What nobody tells you about losing weight
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Man, the body dysmorphia is strong with this one this time around. I definitely wouldn't say it's at the level to be considered a disorder, so don't worry about me, it's more of an annoyance than an anxiety. I took a picture of myself wearing a dress I hadn't been able to fit into in years. Thought about putting a "before" picture next to it for comparison (40 pounds heavier). Didn't think the difference was strong enough to warrant a before-and-after. I can pull my old underwear up to my armpits and yet I don't really see much of a difference in pictures. I do see some difference in the mirror, though, so that's good. I'm wearing a size 8 when before I was squeezing into 14s and 16s. Brain, get with the game.
It does help to write it down here, to recognize that I'm going through it. Stops it from getting worse. Not the first time I've mentioned it in this thread, but yesterday felt more concrete because this dress was THE dress. The "skinny" dress that many people hold onto in the hopes of fitting into again. And I succeeded, but I don't see my body as much different from what it was before. Don't worry, I got myself a therapist that I go to regularly, I'll make a note to talk about it with him.29 -
@RelCanonical Your words resonate so much. I have a lot of the same similar feelings with how I think I look versus what really has changed. Every day I walk into work and as I'm coming up the walk and towards the glass double-door entry, there's one door that gives me a "plumper" vision and another door that gives me the "skinny" vision (obviously, the glass is shaped just different enough to make the images different) and I wonder "am I closer to the plump side or the skinny side?" every single morning.
I have yet to think that I'm closer to the "skinny" side. I always think I'm closer to the "plumper" side and I still find it hard to see the "thinner" me. To me, I feel like I'm the same now as I was at least... a year ago. I'm working on trying to sort out the funhouse mirror of how I see myself -- and trying to be comfortable in clothing that isn't sacks. I really wish my brain would get into the game too! Especially since my brain seems to want to HYPER FOCUS on my inner rubber duckie floatie that likes to pooch out over any pants I wear -- tight or loose.
Btw, you are beautiful in your dress! Slayed that dragon AND took his loot pile! Good luck to you!
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It's so nice to go to a restaurant or doctor's office and not worry about fitting into chairs with arms or booths.13
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RelCanonical wrote: »Man, the body dysmorphia is strong with this one this time around. I definitely wouldn't say it's at the level to be considered a disorder, so don't worry about me, it's more of an annoyance than an anxiety. I took a picture of myself wearing a dress I hadn't been able to fit into in years. Thought about putting a "before" picture next to it for comparison (40 pounds heavier). Didn't think the difference was strong enough to warrant a before-and-after. I can pull my old underwear up to my armpits and yet I don't really see much of a difference in pictures. I do see some difference in the mirror, though, so that's good. I'm wearing a size 8 when before I was squeezing into 14s and 16s. Brain, get with the game.
It does help to write it down here, to recognize that I'm going through it. Stops it from getting worse. Not the first time I've mentioned it in this thread, but yesterday felt more concrete because this dress was THE dress. The "skinny" dress that many people hold onto in the hopes of fitting into again. And I succeeded, but I don't see my body as much different from what it was before. Don't worry, I got myself a therapist that I go to regularly, I'll make a note to talk about it with him.
I think you and I have very similar stats (including height). This is also my second time around the weight loss merry-go-round. I've lost about 55 pounds, and my former 'skinny' goal clothes (the ones I thought I'd NEVER for into again) are too big. It's a very odd thing, because I don't feel all that different.
In my case, I believe it's because I never fully internalized how overweight I truly was. "Oh, lots of people weigh more than me and look ok, so I must too." Except the lots of people I was comparing myself to weren't 5'2 (and a half
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RelCanonical wrote: »Man, the body dysmorphia is strong with this one this time around. I definitely wouldn't say it's at the level to be considered a disorder, so don't worry about me, it's more of an annoyance than an anxiety. I took a picture of myself wearing a dress I hadn't been able to fit into in years. Thought about putting a "before" picture next to it for comparison (40 pounds heavier). Didn't think the difference was strong enough to warrant a before-and-after. I can pull my old underwear up to my armpits and yet I don't really see much of a difference in pictures. I do see some difference in the mirror, though, so that's good. I'm wearing a size 8 when before I was squeezing into 14s and 16s. Brain, get with the game.
