New job...but work clothes are too big

guamchar · June 2010

Yay for me. I got a new job today as an intern that could lead to full time employment when I graduate next year (keeping my fingers crossed). My problem is that I've lost about 1- 1 1/2 sizes, so my "professional" clothes don't fit me anymore. These are plus sizes, so a 22 is really big on my 18/20 body now. I am a student and don't have the money to buy a new wardrobe, especially one that I hope will be too big soon. Does anyone have any tricks on how to make a new wardrobe? I safety pinned the excess fabric in my pants today, but those are the only pants that will allow me to do that. I've checked thrift stores and yard sales, but it's hard to find plus sized, young but professional clothes. Maybe we should start a MFP trading post or Ebay so we can help out other MFPers.

I know it's a good problem to have....but it still sucks.

evaeva28 · June 2010

Great Job!!! I just gave away a bunch of my old work clothes that were size 20 and above but now that I am in a Misses 16 I have a few slacks and stuff that are size 18. Where do you live? If it doesn't end up costing too much I would send them to you if you wanted them. Just let me know! You can email me and we can go from there.

I have figured out that there is NO way to make it NOT look like you have something in the back of your pants once you have lost that much weight! I had to go buy some new stuff that's already too small. Belts have helped me last longer in the clothes I have but even then I still looked "frumpy" as my coworkers told me!! I'm sorry I can't be of more help

( but email me if you want to chat more about the clothes.

hymiesmom · June 2010

I know what you mean...it hurts the wallet to have to replace outgrown clothes!

Do you have a Kohls in your area? I've been buying my clothes there since they have fashionable stuff at GREAT prices. This way when I have to go down a size, I don't feel bad about replacing my clothes.

When I get down to my goal weight/size THEN I will buy more pricey pieces!

foxxybrown · June 2010

Seamstress in area? I bought a sewing machine and did a lot of it myself years ago when I couldn't afford to buy a lot of new stuff.

Tobi1013 · June 2010

I agree with foxxy (great name, btw!) - find a seamstress or tailor. Yes, you will have to pay to have the work done, but it will be FAR less than buying brand new clothes. Also, start with a few basic peices that you can mix up into several different outfits.

kristinlough · June 2010

I find skirts last longer (professionally) in my weight loss. Buy a skirt that fits high on the waist now, even if it's a little snug and you can't zip it all the way. Pair it with a blouse (which, with the style right now can be a little baggy) and a cardigan (again, can be a little baggy) and belt over the smallest part of you. No need to tuck in the blouses if they're neat. This way, that skirt will fit you high, then right, then hang a little low on your hips through three sizes. And you should be able to use the blouses you already have!!

In fact, you could pin the blouses in the back (under the cardigan) to nip in more at the waist. The belts are SUPER in (you could also do a sweater clip or brooch at the waist for variety) and will make you look thinner/keep your clothes on.

I would buy 2-3 belts at a Kohl's/TJ Maxx/Marshall's/Target that fit you on the biggest hole now. If you feel uncomfortable about that, I bet you could mask that with a brooch or bow or something, too! That way, the belts will still fit you as you lose weight, at least for a few inches.

This look should be pretty versatile and could be pulled off with a black skirt, a grey skirt, a navy skirt and a tan skirt. That's not too much money (especially if you get the skirts at a discount store, too! I love the JC Penney Worthington and East 5th lines ...) and should last for at least 30-40 pounds of additional weight loss.

Hope that helps!! :happy: and congrats on the weight loss AND the job!!

KarenECunningham · June 2010

Pants are hard to adjust but tops can be belted or easily taken in on the sides (some dry cleaners do alterations really cheap). I know what you mean about the clothes issue because I have run into the same problem. To help in the future, buy pants that have some stretch to them (not granny pull ons) but a lot of dress jeans and pants have some stretch to them. You buy them a little snug and that way you get some extra time out of them. I buy basic black or tan. You can change them with accessories and different shirts and scarfs. I don't know how you feel about dresses but in my opinion you get a lot more wear out of them as you lose weight because they are not quite as obvious when they are a little too big. Good luck on your new position.:flowerforyou:

smuehlbauer · June 2010

Second hand stores will work. But you really got to look.
Try one that is in a higher income neighborhood. You can usually find one or two pieces.
It's what I have been doing until I get to my goal. I can't afford to buy a new wardrobe, then buy another one!
Good luck!
Steph

aippolito1 · June 2010

Walmart, Target, Kohl's. They all have great plus sized stuff. Check your paper for coupons or check online and definitely go now because they're in between seasons so they should have some stuff from last season on sale. Good luck, honey! I do like the idea of an MFP clothes swap, though!! I've been thinking this myself.

tairui2009 · June 2010

I don't know if you have a "ZIPS" in the area - they are our local dry cleaner, and they do alterations for not too much money at all. Most dry cleaners for that matter can handle alterations ~

melodyg · June 2010

Check out www.freecycle.org to see if there is an e-mail list in your area. I know in my area there is a freecycle e-mail list and also a few "online garage sale" lists where people sell clothes. In my opinion... those of us who are plus size know the hassles of buying clothing and tend to help each other out, especially through weight loss efforts! You just may find someone who is trying to lose weight and is a size smaller than you. Might want to check out any weight loss places in your area too and see if they have some board or something for a clothing exchange (I have to admit I haven't tried this, but it seems like a good idea in theory!) Good luck -- this is a good problem to have!

Oh, I have to second the idea of a stretchy skirt... as long as you make sure you aren't gaining weight! Skirts do tend to be more forgiving than pants. Also check out some websites or ask for advice on how to make a little bit of clothing go a long way... you can take black pants/skirt and dress them lots of different ways to look different.

Nina74 · June 2010

Check ebay, craigslist, etc. I put some of my plus sized suits there when we went business casual and people ate them up! I sold them for cheap and people loved them! One girl literally bought everything I had in her size! Also check oldnavy.com,. their "work" stuff is pretty decent, cheap, but only online for plus sizes.

New job...but work clothes are too big

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