Tips on how to not buy all the clothes when you've dropped a size? (but still have more to go)
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Another non-thrift store shopper here. I too shop sales and 'off-season' and have lived with a very basic, limited wardrobe while losing. I've started buying a few more things now that I'm closing in on maintenance but still not going crazy. I usually had 2-pairs of work slacks in basic colors (black/grey/tan) and a few shirts to rotate through with a couple of cardigans. For casual stuff, I had one pair of jeans at at a time that fit and a few t-shirts.
Have you lost out of your shoes yet? I'm having to replace all of those as well
Ah, you've been so smart about this!!! That sounds really practical.
Nope, but I actually wore them down this year. I've been just living in my running shoes (which were a little pinchier before but maybe I just got used to them), so I do need to get some too (wallet says ouch!). I'll have to get a pair of work/school shoes and winter boots can be a little roomy so that's fine. But that's probably all I'll do. I still have my dress-up shoes from prom (nearly 8 years ago now lol) that I trot out whenever I need to be Extra Fancy.
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emcclure013 wrote: »I've shopped at thrift stores, but found that a lot of what I found wasn't my style in the least. I really like consignment stores and resale shops (like Plato's closet) where they get higher quality items. I may pay a bit more than I would at a Goodwill, but in my experience I've been able to find a lot more in my style and in great condition for less than I would pay at a retail store.
I've become a huge fan of JC Penney and other stores that have great sales. At the beginning of summer I was able to find tank tops for $4 which will last me through the season, and I plan on getting cardigans to wear over them in the fall. I don't buy anything that's only going to be worn once or twice. If I get a dress, it's going to be worn to work, and weddings, and funerals, and parties... not one for each. Everything I get has to be versatile. I have to be careful to not buy things just because they fit - I have to love them! Belts are your friends (both for holding baggy pants up and for cinching in oversized blouses and dresses).
Use your best judgment and enjoy the new clothing!
Thank you!
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kshama2001 wrote: »I work from home, in my pjs until lunchtime, when I change into exercise clothes
THE DREAM
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GOT_Obsessed wrote: »To the OP:
Oh definitely don't feel any guilt for treating yourself. You have worked hard and deserve nice things too. And for sure dress to fit your new body size as it changes. I was taken aside by a close friend who said my clothes were becoming unflattering the way they were sagging. I bought better fitting clothes and suddenly everyone noticed. It boosted my confidence a lot.
You go girl!
Awww thank you
I am definitely experiencing like some guilt lol. (I don't think I did work very hard tbh just starting to be less Terrible lol). But thank you 
I do feel a little proud of myself. I feel really happy about it! Although the only people who have noticed are my parents and SO, because they see me the most. People I haven't seen as often can't tell even with the new clothes (although on the plus side they probably didn't notice me gain the weight either). 3 -
I don't shop at thrift stores because I've yet to find one whose prices are lower than what I can find on the sale racks elsewhere and that have clothing I want.
I lost 50 lbs and went from size 18 to size 6. I bought clothes all along the way. My method was to buy a pair of black dress pants and a black skirt each time I lost size, plus I bought plain black t-shirts (usually Merona brand from Target for the latter.) I also bought a few brightly colored twinset-type cardigans. I would start out air drying everything and as I shrunk I would switch to putting them in the dryer. The cardigans were fairly forgiving, size-wise, in that they kind of covered up when the t-shirts got a bit baggy. This was for work clothing, by the way. I would usually end up getting at least one other pair of dress pants and a dress but I pretty much kept my clothing very basic during that year.
That sounds really sensible! I should have had your foresight maybe next time! How did you get through a whole week with only 1 pair of pants a skirt and a dress though? Maybe in the winter it's not so hard but I sweat a ton and yeah I'm not going to re-wear clothes a second day 
I work in A/C (that's why I had the little cardigans.) I wear the pants/skirt each twice and the dress once. I wondered at first if people would notice the constant black but I ended up with probably 8 different black t-shirts at any one time, with a couple of different necklines/sleeve lengths, and nobody ever seemed to notice anything. I am a shoe person, though (red heels, gray oxfords, zebra striped Chucks, etc.) and I think that they become more of a focal point when you wear all black.
