When I first put on weight (went from a size 10 to a 16 in under a year), due to stress and depression I started to waste so much money on clothes. I used to go clothes shopping after work 2-3 times per week, and at least once at the weekend. I’d buy the same styles and colours as I used to wear, then not have the confidence to wear them. I couldn’t face the look and feel of my rolls of fat, and bits and pieces wobbling about under these pretty clothes. I kept on wearing lots of black and office type clothes - and neither of these things are ‘me,’ so I felt even shittier.
The following year, I became happier and started to get over some of my stress and depression issues. Before I began to lose any weight, I realised that my hair had never really had a style - just used to hang, and I’d very infrequently get it trimmed. I decided to get a style cut, and it was such a mood lifting thing for me.
Instead of wasting so much money on clothes, I used to spend some of that money on having my style maintained every 8 weeks. I felt and looked so much better. The size 10 me never used to paint my nails, but the size 16 version started, and I started feeling a bit better. Lots of people would comment on my colour choices, and that was very uplifting. I also really got into statement necklaces and scarves in my usual bold colours. I’d wear these with my black clothes, and they added colour and interest, as well colour to my face. The colours help your mood too. Those items also received lots of lovely compliments, for which I was very happy.
I then began to lose a bit of weight thanks to feeling happier and subsequently eating less! The positive comments I’d received really helped me to feel better about myself, and made me think ‘what the hell, I will wear a bright coloured blouse, but I’ll get one that drapes over my stomach!’
I also started going to the steam room at my local leisure centre for a few pounds a time (maybe twice a month). The prospect of getting in a swimming costume terrified me at first, but I went on ladies only days, and it was really reassuring to see lots of other ‘real’ women. The benefits the steam room gave to my skin and mental health were well worth it.
I’m currently heavily pregnant, but since I became a size 16, my weight and clothes sizes have tended to remain quite constant. For most of the time, I’ve been a 14 (depending on the stupid clothes sizes of course - don’t get me started on that!). I’ve battled a bit with health since on and off. I don’t wear absolutely everything, but I do often think now, ‘fuck it, life’s too short, I will wear that!’
Check out using websites to help, what your body shape is. Hoist your tits up and out, get your legs out, wear jersey on your arse - flaunt, or at least highlight your best bits. And yes, you do have best bits! We all do.
A wrap dress suits everyone, and can be accessorised easily and is very versatile. There are quite a lot around at the minute - some new, and some still in the online sales. I bought one a month after I’d given birth to my DD, and whilst it didn’t cost very much, it made me feel great! Boobs were out a little bit, pattern distracted from lots of wobble, 3/4 sleeves and shaping at waist showed that I’m curvy, and do still go in a bit!
Remember, when we look at ourselves, we see fragmented pieces - others see a bit of everything.