Fashion Sense

[CT Fats 82]

Has anyone's fashion sense, style or image change since losing a lot of weight? I have always wanted to rock that cool, hipster, bum look like johnny depp, but as a fat guy you can't look messy-chic, you just come off as sloppy-fat. How has your sense of dress changed since dropping the weight?

[LeahG 16]

I can totally relate....I'm always wondering what I'll dress like when I lose weight, since when you're overweight it's hard enough to find close that fit and are flattering! I've never really had a "style", so It'll be interesting to see what I pick when I don't have to shop in the plus size stores!

[MegInNOLA 531]

Yes! I have been having so much fun getting a new wardrobe! I used to only shop at Lane Bryant and Silhouettes (online plus sizes). I'm now addicted to Chico's--LOVE their cute jackets and "girly" details, lots of animal prints, "bling," gleaming fabrics, beautiful statement jewelry. I used to tell my DH that I just wasn't a "girly girl." He recently said to me that I obviously had been all along but just didn't feel comfortable/wasn't able to indulge my style preferences. Yep, he knows me pretty well.

I also have taken to purchasing and wearing high heels, and at 6'2" barefoot, that's a big deal--before, I hated feeling like I took up all the space in a room--I know with my head that I wasn't taking up all the room, but I felt HUGE and not very feminine. Now, I don't mind feeling tall, because I don't feel huge any more. I love being able to wear my heels without my feet and knees hollering by the end of the day; I'm a teacher, so I'm on my feet all day long!

I now absolutely refuse to wear any pants with an elastic or drawstring waist--I wore those for 20 years, and I'm just not going to do it any more. I also don't wear baggy tops or untailored things except for sports jerseys (which, here in N.O. Saints and LSU Tiger land, are important!). No more "bags" for me...now my clothes fit my body, look cute, and make me feel good wearing them. I enjoy it when my students compliment my "look," and I really look forward to getting dressed in the morning. I can attend meetings with administration and feel professional and comfortable. None of this would have happened without my sleeve.

And let's face it, we eat so little that the food budget has dropped substantially, leaving more for fashion!! That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

[SKCUNNINGHAM 298]

I have been having so much fun looking at clothes, at fashion magazines, at fashion programs, and trying on clothes. The times in my life I have been thin before, I was at a different point in my life, a different age, and needed different clothes than I do now. I'm trying to figure out what I want to look like now that my choices are wide open again.

No longer is "it fits OK" going to be good enough for me. I can buy clothes pretty much anywhere. Now I just have to decide what I want to wear.

I kind of would get in a rut - would pick one look I enjoyed and stick with it.

In 1975 - 1977 -in college - I lived in blue jeans, peasant tops, and wore earth shoes. I had little sense of fashion - as long as the jeans were clean with no holes, and I had on good smelling perfume, pretty earrings and cute briefs - I thought everything was great.

In 1987, when I was a size 8 - I wore tailored suts, silk blouses and 3" heels to work everyday - and loved it. Wore that "uniform" for years - no matter what size I grew to be.

In 2001 - when I became a size 8 (again), my heels had dropped (bad ankle, foot surgery) - but was still doing suits for work. The wern't as conservative as previously - but still the same look.

I got the opportunity to work from my home office for four years - and traveled occasionally. When I was home - I wore blue jeans, Chuck's on my feet, and an assortment of "life is good" T shirts.

Now, the world has changed. My office is professional business casual . On Friday's, blue jeans are OK - I still need to look professional. I am looking through all my stored smaller clothes - keeping some and getting rid of others (even though they fit). I have bought some basics as I shrunk (got to have black pants for work and blue jeans that fit). I have bought some of the Travelers line of clothes at Chico's. They are of fabric that you can wad up into a suitcase then just shake out when you get to your destination - and some of them look really professional.

So - bottom line - yes my fahion sense is changing - and I am having a heck of a good time trying to figure out what I want.

