Monday Musings On Dressing To Honor Your Body
Happy Monday, ladies. My wardrobe decluttering is continuing. Just when I think I’m done, a burst of enthusiasm has me taking another pass at it. I have zero tolerance for uncomfortable clothes these days, so I packed up multiple pairs of jeans to donate because they were too tight around my tummy. The pair above is one size larger than usual and I’m much comfier in them. This got me thinking that one of the best things we can do for ourselves is to dress for our current size and weight. Here are a few reasons why it’s so important to honor your body:
Dressing For Your Current Size and Weight
Promotes Self-Acceptance
Your body deserves love and respect, regardless of its size or shape. Fluctuating weight is a common fact of life for most women. A change in lifestyle, health, or even location can affect what you weigh. Don’t let it negatively impact how you feel about yourself. Dressing for your current weight is a form of self-care and self-respect.
Increases Comfort and Confidence
Comfortable clothing can significantly boost your confidence and overall outlook. It’s important to wear clothes that not only look good but also feel good. Trying to shoehorn yourself into clothes that are too small or swimming in sloppy clothes that are too large is frustrating. It’s hard to feel confident if you have to constantly adjust your clothes because they don’t fit you properly.
Improves Your Style and Appearance
Clothes that fit properly tend to look better. They will enhance your appearance, showing off your body in the most flattering way, regardless of your size. Nothing looks stylish if it’s pulling at the seams or hanging like a limp rag on your body. Don’t be afraid to go up or down a size to get the right fit. If the number on the tag bothers you, cut the label out.
It’s common to hold onto smaller sizes for “when you lose weight,” but this is a slippery slope, and you may end up feeling disappointed in yourself. Focus on creating a wardrobe that makes you feel confident and happy now. You deserve to feel your best every day.
You may also enjoy: How to Declutter Your Wardrobe
Are you holding onto clothes that don’t fit you?
Save or Splurge
Many of you have mentioned how much you enjoy the save or splurge posts so I have another one for you today.
It’s a casual outfit with a neutral sweater, pearl studs, flare jeans, sporty sneakers, and a taupe bag. The save outfit is under $200 and the splurge is closer to $2500. The difference looks very subtle to me. What do you think?
I’d love you to weigh in on how you dress to honor your body.
Thanks for reading and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.
Honoring comfort seems to translate into “frumpy” for some people. I never wear anything but elastic waists because my hands and fingers are no longer nimble enough to work buttons and zippers. I can wear only flat shoes. I see so many of those YouTube videos where “looking old” always includes flat shoes and elastic waists. Because I am transitioning more now to wheelchair use outside of the house, I am honoring my body wearing what makes going out in public possible. However, I still look presentable while old (because I am old.)
Nothing wrong with flat shoes and elastic waists in my book!
I am putting shorter, but high quality, sweaters in my ‘save for later’ box. Like some others, I am sure that I am going to shrink some and maybe the sweaters will be appropriate then. Of course, I’d rather not shrink!!!
I know this will sound a little weird, but I always buy clothes you could sleep in. The clothes had to be that comfortable, from jeans to dress suits. You pay a lot for your clothes so you should be as comfortable in them as you are in your skin. I have retired now so my wardrobe needs a major overhaul to fit my new lifestyle. I read the posts to get ideas for a new wardrobe. Your pictures of different styles and pairings are of great inspiration.
Iād love all my clothes to be that comfortable.
After a full hysterectomy last spring my body has gone through some changes. The shape has changed, I lost weight yet some measures went up. I am in the process right now of doing a clothing purge. I am only buying clothes that fit me now, my question as I try on Do I love this and does it love me back. Thanks for this blog, and your encouragement to dress for our current body.
Those are great questions.
Lately I had no luck with all types of rises. So I finally end up with pull on pants and jeans. I feel so comfortable. But it is a little rare to get.
I know theyāre really comfy. There used to be more pull-on jeans available. Hopefully theyāll make more.
Oh, great timing on this column Jennifer! Of course, the aftermath of the holiday season makes everyone reflect on healthy habits, but it has truly been a stressful time for everyone, starting with the pandemic, and politics. Now war, prejudice, and violent protests.
