Save money while losing weight by purchasing a simple black dress and dress it up or down.It seems to me that people who are on a mission to lose weight often feel that they aren't worthy to dress nice. I'd like a dollar for every time I've heard someone say, "I'm going to buy....when I lose weight." Why not look your best while you are on your journey as well. When we look good, psychologically we feel better. It raises our self-esteem. I would even go as far as to say that it could lead to weight loss success. When you look nice, people notice. You receive compliments. Compliments are great motivators.
Baggy sweatpants and t-shirts are fine for working out, but for some they have become a staple of their wardrobe. I asked my blogging friend, Tracey from Tj's Test Kitchen, to give me her thoughts on dressing while she was losing weight. Tracey has lost 70 lbs., but in her own words, dressing for her new body has brought about some challenges. First, take a look at a few photos of Tracey.
You may have thought these photos were taken several months apart but actually, they were both taken on the same day. Notice how much smaller Tracey looks in an outfit that fits? Even her facial expression changed when she put on the more fitted outfit. Here is what Tracey has to say:
"I've had a weight problem all my life. What I am dealing with right now is seeing myself thinner. I still see the 232 pound person in the mirror. Yes- my clothes are smaller, and I see what the tag says, but when I put it on my body I see myself larger than I am.
That second outfit (baggie shorts- hoodie) I bought to go exercise in. I would walk around the neighborhood or go to the local gym but like I said they were tight on me and a BIG baggy tee shirt or a sweatshirt would always be worn. A bigger shirt would make me feel safe. Covering my butt and even my thighs. I would cover up in baggie clothes because if it was form fitting you could see lumps and bumps and people might see my trouble areas.
Even though I am struggling with seeing myself after the 70 pound loss I know that the fitted outfit makes me look better. Plus I do enjoy all of the compliments I get when I dress in my new clothing and get to show off my success. "-Tracey Jones, TJ's Test Kitchen
Tracey's Toned Little Tummy
Who would have know that was hiding under that baggy outfit?You don't have to spend a fortune on clothing while you are transitioning from one size to the next. For women, a pair of black slacks, a black dress and a few tops can work with accessories that you already own. Add a colorful scarf, necklace or bag to complete the look. And for heaven's sake, get a decent fitting bra and undergarments. They can make a world of difference. Even tiny little Eva Longoria-Park admits to wearing Spanx to look lump and bump free. I wear them proudly!
For the gentleman, please, I beg of you, get rid of the pleated pants and opt for a flat front pair if you are at or near your goal weight. The pleats only add bulk. A few pairs of pants and jeans along with some nice shirts won't cost a fortune. Believe me, the ladies will notice.
For everyone:
Dark colors on the bottom will give the illusion of a smaller figure.
Make friends with the tailor at your local dry cleaners. For a relatively small price you can have your clothes taken in as you lose weight. Why wear a bigger size than you need. You did the work, why not enjoy the fruits of your labor?
Shop stores like Target for fashionable, well-made and affordable clothing.
You are worth it. You deserve to look nice regardless of your size or where you are on the road to losing or maintaining your weight.
Do you dress to impress or are you still hiding in baggy clothes?
I am waiting to be turned in to "What not to Wear"! I don't have a job and have become a frumpy dumpy dresser, overweight or thin. I look like a slob and know I should change. Those pictures were amazing! I suspect I would look thinner too if I changed my clothes.
ReplyDeleteI was thin my whole life except for about a two-year period. During the gain, I was in a lot of denial. But what happened with clothes was that, first, I just didn't have the money to buy a lot of new things. And second, I HATED HATED HATED shopping. I found myself in tears in my own bedroom and retail stores because NOTHING looked right. Even then clothes that fit nicely just didn't look right. Because I was used to being a thin person who could find and wear cute clothes easily. So, I ended up just buying anything that I found quickly that fit. It was emotional for me, and I don't think there was any piece of clothing that was going to make me feel good about myself at that time.
ReplyDeleteThankfully, I successfully lost 30 pounds. I'm not where I want to be, but I'm happy with where I am (if that makes sense). I went through a period of LOTS of shopping when I lost the weight. Plus, I kept all my "skinny" clothes, so I got to shop in my closet.
I get what you're saying and agree with it, but I guess my point is that it's easier said than done when you have all the emotions going along with it. It killed me to buy a size 12, even though that was what fit. I don't know what would have happened if I'd ended up in a size 14 or higher. And I want to make clear, I don't judge others for their size. But for me, that just isn't who I am, so it's very uncomfortable for me.
