I have a confession to make.
At this particular juncture in my life, I am only wearing about 30% of the clothes that I own.
Yep. That’s it. Just a measly, little ol’ 30%.
If you’ve ever been in my shoes, you have probably already guessed the reason so let’s say it all together:
Weight Gain!!
Between menopause, a stalled metabolism, weight gain-causing medications, IBS (which causes 6-month-ish pregnancy bloating) and the COPD and RA that keep me from exercising as much as I’d like, I am currently at a weight that has pared down my wardrobe to the barest of the bare minimum.
And since I am not, as a rule, awash with cash, I can’t go out and buy a whole new wardrobe in another size which means I am in a frustrating wardrobe season.
Back in the summer, I could put on one of my five elastic waist, colorful skirts with a cute blouse and I was good to go. But fall? Yikes! Fall means trading out cotton skirts for pants and pants are the worst and hardest things to fit.
Last week, Steve and I had an event to attend with a particular dress code. I went upstairs to get dressed with my outfit idea in mind which included a certain pair of pants and shirt. Alas, when I (attempted to) put on the pants, I discovered that they were downright unbuttonable. And they were all that I had that was suitable.
I don’t know if you’ve ever been in Full Out Closet Panic Mode, but that’s where I was that night. Pulling things out, discarding them, pulling more things out, discarding them.
Here is my closet midway through the aforementioned Closet Crisis.
This is what my closet normally looks like. I’ve moved out much of the stuff that no longer fits but there’s still probably half of this that doesn’t work for me right now.
I always try to look on the bright side of things and it occurred to me while I was trying to concoct an outfit for work yesterday that this current style season is forcing me to think creatively and really challenge myself to come up with imaginative groupings of a small number of clothing items. I am appreciating all over again how adding jewelry and scarves and third piece toppers can freshen up often-worn items.
So that’s my intro to today’s style post: a little vulnerability is good for the soul and since you all have become my friends over the years, I wanted to share my style struggles with you. Thanks for listening–I feel better now!
Style is a word with half a billion definitions which basically means that clothes that work great for one person are not always well suited for someone else.
A perfect illustration is the contrast between two bloggers I follow. They are both modern, stylish women but their looks could not be any more different from each other.
The first blogger is Tania Stephens from 50IsNotOld. Her style is creative, colorful, and fun. She wears layers of stacked, dramatic jewelry and each of her clothing items are distinctive, which helps create her unique style vibe.
While I may not always love all of her outfits, I am always inspired by the way she incorporates color and quirkiness into her style. She has definitely found what works for her, her lifestyle, and her personality and her choices makes me smile. (To see larger photos, click anywhere.)
On the opposite end of the style spectrum is Susan Street at SusanAfter60. (I have mentioned her here before.) She has inspired me for several years now, because of the changes she has made in her health, her life, and her look. (She recently turned sixty.)
Susan’s style is sophisticated, streamlined, and understated. Wearing flowy, long tops over narrow pants is her signature style. Her focus is buying items of clothing without a lot of identifying features so that she can mix and match them more easily. When she adds interesting, elegant accessories, each outfit becomes gorgeous.
Susan is very much about minimalist jewelry and accessories and has often said if you have one large statement piece of jewelry, make sure everything else is small and less noticeable.
I have heard Susan’s advice in my head a thousand times while shopping or getting dressed. She offers very practical advice– like this, for example:
“Notice that by adding the denim jacket over the long tunic I am dividing my body in thirds visually. Three is always more pleasing to the eye than two equal halves.”
The reason I am featuring these two bloggers is that they so perfectly represent the importance of finding your own look. If you were to put Susan in Tania’s clothes or vice versa, they would both look ridiculous. Their styles are perfectly suited for their personalities and their lifestyles.
As you look for your personal styleprint, think about which three or four words describe you. You’ll be amazed at how much those words will guide your decisions as you shop, curate your closet, and create a cohesive, workable, enjoyable wardrobe.