It does help to write it down here, to recognize that I'm going through it. Stops it from getting worse. Not the first time I've mentioned it in this thread, but yesterday felt more concrete because this dress was THE dress. The "skinny" dress that many people hold onto in the hopes of fitting into again. And I succeeded, but I don't see my body as much different from what it was before. Don't worry, I got myself a therapist that I go to regularly, I'll make a note to talk about it with him.
I think you and I have very similar stats (including height). This is also my second time around the weight loss merry-go-round. I've lost about 55 pounds, and my former 'skinny' goal clothes (the ones I thought I'd NEVER for into again) are too big. It's a very odd thing, because I don't feel all that different.
In my case, I believe it's because I never fully internalized how overweight I truly was. "Oh, lots of people weigh more than me and look ok, so I must too." Except the lots of people I was comparing myself to weren't 5'2 (and a half )
Haha, we are definitely weight loss experience twins, because I think that's the case with me too. I think I even had a post in here that talked about how I expected to lose 3-4 sizes, but only lost 1-2 because I thought I was a size 14 the whole time, but was probably more like a 16-18.7 -
Also 5'2" here. I've lost almost 20 lbs., which in the past hasn't made a huge difference in how I look, but this time I incorporated lifting heavy weights and it seems to be making a bigger difference. I'm down 2 jean sizes, which in the past took closer to a 40 lb. loss, and even then my boss at the time didn't even notice. A friend drove by while I was out walking yesterday, rolled down her window and said, "Looking skinny!"
I think for years I just kidded myself that I wear my weight well because I'm an hourglass shape. I figured as long as I had a defined waist, I couldn't be that much overweight.9 -
How it becomes an addiction. In a good way. I used to dread the idea of going to the gym, now I can't wait for my next workout, and get upset if something stops me from being able to go.
Not to mention the gas ... especially if you drink lots of protein and take supplements! ugh awful. Glad I am single and live alone. Only my dogs have to endure the smell lol.TeresaMarie2015 wrote: »Your morning breadth will be just horrific!
I struggle with this majorly. If I can't visually see a difference (whether it be in picture comparison, or in the mirror) I feel like I haven't accomplished anything. But everyday I am trying to push through the emotions and just remind myself I am getting healthier and stronger everyday!+ That it can be an emotional roller-coaster. Some days you are happy with yourself and other days you get upset because you ate too much or you don't look right or you haven't lost any weight this week, etc. Learn to ride the roller-coaster and don't get off.
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tl;dr: Hit some milestones, it's making me revisit my thought processes regarding food.
Here's another thing I've been thinking about. I've been able to start identifying the reasons I decide to eat, and categorizing them has helped me cope. I didn't realize there could be so many different reasons why I eat, and how many of them contributed to my weight gain. Certainly not all are bad reasons, and distinguishing them really helps me with food anxiety, as I'm able to decide if eating the food is really important or not (sometimes it's a life experience I don't want to miss, sometimes it's not really important to my life and I can skip).
Some would be:- Being thirsty (misconstruing it as hunger)
- Mindless eating (not thinking, just habit)
- Boredom eating (eating because I don't know what else to waste time on)
- Social pressure (eating because others are, and I want to fit in)
- Reward eating (eating because something good happened, or I accomplished something)
- Stress eating (eating because something bad happened)
- Celebration eating (eating because it's a holiday, and that's tradition)
- Nostalgia eating (I haven't eaten that in a while/eating for nostalgia's sake)
- Novelty eating (I want to try the new product)
- Emotional eating (usually related to hormones, i.e. cravings or comfort eating. Different from stress eating, which has an acute source)
- Nutritional eating (eating because I have calories left so why not)
- Binge eating (eating because I hate myself)
And last but not least- Eating because I'm hungry (food tastes the best here)
Some of the differences are kind of subtle, like mindless and boredom eating, but they feel different enough to me. Unlike some who use binge eating interchangeably with overeating or stress eating, binge eating is quite a distinct feeling for me, and something I don't wish on my enemies.
I don't know, just understanding that there's so many reasons that I choose to eat really helps me understand just how important food has been in my life, and part of this journey has been making it less important. And like, not necessarily to "food is fuel" status, but deciding, from the list above, which ones are actually worth considering food. For me, novelty eating is fun and a joy in my life, but for celebrations? Maybe not so much. And, of course, boredom, stress, and social pressure are just never worth it.
