New Clothes, New You? Or Not

seltzermint555

Have you found yourself changing style much since losing weight? For some people it seems like they totally transform into a different person with dramatic losses. Others may keep the same style.

I find that some of the fashions that worked best for me in a larger size no longer flatter, and different clothes seem to suit me. While my "personal style" remains much the same, my wardrobe looks a lot different!

Also...anyone like me who was in the same size range for many years (even a decade or more) and now find themselves in a totally new size? What challenges, if any, does that pose for you? Have you had any financial issues with replacing your wardrobe?

I know I've asked a lot of questions here but basically just wondering about your experiences with shopping and styling yourself in a leaner or different body.

SNLover87

I'm not at a point yet where I'm ready to buy all new clothes, but I have assumed from the beginning that I would dress very differently once I lost all the weight. Since I was so heavy, I went for whatever not only fit me, but was comfortable. That was very limiting, obviously, so whenever I found a shirt that I liked that actually fit, I would buy 10 of them in the same color. Same thing with pants. And the result was that the way I dress is super boring.

But, one of my top three things I'm looking forward to is being able to fit into normal-sized clothes, which will expand my overall options significantly! And because I will have that freedom, I want to create a style for myself for the first time in my life. I've been overweight since middle school.

So far I've only made it back to the size I was in maybe high school, so I haven't exactly experienced the joy of fitting into a size that I never have before. But the new found confidence I already have has made me comfortable in trying new things. As I get thinner, I suddenly think "Oh, I can pull that off now", whereas before I just thought it would look stupid.

So part of it for me was that I was limited in options of what I could buy, and even sometimes I guess I could buy things in the right size but I thought because I was so heavy, I had no business wearing them. I think I will look like a completely different person in more than one way when I reach my GW.

I'm glad you posted these questions - I think it's an interesting topic. Clothes for overweight people can be such a pain, and a cause for stress and frustration.

seltzermint555

So far I've only made it back to the size I was in maybe high school, so I haven't exactly experienced the joy of fitting into a size that I never have before. But the new found confidence I already have has made me comfortable in trying new things. As I get thinner, I suddenly think "Oh, I can pull that off now", whereas before I just thought it would look stupid.

Yes! This is exactly the sort of thing I'm talking about! Thanks for your post!

I have also been overweight since middle school (and before). Right now I'm about 20 lb smaller than I was in high school and hoping to get to my junior high weight soon. It is weird though for me to have a closet with nothing larger than 18 or 1X. That has definitely not happened in over 20 years for me!

As for pulling off certain looks, I feel that way too. Today I have on a dress that fit me when I was 60 lb heavier but it's pretty loose. This could be its last hurrah, I am not sure. But I have a smaller cardigan on, and leggings with ankle boots. A few years ago (my highest weight was almost 100 lb over my current weight), I would not have worn this getup. I would have felt like my legs resembled carrots shoved into tiny wedges of leather. I never hated my body even at my largest and I have always liked fashion and taking (small) chances with it - but yeah...I am starting to branch out, for sure.

Cortneyrenee04

I know my style will change because my clothes are BORING! They're for hiding in, and I am ready to be noticed! I've recently started to stay up at night looking at outfits on Pinterest to find my new style!

seltzermint555

I know my style will change because my clothes are BORING! They're for hiding in, and I am ready to be noticed! I've recently started to stay up at night looking at outfits on Pinterest to find my new style!

Totally gonna admit a lot of my fashion ideas come from Pinterest the past year or so ;-D

Especially black/white gingham shirts and red jeans. OBSESSED, and never considered either item for myself until Pinterest.

farmgirlrrt

I treated myself to a whole new wardrobe. Worth it.

chelstakencharge

I have gone from a 20wp to a 4/6p. My style has totally changed. I love being able to shop in the "tiny" size. I also find it fun to shop at Old Navy and order a size small petite skirt, get it in the mail and it looks super cute.

Zelinna

My style has definitely changed.

Partly because now I fit into clothes I always wanted to wear, but also because styles that used to look good on the bigger now don't look as good. For instance, I love wide leg pants, but now I look like I am just swimming in them.

heylookitsval

I dropped 4 pant sizes so far and I still haven't bought new clothes...I look like MC Hammer.

