Knowing how to create a solid base to style from in an outfit is such a clutch skill to have. It’s the difference between being able to run out the door without an outfit planned, and missing your ferry because you couldn’t figure out which shirt to wear with which pants; and heaven forbid shoes.
I posted the other day on Instagram about the way to get dressed when you’ve gained weight and the overall message is that it’s not much different than when you weighed less. When you have a solid base to style from, then all you have to worry about is shape and all the extras? If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s ok, I got you. This is way easier than it sounds.
Getting dressed in general can be so stressful, but it’s especially so when you’ve had a body composition change, and even more so when you’re body isn’t the way you’d like it to be. (Also quickly acknowledging that gaining weight isn’t bad! Sometimes you need to gain weight, sometimes gaining weight is a sign of health, and sometimes you’ve gained weight and it means nothing emotional, you’ve just gained weight! Or sometimes, and this is the era I’m in postpartum, you’ve gained weight but it’s not the right time to focus on losing it, so you’re in a temporary placeholder until it is the right time.)
The base
Alright you’re probably wondering what I mean by “the base.” This is really the key to styling an outfit–it’s the combination of simple items that you can either add things onto, or just run out the door with. This could be as basic as a t-shirt and jeans, or it could be a combination of two pieces that work well for you. For me it’s always been a button up and jeans. In years past, and across several body weights, I’ve worn skinny jeans and a tighter fitting button up, and then in years recent I’ve found more interest and comfort in an oversized button up and jeans.
Playing with a button up and pants
The reason why the button up and jeans combo works so well for me is because it’s flattering and functional. Even when you’re wearing a super oversized Frankie Shop button up you can do things with is to make it achieve the vibe you’re going for. You can have it unbuttoned and showing skin for a bit of intrigue without being overly sexy. You can wear it completely open and have a shirt tucked in for added shape. You can button it all the way up for a more preppy look. You can wear a neck scarf (or just tie together a bandana) and have it as an interesting pop at the neckline. You can do a french tuck. You can tuck in the whole front. You can tuck in the whole shirt; yes, all the way around! All these options are possible at any body size, and the beauty is you can play around with them to see what feels best.
Hint: oversized button ups are a great way to dress comfortably and not feel like every curve and angle of your body is on display. Which is something you might be interested in for reasons other than your body size. I’m in this weird in between phase with jeans right now where nothing is fitting quite right and having an oversized button up covering the entire top portion of the jean means no one can see if I have a button or two undone, or if my underwear is peeping out above because I’m trying to hike up mid rise jeans into high rise. (IYKYK)
Another option is a t-shirt and pants. Maybe these pants are jeans (maybe the same jeans you’re wearing with the oversized button up), or perhaps they’re slacks, or a skirt. With this you can add a jacket or a scarf, a fun handbag, or a hat. Or just a simple shoe and run out the door. The point with these bases is you can wear them on their own, or you can use them as a foundation for something or some things more. I recommend playing with cutes and proportions when you have weight changes. It’s impossible to say a certain body type should wear something slim or fitted or oversized, it’s all about what makes you feel comfortable.
The process of getting dressed
The point is that your body size doesn’t change the way you can wear something. I didn’t throw my style out the window when I was pregnant, and I sure as hell haven’t done it now. Sure, I’m wearing less items than I used to, I’ll admit I don’t feel as much freedom right now, but it doesn’t mean I’m limited or only wearing sweatpants (she writes while in sweatpants). I’m still wearing my oversized shirts and while I’m not swearing a slim pant my pants will have a tapper ankle (a bow legged cut) or calf (a boot or kick flare) or I’m adding proportion to the oversized top and bottoms with a narrow or slim toe. It’s all about balance. If you’re feeling lost in your body and not sure what to wear that’s ok! You might just be overcomplicating it and need just a little bit of help to get on a path that feels comfortable and awesome for you. I’m here to help with all your styling needs! Drop a comment below or send me a note through my contact form (go to the Inquire tab above) and let’s get you feeling fantastic.