Interesting post!
ReplyDeleteI have to admit, that when I reached my goal weight, I was glad I could wear anything and look, well, reasonable.
Interesting post. I've dropped 40 lbs and kept it off now a while. Although I've gone from a 16 to a 14 or sometimes a 12, I'm always amazed at the ads that swear women drop 5 or 10 dress sizes with only a 30-40 lb loss.
ReplyDeleteI still have a difficult time accepting that the clothes in my closet at too big even if they are 14s from 7 yrs ago (yes, I buy pieces that last forever). But have no issue with dumping the baggy workout clothes. There's bound to be a mental disconnect there. But I have discovered belts. I love belts, scarves as belts, even longer necklaces as belts. A great way to highlight the smallest part of my body.
Now, to get my BF out of those pleated pants - UGH! And to think they are back in style for women - never ever ever again.
This is a much-needed post, Karen. When we moved from Ohio to Massachusetts I gained a lot of weight: nervousness, inactivity, boredom, and loneliness all contributed to about a 20 pound weight gain. I have a very small frame and naturally wear a size 4, it was extremely hard for me to buy size 8 jeans even though every rational thought told me size 8 is not even remotely fat, it's 2 sizes larger than I usually am. To compensate I spent almost a year wearing yoga pants and oversized sweatshirts rather than something that fit properly. I probably looked huge and I know I felt awful!
ReplyDeleteWhatever size you are, embrace it, find flattering clothes, and remind yourself that the one thing guaranteed in life is change.
I recently discovered fashion bug....the prices are great and the clothing decent.
ReplyDeleteI am totally guilty of dressing like a slob right now. I am a stay at home mom, so I don't have to look professional. And I'm cheap. I admit it. I could afford to buy clothes if I had to, but I don't want to spend money on something that I'm just going to shrink out of.
ReplyDeleteSo, I have a pair of jeans and a pair of sweat pants that currently (sort of) fit. Then some shirts, none of which are in great shape either.
When I get to my goal weight, I'm going on a massive shopping spree. But right now, I'm a slob.
Great post- and not JUST because I am in it. lol :) I think it is quite helpful! :)
ReplyDeleteLife is Sweet-thank you for your perspective. I imagine that a lot of people probably feel that way when they gain weight. I recall, after my first child was born,leaving a store because a 14 didn't fit and I refused to buy a larger size.
ReplyDeleteI used to hide under baggy clothes. Partly cause my brain took a while to catch up with my reality as I lost weight. Now that it has caught up I wear stuff that actually fits and I have to say I look much better! Great post.
ReplyDeleteKaren, the ONLY reason I bought new clothes when I did was that I literally had nothing to wear.
ReplyDeleteI was down to no jeans that fit and one pair of dress pants and it was winter. I didn't like how I looked in my sweater dresses and most skirts that were appropriate for the weather. I finally went out and bought some jeans and pants for work.
Then I started Weight Watchers in the spring and by June, I was down three full sizes and fitting back into a lot of my old clothes. It was the best feeling ever. Now, if I can just get back into the shorts I still have from when I was 22, I will be on top of the world! lol
it took me a little while to get used to my new body, but now that i'm there, i definitely prefer to dress to show my smaller figure. i think big, baggy things (as illustrated with tracey) truly make you look bigger than you really are.
ReplyDeleteYou also needs to ask your self in case you are embarrassed with your present weight or your bodily appearance. Although it is best to don't have anything to be ashamed of, you should still really feel that way. If that is the case, chances are you'll be afraid of attending local weight loss meetings. In fact, it's worthwhile to do not forget that everyone else in your conferences is likely feeling the identical approach, but you don’t have to put yourself in a clumsy situation. If you're concerned together with your look or what others might consider you, it's possible you'll need to look into joining a web based weight reduction program instead.The above talked about questions are just some of the various that you must ask your self if you're thinking about becoming a member of a weight loss program. While there are a number of benefits to joining a regionally operated weight loss program, as well as a web based weight loss program, it is advisable to make the choice that is finest for you and your individual needs.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post! I definitely had a lot more people notice my weight loss once I switched from wearing my baggy pants and let myself move down to a new size.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this post. I've actually never had this problem...I love to dress cute at all sizes. However - I did purchase a bunch of cute workout clothes even at my heaviest. I found that wearing "real" gym clothes and not just my ratty old sweats made me feel a ton better about working out. It made me want to workout more intensely...and I've noticed the moisture wicking fabrics really do work!
