How Did Your Personal Style Change After Goal?

To be clearer, I'm talking fashion, clothes, hair, makeup, personal grooming, etc. ;)

Was your pre-op style classic/conservative and you're now dressing like Debbie Harry?

What kinds or items of clothing can you wear only after reaching goal that have changed how you see yourself and present yourself to the world?

Are you now much more interested in your personal style than you were pre-op?

What positives (or negatives) have you observed as a result of your changed personal style?

Have you noticed other changes in your personal style since you reached goal?

In a nutshell, I used to buy clothes because they fit/came in my size. Now, with rare exception, I can buy clothes because I actually like them. I have a lot more options and those options come at a much cheaper prices.

I actually find those things to be part of "thin privilege" -- and grossly unfair to overweight and obese people.

Kat, I agree about the unfairness of "thin privilege" in clothing.

Well, I'm still a work in progress, and haven't reached goal yet. But, since every single article of clothing I own with the possible exception of socks is having to come out of my closet and be replaced, I am taking the opportunity to revamp my look. My last half dozen tops from pre-op are having to go this week, and even the deep closet shopping I've been able to do is about to run out.

My "style" (if it could be called that) used to be loose, on the slouchy side, with no cohesive theme other than I tend to stick to blues and burgundies for colors. If it sorta fit and didn't make me look like an elephant, it was in my closet. Gunny sack business casual is probably the closest description. Makeup wise, the less the better. Usually just mascara and lip stain, maybe a little bit of a neutral eye shadow.

Now I'm trying to build a classically tailored work wardrobe (think Katharine Hepburn) since I'll be moving into healthcare IT management in the next few years. For casual, I'm sticking with jeans and comfy tops, but I'm finding that I like them to actually fit now, and have good lines that are flattering to me. I'm playing with leggings and long tunics, which I would never be caught dead in before. I'm also playing more with color. I had thought I'd stick to a capsule palette plan, but after some consultation with makeup and hair sylists I'm exploring more colors. I'd love to dress bohemian/gypsy style like Stevie Nicks and have a lot of flair, but I'm too tall and solidly built for that look, so I'm having to find ways to get a personal touch on a more classic look.

I got a mini makeover at Ulta and have started doing more with makeup, as well. I definitely am looking more put together than I have my entire life. I'm doing a full eye most days now, and even my casual errands day look is more polished with eyebrows and eyeliner and real lipstick. LOL.

In short, the AntiChick is getting much more chick-like. My girl-fu is getting stronger. LOL. Sometimes I feel like I'm getting more shallow, but I'm enjoying having more options and being able to better manage how I'm perceived by people.

Wow! That's a lot of change! :)

With the exception of the years I spent working as a press operator or other jobs for which nice clothes were not a good plan, I have always worn dresses and skirts. The only difference now is that it is far easier to find things at thrift stores and resale shops. There is very little choice in 3X sizes.

I did let go of my long hair after surgery, which I wore because I thought it made me look more adult and serious. Now I wear it much shorter with its natural curl. I feel more like myself, even if I look like a refugee from an 80s B list hair metal band when air is dry.

I have also become a big fan of more natural looking hair and makeup -- except for my eyebrows, which always need help. I'm recovering from church-lady and helmet hairdos.

I kinda dig the '80's big hair look, only more windblown now than I did back then

Hey, I feel cute, even if people are wondering if I looked in the mirror lately!

I had straight/ super fine hair in the '80's... I had to work HARD to keep it big! After I had my son, my hair changed, got this slightly wavy look to it, and more volume, and if I put any product in it at all, I can get a pretty good curl... then I recently discovered these curling wands... and I go to town when I can... so much fun!

When I first lost my weight in 2008/9, I found I reverted back to my high school self. I have always been a simple jeans and t-shirt girl.

Pre-weight loss, I embraced the wisdom of "What Not To Wear". I spent money and dressed well for my size. I spent some money at Nordies for some quality, well fitting pieces that I could use for professional work situations. Outside of work, I was still very jeans and T-shirt. AZ is very casual, and I am so grateful for that!

After weight loss, Jeans became 7 for all Mankind, True Religion, Rock & Republic... While on my travels, I picked up dress tops in London at Marks & Spencer and in Italy, which are waiting to go back into rotation with my 'skinny' jeans as my loss progresses.

After my regain, I retained my 'quality standards' with Miss Me's and Rock Revivals. Still a jeans and T-shirt girl. I'm just me!

It's good to know yourself. And to yourself be true. :)