Are you in the process of losing or gaining weight? Do you often find yourself in between sizes in high street stores? You probably still want to look good and celebrate your new weight right?! Naturally, you do not want to spend money on something you will not fit in in a month’s time.
A few years ago, I decided that it was about time I lost some of the extra weight I have gained ever since I was a teen. I thought my kids deserve to have a healthy mum so I enrolled myself into a local gym, started eating more regularly and healthier and within a year I had lost almost 22 pounds.
I felt good and proud of myself. The only downside was that most of the clothes I had did not fit any longer. I had to start from scratch and even as a style coach that was no mean feat! Dresses, which I thought would finally look amazing on me, were suddenly too baggy and all my tops and jackets were hanging off my shoulders. My body type was the same but two dress sizes smaller so I had to start dressing differently.
During that year I also needed to invest in some pieces which would help me transition to the new weight easily but didn’t cost an arm and a leg and that I still could use when I reached my target weight and let’s face it, in case I gained some of it back afterwards. Welcome Covid-19 two years later and here we are again with 10 pounds extra back on.
Here a few things you will need to get you through this journey:
A new bra
They do not come cheap but they fall under essential items for a reason. A well-fitted bra will make you feel good, your clothes will look better and it will give you the support you need. You will have to invest a few more once you are settled in your new weight but this is unavoidable.
Belts
Accessories are generally a good way to create a new look and will always fit whatever size you are but belts can perform actual magic! They can turn a baggy t-shirt into a nice dress or transform your too big blazers into something that is actually on trend while accentuating your new waistline.
Basic white t-shirt
If you have downloaded the 21 items every woman should have in her wardrobe available on this site you will know that a white t-shirt is on top of the list of items one should have. It can be dressed up or down and belted when it gets too loose. A white t-shirt is as essential a good bra and is usually one of the most affordable clothing items you can find.
Stretch jeans
Stretch fabrics will adapt to your changing body shape so invest in a dark pair of stretch jeans to tide you through this period.
Wrap dresses or skirts
Wrap dresses and wrap skirts are timeless and great at showing your new waistline but most importantly, wrap dresses and skirts can be tightened or loosened as needed.
Elasticated waistbands
If like me, you need plenty of choices in your wardrobe it might be a good idea to invest in elasticated waistband skirts or trousers. Luckily, both these items are available in almost every store not only because they are on trend but for the obvious fact that they suit all body types. The elasticated waistband can take you through different dress sizes and will still look good. Skirts will last you even longer as you will not have to deal with the extra bags around your bottom.
Finally, make sure you find yourself a good tailor especially if you find yourself to be always in between sizes. While not all of us can afford bespoke items, a good tailor can elevate that baggy dress into a designer look alike and might be able to help you hold on to some of those items you find hard to let go of.