Since founding U*styled in 2008 I’ve lost 25 pounds. I’m not saying that to brag and I do want to emphasize that I never actually felt overweight.  I’m lucky that my body distributes any weight I may gain pretty evenly and I do admit that I love my curves (though it took me many years to love my butt!).

That being said, I’ve never intentionally tried to lose the weight. I simply made changes in my life that made me less stressed, more balanced and healthier.

The first shift happened immediately after I left BCBG. I think it was quite simply that I was happier and excited about my new business.
The second shift has been over the last 9 months as I clean out my system to clear my lifelong allergies.

And, I never thought I would ever be this size or weight. In fact, I always thought that if I ever was at this weight, you should feed me a steak!

Interesting how we create these stories for ourselves.

Now, I realize that untrue and I LOVE how healthy and fit I am. I love that you can see the muscles I’ve developed over the years though boxing, running, weight lifting and now piloxing.

But the biggest difference is how I’ve had to shift my wardrobe completely and really invest back into myself and not just my business as I’d been doing for so long (I’m sure many of you can relate in your own way).

When you lose weight, your body type changes and you have to completely shift how you dress.  But, it doesn’t have to be difficult, frustrating or crazy expensive. I am here to help!

My Top 5 Tips for Style with Weight Loss:

1) When in doubt, add a belt!

A necessity in any wardrobe, belts are even more important when you’re in transition. If your clothes are too big and baggy, they’ll make you look bigger than you are. Don’t waste (waist??) all the hard work you’ve done! Add a belt at your waist over a jacket, sweater, blouse, skirt, etc. that is now too big for you. It’ll actually look tres chic!

2) Jersey is your friend

Jersey and knits will ebb and flow with you through your weight loss and if you happen to gain any of the weight back as your body settles into it’s new self. Look for jersey dresses, sweater jackets, sweaters in general and knit tops or (my favorite) ponte pants.

3) Create a fabulous foundation

Start with the basics. You need a great pair of jeans, dark pants, shift dress, jacket, etc. that fit you well. These pieces will help you transition your old wardrobe into your new wardrobe. Anything that is a bit too big you can ‘fake it til you make it’ with a great foundational piece.

4) Realize you are investing in yourself and your future

If you’ve done the work to lose the weight, make the commitment to maintain that weight lost by continuing to invest in yourself and your wardrobe. Get excited about clothes shopping and showing off your fabulously fit body! This will reinforce how great you feel and so the cycle continues.

5) Get an expert opinion

You’re not used to this new body and what it needs, so investing in the help of an expert will make sure that you’re spending your money wisely. BONUS: you can learn what actually does still work from your old wardrobe/style so you’re not completely reinventing the wheel.

If you’ve found yourself in this position and need the guidance through the process of defining your style for this new and improved you, take advantage of the fact that U*styled is donating a portion of the proceeds from each Style Session booked in October to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Email caitlin@catherinecassidy.co to set up a time for your complimentary Personal Style Call.