This is a tough question…but more importantly, how should you feel’ while you are losing weight.

I find that if you look great, you feel great and are motivated to do things that you typically would not do. Putting on your gym clothes and working up a sweat requires more than physical effort, it requires mental motivation looking good during the process will help you to keep going down the weight loss road.

So should you wait to buy new things as you lose weight? Definitely not! “Clothes can be a barometer of how you feel, as well as how much you weigh, says Madelyn Fernstrom, PhD, director of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s Weight Management Center: “Some people say, ‘I won’t buy anything new until I have lost 15 pounds. The rule of thumb, Fernstrom says, is that losing 8 to 10 pounds translates to going down one size. Still, if you lose “up to 15 pounds, you may be ok in your old size,” she says.

I have been in numerous closets over the years, and I have seen up to 6 sizes in one closet at a time and most things haven’t been worn in at least over 2 years. Multiple sizes don’t do anything but clutter your closet and make you feel worse After a few years, your body can change shape, and a size 8 in one style will probably not fit you the same way anyway. Take the first step – throw out anything you haven’t worn in over 2 years…I would say 1 year, but I know for many of you reading this that is easier said than done! (You know who you are).

The key to feeling great while losing weight is to not reach for the same clothes you have been wearing…if it is baggy, don’t put it on! Clothes make you feel and look slimmer or will make you feel and look dumpy…avoid baggy, ill-fitting clothing during this process. Dressing to look your best, no matter where you are in your weight loss program, will inspire you to keep going.

There are some universal rules to fit’ when it comes to the cut of clothing that will flatter you for longer periods of time.

Sharon Haver, founder and style director of FocusOnStyle.com, advises dieters to concentrate on flattering, well-fitting basics. “A shirt, a pair of pants; things with a bit of stretch — meaning some Lycra or an elastic waist.” Pants without a set-in waistband are easier to take in. A-line skirts show the “you” underneath, and, when they get a little loose, won’t look as baggy as a too-large pencil skirt would, she says. “Why would you want to feel frumpy at any stage of your journey?” Haver asks. “You want people to notice every pound you lose and say, ‘You look fantastic!'”

Knowing the lines that work best for you is important when shopping for clothing at any weight.  You want pieces that will look good now and when you are 8 pounds lighter. Waiting to buy new clothes is a huge mistake – you don’t have to break the bank, but the basics are very important.  Another trick is how you use your accessories while losing weight…necklaces that land in the right places and belts that cinch in a shirt can help a piece of clothing last much longer. Certain colors, in specific places can create wonderful illusions. Pants that have HIDDEN elastic or stretch in certain places is a trick I help my clients with or buying brands that are good quality, but won’t eat up your entire budget. Once you’ve lost the weight, you can really invest in the basics then, but looking awful during the process won’t keep you motivated.

Buying pieces that will look good now as well as 8-10 pounds lighter is the key…Please let me know if I can help you in your weight loss journey!

Mila

Image | Brand | Fashion
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