During all of this, my hometown was swept up in a wildfire, and over 1,000 families lost their homes. Afterward, without power, and in freezing weather, pipes burst in my home, and we had a major flood.
Now that was a rant! But during all of this, I collapsed in tears in my doctorās office, and with her help, started taking an anti depressant. That, along with hormone replacement have put me in a much better frame of mind. As a side effect however, Iāve gained weight, and not where I did when I was younger!
Iāve decided not to focus on that weight, but on feeling happy and healthy. Iāve removed a lot of clothing from my closet. Some has been donated, but some neatly removed to a guest room closet.
My closet now has only comfortable, useful, and attractive things in it. A lot of it is easy to walk, and be active in. I have sensitive skin, so no wool or cashmere. Only really well fitting jeans with a little stretch. Thatās it!
We are doing a dry January, and will focus on eating beautiful fruits and vegetables to nurture ourselves in the month of January.
Iām so sorry, youāve had a horribly rough time!! Thank goodness for caring doctors who actually get it and can help. Focusing on health and happiness is what matters most. Being kind to ourselves is so important. Thank you for sharing Lisa.
I love clothes that I can really move in, like the modern dancer Martha Graham’s “Lamentation.” If people ask me what size I wear, I say that I wear whatever size fits me. If clothing I try on isn’t comfortable, I size up. I don’t think of myself as a size number.
That’s fabulous. I love your attitude!
I can never figure out the save or splurge. I usually guess and then look up the prices. How are the rest of your readers determining which is which?
Your outfit today is my all time fav! I’m an active 84, walk the dog, volunteer, piano playing hobby, type of gal. Like to entertain my friends in small groups. Comfortable in a cashmere (only when well priced) good ole’ standbys of Chico or Talbot jeans and comfortable booties or tennis. In early December, I walked all over New York with my daughter and granddaughter, that outfit you are elegantly sporting! ALSO pearl studs are a must!
Way to go!
Aging and knowing myself better have been gifts! Comfort, yet put together and feeling confident are my goals now. More interest in makeup. Paring down jewelry to fewer, but better quality pieces.
I commented to a friend: life’s too short to wear uncomfortable underwear. She returned: life’s too short to wear uncomfortable anything! Loved that line.
I love that line too!!
I say save! I agree about honouring your body. Wear what looks good on you and is comfortable and that you feel good in. I need to wear classic clothes. Fads and trends usually don’t look good on me. I really like what you pick to show us. Thanks for your blog.
Dear Jennifer, I am a little older than most of your readers but always want to look nice when I venture out of the house . A little makeup, a nice outfit, good hairstyle for an 80 yr. old and comfy shoes so I donāt trip ! Thank you for all your great advice for all of us seniors!
I have a mixed response to clothing that doesn’t fit.
Some cuts of clothing are never going to work with my now older body and there isn’t any reason to try and fight that. However, I have pants that better designed for my now body, and I fitting into those pants is a signal to me that I’m staying fit and active.
When those pants get tight, it’s time to watch my diet.
It’s time for leftover Christmas candy and cookies to be gone. Thank goodness eggnog has left store shelves, My husband is going to get the message that a box of chocolates is not what his Valentine wants!
lol, I love that!
Though I much prefer the cut of the ‘save’ jeans I did guess correctly as the sneakers to me were the give-away. As to uncomfortable clothing I am still on the hunt for a good pair of fitting jeans as find high waisted ones do ‘not’ work for me any more having lost some torso length due to aging (etc.). Last but not least; as to editing one’s wardrobe, great advice Jennifer. -Brenda-
P.S.: Seeing you with your hoop earrings and turtle neck sweater gave me a flash back, as when before Christmas I was out shopping and wearing similar (turtle neck/more open weave sweater) but ended up being ‘trapped’. Long story short; I just parked my car and reached down to get a shopping bag and my earring got caught in the neck of my sweater which never – ever – ever happened before and I couldn’t move my head nor see in the mirror what was going on. Needless to say; panic set in with thoughts racing through my mind I couldn’t shop let along drive and was relieved when I ‘finally’ got the backing off which took a few minutes (but felt like an hour). As it so turned out, the open end of the hoop got tangled somehow ???? I am laughing about it now and you can too, given reason why I am even sharing it with you (and your readers) as my husband did when I told him he came very close to getting an S.O.S. call and if he hadn’t been available by dtr. who is Police Officer would have.
lol, I totally relate to that panic! I would have too. I once got trapped in a dress in a changing room. I was convinced Iād have to purchase the dress then leave with one arm in and one arm out. It took a lot not to totally panic.
