Weight loss, no idea how to dress. Help me!

[FuzzyCustard]

I have recently lost over two stone in weight and dropped two dress sizes from an 18 to a 14 (I'm 5'8"tall).

Having hidden in jersey swing tops and leggings or thick tights for the past 10 years or so, I now have no idea how to dress.

This is compounded by the fact that I live in a very rural area with no access to town centres (they're all over 40 miles away and I rarely go) and am reliant (and happy with) online shopping.

How do I decide what my new style should be? How do I know what suits me now? And how do I get it into my head that I look different now?

Any pointers for me?

Maybe follow some Size 14 influencer ladies on instagram and see how they dress?

Congratulations on your weight loss!

Congratulations on your weight loss!

If you are able to get up to a big town or city or make a special trip, I think most of the department stores have a personal shopper who should be able to help you try on different shapes and styles, so you can learn what suits your new shape. You could maybe make a day of it, making appointments with a couple of stores. You're under no obligation to buy. I'm currently dieting and intend to make an appointment for help with what suits me. 1.5 stones down, 2 more to go!

I think some online retailers have a similar service, where you can type in your height, size, shape etc and it offers advice based on what you input.

Come over to our hush thread. Plenty people will advise on there.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/style_and_beauty/a3368578-husheeta-s-count-down-to-christmas-aw18-cont?msgid=81551425#81551425

Thank you .

I've bought new jeans as a start.

I have spent the morning taking in several pairs of my favourite trousers, just so I have something to wear! It's easy enough to reduce them by one size, but two is challenging!

I definitely need a plan.

Good luck with your weight loss crazySheep

Well there is a lovely lady on our thread that has lost a considerable amount of weight and has shared your issue [ hope you don't mind @Ilovecherries ]

Infact we are all a lovely bunch and are happy to help.

Not that we know everything but between us all we do pretty well :)

Well done on your weight loss. I've gone from 18-20 to 14 since January. my goal is a size 10 which I think will put me in the middle of my recommended BMI range. Given that I have still a way to go, and also that I assume I will be broadly this (pear) shape when I do reach my goal, I am experimenting with shape, fabric and colours from e-bay. It's a great way to find a style that suits without spending loads. I'm learning lots about what looks good on me. And getting to know what labels are good for me in general.
I know you live rurally, but whenever you do get a chance, try to try on as much as possible. This terrified me for ages, as previously nothing would ever fit and I felt huge and humiliated in changing rooms. But I've read loads of advice on this forum and recognise that not every shape suits every body type regardless of weight. And sizing varies so much from shop to shop. So I try on everything and use it as a learning exercise in what suits my shape, colouring, height and age...I don't have lots of funds, so i'm not usually trying stuff on to buy, but just to help me learn what suits..
Good luck and have fun!!!

alpha I know exactly what you mean about the terror of changing rooms. And that feeling of being huge and unattractive. A lot of the change is in my head...I have to get out of the mindset that I am still too large for "normal" sizes.

It's just knowing where to start!

Yup, I’ve lost heading for 6 stone, gone from a 24 to a 12. As never says, we talk about lots of things on the Hush threads, not just Hush! We talk a lot about changing body shape, aging, body image etc. If you are nearly at your final size, then I’d say to have a think about your body shape now, it’s strengths and bits you are less happy with, and think about how you want to present yourself in the world. If you still feel you have a way to go, then I found clothes that will transition sizes without looking awful we’re a good bet - so this time last year, I’d done all the alterations that my old clothes could cope with, so I bought things like Harem trousers, nice joggers, tees that I liked, a couple of biggish cardigans etc. I tried to build everything round three colours that all went together, as I didn’t want to buy masses. This year I’m nearly at my final size so I’m looking at more fitted clothes.

The mindset thing is painful though. I managed the transition from 24-18 without much issue, but 18-12 has been much harder. Im often standing in a changing room wearing and 18 that is clearly falling off me, asking the assistant if she can bring me a 16 and she’s looking at me doubtfully saying ‘and maybe a 10 to try as well?’ Especially if you’ve been big for a long time (in my case, 30 years) you need to get used to living in a new ‘house’. Be kind to yourself and if you can afford to sit out the money for a couple of weeks, order loads so you can experiment, then send everything you don’t absolutely love back. You don’t have to make-do anymore.

@FuzzyCustard I see you mentioned about taking in trousers. I've got some lovely shirts that I don't want to have to throw away or sell; do you think it's possible that a seamstress will be able to take them in a bit for me? I do have a sewing machine but I'm a complete novice and wouldn't know where to start. Thanks in advance for your advice!

Thank you again everyone. I'm touched by your replies! (Part of me expected a "urgh it's only two dress sizes, what are you on about??").

I think a size 14 will be my final size. I'm never going to be terribly skinny (size 8 feet and all) but am glad to see a return of my waist! Possibly anther half stone to go and that will be it. I'm doing lots of exercise (walking and bodyboarding) so am toning up and getting fitter too which is good.

And cherries hurrah...you understand the mindset thing. I can accept a size 16 but a 14 looks too tiny for me! (even though it's not).

crazySheep I am sure a seamstress would be able to do that, even if it is just putting a couple of extra darts in the back to pull in the bust/waist area. You might even be able to do that yourself - just look at the shaping on an existing shirt and copy it with some tacking (and a try-on) before you machine. If the shoulders are too big, that's a bigger job.