Is it possible to gain weight in style?

OK, no woman wants to gain weight, but sometimes it’s just inevitable … Freshman year in college … Stressful job … Post-baby … Pre-menopausal … Menopausal … Age.

Ugh!! I can relate.

When you gain weight and you’ve been a certain size all your life, it’s really frustrating.You don’t feel like yourself. You want to completely hide your body.

You make poor fashion choices and try to wear your old clothes that clearly don’t fit.

But it IS possible to stay true to YOU and your style if you gain weight.

Ustyled’s Top 3 tips for Dressing your Curvier Body

1) Focus on Fit

Now, more than ever, you need to be sure your clothes fit well. Too big or too small and you look bigger than you are and no woman wants that! Go for pieces that skim your body and lay gracefully – no pulling or tugging!

NOTE: This is also about balancing proportion. If you do want to wear something flow-y on top or bottom to feel more comfortable, be sure to wear something streamlined and slim to balance the volume. (Volume on top + slim on bottom and vice versa.)

2) Add a Belt

I know, I know. You’ve heard it before. But there is nothing more slimming that creating or defining your waist. You’re a woman – show off those womanly curves!

It’s also a great way to cheat on tip #1 – you can wear something that’s a bit bigger if you pull it in at the waist. (Like in any relationship, it’s all about compromise).

3) Knits are your new BFF

Knits are forgiving either way and so if you have to invest in new clothes, you will likely be able to wear the knits you bought when you lose the few pounds you gained. You’ll get much further with a knit dress or jacket when you go up or down in weight than with a cotton one. Trust!

BONUS TIP:

Your body type can change a bit when you gain or lose weight, so it’s important to know the tips and tricks to dress for your new body type specifically. For instance, you may prefer an a-line skirt vs. a pencil skirt if you gain weight and your body shifts from being ‘hourglass’ to a bit more ‘pear.’

While we don’t love the idea of body types as there is no one size fits all approach – most of our clients are a hybrid of 2 or more body ‘types’ – it does give you a good jumping off point.

If you’re ready for more support and clarity, we address all of this in the 30 Days to Define your Style Program.