I want to delve into a topic that many of us grapple with-body image, weight, and shopping. It's something that frequently comes up in my conversations with clients, and it's a struggle I understand deeply myself. Have you ever caught yourself saying, "I'll shop for new clothes when I lose those 5 or 10 kilos/pounds"? It's a common sentiment, one I hear often from my clients. But what if this mindset is holding you back from feeling your best today? It's a pervasive issue and one I want to explore options for breaking free from the cycle of waiting and start embracing your body right now.
The Myth of the 'Ideal Weight'
How often have you thought, "I'll treat myself when I lose weight"? This mindset suggests that you're only worthy of nice clothes and self-care once you've achieved a certain weight. This endless wait can stretch on for years, even decades, leaving you stuck in a cycle of self-denial. But here's the thing-your value isn't tied to a number on a scale. It's time to embrace your current self and invest in clothes that make you feel fabulous now, not in some hypothetical future.
Realistic Expectations About Body and Weight
Bodies are amazing and complex. They have a way of deciding their weight set points, which might not always align with your desires. As you age, your metabolism changes, making weight loss more challenging. It's crucial to accept and love your body as it is today, rather than setting unrealistic expectations.
Even Taylor Swift, a global superstar, has spoken out about her struggles with body image and the toxic influence of the media. She revealed in her documentary, "Miss Americana," that even slight changes in her appearance would lead to harsh public scrutiny and self-starvation. No matter how young, gorgeous or slim you are you may have body image issues. I'm so glad that I don't have to deal with the level of public scrutiny about my body that Taylor Swift does!
Shopping for the Body You Have Today
It's time to shift your mindset from waiting for the "perfect" body to embracing the one you have today. Your body is amazing just as it is. It carries you through life, allows you to experience joy, and deserves to be treated with love and care. Dressing in a way that makes you feel good is a form of self-care and self-respect.
Shopping can be a frustrating experience, especially when you struggle with body image issues. Here are some strategies to make it more enjoyable:
- Set Realistic Expectations - Understand that clothing manufacturers design for the masses, not individual bodies. Alterations are normal and often necessary for a perfect fit. The manufacturer did not come and take your measurements and then construct their garments with your exact body in mind. In fact, the mass manufacturing industry is all about making clothes be able to be "put on" the maximum number of bodies, rather than to have a good fit, so armholes may be cut too deep, and sleeves too long and there may be too much or too little across that thighs than what your body demands. Don't take this as a criticism of your body, just understand that the clothes were not designed to fit you. Plus knowing that cutting garments straighter, rather than with curves, makes them cheaper to manufacture, and of course, they want to cut production costs!
- Empower Yourself with Knowledge - Understanding your style and colours can streamline the shopping process. My online program 7 Steps to Style, provides valuable insights to help you make confident choices and includes not only a personal colour analysis but also a body shape and face shape analysis so you know the best colours along with your ideal silhouette and styles to choose.
- Know Your Fabrics - Comfort is key. Identify fabrics that feel good on your skin and look for clothes made from those materials. For example, if you prefer stretchy fabrics, look for items with some elastane. Check out my guide on choosing fabrics here.
- Shop with Intention - Instead of spending hours browsing aimlessly, make a list of what you need. Focus on styles and colours that suit your body shape and personal taste. Know what are some quality indicators to look for when shopping so you don't get disappointed by your new clothes.
- The Power Pause - When unsure about a purchase, put it on hold for a few hours. If you're still thinking about it later, it might be worth buying (and only if you rate it an 8 or more) If not, let it go.
- Embrace Tailoring - Customizing clothes to fit your body perfectly can make a world of difference. Alterations are not a sign of failure; they are a way to ensure your clothes fit you perfectly. In the past, most people had their clothes custom-made to their measurements. Today, with mass-produced clothing, it's rare to find off-the-rack items that fit perfectly without some adjustments
Body image issues are deeply ingrained and can be challenging to overcome. However, by changing our mindset and embracing our bodies as they are, we can begin to see ourselves in a new light. Your body is amazing. It carries you through life, helps you achieve incredible things, and deserves to be celebrated. Stop waiting for the perfect weight and start enjoying fashion today. Remember, you are beautiful, valuable, and deserving of clothes that make you feel good.
Further Reading
Ditch the Dressing Room Drama: Discover How to Shop Smarter When Fit's an Issue
How Your Body Shape May Change with Age and Weight Gain or Loss
Menopausal Tips: How to Dress Stylishly with Weight Around the Middle
Are Dark Colours and Black the Only Colours to Wear to Look Slimmer?
Want to Figure Out Your Body Shape? Try My Quiz