My belief is that good shoes and a good bag can lift any outfit. This is why I would pick the Splurge bag to combine with the Save clothing. The bag is a classic. This is one wardrobe item that need not change if my weight fluctuates or my shape shifts.
My casual clothing has to earn its keep. Would I play with my dog in the Splurge sweater? Probably not. Real life wins.
My closet refresh continues. Only the items that no longer fit or look past their peak are going. It’s best to do this a little bit at a time. I’m not joining the minimalist bandwagon and don’t see this as a redemption project. I’m going to keep the multiples and wear them as much as I can. It’s just housekeeping to me, like cleaning the windows or any other chore that I don’t enjoy!
I totally agree about a great bag and shoes.
I’m still shocked at how much weight I’ve gained since I turned 60! My weight still is a moving target, so I’m afraid to part with my beloved jeans. However, knowing that others face the same fate means it’s natural, and I may have to accept that and move some clothes out of the way.
You are certainly not alone!
I’m noticing many comments about losing height and bodies changing shape as we age. May I recommend looking into Classical Stretch with Miranda on Public Broadcasting Station (free) or Essentrics . Miranda Esmond White developed these to help curb the “old age” problems. The exercise is short. Less than 30 minutes a day and effective. She also has CDs to purchase. But I simply save them from public television. Doing this program and daily walking have been so beneficial. I’m 75 and have not lost height and am very strong and agile.
Thank you, Jennifer! One of the best posts Iāve read on wardrobe maintenance and ārenewalā. šš»šš»šš»šš»
Two thoughts on todayās post. 1. That size thing? I find that different manufacturers fit differently. Iām generally a 12 in pants and slim/pencil skirts and a 10 (med) in tops and sweaters. But, there are some brands where Iām a 10 and an 8 (Sm) respectively and others where Iām a 14/lg! So forget what the tag says! 2. On saving clothes that have been outgrown because āIāll work to lose weightā is indeed a slippery slope because I have found itās not just weight, but the distribution of that weight! Since losing 1.5ā of height over the last several years, I find clothes fit much differently!š So, finding new styles and types of tops and pants that are flattering to a new shape are often a must for me! Thanks for this post. Love it!
Great point about sizing between brands. Iām a small in some and large in others.
Great post! My body is definitely changing and I value your wisdom and input as how to embrace some of the changes. I donāt want to give up or beat myself up. You made some terrific points today. Iām following your example and advice. Thanks!
Iām glad this resonated. We need to cut ourselves more slack.
I love the outfit you’re wearing. Looks so nice on you and comfortable at the same time. Comfort is a big thing for me right now. I think you are so right about how things change when you get older. Things I’ve saved just don’t fit the same anymore. I’ve been getting ruthless about purging!
I only have clothes in my closet that fit my current weight. Neither too loose or too tight.
I do put clothes in totes that were pricey, fitted well, and I really like. The rest I donate. I know my weight will fluctuate again so at least I have some core pieces tucked away.
I have noted some sweaters Iām not reaching for and will donate those at the end of the season. The sad one is my cashmere. Iāve never been able to wear wool or wool blends but cashmere was a dream. Now I find those itchy too. Donate or tuck away hoping my skin will be less sensitive next year? š¤
Iād tuck it away just in case your sensitivity changes next year. It could also vary by brand.
I agree comfortable clothes are a must. Iāve had several abdominal surgeries the past few years. I can only wear certain pull on pants that donāt bother scars. I found some at JJill and bought several colors in each style that look nice and are comfortable.
