A style rut can happen at any time. And, when you’re on your wellness journey, it can be tempting to believe that it’s just not worth the time, effort, and money to invest in your appearance until you’ve reached your fitness goals.
But, this couldn’t be further from the truth!
The truth is that how you dress today not only affects how other people perceive you, it also deeply affects your own self-image throughout your process.
Here are 10 tips to dress with confidence during your weight loss journey
1. Declutter your closet: Give away or throw away anything that doesn’t fit you and that doesn’t “Spark Joy!” (as Marie Kondo would say). This also goes for shoes, accessories, and jewelry. If you don’t love it, let it go (this advice also applies to romantic relationships too, LOL).
What to do with clothes that “I’ll wear when I lose weight”: Visualize yourself at your target weight, 6 months or so in the future. Will you want to wear dated clothes from your wardrobe at that time? Or, would you rather celebrate your new physique with exciting, current clothes?
2. Create a wardrobe focused on capsules. Based on your budget, buy a few key pieces that you can use to create different looks. Here’s a site that shows an example of capsules. This is a fantastic way to express your style and creativity with the least amount of items.
3. Follow the 80/20 rule. For every 10 garments, 8 should be for your upper body and 2 should be for your lower body. Anchor your wardrobe with a great pair of trousers and a skirt, and then change your looks with tops and accessories.
4. Find clothes that fit and flatter for every stage of weight loss. You don’t have to break the bank to do this. And, you can always have your clothes tailored as you lose weight and your body changes.
5. Start with a great foundation. Wear flattering, contouring, and supporting underwear and bras that fit.
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6. Wear flattering styles that enhance your shape. For example, a wrap-dress gives an illusion of a more defined waist and it skims over the hips and thighs without adding more volume. Straight long tunics, low v-necks, an open neckline, ¾ length sleeves, at least ½” heel on shoes, and clothes that have a clean-line (without embellishment) are quite slimming. Dress in monochromatic, long, fluid lines. Use accessories, like a long, interesting rope necklace or a skinny scarf to continue the long line.
7. Bring attention to your best features. You can show off shapely legs with a knee-length skirt, or wear a stunning multi-strand necklace that sits high on the chest to draw the eye further up to the face.
8. Choose fabrics that skim the body rather than stiff, bulky textures.
9. Avoid anything too tight or uncomfortable. This includes waistbands, shoe straps, watches, or rings.
10. Focus on body confidence. Stand and walk with a tall, proud posture. Make eye contact and SMILE!
Bonus Tip: If the thought of radically updating your wardrobe seems a bit overwhelming, then try this: start with 1-2 days a week of spending more time on your appearance — nixing the jeans for a fun and flirty skirt, for example. Then see how you feel.
Other people will notice, and you’ll probably get compliments from your friends, co-workers, and partner — all of which will boost your motivation and confidence!
None of these, however, will compare to how you will feel when you wear clothes that say, “I am strong, confident, and sophisticated. And I am worth it!”
Author: Anna Dajero