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A seamstress can usually tailor your clothes for two sizes. Past two sizes, you need new clothes. Buy basic clothes that can be tailored. Some people do well at second hand and goodwill shops -- buying inexpensive clothes that you will wear for a short period.
Thank you for that insider knowledge! I should probably get those dress pants taken in/up soon or just pass them on then. They're a size 18 and I'm now a 14/16. They were brand new too! Maybe it's not worth it for them, but maybe if my current stuff is too big in a couple months I'll do that.1 -
collectingblues wrote: »I'm another "nope, not doing thrift" person. For me, I replace as absolutely needed. So dresses and shirts that are slightly big? Not replaced. Dresses where I look like I'm playing dressup in someone else's clothes, or with an event where I need to look like I'm wearing my A Game? Replaced as I need something.
Pants are replaced when it becomes physically impossible to wear them. So baggy on the hips is fine. Falling down when I put them on? Not fine, and time to replace.collectingblues wrote: »A seamstress can usually tailor your clothes for two sizes. Past two sizes, you need new clothes. Buy basic clothes that can be tailored. Some people do well at second hand and goodwill shops -- buying inexpensive clothes that you will wear for a short period.
This. I kept a small pile of high-end clothes that I really want to have altered -- and I'll readjust them when I get to a size and weight where I'm mostly happy. But for the run-of-the-mill Ann Taylor, J Crew, etc. type stuff, I'll just donate them -- it would cost more to rebuild them than it would to buy new.
Yes my pants were pretty much impossible to wear. They were supposed to be a higher waist pant and sit at the belly button or just below, and I'd be walking around at work yanking them up every 2 minutes because they were barely holding onto my hips. I thought they would have slid off in a couple pounds. Definitely cursed the lack of belt loops. So glad most of my new stuff has them!!
I actually still have some really fancy designer clothes my mom bought me back in high school when all of my cousins were getting married and I'd have a formal every year. Some of it was too small even then and never worn. We planned to get them altered because they were so gorgeous, but never got around to it. Some things do need to get passed on like the formal dresses I will literally have zero occasion to wear ever again, but the cute silk skirts maybe can be "goal" items haha
I'm definitely thinking I should just pass on those dress pants now. I have lots of new pants in my current size that don't need altering. Most of my old clothes were too worn out to be of use to anyone, but maybe someone can see them as a good thrift find idk. I don't know anyone at a size 18 so I can't just give them to someone 1 -
@kiela64 The nice thing about Amazon is returns are usually pretty easy. They give you a return label and you send it back. The caveat is remembering you need to return something to Amazon, and not leaving it in a closet somewhere! lol.1
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debrakgoogins wrote: »I took advantage of local consignment shops. That way, I could sell the clothes I was outgrowing and buy new-to-me at a lower price. Rinse and repeat. When you reach your final goal, buy new clothes - truly new clothes.
See, consignment stores I always thought were designer-vintage and small sizes only. They always look so intimidating! I didn't realize they would take clothes too.0 -
I don't shop at thrift stores because I've yet to find one whose prices are lower than what I can find on the sale racks elsewhere and that have clothing I want.
I lost 50 lbs and went from size 18 to size 6. I bought clothes all along the way. My method was to buy a pair of black dress pants and a black skirt each time I lost size, plus I bought plain black t-shirts (usually Merona brand from Target for the latter.) I also bought a few brightly colored twinset-type cardigans. I would start out air drying everything and as I shrunk I would switch to putting them in the dryer. The cardigans were fairly forgiving, size-wise, in that they kind of covered up when the t-shirts got a bit baggy. This was for work clothing, by the way. I would usually end up getting at least one other pair of dress pants and a dress but I pretty much kept my clothing very basic during that year.
That sounds really sensible! I should have had your foresight maybe next time! How did you get through a whole week with only 1 pair of pants a skirt and a dress though? Maybe in the winter it's not so hard but I sweat a ton and yeah I'm not going to re-wear clothes a second day
I work in A/C (that's why I had the little cardigans.) I wear the pants/skirt each twice and the dress once. I wondered at first if people would notice the constant black but I ended up with probably 8 different black t-shirts at any one time, with a couple of different necklines/sleeve lengths, and nobody ever seemed to notice anything. I am a shoe person, though (red heels, gray oxfords, zebra striped Chucks, etc.) and I think that they become more of a focal point when you wear all black.
