How To Style Yourself When Your Size Is Changing
One of my favorite things is to have women message me on specific questions in their wardrobe.
Recently, a woman via my Instagram account (if you aren’t following me, you’re missing out! I post daily lots of great photos and advice) asked me a question after seeing one of my photos.
Here is what she wrote:
“What advice do you give or had you written on your blog about how women change dress as when they are trying to lose weight? Like transition outfits?”
Great questions! I mean, what woman hasn’t felt this way? You and I have been there, it’s great that we can share these concerns with one another. As the Catholic Church teaches, a community is paramount.
When you read the Catechism, CCC 1879, women find their vocation through the exchange and dialogue with other people.
So let’s not do this alone!
Okay, back to the question. What immediately popped into my head was… a shift dress. Obviously because it allows for the most wiggle room.
But let’s take a step back. What’s most important is to not ask what you should wear. Instead, you should be first asking...
“Where do lose and gain weight the quickest/easiest???”
It’s probably in either of these 3 places.
Your hip/thigh
Your stomach
Your upper body
Your first instinct might be to either cover it with something oversized and billowy, or wear something skin tight over it to make it look as sleek as possible.
However, this should NOT be your goal.
What you want to do is CREATE BALANCE.
How do you do that?
Identify your waistline. Then, measure your lower half to your upper half. You’ll want the lower half of you (your hip) to get as close as possible to your upper half (your bust/shoulders).
For example, if you’re top heavy, you could wear a tailored top and a flowy skirt. If you’re bottom heavy, wear some skinnies with a flower shirt (that cinches at the waistline, something like a wrap blouse).
The goal is to create an illusion of balance with your clothes, so that you are not either top nor bottom heavy.
And since the shift dress is always an option for anyone, I thought I’d pick a few for you to shop!
Karl Lagerfeld Paris: Twill Pearl Shift Dress Isn’t a pearl detail always perfect?! I love that it gives this timeless cut that special little ‘something’ to set it apart.
Max Mara: V-Neck Shift Dress If leather sounds too scary to you, you can soften it up with a light wash denim jacket or a camel blazer/cardigan. Go for a feminine flat to counteract the ‘edginess’.
Peserico: Velvet Shift Dress Velvet is SO on trend this season. To give it more frame and structure, pair it with a jacket and bring in some riding boots and tights, so that the velvet isn’t too overwhelming.
Lafayette 148: Ladder Stitch Shift Dress This ladder stitch adds a subtle unique touch to a timeless dress. It has an easy cut for almost any silhouette to look great! Perfect to wear casually with flats, or dress it up with a statment necklace and heels!
Vince Camuto: Flutter Sleeve Sequin Dress Bring on the party!! This is sure to dazzle with a nude heel or wear it more caually with a denim jacket, tights, and booties! Woo!