazon.com/KUT-Klot.....B00D9NG3V0

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Do as I say, not as I did.

What I did: Virtually nothing. Luckily, I was working from home and didn't have too many events to attend while I was losing weight. But mostly I wore my yoga pants and a couple of cardigans with tees!

Part way though my 35 pound loss I bought one pair of jeans from Gap on sale, and a shirt.

I also had a couple of elastic waist skirts and a few nicer knit tops that seemed to work okay throughout.

At the end of the weight loss, I went out and thrifted a bunch of stuff. I knew that I wasn't clear on my style. That is when I joined YLF. I wore the thrifted and consigned stuff and then slowly started building a better wardrobe in my new size.

Instead of any of that, I think you should buy a few pieces that make you feel fab now. Worry about tomorrow, tomorrow.

Glory

Veteran

I would not deny yourself some lovely items while you are on this journey. Life is just too short and as you mention the weight loss can take some time. Perhaps knits and some items that have a wee bit of stretch. Also, ponte pants might be a good solution.

qfbrenda

Veteran

I did what has already been suggested. Another trick that worked for me was keeping tops out of the dryer. I would hang them to dry until they got a bit big, then I would throw them in the dryer and they would fit better.

JayS

Veteran

Since we're headed toward fall/winter, I would go with tunics and leggings/knit pants. I think you could get quite a bit of mileage out of tunics since the oversize look is current. And as others have suggested, do get a few things along the way that look good for whatever size you are. Sales are your friend.
Good luck!

BethL

(website)

Veteran

Ms KK, let me first say how thrilled I am for you. I've been on both sides of this dilemma. I lost a lot of weight a few years ago, but I've gained a fair amount back. Now, I'm hoping to be able to lose some again, or,may least, get back to some of my healthy habits. I'll be your cheerleader, if you'll be mine.

You've gotten lots of good advice already, and I did many of these things while I was losing weight. I really like all the advice of having a few things that fit the body you have. One of the things that really mattered to me was having one or two pairs of well-fitting jeans throughout my weight loss. Yep, it meant replacing them fairly frequently, but I felt so much better about myself when my jeans fit properly. I'd buy them at places like Old Navy, which has surprisingly nice jeans for a good price, especially with sales and coupons, and give away, sell, or store the old ones. Boyfriend cuts are usually good for a couple of sizes. I've always been a fan of long and fluid over lean, so tunic tops, long sweaters, drapey tops, etc. over slim pants can work for quite awhile. Again, you don't have to buy expensive items, but you should definitely feel good about yourself while losing weight, and that includes feeling good about your style and clothing.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I did something similar to BethL - jeans were/are an essential part of my style so I always tried to have a couple pairs that fit, whether I got them at the thrift store or someplace inexpensive like Old Navy or Target. Tops can usually last longer, as do most dresses, since they hang from the shoulder.

I wouldn't try to anticipate or pre buy too much, since everyone's body is different and everyone's shape changes in a different way during weight loss, especially if you are changing your exercise routine at the same time.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

I am doing it now and oversized / fluid trend really helps especially with tops. However I am at the point when my bottoms which were fluid to start with are too oversized for my taste and the bottoms which were snug before have fluid fit now. If I did not have my wizard Mom to alter my bottoms during this time I would buy a couple of inexpensive jeans / trousers to weather me over...just do not buy a lot until you are wher you wnat to be.

Anonymous

MsKatieKat, you like to wear a lot of sheath dresses and boots, don't you? It's a fairly simple alteration to take your dresses in down the sides as they become too big. Even if you can't do it yourself, it's one of the more inexpensive things to have a tailor do.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Claire, I think the ease of alterations for sheath dress depends where you lose the weight. E.g. if you lose weight all over the alteration may be easier than if you lose the weight in your midsection.

MsLuna

Veteran

Ladies, thank you for the excellent advice! I'm taking notes right now so I can make this work!

@jk079: good idea on the skirts. The VC tube skirts I bought this summer are serving me very well. I bought them prior to my weight gain so the should work out. I'm looking into more tube skirts and open to elastic waist flared styles. It's fall - my favourite season and before I had arthritis I was ALWAYS in dresses! I'm sure if I can figure out my shoe situation, the clothes will get sorted out!

@joy: yes! Wrap dresses! I have two of them! I actually boxed them up when I had a comfort style shift but I'll be wearing them again if my shoes will work with that style!

I wear. The fluid look everyday though the sneakers really make me feel icky

@una: thanks for the recommendation!!! How are the knees? Do they sag?

@Suz: ... And then after your weight loss journey came your style journey. Then you developed that fabulous style you now have! Thank you so much for sharing your story! And we do deserve to look fab regardless the size!

@glory: yeaaah with my new haircut I just CANNOT leave my clothes alone and let my style go! Knits are wonderful and have always been my friend.

@JayS: yup! I'm scouring stores for some leggings these days. Although I've been preferring straight legs lately, nothing beats the comfort of leggings. I especially love them with tall boots!

@BethL: shopping at Old Navy is great advice! As is the long over lean look. I may just go back to that (it's always been my signature look though) until I get to a comfortable size (aka the weight my doc has been telling me to lose 6 years ago)

@Laura: good advice on the pre-buying. Knowing how picky I am and how fickle I get, I'm likely going to be changing styles once the weight is lost. I wonder if people's body type change during weight loss? It would be such an odd thing for me if I finally had a waist!!!!

@Sveta: you are sooooo lucky to have your mom to adjust the loose bottoms! And yes - fluid tops really are the way to go! So... Do you normally wear fluid on fluid? I'm planning to go with the long over lean look.

@Claire: I love that look! I remember feeling like I was in a rut and I keep thinking about my old sheath/jacket/tall boots combo and how well it worked for me. And you're right about the alterations!!!

annabelle

Veteran

Kat, effectively, you are dressing as you would for maternity You need a small wardrobe that makes you look fabulous, for the shape you're in for 6 months or less.

Ditto BethL's concept to work hard to find one pair of jeans that fits you fantastically. It's worth the investment so you feel great about your look, all the time. Even if you must replace them in 3 months. All tops, whether button up, t-shirt style knits or sweater style knits, can be bought in a slightly looser styles, and you will be able to wear them longer through your shrinking period. A knit maxi skirt will take you through the end of summer through fall, and back into spring again. Shop Goodwill for tops that you won't regret giving up (arrive at opening time, and it's great).

Don't make my mistake of continuously buying clothing a size too large. It's not flattering and you have to give it away sooner: Enjoy your new shape!

About alterations: I evaluated getting existing tops altered, and decided instead to take the money and apply it to a few new tops instead.

MsLuna

Veteran

Dressing for maternity!!! Great concept!

I already have 3 pairs of jeans, so I'm covered. All I need now is to figure out footwear and I'll get the rest!