I love J Jill for those pants.
Thank you for this post. My shape and size have changed as I age, so Iām more comfortable in zipperless pants and untucked tops. Even though Iām your height and weight, Iāve marveled at the sizes that fit you wondering whatās wrong with me! I look forward to seeing you in more comfortable sizes. Youāre my inspiration.
There is nothing wrong with you or your body. Our silhouette makes a big difference in fit.
I do wear athletic wear at home , to grocery, workout, pharmacy. When I go out to eat, church, social groups, I wear nice casual put together outfits with accessories, like necklace, earrings, bracelets, or scarves, and nice ankle boots, loafers, etc. It is really hard to be motivated to dress nice when most retired women my age have given up. I still care how I look because it is such a mood lifter to feel and look good.
I do need to look at my jeans at the waist. I haven’t been wearing many jeans like I used to. Maybe I am not into the jeans look like I was at one time. I hate tight around the waist. I find pants or jeans with a touch of spandex or stretch in the waist to be perfect if your weight fluctuates. I agree the waist on jeans should be comfortable. I am 5’2 “, and find pants from Talbots, Chicos, Dillards, Macy’s are comfortable and have petites. I do watch the sales for sure.
Thanks for all you do Jennifer
Thanks for sharing Sue. It makes me sad that so many women have given up.
My best gift to myself is the use of an alteration tailor. I find the closest fitting pants or jeans, usually perfect in the waist and hips, baggy in the rear and thighs. My tailor, Lisa, can make them fit great, slim but not tight. Sure it adds $8.00 to the cost but itās so worth it for comfort and a neat appearance. Try it!
Well done Shirley!! Thatās so smart.
Such good advise about honoring your body. I lost a 140 pounds and it was so hard for me to let go of my clothes. For a long time I wore my old clothes then the new clothes I bought were also too big because I just could t believe I was a smaller size. I am learning to only buy clothes that fit and to purge my closet of things that dont fit or I dont like. Thank You for the inspiration!
Congratulations!
Thanks for sharing Linda! Iāve lost 75 lbs and have a hard time getting rid of my old clothes. I have to give myself a pep talk
every time Iām shopping on-line. I want to gravitate to my old sizes.
What an accomplishment! Please honor yourself to reflect your new health.
Love the splurge/save posts, Jennifer. This one is very tricky! I can usually tell by the shoes or purse, but not so much today. Thanks for bringing this back.
Well, I need to say just how fit and healthy you look in your gray turtleneck and jeans! Love your use of minimal accessories too! Itās just a comfortable, modern style that never gets old.
I am guilty of holding on to clothing thatās just not fitting perfect. The closer you are to your goal weight, 5 pounds can be an entire size change. My issue today is that most of my weight concerns seem to be around my middle. Itās so evident when I see a picture of myself that my frame is changing, big time. My posture is a big focus and strengthening my core!
Thank you. That 5 pounds is a bear! I totally agree.
Your Paul Green sneakers gave it away for the splurge! I tried them on in the fall- SO comfortable! Plan to buy once the weather warms up. Iām heavy right now & sometimes feel that the clothes I buy are too large. Not feeling good so I buy the ā oversized ā look that is currently fashionable.
I think slimmer fits look better on me when my weight is up.
Good morning .Jennifer, I have missed the splurge/save outfits
My best guess, the splurge outfit is on the left and I wholeheartedly again with todays column, dress to be comfortable can be stylish and confidence building.
Have a great day
Happy Monday Pat
Thank you so much for this, Jennifer! I started 2023 heavier than I have been in a long time. I was pretty frustrated with myself, but I decided to turn my negative thoughts into positive thoughts, and take action! While working on my fitness and nutrition, I bought a new ābanquet dressā, in a comfortable size. I knew I had at least three occasions in 2023 to dress up, and all my other dresses were too tight. I also blessed myself with new underwear in a comfortable size! Iām starting 2024 not as heavy as I was last year, and Iām motivated to keep improving.
Way to go Georgia! Iām updating my lingerie drawer next. Itās a bit of a shambles