When you’re in the process of losing weight, one of the things you may worry about along the way is how you’ll stay fashionable through those transition sizes.
For example, as I moved comfortably out of my size 20s, I REALLY didn’t want to make a huge investment in size 18s because I didn’t plan on staying there long enough for it to matter. Just the same, I needed work clothes and when I lost weight, the butt of my pants started to droop… you know the look. It’s not pretty, but it’s like you’re carrying a load in your drawers. I couldn’t allow that to happen!
I’ve received some email lately about how I kept myself fashionable through the transition, and I thought I’d share with you some of my favorite tips of how I did it!
1. Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize
When I would get tempted to buy more clothing in my current size, I talked myself in more accessories instead. Shoes, scarves, and gorgeous jewelry… that’s a great way to change up your look. Oh, and PS… they ALWAYS FIT! I’m a little bit accessory-obsessed.
I pick up cute new pieces at H&M, Target, Forever 21, and little boutiques… you don’t have to spend a lot to make a big statement! Speaking of statements though… statement necklaces are HUGE right now, but that doesn’t mean you need to wear the same one all the time. Save those for the special occasions or for that day you have to give a presentation.
Oh… and buy a few belts. You’ll need them when your pants start getting baggy.
2. Consider Consignment
Once you’ve lost some weight and the clothes don’t fit… consider getting RID of them! Holding onto clothes that are too big is really counterproductive in my opinion… I couldn’t give myself the chance to go back to those sizes EVER again. I decided to get rid of them this time!
I still remember fondly the day where I sold my last bit of plus sized clothing! And, I was able to use the funds that I made to restock my closet. It needed it, afterall!
One thing I will suggest is to take only your gently used clothing to the consignment boutique. Consignors tend to turn their noses up to anything that shows wear. Cotton tops that have pilling and anything that is several seasons old might be a better donation at Goodwill.
3. Find a Good Tailor
I say that you need to “find” one, but I saw a sign that said “Alterations” from the side of the road and I’ve been using mine ever since. It was as easy as that!
Why do you need a tailor? Well, they can take in your pants. Seriously. I had my pants taken in one size before I got rid of them. This really helped me maximize my work wardrobe (16s became 14s, 14s became 12s.) While prices may vary, each pair that I had altered cost me about $15 to have the waist taken in.
The one thing my tailor told me was that I really didn’t need to take in more than one size because it would make your butt look weird. Your pockets would get too close together and the fit in the back would just get awkward. Honestly, I just took her word for it… she knows what she’s doing afterall…
4. Consider a “Netflix for Clothes” Style Service
Oh, I soooooo wish I had known that companies like this existed when I was rapidly losing weight. Have you heard of Gwynnie Bee? It’s UH-MAZ-ING! I read about it first on Fit and Free Emily’s blog… and saw it again when I started reading the fashionable Skinny Emmie this year.
The concept: For a monthly fee, you gain access to a beautiful closet of the most amazing beautiful and high-end plus size clothes. Dresses, blouses, skirts, slacks… they have it all. And, it comes from some of your favorite brands (and mine!) Ann Taylor, INC, Style and Company, and more!
And…. I tried it out last month! For the price of a cardi at Target ($20) and a scarf ($15), you get to try out fabulous, high-quality, new gear without the commitment to the full purchase!
The jacket was Coldwater Creek, and the dress/tunic was from Style & Company. Cute, cute!
How it works is that you sign up for how many pieces you want out at a time, and they send pieces from your “closet” of clothes you’d like to try. They also send you a pre-paid envelope to send clothes back, and they do the laundering! Woo hoo!
Just to share… this is not at ALL a sponsored post, but I REALLY like this idea. If you happen to try Gwynnie Bee, will you do me a favor and tell them that Fit and Free Emily sent you? Afterall, she referred me their way (And I just adore her!)
Another note: I found that Gwynnie Bee carries a few 10s and 12s, but they really cater to the plus sized ladies (Kicking myself that I did I not hear about this a year ago!!!) Now, I’m on the hunt for a similar service that carries more variety in my new size… I’ll keep you posted as to what I find!
Do you have any suggestions for keeping your closet in tact while you lose weight?
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