Broderick50

I haven't bought new clothes for myself in years. I'm currently wearing pants that are a full two sizes too big. When I hit the 300lb mark I'm going to update my pants defintely and some of the shirts. I'm holding back on some of the shirts because I'm lifting also and as my chest and arm muscle grow that will affect my size more.

srobertking

I've had to replace my wardrobe several times over the last year unless I wanted to look really silly. Thank god for thrift stores. They keep me from going broke. Plus, I find name brand stuff that I would never be able to buy new. I feel like a rock star walking around town now!

djeffreys10

For me, new clothes equaled old me. But not after weight loss. When I was married, I didn't own a pair of wranglers or cowboy boots. Over the years, I became someone that, looking back on, I don't recognize. It was after my divorce that I started changing up my wardrobe. Then I lost weight and had to keep buying new stuff to replace the stuff that was too big. But I actually feel like me again, so it's worth it.

Donnaakamagmid

I used to never wear skirts and the only dresses I wore were maxi dresses to hide (HA like that works). Most days I now wear knee length pencil skirts to the office. I still wear jeans on the weekend but now I also wear denim skirts a lot. It's kind of freeing and definitely makes me feel more sexy. Oh the the best thing is I can now wear knee high boots! Could never get them up over my calves before.

I buy most stuff on clearance but for the past 2 years I've bought my winter coats at the Goodwill. $15 please another 15-20 to clean/mend them. Really nice coats. I gave Goodwill all my old clothes.

heylookitsval

For me, new clothes equaled old me. But not after weight loss. When I was married, I didn't own a pair of wranglers or cowboy boots. Over the years, I became someone that, looking back on, I don't recognize. It was after my divorce that I started changing up my wardrobe. Then I lost weight and had to keep buying new stuff to replace the stuff that was too big. But I actually feel like me again, so it's worth it.

Good choice on the wranglers and cowboy boots. :drinker:

purple180

I have grown very fun of "Thrift Shops" you will be amazed at all the great things I find, name brand (Banana Republic, GAP, Kenneth Cole, Ann Taylor, etc.) with the tags still on them. AMAZING. I love shopping now as before I dreaded it.

djeffreys10

For me, new clothes equaled old me. But not after weight loss. When I was married, I didn't own a pair of wranglers or cowboy boots. Over the years, I became someone that, looking back on, I don't recognize. It was after my divorce that I started changing up my wardrobe. Then I lost weight and had to keep buying new stuff to replace the stuff that was too big. But I actually feel like me again, so it's worth it.

Good choice on the wranglers and cowboy boots. :drinker:

Just getting back to my roots

tomwatso

I have done it. Buying clothes now more than I ever have. Most people don't recognize me at first. I really like the change. Keeps people guessing.

hbrittingham

I used to wear baggy clothes that covered the bumps and bulges, now I can actually tuck in blouses and look good that way! So yes, I don't dress nearly as frumpy as I did when I weighed more.

wiscck

I haven't gotten to maintenance yet, so no brand new wardrobe, but I've been wearing some things a bit too big and hitting thrift stores for the rest. I started at a size 18 and yesterday I was able to take off a pair of size 16 jeans without undoing the button, so I think it's time to pick up a few new pairs.

Thankfully I have a job where I can wear jeans and a t-shirt, because I probably wouldn't be able to afford to keep updating a professional wardrobe. But I graduate next month and am job-searching at the moment, so probably soon.

ingeh

Im dressing more "emo/punky" styles now. Im only 22 so I hope I can pull it off. I love that style and coloured jeans and slogan tops. Im aiming for a uk size 8 jeans size as an ultimate goal. Im in 10s now so nearly lol At the moment clothes are more for covering my body but when I get happier and at my goal then il go out with abit of money and spend it on a new wardbrobe of staple mix and match pieces!

svsl0928

I was smart enough hold on to few of the smaller sizes (14/16). Now I am wearing them. I am really in between sizes but my smaller version of the larger size (16) are do able in most case. Some of my large 16s and 14Ws I have had altered. I don't like the way my 1x tops and coat fits. Also to save on money, I got some clothes from a cousin who has lost weight. She gave me her size 14 skirts which fit me just right.

It really helps to wear clothes that fit the new you. This helps you and others see change.

I hope this helps.

ldrosophila

What ever you do dont do what I did...finally donate all the too big clothes. Were talking about 6 garbage bags full then go and get knocked up shortly after that. Really ruins what you can wear.

