Why is it so challenging to get dressed?

Several years ago in my image business, I worked in closets helping women edit their closet and get rid of clothing that no longer served them or I created new looks for them with the clothing they had.

One customer I remember had been a size 18 and lost weight to where she should have been wearing a size 12. She looked and felt fantastic. There is nothing like dressing a woman who LOVES her body. The problem was, she was still wearing the size 18 dresses by belting them. It was not a good look on her.

Why would a woman still try to wear a much larger size? There are a few reasons:

1. We have clothing we love and hate to part with it when it no longer fits. Some pieces we can feel emotionally attached to and it seems impossible to let it go.
2. Some women are on a fixed income and purchasing a new wardrobe after weight loss makes it financially impossible.
3. Some women find it daunting to adjust to a new body shape and can feel insecure or frustrated trying to navigate a new department in her favorite store.

Once we have finally gotten rid of those extra pounds, why is it so challenging to get dressed?

1. Sometimes, finding clothing that is both stylish and age-appropriate can be challenging. Many women feel pressure to dress in a way that is deemed “age-appropriate” which can limit your style choices and prevent you from expressing your personal style. I always say – it’s not about an age but an attitude.
2. Along with weight loss, you can experience changes in body shape. This new shape can certainly be challenging to dress until you become more familiar with it.
3. Adjusting to a new body shape can impact your self-image. It is frustrating when your clothing no longer fits and you can’t seem to find your new style.
4. Finding clothing that fits well in the right places can be difficult, leading to frustration and disappointment during shopping trips. Ladies, ready-to-wear is not ready to wear. I know of women who have built muscle in their legs and their waist has gotten smaller. Finding pants seems impossible. This is when you fit the largest part and find yourself a good alterations specialist to take in that waist. So many women would love to have the waist taken in. Do not hesitate to alter your clothing, men don’t give it a second thought – they just do it.

Addressing all these pain points may require patience, self-compassion, and experimentation with different styles, until you have a wardrobe that makes you feel confident and beautiful. I’m here for you. Let’s do it.