Question:
After being overwt for so many years, I don't know how to dress really. I have
to start building a wardrobe now and want to do it right! Can anyone recommend the basics of a good wardrobe? I have always read about building on neutrals and basics but don't know how to begin! It is time after 60 lbs to get some new clothes but I still have a lot to lose. I need clothes that are business casual for work and also some casual clothes. I like it simple (example, white t shirts and blue jeans/khakis/ basic black pants etc) but I want some fun clothes too! My closet is a mess right now because I have mostly winter clothes that are TOO big. I have been wearing some of the old stuff that fits now, but I need to start again. I don't want a closet full of trendy stuff that is outdated next season but they will be too big anyway this time next year. Should I buy cheap/ trendy clothes and build a basic wardrobe later? I can still go to Lane Bryant and am probably an 18/20 now. Used to be a 26/28. Am going on a cruise in July to Alaska so I have to buy some stuff. Thanks for any help. This isn't the most important subject on earth compared to medical problems but it is a part of this new life too. Thanks! — Marilyn C. (posted on May 26, 2001)
May 26, 2001
I went through sizes so fast , too fast to invest a lot of money . This is
what I did. First of all get rid of everything that is too big, including
underwear and shoes.You need to have a really clear picture of what you
have and what you need. DO NOT BUY ANYTHING THAT YOU HAVE NOT TRIED ON, you
can no longer judge your size. I shopped in upscale consignment stores, and
discount stores, TJmaxx, Marshalls, Simms and Burlington are the best ones
in my area. I also bought basic styles , a lot like you have already
mentioned . What I did buy were fun accessories that were current and
trendy to add to my clothes. The big floppy flowers that are popular in the
hot summer colors can add panache to a basic blazer . This is the time to
get yourself some really cute shoes and sandles, belts and a few pieces of
great costume jewlery . This is what I did to get me through the many size
changes. But the most important bit of fashion advise I can give you is to
get yourself a good bra that fits you well it will make all the differance
in the way your clothes hang. When I was basically at my goal weight I got
myself professionally fitted( had to get those suckers in the right place)
then I bought a wardrobe of bras of the different fabrics that I wear. You
know Knits & tee shirts. silks and heavier fabrics , summer sundresses
little strappy things. This made such a difference in how my clothing
looked. I refuse to wear anything that is a sloppy fit now. Also your shoes
in different colors black , brown, red and navy and my all purpose gold
really can change the whole feel of your outfits. I could go on forever can
you tell I used to deal in clothing and accessories?LOL, good luck have
fun, but don't spend too much on the actual clothing just yet. The shoes
and accessories will stay with your wardrobe for many years.
— Rose A.
May 26, 2001
I agree with Rose.. I went through so many sizes so fast that before I even
wore something's they were too big by the time I got around to trying
them on again... So I kept tags and receipts on everything so exchanging
was not a problem.. I went from 5x to now 9/10 in 16 months.. And I expect
to drop another size after the scar revision on the tummy tuck next month..
So I am buying very sparingly ..Matter of fact I visit my granddaughters
closet often :)
But when I settle in at a size I want to get two of those 5 piece suits
that make 6-7 different outfits... they come with a dress, skirt, jacket,
slacks and vest all at one price, one maybe in a neutral color like
camel/tan and another in a pin strip either gray or navy.. I wore black
for so long I'm tired of it .. you can accessorize with scarfs, pins
etc.. This would give your wardrobe a great start. :)
— Victoria B.
May 26, 2001
I keep long skirts with elastic waistbands. They are so functional if you
have a sewing machine. As you loose weight you can just keep sewing them
in. Get tired of long and now want a mini skirt for summer, then cut the
skirt off. I have many different colored stretch skirts. You can where them
for any occasion too. Unless you are strictly a slacks person. If thats the
case, I do the same thing with my slacks but you cant do it forever cause
slacks change their shape as to continue to take them in.
If you want to be up to date style wise, straight legs aren't really in any
more. That will date you. LOL. I love TShirts, and jeans will never go out.
Just watch in the stores for what they are selling as far as...the shades
of blue jeans. Are they wearing them blue 'er now or still the white washed
out look. Straight leg vs bell bottom. Oversized shirts vs more form
fitting. I'm a baby boomer so going back to bell bottoms is going to be
lots of fun for me post op! Good luck and have fun shopping!!!
— Karla K.