[LilMissDiva Irene 3,281]

I've always been one to dress really well even when I was fat. It's much easier to find cute outfits now... maybe too easy. I have WAY too many choices and I've never been good about picking any one over another. My closet is crazy stuffed right now!!!

[M2G 1,836]

Ditto to Diva...I always took the time to dress nice, accessorize, and use makeup (not a ton) but my style has always been classic casual, and I really don't see that changing much. It's annoying b/c I find myself drawn to the same type of classic clothing and essentially re-buying what I normally wear ...BUT in a smaller size (that part isn't annoying at ALL!) I will tell you at first shopping in the ladies dept. vs WOMANS WORLD or PLUS SIZE is a whole different animal b/c there are SO many choices...it's almost overwhelming after being relagated to a boxing ring size of the store. But now that I've been in regular size for the last 6 months or so, I finally don't feel like an "imposter" when I wander in there (I felt VERY out of place when I first started shopping in regular land...)

Another big bonus is that I can essentially shop at Goodwill or other type thrift store and the selection is great in the size that I'm at...no more do I just have to look for the biggest size and be happy with what I can scrape up. I can enjoy shopping and I'm so happy at what I see in the mirror!!

[Rev Me Up! 75]

I think my sense of style has always been the same, but I was also concerned about what looks good on me. At this stage of my life, I have more of an hourglass shape than I ever had before and I have started to get into the retro clothes - dresses that are tight on top with full circle skirts. Also shirts that have built in darts at the bust to accomodate a small waist with a larger bosom. They are forgiving for the body shape I have today. Also, I am bearing down on 40 and I am trying to evolve my style in a way that is age appropriate while still being cool.

I will say today that I am willing to spend more money on clothes because they look fantastic. I also am moving into wearing much more color rather than just colorful accessories.

Good luck to you in realizing your full style potential!!!!

[RaiderRob 3]

I'm still a t-shirt and jeans type of guy...For nicer occasions it will be nice to have a wider variety of options though.

[aaa 3]

I notoriously have no sense of style, but I've transformed from being that 'dress for comfort' girl to the type of woman who won't go out unless I'm wearing jewellery, a full face of make up and well-fitted clothes! Never thought that'd happen. I've experimented with a few different styles (now the options are open to me) but am settling into a more 'classic' smart casual look I guess. I'm quickly learning what styles flatter me. I'm a slave to v-necks and skinny jeans!

Also, I wore a dress for the first time since I was a child last week. Me: in a dress! And instead of feeling uncomfortable, I absolutely loved it. Who knew there was a girly girl in here all along?!

You all will have so much fun with it. Though there have been some faux pas already let me tell you. Easy to get carried away just because it fits!

[sleeve 4 me 910]

YES! I'm more hip now! I can wear things I never could before...of course now my family is thinking I'm going through something, but it's fine! I'm HAPPY and LOVIN shopping

[Foxbins 625]

I have no sense of style and never have. I once bought an outfit off a mannequin--I just walked up to a salesgirl and said, "I'll take all that"--dress, belt, scarf, necklace, shoes. As my gift to myself after reaching goal I am hiring a personal stylist and buying a new wardrobe. Some people have plastic surgery, I'm having a closet full of well-fitting, attractive clothes that I'll feel great in.

[sleeve 4 me 910]

I have no sense of style and never have. I once bought an outfit off a mannequin--I just walked up to a salesgirl and said, "I'll take all that"--dress, belt, scarf, necklace, shoes. As my gift to myself after reaching goal I am hiring a personal stylist and buying a new wardrobe. Some people have plastic surgery, I'm having a closet full of well-fitting, attractive clothes that I'll feel great in.

I think that is an AWESOME gift to give to yourself! HAVE FUN!!!!!!!

[mina 27]

for the brief period in my life when i lost a lot of weight, I absolutely enjoyed fashion.. then I regained the weight and avoided shopping as much as possible, i usually stay with simple clothes, no flower prints, clean lines but i didn't keep up with trends. now that i'm losing weight i find myself look at "stylish" clothes, i can't stand having clothes big on me. i like it tailored.