I think that’s it, you can dress how you chose. In the style you wish.
most of us did this for health, I certainly did. My bmi was 32 and as I’ve a long very narrow frame, my body just couldn’t deal with it, and I developed lots of health issues, sleep apnea, high blood pressure etc. so I had to get the weight off.
but there is no lying about the fact the improvement in my appearance, what I look like at a bmi 20 v 32 is a huge huge improvement, and I can now wear anything I wish to wear.
and that’s lovely. To no longer be constrained or feel uncomfortable. To feel good in your clothes, to like your appearance, the confidence that comes with it.
i said it before on another thread, most women dress for themselves, not the male gaze, and for other women, to impress, compete or fit in. And one of the nicest things about this is the amount of young women who have complimented me.
I’m in my 50s, and I mean women on their mid 20s to mid 30s. Just random young women, could be a waitress or someone at a bar. Things like I love your dress, or you look great, and admiring looks, from small groups of them, looking over nodding, smiling. Always takes me by surprise and means so much more than anything any man could say. Makes me feel like I might be getting it right, and dare I say age appropriate.
I suspect it helps I’m very toned as I work out a lot. So clothes hang right. And I wear higher end clothes, all current but not high fashion, all carefully cared for.
but yeah, that’s one of the pleasant surprises for me, younger women giving me their seal of approval.