I am kind of just full of these thoughts today. I think it has to do with me hitting some major milestones the past couple days (fitting into a special dress, am also halfway to my goal weight) and dealing with the fact that my mind refuses to catch up. It's really nice to have this site to let it out without judgement but with a lot more empathy. Like, I have a therapist and he's helpful, but he also just kind of doesn't get it. He doesn't specialize in eating disorders because I didn't seek him out for that reason, so sometimes he can't quite fully understand my thought processes regarding eating. I think the regulars on MFP understand a bit more. He's certainly not a bad therapist at all, and I will definitely still talk to him about this stuff, but the word vomit has been super helpful to get out. Maybe it'll help me during appointments to write it out first so I'm not trying to figure this out when I only got 50 minutes with him.
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Wow, @RelCanonical that was really well said. I think you got into a lot of our heads that way.
I thought you looked lovely in your dress, but you look remarkably like my daughter, so that’s some automatic warm fuzzy accrual right there.
You express yourself extremely well, and in a very reasonable and honest manner, and I always enjoy your posts. I sincerely wish I could wave my mom wand and make some of the self doubt go away.
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I have been wearing my beloved leather jacket because I keep saying "It's a jacket, it doesn't matter". I saw a video of me (I was in a parade with the kids in my Sunday School class, parent video) and it swallows me completely. I look like I'm wearing my dad or husband's clothes.
I need to wear clothes that fit. Including a jacket. In my head it wasn't that big on me.27 -
springlering62 wrote: »Wow, @RelCanonical that was really well said. I think you got into a lot of our heads that way.
I thought you looked lovely in your dress, but you look remarkably like my daughter, so that’s some automatic warm fuzzy accrual right there.
You express yourself extremely well, and in a very reasonable and honest manner, and I always enjoy your posts. I sincerely wish I could wave my mom wand and make some of the self doubt go away.
Thank you. (: I admit that I'm having a tough time right now just coming to terms with stuff regarding my expectations during and after weight loss. I'm beginning to think I've let myself believe that because others have grown in confidence as they lose weight, that I would naturally have that experience as well. I'm just having to come to terms with the fact that I've gotta do that myself, and it's not a new problem by any means. I'm glad I'm facing it and working through it now so I don't have to deal with this and maintenance at the same time.
I can't really talk to my mom about it, we've both had struggles with weight and I've gone to her needing support and instead got a "well, I've done worse". Sounds harsher in writing than it did in person, I think she was just looking to vent too, but it wasn't really what I was looking for at the time. So, I decided to stop talking to her about issues like this. I was in the midst of my binge eating issues then, and it was tough to open up, and it just didn't go the way I expected it to. She has been unquestionably supportive in every other aspect of my life, and we are close. It's just a sore spot for her.
It's nice to be able to talk about it on here and just have people be like "I get ya" because I think that's all I really need outside of therapy. I'll be printing this stuff out for him probably, lol.
tl;dr: Body image just tanked, dealing with it. probably the most "what nobody tells you" thing I've dealt with since I've been on the site. Lol. Also, sorry for writing a novel on this page, I scrolled up and man, I can type when I put my mind to it.18 -
RelCanonical wrote: »springlering62 wrote: »Wow, @RelCanonical that was really well said. I think you got into a lot of our heads that way.
I thought you looked lovely in your dress, but you look remarkably like my daughter, so that’s some automatic warm fuzzy accrual right there.
You express yourself extremely well, and in a very reasonable and honest manner, and I always enjoy your posts. I sincerely wish I could wave my mom wand and make some of the self doubt go away.
Thank you. (: I admit that I'm having a tough time right now just coming to terms with stuff regarding my expectations during and after weight loss. I'm beginning to think I've let myself believe that because others have grown in confidence as they lose weight, that I would naturally have that experience as well. I'm just having to come to terms with the fact that I've gotta do that myself, and it's not a new problem by any means. I'm glad I'm facing it and working through it now so I don't have to deal with this and maintenance at the same time.
I can't really talk to my mom about it, we've both had struggles with weight and I've gone to her needing support and instead got a "well, I've done worse". Sounds harsher in writing than it did in person, I think she was just looking to vent too, but it wasn't really what I was looking for at the time. So, I decided to stop talking to her about issues like this. I was in the midst of my binge eating issues then, and it was tough to open up, and it just didn't go the way I expected it to. She has been unquestionably supportive in every other aspect of my life, and we are close. It's just a sore spot for her.
