How You’re Accidentally Dressing Yourself Larger
A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of shopping with a stunning lady; tall, gorgeous and a size 14 to 16.
When we initially met (after observing how beautiful she was) I instantly thought she was carrying weight under her bulky knit jumper. However, I was very wrong. In fact, underneath that heavy jumper was a beautiful body shape indeed!
Now for many of us, when we gain weight, our first instinct is to wear loose clothing so no one will notice!
Good theory but it rarely works leaving you looking…well…even larger.
Or it can confuse people like a sales assistant that we approached at the end of our shop consultation. After requesting a certain dress size, she said to my client: “So, what size are you under there?”
This particular lady is definitely not alone. Wearing a baggy knit or t-shirt when in a comfortable, cosy scenario like at home is absolutely fine, however the moment I placed this lady into more fitted styles, she came to life and WOW – we had found her style!
As I say to everyone: There is a difference between tight and fitted.
When shopping, I always recommend taking two sizes into the change room.
Today, so many stores like Country Road offer a little more generous sizing. So, take in the size you think you are and then one size down – particularly if the style is loose.
If it’s a fitted piece, choose your size and then one size up.
It is phenomenal how many women shop blindly. Choosing only what they like or think will look good rather than what actually suits their body shape.
It’s a combination ladies and I urge you to do both. Shop first for your shape and then taste.
So who else does this?
I think I know the answer already but let’s start with a few scenarios:
Do you go loose and cover up, maybe even wear “fat clothes” when you’re feeling a bit heavy?
Perhaps you love a bulky knit, a larger than you jumper or who is wearing one of their hubbies t-shirts over some jeggings?
It never ceases to amaze me (yet disappoint me) when I see how many women over compensating for their weight through fashion and who are afraid of wearing anything fitted!
Can I tell you a secret?
Great underwear is the key! If you feel great underneath, your outerwear will sit better and you will instantly gain confidence.
I promise.
Oh, and this is not a Spanx situation, I’m not encouraging you to corset yourself up. Just select every day under garments made for your shape.
Beyond underwear, there is clothing style, slimming styles, clever colour combinations and accessories strategies that can all work to make you feel comfortable in your skin, whatever size, weight or shape you are.
So now it’s over to you, I would love some feedback on this topic.
Is this a daily occurrence for you or do you wear “bulkier” items after a holiday binge or a month of overeating due to stress or festivities?
Please share your stories; we’ve all been there.
I look forward to hearing from you in the comments below.
Lis says
Love the Alannah Hill dress! And shopping with you has definitely made me feel great in what I wear whether I’m carrying that extra weight (when I first saw you) to now when I have managed to slim down. Knowing the right styles to wear is so important and it’s not something we get taught anywhere. So the investment of shopping with you Is well worth it. I even have the confidence to pick my own outfits out now that people still compliment me on. Feeling great in what you wear definitely gives you a confidence boost.
Cindy Newstead says
Lis, that’s just sooooo great to hear and very rewarding for me…..thank you!!! xox
Beck says
After a 15kg weight gain in 6 months due to the big C I have lost all confidence and do exactly what you’ve described above! I wear looser t-shirts a long line knit cardi even though at 5’5″ I know they don’t do anything for me (I just need to cover my bum and thighs!). The thing I struggle most with is pants though as I’ve gone from an 8 to 12 and already hate my knees so the skinny and straight fits look terrible, so every shopping trip ends in tears! Thanks for this blog post, Cindy. I’ll try to re-think my choices!
Cindy Newstead says
Great Beck! I am just pleased that the blog has made you think about this! The long line cardi is fine if its thin, not bulky and you wear a heel!!!! 🙂 🙂
Lisa says
I believe your exact words to me were “everything in your wardrobe is 2 sizes too big for you”. It was an absolute revelation shopping with you and understanding just how jackets should feel when they are on (tighter than I expected), and to recognise that highlighting a tiny waist completely distracts everyone from chunkier thighs.
Cindy Newstead says
Thanks so much Lisa……I still remember your wardrobe…..glad I made a difference!! xox