Nice! My work has AC but it isn't that powerful. It's just less hot and humid indoors. Still warm. And walking to and from busses and sometimes the transits AC isn't working....yeah. Lots of sweat. Blech.
Yeah I don't think people would notice, I would just worry about doing laundry like 3x a week. That's like my worst nightmare. My shoes are the worst thing right now, I've been wearing running shoes constantly. I need them in at least black so they don't stand out so much. I've got foot issues, so comfort/function has to be first. I've never had the balance for heels (my prom shoes were 1/2'' kitten heels and I still wobbled a ton. Still got em. Still wobble, lol).
That sounds absolutely gorgeous though! Everyone probably thinks of you as the striking shoe person on staff. 0 -
Crafty_camper123 wrote: »@kiela64 The nice thing about Amazon is returns are usually pretty easy. They give you a return label and you send it back. The caveat is remembering you need to return something to Amazon, and not leaving it in a closet somewhere! lol.
I've been too scared to return things and just kept them even though they were wrong. I would need some sort of bag for the things, the original wouldn't be re-sealable! Idk it seems so scary. And wouldn't you need to pay for shipping? I remember looking into returning some swimming body wash that I realized I didn't need and they said you needed to pay shipping and it was like 3/4 the price of the item and Not Worth It.0 -
I have the 'whipping past the sizes' issue too: I'm a clothes hoarder who loves to shop, so I've kept all of my clothes in all of my sizes. I have a complete wardrobe in all sizes from a 16 to a 4 -- embarrassing, I know. I'll cull the stuff I don't wear or that I've worn to death, but I'm always sure to have something to wear that fits and that I like, no matter what size I am.
But yes, BUY STUFF THAT FITS. Thrift shops ARE THE BEST. Or consignment stores if you're concerned about bugs. Consignment places are usually 'curated' and managed by someone who picks out each piece and ensures that the clothes are are laundered or dry cleaned before they're accepted. And end of season sales in regular stores (like, shop NOW) can be as low as 90% off. And deep-discount places or 'factory' stores (Gap Factory Outlet, Nordstorm Rack) are often full of cheaper low-end stuff which won't wear well but can be worn for a season without mishap.2 -
RelCanonical wrote: »I shop at thrift stores.
Ditto. I’ve gone from 38” waist jeans to 35” and now those are getting very loose. I pulled down my own belted jeans standing before my dear bride at home this AM.
Time to start looking for 34” waist items at the local thrift shops.
One shop does $1 per item in Fridays so time to check them out.
My chest is still in the Men’s XL range at 49” so I’m good on shirts for a while. I do have to buy tall shirts as I have short legs and a long torso for my 5’11” body.
So shirts are less likely found in thrift shops.
Anyone need a bunch of 38/29 or 38/30 jeans?
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tbright1965 wrote: »RelCanonical wrote: »I shop at thrift stores.
Ditto. I’ve gone from 38” waist jeans to 35” and now those are getting very loose. I pulled down my own belted jeans standing before my dear bride at home this AM.
Time to start looking for 34” waist items at the local thrift shops.
One shop does $1 per item in Fridays so time to check them out.
My chest is still in the Men’s XL range at 49” so I’m good on shirts for a while. I do have to buy tall shirts as I have short legs and a long torso for my 5’11” body.
So shirts are less likely found in thrift shops.
Anyone need a bunch of 38/29 or 38/30 jeans?
Your best bet for moving these jeans is something local, like craigslist, freecycle.org, or a FaceBook group 0 -
tbright1965 wrote: »RelCanonical wrote: »I shop at thrift stores.
Ditto. I’ve gone from 38” waist jeans to 35” and now those are getting very loose. I pulled down my own belted jeans standing before my dear bride at home this AM.
Time to start looking for 34” waist items at the local thrift shops.
One shop does $1 per item in Fridays so time to check them out.
My chest is still in the Men’s XL range at 49” so I’m good on shirts for a while. I do have to buy tall shirts as I have short legs and a long torso for my 5’11” body.
So shirts are less likely found in thrift shops.