It's nice to be able to talk about it on here and just have people be like "I get ya" because I think that's all I really need outside of therapy. I'll be printing this stuff out for him probably, lol.
tl;dr: Body image just tanked, dealing with it. probably the most "what nobody tells you" thing I've dealt with since I've been on the site. Lol. Also, sorry for writing a novel on this page, I scrolled up and man, I can type when I put my mind to it.
Uggggggh, the edit window closed. I went on Reddit to go word vomit on loseit, decided to ditch the post because I I think I found THE sentence. The thing that I think is bringing me down so much. I hope it is, cause recognizing it is the first step to working on it, and I think the first time I lost weight, I didn't recognize it and it totally attacked from the shadows.
"I have never been a high enough weight for it to physically hold me back, and it's not a fun thing to learn that I was the one holding me back, instead blaming it on my weight."
That's why writing things down is so good.24 -
That you...will be able...TO WASH YOUR BACK all the way without just shimming the wash clothe over your back. You'll be able to actually reach places all over your back like you did when you were a kid This is soooo wonderful to/for me. I haven't been able to do that in many. many. YEARS!!!
How wonderful it is to have such a HUGE variety of clothes to choose from, no longer taking hours and hours to get dressed to go oout and aboot and nothing really looks/feels good on you, because as you get down to size you can just grab whatever in minutes now, instead of forever and look and feel GREAT...I LOVE THAT!
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RelCanonical wrote: »"I have never been a high enough weight for it to physically hold me back, and it's not a fun thing to learn that I was the one holding me back, instead blaming it on my weight."
I’ve had this moment. It’s awful. You’ll be ok.
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Small things like how much less work it is shaving my legs now that they’re smaller & I’m able to reach everywhere no problem. Or how I can lay on my back in bed to sleep & not feel like I’m being strangled.10
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That if you gain it back, even planned as a bulk you will look at yourself with some disgust for "letting yourself go"9
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It’s ok to take a break!! I took a break from the meal plan my trainer had me on and didn’t gain over the holidays. Stuck to our exercise routine. But I know I can maintain if I made it through the holidays.11
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The men who will hit on you! A former boss hit on me on Facebook. Um...NO! and I should mention eew! And after more than 30 years a man that was a couple of years ahead of me in high school told me that he never liked my now ex-husband, not only because he was (and still is) a jerk, but also because he was jealous.
LOL, I'm 65, so that ship has sailed for me.9 -
That your smaller clothes don’t fall off the hangers like your larger clothes did and that those smaller clothes take up less closet space!31
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Down 28lbs - hubby says I don't snore like a bear anymore - happy days! 28lbs to go...15
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When you start losing weight the first chunk is visceral fat. Your weight goes down, your waist goes down, but you still look the same in the mirror. Especially if it's gradual weight loss.
After that it's harder to lose weight, but every pound you lose is visible. You get toned and discover muscles that have been hidden.
That's the boost that keeps me going.32 -
Being stuck at a plateau is really hard, especially when it's just one kg away from your goal weight!22
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Agree. It's only now, after a 21lb loss, I can see difference in the mirror. BUT I felt more toned etc after a short amount of time.Brokentang wrote: »When you start losing weight the first chunk is visceral fat. Your weight goes down, your waist goes down, but you still look the same in the mirror. Especially if it's gradual weight loss.
After that it's harder to lose weight, but every pound you lose is visible. You get toned and discover muscles that have been hidden.
That's the boost that keeps me going.
Like you, improving fitness, feeling muscle and bone structure that was hiding behind fat are the best surprises 😊
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dhiammarath wrote: »...the amount of money you will spend on new clothes.
I calculate I bought about six whole new wardrobes during the course of my weight loss. Even with charity shops, that got expensive.
But what I didn't anticipate is how much I'm still spending on clothes now I'm at my final size.
First there was the 'this is my final size, I can buy good clothes that will last' splurge. Then there was the 'hey, I don't have to hide my tummy anymore, I can buy styles I never even looked at before' splurge. Then there was the 'holy *kitten* what is this "cold" malarkey, now I understand why people have a separate winter wardrobe' splurge. Then there was the 'wait, I can wear designer clothes now' splurge.