May 26, 2001
Marilyn.. how I'm looking forward to this day too! What I plan to do is
make liberal use of the Salvation Army and Goodwill thriftstores! I am
used to wearing tents, and I want to try a number of lengths, fits, colors,
etc to see what looks good. With a thrift store, I can experiment without
breaking the bank. THEN, when I have my look ironed out, then I can go to
real stores and make my investement. Good luck and best wishes!!! Nancy
:-)
— Nancy G.
May 26, 2001
congratualtions....I cant wait to start buying new clothes,
— [Anonymous]
May 26, 2001
Prior to surgery (this coming Tuesday...YEAAAHH!) I wanted to get some
loose fitting casual dresses to wear while recouping....yet I did NOT want
to spend a fortune on things I would not wear for long!!! I logged onto
ebay and purchased a total of 5 dresses and paid only 60.00 for all of
them...(one was brand new)...I plan on doing it again as I go down....that
way I am NOT investing a ton of money....and anything in fairly good
condition...I may even try to resale on ebay. good luck, Karan
— chance2lv
May 26, 2001
Try building your wardrobe by observing what other women are wearing. If
you like what they have on, then consider trying it for yourself.
— bjw0713
May 26, 2001
I was somewhat lucky in a sense because I had a girlfriend who had gone
through this surgery a year before. Actually, she had the VBG and it
failed after a year but...she had bought alot of clothing in the meantime
as she went down in size. She gained most of her weight back (poor thing)
and is having a revision but, in the meantime, she gave me all of her small
clothing that she had bought. It was a lifesaver for me as I couldn't
afford to buy things as fast as I was losing. Also, I have an 18 year old
who wears a size 16 so when I got down to that size, I just borrowed her
clothing. She had 14's through 18's. After losing even more, I then went
into my 12 year olds closet, and started wearing her clothing. Some of it
was not for me as it was kids sizes but some (like jeans) worked fine until
I stabilized. I got wayyy too thin and was wearing a child's size 10. I
am now in an adult 6 and after 2 years, can now buy clothing again because
I don't go up and down anymore. If you have a friend who is larger, but
not as large as you, or..one that has gained weight somewhat, maybe she
will have some clothing you can borrow for a time. DO NOT put alot of
money into clothing. Not yet.
As for styles, there are some that never go out of style like the little
black dress. Classic suits...etc. possibly, many people are like me and
went out and tryed on alot of clothing that they always wished they could
wear but...age got to me. When I tryed them on, I realized that I was 42
and couldn't wear some of these styles anymore. It was nice trying on a
bikini and knowing that I didn't hang all over but..at 42, it was just not
in the cards. After 2 years, yesterday was the first time I actually wore
shorts outside. I have alot of hanging skin but with time, it's getting
better. After 2 years, I just don't care what people think anymore. I
wish you good luck and hope some of this might help.
— Barbara H.
May 26, 2001
What worked for me during this rapid-weight-loss phase was going to resale
shops. It was great ---- I took in my fat clothes and walked out with
smaller clothes! Then when I shrank out of those I took them back and
resold them and got smaller ones! I did this for a year. I could keep up
with my changing sizes and always had something to wear.
The big mistake I made was in buying too much once I *thought* I was done
losing. I had never been smaller than a 10/12 so when I got to that size I
bought alot of new stuff. Wrong! That all ended up in resale also and I
have stabilized at 4/6. Good luck and have a great time on your cruise.
hugs, Ann 260/125
— [Deactivated Member]
May 27, 2001
I am loving every minute of the clothes thing, although it is getting
pricey!. I get alot on ebay, especially "efindswoman" (sellers
name) She has alot of really beautiful designer clothing from
Bloomingdales. Another item I really like is brand name "FLAX",
the clothing is somewhat oversized, I can wear a large and I am presently a
16-18. The linen is fairly easy to alter although I am finding most things
just need to be passed on. I am taking my clothing to a womens shelter in
my area. I know it is desperately needed by women who have very little and
are trying to get back on their feet. Happy shopping, this is the most fun
question to date.
— Margaret S.
May 27, 2001
Isn't this a great opportunity!!?? I am a clothes horse even in a size 28
and I have been having a great time checking out the stuff at resale shops,
and my fav--GOODWILL
When we were young, my sister and I used to have a great time going to
expensive dept. stores like Ayres, Nordstroms, etc and trying on fabulous
dresses and gowns, of course we couldn't buy if we wanted to! Just wear
your fanciest undies, hose and slip so that you look the part, then try on
to your heart's content!! Be sure to wear minimal cosmetics, though, I
used to work in a clothing store too, and getting clothes back with makeup
on them is bad news. As far as a basic wardrobe goes, pick a neutral
color (black, navy, beige, white, off-white) for the starter pieces, then
build on it with a couple of your favorites like shades of red, purple,
green, etc. This is a great way to build with classic pieces like
blazers, skirts and trousers, adding blouses, sweaters etc.