Anyone need a bunch of 38/29 or 38/30 jeans?
$1?!?!?! Gosh I’d definitely go to one if I saw something like that. I got one Tshirt for $4.50 before tax and thought that was a steal 😱
I’ve heard of stuff like that happening in the US but not Canada, although maybe I’m looking in the wrong places. The thrift stores I’ve been to have been both dingy/dirty with nothing in my size and expensive.0 -
Goodwill, St Vincente De Paul and Salvation army will your weight is still moving downward. However, I have bought a couple of pieces in each new size because I deserved it. Even those pieces were bought on sale, clearance or discount. Those catalogs that they are sending way way too many of? Toss them. The clothing will still be on their website later when you've reached your final goal weight. In fact, you may not have to shop with THEM anymore. All stores will have clothing in your size and be at your fingertips. The smallest sizes have the cutest stuff anyway and is well worth the wait!0
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I am another one who doesn't like thrift stores.
I live 50 miles away from the nearest mall, so I buy a lot online. One of my favorite places to shop online is QVC. They have many plus size clothes for the same prices as misses. Choosing your right size is fairly easy - garment measurements (for tops chest circumference, muscle circumference, sweep, neck drop etc are given - for pants - front and back rise, waist, hip ,thigh circumference, leg opening etc are given) If you get an item and decide it is the wrong size or color, they offer free exchanges. I like their stretch denim jeans - they will take you through several pounds of weight loss. I don't mind spending a little more on a pair of pants that I can wear a couple of times a week for a few months. But, I have a few pair of these - they are only $27.
https://qvc.com/Women-with-Control-Slim-Leg-Pants-with-Tummy-Control-Panel.product.A225326.html?upsh=1&sc=A225789-CSWB&TZ=CST
For extra savings, I shop their lunchtime special pricing.
They also offer "as is" items that are customer returns - some are real cheap - they can still be returned if they don't fit. I have only bought one top that was an "as is" item. Looked like it had never been worn. (I also bout a necklace that was an "as is" item.)
One of the reasons I want to lose weight is so I can buy cuter clothes - so I don't mind spending a little on myself every now and then.2 -
Thrift stores, FB marketplace, etc.0
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Build outfits around basics with accessories to keep it interesting. You can have a wide variety of outfits/styles with a few core pieces and then a ton of add-ons. The best part about accessories? You don't shrink out of them!
I think you should always have -
3 pairs of neutral work pants (black, grey, blue)
7 v neck t shirts (black, white, grey, 2 bright colors, 2 patterns)
4 cardigans/sweaters (black, grey, 2 bright colors)
1 blazer (black)
2 dresses
2 button down blouses (white, black)
2 jeans (dark wash, distressed)
You can find all of that stuff at Gap or Loft and at some point, their stuff always goes on clearance. Try on in the store and then scope the website for clearance deals. I've gotten shirts for 6 bucks and pants for 15.
For mixing it up, add chunky necklaces, earrings, scarves, hankerchiefs, head bands, bangles, bright belts and fun shoes. Keep your nails painted for some added interest.2 -
Thrift stores are good, but taking in clothes you already own in is better. There will, of course, be a point where you just can't take make something any smaller without spoiling its shape, but there are all kinds of tutorials on YouTube on taking in clothes or making your own pattern for some things.1
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Thrift stores
If you aren’t getting much wear out of new clothes as your still dropping you can resell on eBay if they are a popular brand and get some $$ back for your next shopping spree
The dryer has helped shrink tshirts but not so good for longer sleeved items!
I’ve been wearing a active wear a lot as it’s stretchy and has lasted longer through sizes. Drawstring tights have been the best.
I do need new work clothes now as I’ve been told my pants look like clown pants and my belt has run out of holes2 -
RelCanonical wrote: »I shop at thrift stores.
We've had a bad thing of bed bugs in my city, so my mom put a blanket ban on all second hand clothing/books etc. It didn't even occur to me to try there because it's been out of the question so long. But tbh when I've gone to them I haven't seen ANYTHING in my size, usually size 10 and under or 20 and up, and everything was really....not nice. Might just be where I went though.
Sorry to go totally off topic, but I just wanted to comment on the bed bug thing because we actually had to deal with them a few years ago. Your mom is right to be very careful, they are AWFUL.
