Re-learning how to dress

Lumen1505

I started here on MFP back in March and have made slow but steady progress, prior to that I had already lost around 2 stone (28lbs) however I realised today that I need to start dressing to suit my new shape
Thats a bit scary as I've always dressed to hide bits not show them off & its daunting ! anyone else have this issue & what did you do? am really worried I will look like I'm trying too hard, dressing too young etc :ohwell:

JewelE77

AWESOME! What an exciting problem to have! :flowerforyou: It's definitely nerve wracking to start wearing clothing that actually fits/flaunts your shape but you earned your body and deserve to show it off in the best light! I would say check out some store's clothing catalogs and find outfits you like and try them out. Or ask the sales people's advice in a store you love. Have fun with it and celebrate all your hard work! :drinker:

FJcntdwn2sknyluv

I kinda went through that stage,I wanted to buy all the 'cute junior clothes' I could never fit into as a teenager. But am too old for that, plus all that stuff now is not cute lol.. I still find myself going to the plus section, even though I've lost 120lbs and am in misses sizes now.
In the end buy what you like to wear, only in a smaller size, that's what I did and I'm happy.. Also get a current magazine and look through it and pick the things you like, and go from there. I do alot of that

Flixie00

Take a day with a good buddy, hit the shops, try shops you wouldn't normally go into, and try on loads.

The shops I shop in now are the not the same as the shops I shopped in when fat. You need to be open about colours and styles and just see what works for the new you.

Enjoy.

lafochs

I've had to get all new clothes, which has been both exciting and expensive. I've never been the size I am now, so I still feel a little lost. Mostly I try on anything and everything on to see what I like and what works. I do find it more exciting now that I have so many more options. Don't be afraid to try something new. I recently purchased some skinny jeans, which I wouldn't have been caught dead in before. Turns out they are really flattering on me now and I love them!

Lumen1505

Thanks for the advice - its a strange thing but it has really thrown me - especially the shops I used to avoid as the clothes were too small and the style of clothes I used to buy to hide myself.
Will have some fun dressing up and hopefully a bit of a makeover

jljshoe1979

Know your body type and season (the "season" is the color palette that looks best on you)...I just bought a pair of jeans that I have never tried before because my favorite old style wasn't flattering my body any more. For me, I'm just taking my clothes one change at a time (jeans, then undies, then casual shirts, dress pants, dress shirts, etc) because trying to do everything at once is overwhelming for me. I would rather have a few pieces I love and wear regularly than a closet full of clothes that don't look good on me. Good luck, and I hope you have fun building a new wardrobe.

cityjaneLondon

I did a lot of research on line to see what was on trend. I read some fashion magazines. Then I looked at what the stores had on line before I plucked up the courage to go and try things on. It is scary. I have NOTHING left in my wardrobe apart from a pair of skinny jeans (it took me ages to buy those) and a few t shirts. I bought a new dress for a party after a lot of angst.
The shapes you used to like when you were fat no longer suit you. But I felt terrific when I slipped that new dress on. UK 14. Yeah!
I am gradually getting my eye in. Unfortunately now I feel ready to make a few purchases I have no money! !:laugh: I still have a few lbs to go so I don't want to buy masses of stuff, but I am really hard up. I am trying to sell a few of my best dresses, so if I can get some money for them I will use that.
I think it will probably take you a while to get your confidence, but it will come. Take it slowly and try just a few things on. It is not a race. :bigsmile: Colours too - you may want people to notice you more! :blushing:
I am 63, but feel and dress more like 33 !

plumsparkle

I often find I like things standing in the changing room, but sometimes new shapes, styles, lengths don't work so well in the real world, I am forever fiddling, pulling, or adjusting them. Money is an issue for me, so when I see a style I like, I look for something simlar on ebay or in charity shops. That way, I can decide if that colour/style is good for me, based on my own impressions and by asking honest opnions from friends and family, before I spend any more money. And the things that don't work so well go straight back on ebay, so I have money to buy another item! :bigsmile:

stephenson2012

I second also taking a good friend that has a style you like with you shopping. I am lucky that I do have a friend that has very similar taste to mine. There have been a number of times we bought the same thing independently. She can give you an honest view on how it looks. I still have problems with sizing. She also can check out the back. It is an expensive. Start with a good bra fitting. It will make a difference on how those new tops fit.

Lumen1505

Thank you so much for the advice lovely people - today I bought my first EVER pair of skinny fit jeans!!!! (in black of course ) to wear out this evening - slightly scary but have been assured they look okay. When I went into the changing room to try them on I was taken aback as I avoid mirrors mostly I hadnt realised just how much of a difference loosing 3 stones makes (its the same weight as my 5 year old!!!)
I love MFP as its really helped me out with staying on track & the support is amazing too x feeling the love today !