I've also noticed that a lot of ladies magazines like Woman's Day are doing
monthly articles on how to put together wardrobes for holidays, vacations,
the office, etc.
Have a great time!! Remember, if it's not fun, why do it!?
— Elaine P.
May 27, 2001
I have lost 93 pounds since January 8, 2001. I am down to a size 12-14 ( I
think)I bought 2 pair of pants size 14 at Easter time and they are now
quite baggy. What I have been trying to do before I invest in new clothes,
is to look at the sale ads that come in our Sunday paper. This is a great
way to see what the latest styles are. I, too really have no idea what is
"in". I also enjoy Chadwicks of Boston clothing catalog. These
are great. Full of basic pieces and colors. I really liked buying their
things when I was smaller. It is nice shopping from a catalog and fairly
easy to return. My life is quite busy and I am sooooooo overwhelmed at the
mall. I NEED everything and it is very difficult to narrow things down and
make wise choices. I need something like the catalog to put everything
together and it is easier to purchase wisely.
— Shelley.
May 28, 2001
I can relate to your dilemma Marilyn ... as tempting as it is to go on a
total shopping spree, I am limiting myself to the basics until I get down
to where I want to be. For work I try to stay with classic neutrals ... I
prefer black and navy. I will spend a little on the basic pieces like
blazer/jacket, slacks, skirt. Then I add variety with inexpensive
accessories ... like colorful T-shirts/shells worn under suits. You can
also dress your basics up or down by using inexpensive accessories ... like
scarves, pins, earrings, etc. I buy any "fun" clothes at the
discount stores ... they have some cute stuff and you are going to wear it
for such a short time that the expense of buying quality clothing isn't
really justified (at least not for me). Good luck and happy shopping.
— Lynn T.
November 30, 2001
I understand your predicament. I say, wait until you have reached your
goal before going "all-out" on new stuff. You'll be shocked how
things fit one week and not the next. So, take the Too-Big clothes that
you still like to the tailor and have them take it in for you. It's
cheaper than buying all new stuff.
— Melissa C.
November 30, 2001
What a great question, and some great answers. First, throw out everything
that is more than 2 sizes to big. (wear and 18? toss all 22's and above).
Someone in need will be so happy to have them. That helps with the
tempation. Wearing big clothes just makes you look dumpy - certainly not
our goal! Second, find a friend who is a clothes-hog and take them with
you to the fancy dept. store (I second the no makeup, wear hose and a
slip)- see what you like, what size you are, etc. Then go to Target, Old
Navy and consignment shops and buy it. Make sure your friend tells you
that stuff is TOO big or too long, etc. I resolved to not buy anything
over $20. At Old navy, there is a big clearance area, esp. sizes 16-20 -
most stuff is $8 or less, and since they start selling sumer stuff in
March, what is "out of season" for them is perfect for the RIGHT
now. As for tailoring, I really do not reccomend it. I make and have made
a LOT of my clothes over the years. A size 24 dress can be taken in to be
size 18, but the neck will be too big, hems and zippers will be too long,
the panels of a skirt will meet in the back or it ends up being against the
selvage and hangs funny. Less fat in the shoulders and back means a lot of
cleavage, too, and the sleeves too long. We aren't just getting evenly
smaller - look at a sewing pattern and you will see it is more than just
adding an inch to all sides. Hard to explain if you don't sew. If you have
somehting you love, and have a special occasion, than tailoring is worth
it, otherwise, it is expensive and you will be unhappy with the changes
beyond a size or so. Buy cheap clothes, experiment, and buy lots of
neutrals.
— M. A. B.
October 17, 2003
I say, to HECK with convention! Wear everything you ever wanted! I have
19-year-olds eyeing me down these days, and I'm wearing the short skirts!
Live Life, and Have Fun!:) Denise
— Denise V.
October 17, 2003
I have gone from 22 to 4/6 in 20 months. I take my large clothes to a
cosignment shop and exchange for a smaller size. Also now is a great time
to pick up next year's summer clothes. The Goodwill near me today had
women's shorts 2/$1.99. Just guess on what size you'll be. you haven't
lost much if you're wrong. A word of advice: TRY on all shoes. Who would
have thought I'd go from an 8 wide to a 7 medium. I just sent back a pair
of boots I ordered out of a catalogue because they were too big.
— Connie M.
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