Help, help, I think I've become a fashion victim...
This. Plus, I enjoy shopping for clothes. Which is something I never thought I'd enjoy doing!
Trouble is I have absolutely no idea what to buy. Used to be quite stylish when I was slim in my 20s and early 30s but now I am 63 and not needing 'business clothes' I am at a total loss! I have 2 dresses in my wardrobe which I purchased because I was so delighted that I could actually buy a dress (used to have big boobs, small bottom syndrome) but don't wear them because I don't know if a) I look ridiculous or b) when/where would it be appropriate to wear them - I live in the country - jeans and jumpers are the norm. And I thought losing weight would simplify by wardrobe dilemmas!!
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motivatedmartha wrote: »dhiammarath wrote: »...the amount of money you will spend on new clothes.
I calculate I bought about six whole new wardrobes during the course of my weight loss. Even with charity shops, that got expensive.
But what I didn't anticipate is how much I'm still spending on clothes now I'm at my final size.
First there was the 'this is my final size, I can buy good clothes that will last' splurge. Then there was the 'hey, I don't have to hide my tummy anymore, I can buy styles I never even looked at before' splurge. Then there was the 'holy *kitten* what is this "cold" malarkey, now I understand why people have a separate winter wardrobe' splurge. Then there was the 'wait, I can wear designer clothes now' splurge.
Help, help, I think I've become a fashion victim...
This. Plus, I enjoy shopping for clothes. Which is something I never thought I'd enjoy doing!
Trouble is I have absolutely no idea what to buy. Used to be quite stylish when I was slim in my 20s and early 30s but now I am 63 and not needing 'business clothes' I am at a total loss! I have 2 dresses in my wardrobe which I purchased because I was so delighted that I could actually buy a dress (used to have big boobs, small bottom syndrome) but don't wear them because I don't know if a) I look ridiculous or b) when/where would it be appropriate to wear them - I live in the country - jeans and jumpers are the norm. And I thought losing weight would simplify by wardrobe dilemmas!!
Unless they're very formal dresses, why not wear them to the store? Celebrate your success!8 -
kenyonhaff wrote: »motivatedmartha wrote: »dhiammarath wrote: »...the amount of money you will spend on new clothes.
I calculate I bought about six whole new wardrobes during the course of my weight loss. Even with charity shops, that got expensive.
But what I didn't anticipate is how much I'm still spending on clothes now I'm at my final size.
First there was the 'this is my final size, I can buy good clothes that will last' splurge. Then there was the 'hey, I don't have to hide my tummy anymore, I can buy styles I never even looked at before' splurge. Then there was the 'holy *kitten* what is this "cold" malarkey, now I understand why people have a separate winter wardrobe' splurge. Then there was the 'wait, I can wear designer clothes now' splurge.
Help, help, I think I've become a fashion victim...
This. Plus, I enjoy shopping for clothes. Which is something I never thought I'd enjoy doing!
Trouble is I have absolutely no idea what to buy. Used to be quite stylish when I was slim in my 20s and early 30s but now I am 63 and not needing 'business clothes' I am at a total loss! I have 2 dresses in my wardrobe which I purchased because I was so delighted that I could actually buy a dress (used to have big boobs, small bottom syndrome) but don't wear them because I don't know if a) I look ridiculous or b) when/where would it be appropriate to wear them - I live in the country - jeans and jumpers are the norm. And I thought losing weight would simplify by wardrobe dilemmas!!
Unless they're very formal dresses, why not wear them to the store? Celebrate your success!
I love dressing up to go grocery shopping. I feel like a very busy professional woman who's still getting her grocery shopping in. In reality, I'm not that busy or professional, but I love looking the part. xD33 -
motivatedmartha wrote: »dhiammarath wrote: »...the amount of money you will spend on new clothes.
I calculate I bought about six whole new wardrobes during the course of my weight loss. Even with charity shops, that got expensive.
But what I didn't anticipate is how much I'm still spending on clothes now I'm at my final size.
First there was the 'this is my final size, I can buy good clothes that will last' splurge. Then there was the 'hey, I don't have to hide my tummy anymore, I can buy styles I never even looked at before' splurge. Then there was the 'holy *kitten* what is this "cold" malarkey, now I understand why people have a separate winter wardrobe' splurge. Then there was the 'wait, I can wear designer clothes now' splurge.
