Shape Shifters: What to wear when your weight fluctuates

Help! My weight fluctuates! I have nothing to wear and too many clothes. Sounds familiar? Let’s help this reader figure out what to buy + what to wear when your weight fluctuates.

Derek Lam Asymmetrical Blouse
Derek Lam Asymmetrical Blouse

Q:Dear Sharon: I have a yo-yo  weight that regularly fluctuates so I have an overstuffed closet with little to wear that’s the right size at the moment.

I have clothes that are too large and clothes that are too small, but barely a thing that fits me right now.

I don’t want to throw out what’s snug in hopes that it will soon look nice on me.  I struggle with finding flattering clothes that fit every day.

How can I figure my wardrobe out?  I really want to get some new things, just don’t know what size.  Can you give me an idea of what to get until I (ever) get my weight sorted out? (via Fashion Advice)

 

A:

Sweet sister of style, I get your drift. I can get puffy just looking at an oh-so-yummy carb. Many of us tend to put a bit of weight on here and there, and the older you get, the easier it is to pack on the pudge, even when you watch your diet and exercise.

When your weight fluctuates, even just 5 pounds, your closet becomes a constant reminder of what once was.

Don’t get stressed.

>> Read my article on WebMD about What to Wear While You Lose Weight

Asymmetrical draping and gathers are really a shape shifters best friend and oh so chic too.

The drapey cut is perfect for grazing your figure without pointing attention to any extra bulges and will fall nicely as you lose weight or on your skinnier days.

Eileen Fisher Sheer Silk Georgette Tunic/Dress
Eileen Fisher Sheer Silk Georgette Tunic/Dress

Keep to lightweight or sheer fabrics that you can balance the fluidity of the top by layering over skinny leggings or pants (your tush is covered so the proportion is divine).

>>RELATED: From Plus size to not, what to wear as you lose weight?

St. John Rib-Knit Asymmetrical Wool Sweater
St. John
Rib-Knit Asymmetrical Wool Sweater

An uneven hemline won’t create a sharp cutoff so the break between your top and pants will be gentler and more flattering.

Eileen Fisher Classic Collar Dress
Eileen Fisher Classic Collar Dress

If you choose leggings, the proportion works with either ankle booties or ladylike pumps. As a standalone dress, I prefer a stacked heel.

 Zero + Maria Cornejo Zero + Maria Cornejo Milu Dress

Zero + Maria Cornejo
Zero + Maria Cornejo Milu Dress

Soft draping glides over mushier spots and creates the illusion of a trim figure.

Zero + Maria Cornejo Mei Dress
Zero + Maria Cornejo Mei Dress

The best part –besides an asymmetrical silhouette  being universally figure flattering– is that this type of styling always looks chic, timeless, and edgy. Win-win.

Clothing featured:

JUST ASK: Do you need some quick stylist help to amp up your style?  Email us for Fashion Advice.

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