I remember there was a time in my life when I was self conscious about everything about my appearance. I hated that I had stretch marks, jiggly thighs, that I was tall {y’all I’m not even that tall 5.7}.
In my aim to please everyone I internalized so much self-hate! Technically this post isn't about self-confidence but it's an integral part of it. In the last fifteen years of my life, I've lost and gained about 80 pounds, and I'm finally ready to share what weight gain and weight loss have taught me about the power of clothing.
Spoiler alert you’ve heard me say it before, dressing is about style, not size! So in today's post, I’m going to be sharing with you my top tips for dressing your body at any size.
Step 1 Worth ≠ Weight
Do the inside work realize that your value isn't tied to your dress size. This is probably the hardest step and if I'm being honest and an ongoing process. Why because according to Glamour “Fashion is a lens through which our culture measures value” and with weight gain comes fewer options.
However, you don’t have to live by that metric!
If your body has changed since we started quarantine remember that you are more than your weight your true worth lies in your character and purpose.
Step 2 : Closet Audit
First, try everything on. If your weight has changed recently, it’s important to take stock of what still fits, what may fit again someday, and what may never fit again.
Be realistic about what doesn’t fit anymore… You have two choices toss/giveaway and save and packway. It's a good idea not to keep your wardrobe mostly full of clothes that just don’t work for you any longer. Donate those items today and while you’re at it, get rid of any items you don’t love.
Take stock of what is left. Once you weed out clothes that either no longer fit your body or no longer fit your life, you will be left with a foundation of options you can currently choose from.
Step 3: Know Your ABC’s
Typically when your body changes by a couple of dress-sizes it can start to feel alien the styles that typically flattered your body don’t anymore.
This is why it's essential to know your ABC’s. ABC is an acronym that stylist use {that stand for "A" accentuate, "B" balance, "C" Conceal} to help their clients find their perfect fit.
Take a good look at your body in a full-length mirror preferably and decide what assets you want to play up, start with your favorite features. If you love your legs then mini skirts, shorts, or styles with slits should be on your radar.
Let's talk about balance, women's clothing is primarily designed for an hourglass shape unless you are one you will need to choose clothing that balances your silhouette. For example if you have broader shoulders and slender hips you will need to balance that silhouette with clothing that creates volume on your bottom half think wide leg trousers or full skirts.
Taking the time to do a body audit aka learning your ABC’s will make shopping for your new body so much easier going forward. Consider hiring a stylist if this seems like something you cant do on your own. Investing in a style consultation may just be what the doctor ordered.
Step 4: Plug The Hole
Once your closet audit is done and you know your ABC’s you will have a better sense of what you have in your closet and what you need. If you had to toss out a bunch of blue jeans and you love jeans it's time to add jeans to your shopping cart.
Keep a few things in mind while shopping embrace stretch { if you lose or gain weight these pieces will accommodate better} and focus on how the pieces fit NOT THE SIZE ON THE TAG/LABEL. If shopping for a new wardrobe isn't in the budget try a rental service {Stitch Fix, Rent The Runway, even Eloquii has one}
Once you’ve plugged the holes in your closet getting dressed daily and feeling great in your clothes will no longer be a source of angst. I'm sure you’ve heard it said that when you look good you feel good before you know it getting over the hurdle from Step 1 will be more of a distant memory.
Bonus Tips:
Your undergarments are every bit as important as your outer layer of clothing. When you gain weight or lose weight all of you gets bigger or smaller that includes your bust, belly, hips, butt.
A good bra that is supportive and sized correctly is crucial for a flawless silhouette. It's a good idea to add a couple to your shopping list.
On the flip side if you’ve gained weight you may want to reconsider the type of underwear styles you wear and choose more figure-flattering coverage.
Finally, know the difference between BODY-SKIMMING VS HIDING for most people the first instinct when they’ve gained extra weight is to wear big clothes – oversized tops and cardigans that hide their shape underneath. But by doing this, you’re actually adding volume to your frame, and end up creating a silhouette that looks even bigger.
SPORTS BRA | LEGGINGS | JEAN JACKET | HOODIE | BEANIE | SNEAKERS
Remember self-worth doesn't magically appear as the number drops on the scale it only comes when you choose to LOVE YOURSELF AS YOU ARE! One of the things that helped me on my journey was research finding women that looked like me were fabulous and confident inspired me to view myself in a different light. For me, these were plus-size bloggers for you these could be doctors find your tribe!
Do the inside work realize that your value isn't tied to your dress size or any external metric your true worth lies in your character and purpose EMBRACE THAT.
Enjoy today’s post? SHARE IT with a friend and for more on this subject checkout This Video. Also, be sure to sign up for our Newsletter for exclusive content and upcoming happenings; follow this blog on Youtube so you never miss a video.
