4 Great Tips for Outfitting Your Changing Body
How to put together a wardrobe while your weight is fluctuating.
Whether you’ve just found out you’ll be welcoming a beauteeful, bouncing baby into the world, or you’ve just found out that your metabolism (translation: BODY) changes as you age, you may be in the market for some tips about maintaining a great wardrobe for your fluctuating bod. Here are a few that should keep you feeling great about yourself while trying not to break the bank. (And we mean the corporate kind, of course. We don’t use the word “piggy” around here.)
1. Build an empire.
Or at least, build a wardrobe with a few, classic blouses and dresses marked by the signature “empire waist.” This is the waste line that starts just below the bodice (ahem, if you’re not familiar with design terms, just below “the twins”) and flows outward. Why add empire to your wardrobe? Because EMPIRE IS IN! And frankly, it has been for a long time. If it ever isn’t in again, you have our permission to buck the system. It’s an adorable and timeless look! More practically, though, clothing with an empire waste looks great on all body types, from skinny, to a little thicker in the tum area, to baby-growers. The best part is, if you lose a few of the unwanted pounds down the road, you can keep wearing your same, cute, flowy gems.
2. Buy basic.
“Basics” in a wardrobe usually refer to clothing items that can be worn in a lot of combinations. A basic that is great for hiding winterized arms and back/tummy flab: a classic cardigan. And guess what! Cardigans (especially ones in fun colors!) are uber-cute even when they’re not buttoned, so don’t be afraid to throw on your medium over a cute v-neck tee or ruffly button-down if you’re sporting a few extra pounds.
3. Buy stretchy.
No, this doesn’t mean you should don a polyester pantsuit like your great grandma still wears. There are, however, some fabulous stretchy looks that can be applied across the board, from skinny to “mommy,” and everything in between. Old Navy is notorious for selling a classic “stretch” skirt in soft, comfy knit in basic colors like brown, black, grey, navy. They look great with a jacket, sweater, tee – you name it.
4. Buy bargain.
Okay, so this one is last because it’s sort of a recommendation across the board. After all, a penny saved on fashion is a penny earned (for great, new fashions)! The old adage is all the more important to keep in mind when your body is changing. Go ahead. Apply your inner grandma to shopping habits while you’re bod’s taking new shapes (in any direction), because you don’t want to drop a load of cash disproportionate to the load of weight you may shed or gain someday.