However, you can still buy second-hand clothing items from thrift stores safely. What we learned from our exterminator is as soon as you bring them home, toss them in the dryer on high heat for at least an hour. They can't survive the high temperature for that long and it will kill any if they are in there.
Just thought I'd throw that out there!
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Another non-thrift store shopper here. I too shop sales and 'off-season' and have lived with a very basic, limited wardrobe while losing. I've started buying a few more things now that I'm closing in on maintenance but still not going crazy. I usually had 2-pairs of work slacks in basic colors (black/grey/tan) and a few shirts to rotate through with a couple of cardigans. For casual stuff, I had one pair of jeans at at a time that fit and a few t-shirts.
Have you lost out of your shoes yet? I'm having to replace all of those as well
Ah, you've been so smart about this!!! That sounds really practical.
Nope, but I actually wore them down this year. I've been just living in my running shoes (which were a little pinchier before but maybe I just got used to them), so I do need to get some too (wallet says ouch!). I'll have to get a pair of work/school shoes and winter boots can be a little roomy so that's fine. But that's probably all I'll do. I still have my dress-up shoes from prom (nearly 8 years ago now lol) that I trot out whenever I need to be Extra Fancy.
It helps that I don't mind wearing the same 5 outfits to work all the time and have practically no social life
Shoes are where I can get into trouble. Shoes don't care if you're feeling fat. They will never let you down! Definitely invest in good quality running shoes. Professionally fitted, if possible.1 -
Another for thrift shops and sales. For pants I sew elastic along the back so they will last longer without having to yank them up all the time. Not ideal but better than the fear of them falling down in public.1
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I keep all my clothes sizes, my size is always changing. I seem to range anywhere from 90-144 lbs lol. I'm sure one day I might gain weight again so no point in getting rid of it all, or if I get pregnant I might want some big baggy shirts who knows. If I ever get sick again I'll probably drop down low again too. I hate shopping, so I try to go as little as possible. Usually every 5 years or so if someone doesn't make me go. I keep my clothes until they get holes in awkward places..1
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I adulted and didn't buy more than I could afford.I think I went overboard. Especially considering that this is NOT my goal weight/size, and if I get there I'll have to buy different clothes at least a couple more times if not more.
Bleh. Anyway, TL;DR just: what did you do? How did you avoid falling into this? Or what did you do with regards to changing clothing sizes over the course of your journey?
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I've shopped in the sales but also shopped for the next size down as an incentive, I now have a wardrobe full of clothes that don't (yet) fit. All the clothes that were too big I sold on eBay, which pretty much paid for most of the sale clothes I bought. You could consider doing that with the clothes you've just bought but will inevitably slim out of.0
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I went from a size 10 to a 2/4 a few years ago. Along the way I mostly shopped at thrift stores, or at discount retailers and tried to focus on items that would still work as I lost weight. Some nicer brand items (such as my Calvin Klein sheath dresses) still fall pretty well on me from when I was a size 6, not quite as ideal as the 2's but the style is forgiving enough to still look nice. I am pretty bad about still wearing some pretty baggy clothes, but since I've maintained my current size for over 2 years so I've been slowly buying my "real size" and getting rid of my bigger items. I guess my biggest tip for women is to take advantage of dresses as much as possible, you wont have to worry about them falling off so much, and a belt at the waist can do wonders in keeping it flattering when it gets a little too big.5
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snickerscharlie wrote: »
I adulted and didn't buy more than I could afford.I think I went overboard. Especially considering that this is NOT my goal weight/size, and if I get there I'll have to buy different clothes at least a couple more times if not more.
Bleh. Anyway, TL;DR just: what did you do? How did you avoid falling into this? Or what did you do with regards to changing clothing sizes over the course of your journey?
.. But....adulting is so darn hard!6 -
kshama2001 wrote: »tbright1965 wrote: »
Anyone need a bunch of 38/29 or 38/30 jeans?
Your best bet for moving these jeans is something local, like craigslist, freecycle.org, or a FaceBook group
I didn't really expect anyone to take them. I should have put some sort of emoji in there.
Sadly, my 26 year old step son may be able to wear them....0
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