ReplyDeleteTHIS IS A GREAT POST!!!! I am guilty of not dressing up & I don't have the money but... I don't usually hide under baggy stuff though. I LOVE THAT VISUAL!
ReplyDeleteI keep trying to get on WNTW in hopes of updating my style. I am fashion clueless!
Point well-made! Fortunately for me--ahh, or not--I have severral wardrobes in cascading sizes. :} (From 26 to 14) I'm currently hovering at 16/18.)
ReplyDeleteYou are ABSOLUTELY right about the bra. Regardless of your size, if you're drooping, you will look fat, sloppy AND old. Fortunately, that's easily fixed--and no scale is involved. :D
Deb
I'm lucky, I get to do recess for a living, so I am in gym clothing 6 days per week. I don't even own long pants -- that's true. That said, I could make pleated pants look good :-)
ReplyDeleteYou might be interested in a great blog, Gal Josefberg's www.alookaday.com Greta fashion meets fitness sight.
Actually it WAS www.lookaday.com Sadly, it no longer exists. The eb and flow of blogs....
ReplyDeleteI've never dressed for success. I've always been more comfortable in t-shirts or golf shirts even before I put on the weight.
ReplyDeleteIt's not bad being complimented and looking good though. I didn't dress to impress but apparently I did at my brother's wedding this past weekend. I got a lot of compliments that I looked good.
I bought new clothes today because the smaller sizes are too big now too. :) I'm down 95 pounds (weighing in later today.) And I thoroughly enjoy buying clothes that fit well. It's so flattering. It seems like I'm constantly buying new, smaller sizes, but I'm happy to do that too because I see the progress in my clothes as well as on the scale.
ReplyDeleteI believe in doing the best with what I have now...life doesn't stop until we're satisfied with ourselves so I'll keep wearing cute dresses and wedges that make me feel a little leaner. I'll continue my weekly mani/pedi and do all that I can to feel girly and put together. Life is too short and too much fun to put off until I feel perfect. Ha
I love this post...thanks for sharing it.
I always try to dress to impress. Being Italian and having still my parents in Italy I get to travel there often for a quick refresher on how to be stylish...this year was no difference.
ReplyDeleteIf you are interested in style and how to put outfits together check out http://styleyoustylemestylish.blogspot.com/
Thanks for the post!
I'm finding the more inches/weight I lose, the more fit my clothing is getting. I totally agree that if you wear baggy clothing, you will look bigger and sloppy.
ReplyDeleteWOW!! I think this post was about me!!! Have you been talking to my friends!? LOL Thanks for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteIn 2002, I lost 70 pounds. (Well, it took a year and a half, so technically it was 2001-2002!) One word for those transitional months: eBay!!! You can buy cheap clothing to get you through until you reach your more permanent size. I still buy clothes on eBay, but it really makes a great way to get clothes in the interim...and even if you get something that doesn't fit now, it'll fit in a couple of months when you lose more weight!
ReplyDeleteAmen! Great post and everyone's comments are very inspiring, too. As a longtime weight-watcher and style consultant, I couldn't agree more. I would add that I always counsel women to add more color into their wardrobe, so often we fall into the trap of wearing black all the time because we believe it's slimming. The fact is that it is *monochromatic* dressing that is slimming, and many people aren't suited to black (it washes them out). Wearing all navy, or even all lavender (like I am now!) is just as slimming and much more flattering-not to mention more interesting!
ReplyDeleteAnd though I'm *slightly* ashamed to admit this-I visit my bra fitter more frequently than I visit my dentist! An illfitting bra can add a spare tire where one doesn't actually exist-ew!
I have actually found it kind of annoying that when losing weight I constantly look like I pooped my pants...but it's a small sacrifice to make for losing weight. I just don't want to spend too much money on new clothes until I absolutely CANNOT wear the clothes I have anymore. Good post!
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how a few new pieces and some accessories can really jazz up the clothing items that you already have. Those types of purchases are necessities during the process!
ReplyDeleteThey take FOREVER to dry when they are washed. Well what did I expect, really? It's like trying to dry a thick cardigan on the washing line. Of course it's going to take a while. Duh, Urban! lol. But I haven't been going anywhere special lately so it doesn't bother me too much. Even then, once they've dried out for a 2-3 hours, you can pretty much leave the house, without dripping water everywhere. That I had to burn the ends. I hate burning braid ends because they stick to and pull on clothes. I tried the knotting the end method, but that started unraveling after a couple of days. Maybe I should've sealed them in hot water?
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
ReplyDelete