I'm just hoping I'll be able to drop enough baby weight to get back into the smaller sizes otherwise it'll be maternity clothes for a very long time, LOL!

asreyes8022

I have always liked trendy styles but found myself buying them for my sister or my niece since they are the perfect size to wear the clothes I like. I have found that I have actually been buying for myself now. My old standard was a very loose XL mens graphic T-shirt with a colored cardigan. Now I am comfortable wearing more fitted tops that show off my weight loss. My personal goal is to be able to buy some super cute calf boots and not feel like I am "too fat" to look good in them. I can't wait to buy some more fashionable stuff for myself. Not there yet.

wiscck

I was smart enough hold on to few of the smaller sizes (14/16). Now I am wearing them. I am really in between sizes but my smaller version of the larger size (16) are do able in most case. Some of my large 16s and 14Ws I have had altered. I don't like the way my 1x tops and coat fits. Also to save on money, I got some clothes from a cousin who has lost weight. She gave me her size 14 skirts which fit me just right.

It really helps to wear clothes that fit the new you. This helps you and others see change.

I hope this helps.

My 1X winter coat is too big on me, but I can't afford a new one. I figure this way I can wear lots of layers under it.

darrensurrey

I've found myself wearing clothes I wore at uni 21 years ago. :laugh:

shaynepoole

I dropped from a size 26/28 and am currently about a 14/16. I bought a lot of summer casual stuff at the end of summers sale (but I live in AZ, so that end of summer sales seem silly but it helped as I literally swam in all my old clothes) I also picked up some stuff in thrift/consignment stores when I needed actual clothes for a trip to NJ. I just pick up stuff as I need it, and my style has definitely changed as I lost weight. Pre weight loss, it was all about the cover up, tunic shirts to cover the stomach, etc... now I can wear normal length shirts and leggings. I would have never worn leggings out of the house before the weight loss, at least without a shirt long enough to cover my rear and stomach

lindsaylove07

I definitely changed! I have a more grown up style now that I'm no longer too fat for fitted outfits. I noticed that I stopped wearing so many flowy skirts too, now I rock leopard pencil skirts!

SNLover87

A few years ago (my highest weight was almost 100 lb over my current weight), I would not have worn this getup. I would have felt like my legs resembled carrots shoved into tiny wedges of leather.

This! There were some things I just refused to wear because I thought I looked ridiculous lol I am wearing a lot of skirts + tights and boots now that it's getting colder, and man does that look so much better than it used to.

FerretBuellerr

I've honestly been using the whole "losing weight and getting fit" thing as an excuse to buy the new wardrobe that I've wanted since I started University 4 years ago. I've been craving to change my style to something less "Hi, I'm an angsty 16 year old who only wears band t-shirts and jeans" to "Hi, I'm a young professional and a sexy woman - please hire me and all my sexiness!"

I never had the money to literally buy a new wardrobe before, but now that the majority of my clothes are too big or don't fit right, I've been putting money aside. I figured it's a great way to reward myself - a new me with a new lifestyle, a new attitude, and clothing that reflects that. So far as style of clothes/sizes, I've only bought one new outfit, so I haven't experimented with other styles that I would always avoid before that may look better now - but now it's something I really want to do! :happy:

God, I want to go shopping, like meow.

gertudejekyl

I've spent a lot of money on new clothes - I've got to stop !! I still have a long way to go I have some sturdy new jeggings to try wearing this week. I'll wear them with a new purple fuzzy sweater. This is a nonfood way of rewarding myself.

aszwarc

I'm in completely different things than I was last year at this time.

Donna mentioned wearing more skirts/dresses and tucking things in - YES. THIS. I will actually tuck things in now, or buy cute everyday dresses just to wear without a specific occasion in mind. Heck, I've got a pair of leggings on now that I never in a million years would have even looked at, let alone bought. And I'm not as adamant any more about "no sleeveless." I used to curse the companies that only made things that were sleeveless. But I've got a few things now that I will actually wear in public without coverups when it warms up in the Spring. (For now, I'll wear sweaters over them for the warmth.)

I wore my older things until I just couldn't any more because they just looked silly, or were literally falling off. Luckily because of seasons, that meant I only had 1 "interim" wardrobe before my new, final size. If you have a lot to lose, I definitely suggest that you check out thrift or resale shops for basics to wear while you continue to change sizes. Going with basics means you don't need as many pieces because you can mix them up, and change looks with a few accessories, like scarves and costume jewelry. And you can get a feel for what might be your new personal style without blowing a lot of money on things you end up wearing only once.

Nov. 2012: 18/20W
Spring 2013: 12/14, spring and summer clothes purchased
Fall 2013: 6/8, new winter wardrobe (and some of the 8s are a little loose, but I can take them in a bit or belt them)