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My friend JenB has an interesting dilemma: she recently had the lap band surgery, and is now on the road to a smaller Jen. And she's wondering what she should buy, right now, to get through the transition period.
Let's start with some rules. When you are in the process of becoming a smaller, more fit, you, it is important that you not settle for clothes that are too big or too baggy or too many sizes larger than you really are. As your body changes, your clothes needs to change too.
Start with bras; as you lose weight, your breasts and upper body will change, and your current bras may not fit any more. You will need a new bra, fitted by a professional, AT LEAST every ten pounds. Buy a couple of really great bras, hand wash and line dry them, and then STOP WEARING THEM when they don't fit any more. Having a bra that fits properly will make your body look great no matter what your current size and shape. This is the place to really put your money right now.
What else?
Pants. Buy yourself a couple pairs of inexpensive yoga pants, for weekend and working out, and some jeans. Old Navy typically has jeans for under $30.00; since you KNOW that these will be temporary, don't break the bank on them, but DO buy jeans and yoga pants that really fit you. Not a jeans girl? Look for chinos or corduroys, but again, don't break the bank. Find a fit that FITS and pick up a couple pair of each. A mid-rise, wide leg trouser is the most flattering no matter what your current size or shape.
Tees and tops. Buy tops that FIT, right now. Choose interesting necklines -- scoop, V, ruched. Old Navy is a good source for tees and tops, as are H&M and Forever 21. Choose shapes and colors that look great on you, because seeing yourself looking pretty and polished every day will motivate you to keep losing weight. Keep hemlines at or slightly above your hip; resist the urge to buy big, long tees that cover your backside (they will only make you look bigger). When your tees start to bag, give them away.
Wrap dress. The wrap dress is a great transition piece, because you can wrap it a little tighter as you get smaller. Look for a wrap dress that you can wear for day or evening; choose a length that hits at the knee (just above if you are petite, just below if you are tall). Layer over a tank or cami for day, and pair with peep toe heels for evening. Target has some great jersey wrap and faux wrap dresses (yes, Target! I am entirely serious).
When you are in the midst of a weigh loss, the trick is to find some balance; buy enough pieces that you can get dressed every day, and dressed up every once in a while, but don't spend so much money that you are scrambling to wear too-big clothes because you invested your whole paycheck in them. Shop at stores that specialize in disposable, trendy pieces -- this is the ONE time I will endorse and encourage this. Enjoy your changing body, and take pleasure in dressing up -- you have earned it. And as you outgrow your clothes, pass them on to someone else who can wear and love them, and get yourself some new pieces, that fit.
You can follow JenB's weight loss adventures at Jen and Tonic; you can also read about Amanda's gastric bypass at Mandajuice (posts are linked in the left sidebar). And BlogHer's own Deb Roby has been chronicling her weight loss journey at Deb's Daily Distractions. They are three of my favorite bloggers, and three of the most beautiful women I know, inside AND out.
Susan Wagner writes about fashion at Friday Style and The Working Closet and Fashion Find. She is in desperate need of a bra fitting. Yes, really.
