How to Build A Wardrobe That Fits While You Are Losing Weight

I am frequently asked by clients if they should hold off on revamping their wardrobe or buying new clothes until they have lost some weight. It seems us women are always on a mission to our “ideal” bodies, whether its pounds or inches we are trying to lose until we determine we are looking our best. And to be honest, we are all our own worst critics. So once we achieve our previous definition of “best”, there is always another one, or some goal we’ve got to achieve or change. So why not look our best while on this journey to perfecting our physical appearance??
 
Many potential clients will tell me they are dying to work with me, but just have to wait to lose that last 5 pounds, or baby weight, or they just started a new diet so they’re not sure how their weight loss will go. But waiting is not the answer because lets face it- with our critical selves we may never get there! I firmly believe that feeling good and looking good go hand in hand and are direct causes of each other. I commend anyone who is on a journey of bettering themselves physically or becoming more healthy, but throughout this process you still have to be seen by the world everyday so why not look your best? Even if it is temporary, or even if it is just for the body and weight you have right now that is subject to change. I promise, looking good is a huge motivation to stick with your new routine or diet, and it really does help the way not only others perceive you, but how you perceive yourself. Lets be honest, we all love when someone notices if we have dropped 10lbs. But if we remain wearing oversized, trying-not-to-draw-attention-to-myself clothing (ie the sweats, scrubs and oversize tees and sweatshirts), who is going to be able to notice that we lost any weight?! And how then do we benefit from really being happy with what we see in the mirror and how our hard work is paying off??
 
So realistically, what do you do when you are on a weight loss or get fit plan, you don’t want to waste money splurging on a new wardrobe that may not fit in a few months but you do want to look and feel your best now? Here’s what:

– understand what your former bodytype is and what bodytype you may be transforming into with your weight loss. This means really paying attention to where the pounds are shedding from- is it your tummy? Legs? Arms? This will affect how clothing fits and what styles are best to start wearing. The biggest hurdle people face when losing a significant amount of weight is that they are still seeing their “old” selves; the reflection in the mirror does not match how they see themselves in their heads.

– There are also transitional types of pieces you can buy that can support a weight shift of 5 or so pounds. For example empire waist shirts and dresses, and A- line skirts and dresses skim over the hips so can adjust to fullness without clinging. And can be belted when become loose. Wrap dresses are amazing because they can literally be “let out” or tied tighter instantly depending on needs. Belts are great for cinching in clothing that may be getting a little too big, and they are inexpensive enough that you can, and should, replace them when they no longer fit. (No, you may not keep adding holes to your belt either! Just because its possible doesn’t mean its fashionable! Nor does it get you out of the mindset that you have lost weight because you are still wearing something from a previous bodytype).

– Accessories are also awesome purchases- they are quick, inexpensive and interchangeable but can totally transform an outfit.

– Layering can also be your friend when on a weight loss path. A shirt or tank get a little big and now the neckline is too low? Layer a tank underneath in a fun hue for a pop of color. A blouse getting a little too baggy? Wear a cardigan or blazer over it, or tuck it in And if you shift between pounds quickly and very often, swing cardigans are your friend because they aren’t meant to close, and can make almost any outfit a little dressier or more professional.
 
Pictures below are from a client who was contemplating getting rid of these pieces because she had lost weight and felt that they were now too big and didn’t do anything for her. When I did a Closet Analysis on her wardrobe I showed her ways that she could still wear these items in a more flattering way, she didn’t have to give up on them just yet!

  
 
Often times working with a professional Wardrobe Consultant like my self is an ongoing investment that pays for itself triple time when on a weight loss mission. Because I will help you understand your body as it changes, ensure you look your best throughout, and then I will be there to shop with you for the “I’ve reached my ideal weight” shopping trip pay off!  But whether you hire a professional, rely on friends, or do the research yourself on the internet, do not forget to let the hard work that you are putting in for your body be reflected in your daily outfits as well. When you feel good you look good, and when you look good you feel good…and we all deserve that! Be proud of the work your putting in, your motivation and discipline, and show it to the world through fitness and fashion!

Christine McInnes of McInnes Fitness asked me to to do a write up on dressing while losing weight and that is what inspired this blog. She also featured it in her monthly newsletter! Be sure to check out her blog as well for great tips on fitness, excersise and dieting!