Reader Question: my biggest challenge is my weight I keep thinking hoping and praying I'll lose it meanwhile I've put off buying new clothes that work on the body I have now I've never been a big shopper even when I wore a size eight I'm now about an 18 to 20 I've been this for over 25 years. How do I find affordable cute clothes to fit my plus-sized body?
Finding Your Style: Embrace You Now, Dress for You Now!
Have you ever put off buying clothes because you're hoping to lose weight? You're not alone! Many women, especially over 40, struggle with this as the weight gets harder to shed as you mature. But it's time to break free from that cycle and embrace the fabulous woman you are today!
Let's face it, 25 years is a long time to go without treating yourself to some new threads. Let's get you looking and feeling amazing, shall we?
Ditch the "Someday" Mindset
First things first, ditch the idea that you'll only buy clothes when you reach a certain size. You are worthy and valuable right now, at this very moment. Invest in yourself, because you deserve it! Having clothes you enjoy wearing now, that you think are made from beautiful fabrics, in colours and patterns you enjoy (not all black because you're hiding your body) will bring you more joy each day.
When you buy clothes that you love, that work for you today (your colouring, your body, your personality and your lifestyle) they don't have to be cheap as you'll find that you'll wear them for longer. You want your clothes to last. And if you do drop a dress size, you can have many of those garments altered to fit!
Know Your Shape, Love Your Shape!
Not all size 18s are created equal, and that's a beautiful thing! Understanding your body shape is key to finding clothes that flatter your figure. Do you have a defined waist? Where do you carry your weight? Once you know your unique shape, you can discover styles that will make you feel confident and stylish. If you're not sure of your shape, check out my free body shape calculator quiz which will give you the information you need to find the right silhouettes for your current body. You may have learned to dress a different shape and now find you're struggling with your current shape as the old rules don't work for you.
Colour Confidence and Capsule Wardrobes
Colour is a powerful tool! Knowing which colours flatter your complexion can completely transform your wardrobe. A personalised colour palette is an invaluable tool in your shopping toolkit (in fact, colour is always the first thing I look for when shopping for clients as I know that it doesn't matter how good the garment is otherwise, if the colour doesn't flatter it'll never be a great choice.
Building a capsule wardrobe in colours that work for you allows you to mix and match with ease, creating endless outfit possibilities without breaking the bank. Capsules are a great place to start when rebuilding a wardrobe for any reason.
The brilliant thing about a capsule is that you choose colours and styles that work together, so that you don't need as many clothes, which saves you money in the long run. It's a much more economical way of shopping than buying outfits.
Check out my ultimate guide to creating wardrobe capsules here to get you started.
The World is Your Shopping Oyster
Gone are the days of being limited to the local department store, mall or boutique. The internet has opened up a world of shopping possibilities! In fact many retailers offer a wider range of plus size clothing on their online platforms than they do in the retail stores.
You can also explore online retailers from around the globe to find unique pieces that reflect your style. Join a style community (like my 7 Steps to Style) where you'll discover women on a similar style journey who have experience shopping with many retailers, they can often suggest places to shop that you may never have known about or considered before. There is a wealth of information inside.
Embrace Bespoke
Ever dreamt of having clothes custom-made? Websites like Etsy connect you with talented artisans who can create garments to your exact specifications. It's a fantastic way to get the perfect fit and express your individuality. Alternatively, find a local dressmaker who can tailor to your specific body or dust off your sewing machine and start making your own clothes again.
Dress for You, Not Trends
Fashion is fun, but it shouldn't dictate who you are. When choosing clothes, consider how you want to express yourself. What's your personality? What message do you want to convey?
Empowered Choices
By understanding your body, coloring, and personal style, you'll be able to make informed decisions about your wardrobe. No more impulse buys or pieces that languish unworn in your closet. You'll be a savvy shopper, creating a wardrobe that reflects the amazing woman you are!
As we evolve, so too does our style. What we wear is an ongoing conversation between our inner selves and the world. It's not about dressing to impress others but to reflect the best version of ourselves at this moment in time.
So, let's invest in ourselves today, because we are worth it-every curve, every color, every unique trait. Here's to finding joy in the journey and celebrating our style, one piece of clothing at a time. I love that my 7 Steps to Style members tell me how empowered and discerning they become, and how much less money they now waste on clothes because they know what truly works for their personality, body, colouring and lifestyle, and what to leave in the store.
More Plus Tips
Finding Summer Clothes For Mature Plus Women with Shoppable Boards
How to Find Clothes that Fit When You are Petite and Plus Size
How to Dress Plus Size Figures
Why Structure is Important When Dressing Plus Size Figures