Help, help, I think I've become a fashion victim...
This. Plus, I enjoy shopping for clothes. Which is something I never thought I'd enjoy doing!
Trouble is I have absolutely no idea what to buy. Used to be quite stylish when I was slim in my 20s and early 30s but now I am 63 and not needing 'business clothes' I am at a total loss! I have 2 dresses in my wardrobe which I purchased because I was so delighted that I could actually buy a dress (used to have big boobs, small bottom syndrome) but don't wear them because I don't know if a) I look ridiculous or b) when/where would it be appropriate to wear them - I live in the country - jeans and jumpers are the norm. And I thought losing weight would simplify by wardrobe dilemmas!!
You know... I live in Montana and most people here dress similarly to how you say folks dress there--jeans rule the day for most people.
But you don't have to be most people! I haven't worn pants (outside of yoga pants for working out or sweatpants for lounging in the house) for years. All dresses, all the time. Occasionally people do comment, "Wow, you're so dressed up!" And I just laugh at the very idea. It sincerely takes less effort to "dress up" in a dress than it does to coordinate matching separates.
I challenge you to wear one of those two dresses this week--just because you want to! I guarantee you won't look ridiculous, and as long as you're not wearing it out into a field for yardwork, no one will think you're inappropriate. (Unless, you know, they're formal dresses/gowns, as someone else mentioned.
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motivatedmartha wrote: »dhiammarath wrote: »...the amount of money you will spend on new clothes.
I calculate I bought about six whole new wardrobes during the course of my weight loss. Even with charity shops, that got expensive.
But what I didn't anticipate is how much I'm still spending on clothes now I'm at my final size.
First there was the 'this is my final size, I can buy good clothes that will last' splurge. Then there was the 'hey, I don't have to hide my tummy anymore, I can buy styles I never even looked at before' splurge. Then there was the 'holy *kitten* what is this "cold" malarkey, now I understand why people have a separate winter wardrobe' splurge. Then there was the 'wait, I can wear designer clothes now' splurge.
Help, help, I think I've become a fashion victim...
This. Plus, I enjoy shopping for clothes. Which is something I never thought I'd enjoy doing!
Trouble is I have absolutely no idea what to buy. Used to be quite stylish when I was slim in my 20s and early 30s but now I am 63 and not needing 'business clothes' I am at a total loss! I have 2 dresses in my wardrobe which I purchased because I was so delighted that I could actually buy a dress (used to have big boobs, small bottom syndrome) but don't wear them because I don't know if a) I look ridiculous or b) when/where would it be appropriate to wear them - I live in the country - jeans and jumpers are the norm. And I thought losing weight would simplify by wardrobe dilemmas!!
You know... I live in Montana and most people here dress similarly to how you say folks dress there--jeans rule the day for most people.
But you don't have to be most people! I haven't worn pants (outside of yoga pants for working out or sweatpants for lounging in the house) for years. All dresses, all the time. Occasionally people do comment, "Wow, you're so dressed up!" And I just laugh at the very idea. It sincerely takes less effort to "dress up" in a dress than it does to coordinate matching separates.
I challenge you to wear one of those two dresses this week--just because you want to! I guarantee you won't look ridiculous, and as long as you're not wearing it out into a field for yardwork, no one will think you're inappropriate. (Unless, you know, they're formal dresses/gowns, as someone else mentioned. )
Seriously on dresses being easier. I have a "uniform" of a dress (usually a-line knee-length, but not always), black tights, and black heels (boots in winter). I could get dressed with my eyes closed and still look put together. I just don't care to waste decision-making energy on what I'm wearing. If someone enjoys coordinating outfits, more power to them, but I'm not one of those people. I don't even fill half a standard closet with my whole wardrobe.15 -
motivatedmartha wrote: »dhiammarath wrote: »...the amount of money you will spend on new clothes.
I calculate I bought about six whole new wardrobes during the course of my weight loss. Even with charity shops, that got expensive.
But what I didn't anticipate is how much I'm still spending on clothes now I'm at my final size.
First there was the 'this is my final size, I can buy good clothes that will last' splurge. Then there was the 'hey, I don't have to hide my tummy anymore, I can buy styles I never even looked at before' splurge. Then there was the 'holy *kitten* what is this "cold" malarkey, now I understand why people have a separate winter wardrobe' splurge. Then there was the 'wait, I can wear designer clothes now' splurge.
Help, help, I think I've become a fashion victim...
This. Plus, I enjoy shopping for clothes. Which is something I never thought I'd enjoy doing!
Trouble is I have absolutely no idea what to buy. Used to be quite stylish when I was slim in my 20s and early 30s but now I am 63 and not needing 'business clothes' I am at a total loss! I have 2 dresses in my wardrobe which I purchased because I was so delighted that I could actually buy a dress (used to have big boobs, small bottom syndrome) but don't wear them because I don't know if a) I look ridiculous or b) when/where would it be appropriate to wear them - I live in the country - jeans and jumpers are the norm. And I thought losing weight would simplify by wardrobe dilemmas!!
Like everyone else has said, wear them babies out! Myself, I'm trying to gather up the courage to wear dresses. I feel like a strange imposter or something. I don't know. There's this dress I want (it's expensive) and I've told myself I'll get it for my trip this June (first time to Europe!) if I keep my eye on the prize and hit some health goals (weight loss, but primarily some going to the gym/getting ready and in shape for my trip -- I have issues with stairs and inclines, so I'm trying to push myself to get better physically for that).
Here's to hoping I meet my goals AND that I get the dress without crossing it off as "well, I'm not made for dresses!" Which is ridiculous, but my brain feels aren't coming to the party on my logic feels.
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dhiammarath wrote: »motivatedmartha wrote: »dhiammarath wrote: »...the amount of money you will spend on new clothes.
I calculate I bought about six whole new wardrobes during the course of my weight loss. Even with charity shops, that got expensive.
But what I didn't anticipate is how much I'm still spending on clothes now I'm at my final size.
First there was the 'this is my final size, I can buy good clothes that will last' splurge. Then there was the 'hey, I don't have to hide my tummy anymore, I can buy styles I never even looked at before' splurge. Then there was the 'holy *kitten* what is this "cold" malarkey, now I understand why people have a separate winter wardrobe' splurge. Then there was the 'wait, I can wear designer clothes now' splurge.
Help, help, I think I've become a fashion victim...
This. Plus, I enjoy shopping for clothes. Which is something I never thought I'd enjoy doing!
Trouble is I have absolutely no idea what to buy. Used to be quite stylish when I was slim in my 20s and early 30s but now I am 63 and not needing 'business clothes' I am at a total loss! I have 2 dresses in my wardrobe which I purchased because I was so delighted that I could actually buy a dress (used to have big boobs, small bottom syndrome) but don't wear them because I don't know if a) I look ridiculous or b) when/where would it be appropriate to wear them - I live in the country - jeans and jumpers are the norm. And I thought losing weight would simplify by wardrobe dilemmas!!
Like everyone else has said, wear them babies out! Myself, I'm trying to gather up the courage to wear dresses. I feel like a strange imposter or something. I don't know. There's this dress I want (it's expensive) and I've told myself I'll get it for my trip this June (first time to Europe!) if I keep my eye on the prize and hit some health goals (weight loss, but primarily some going to the gym/getting ready and in shape for my trip -- I have issues with stairs and inclines, so I'm trying to push myself to get better physically for that).
Here's to hoping I meet my goals AND that I get the dress without crossing it off as "well, I'm not made for dresses!" Which is ridiculous, but my brain feels aren't coming to the party on my logic feels.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I find that a pair of nice shoes really takes a dress from looking weird to being really put together. Doesn't have to be heels, but a nice pair of flats or strappy sandals or dressy boots. Although, I love a good pair of sky-high black wedges with black tights to make my legs look long. I always look a little frumpy when I try on dresses in bare feet or socks. Although, I know a dress is a true winner when I look good in it without shoes on. Those are the keepers.
Also the skirt length makes a difference! I make mine hit just above the knee, as I have wide calves and chopping them in half makes them look even bigger, as you don't see the natural curve into the knee. I also like to do high-waisted dresses, as I have a long torso and starting the waistline higher also makes my legs look longer.
It really varies depending on your body shape, it's just about dressing for a shape and knowing that not all dresses are going to be flattering, no matter the weight.13
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