Here are a few style words to get your thinking process started:
Ladylike, modern, edgy, bohemian, classic, refined, artsy, dynamic, romantic, playful, monochromatic, cultivated, timeless, sophisticated, contemporary, feminine, unexpected, vibrant, distinctive, dynamic, fun, elegant, colorful, quirky, eclectic, glamorous, understated, whimsical, dignified.
At this point, my style words would probably be colorful, whimsical and feminine. (I also love clothes that incorporate asymmetry, but they are a little hard to find.)
(Unless noted, all clothes are thrifted and cost an average of $3 to $5 per piece.)
When I bought this yellow blouse, it had an opening in the front with a tie to close it. I took it to my seamstress and had her remove the tie and sew up the opening. That simple change enables me to wear scarves and necklaces with the blouse, which adds a whole lot more flair to an outfit than a simple tie ever could. (Note: This idea doesn’t work on some of my similarly styled shirts because the opening is a bit more “curved” and wouldn’t close properly. But it worked perfectly for this blouse.)
Here’s another example with another necklace. A scarf would also be pretty.
I absolutely love this skirt. It’s softer than you can imagine, almost like a t-shirt material, and it drapes and moves beautifully. It’s the next best thing to wearing pjs in public–it’s just that comfortable! The dark color is slimming and goes with everything.
I just got this skirt a couple of weeks ago and fell in love with it at first sight.
I experimented with a few different pairings. (The fuzzy socks are NOT part of the look!)
Since the skirt has a bohemian flair, I thought the artsy sweater went well with it.
Although my first choice is always incorporating color into my clothing, I also love to wear monochromatic outfits.
I experimented with add a light sweater in order to get more a “column of color” look.
And speaking of monochromatic, I just picked up this brown skirt last week; it has a lace overlay which is a fun change of pace.
One of the things I try to do when going monochromatic is to change up the textures of each piece to add a little interest to the overall look.
Here’s the scarf . . .
the skirt fabric . . .
the blouse fabric . . .
and the boots. (These were a little more expensive than my other thrifted items at $7.)
Lastly, here is a series of photos with the different ways shoes can change an outfit. (Some looks are just included for contrast; I probably wouldn’t actually wear them.)
I included a close up of some of the more interesting shoes. (Note: the blouse is not thrifted; it’s from Stein Mart.)
What about you? What percentage of your closet do you think you are wearing right now? Are you happy with that percentage?
Do you know your style words? If so, please share! I’d love to see if you have words that weren’t listed above.
And remember this: Whatever your weight, size, or number of items in your wardrobe, YOU are beautiful!
Other posts in this series: Small Changes Favorite Style Bloggers Stars and Understudies Proportions and Alterations. Mom Jeans In the Middle Patterned Pieces Two is Best The Rear View and Flowiness Take a Picture Already!
I agree with Ruth, keep wearing skirts in fall/winter colors, and wear them with boots. Love the boots you got but no way could I wear that heel! I never acquired the ability to be able to walk well on narrow? heels. No problem with platforms or wedges! Hard to pick words that would describe my style as it would vary depending on my mood, the occasion, etc.
Kari,
I’ve never been bothered much by heels and I’ve been amazed at how comfortable a lot of heels are. However, if I try on heels and they are really cute but are NOT comfortable? I won’t go near them. Life’s too short to wear shoes that hurt.
I loved wedges and platforms, too. The look of a heel without the heel. 🙂
My clothes are not new. Have bought a few tops and Capri pants last year. Being short (4’11”) it is difficult to get “stylish” outfits that fit and look appropriate for a 70 year old. I do need to clean the closet as some of my outfits are about 15 years old. So enjoyed your blog and pictures. You always brighten my day.
Ann,
I’m glad to know my blog posts are a day-brightener for you. 🙂 That’s one of my goals of this blog.
You must buy good quality clothes to have some of them last 15 years! I think I have a couple things that old. But cleaning out the closet and only keeping things I love is one of my favorite things to do–such a good feeling at the end!
Hope you and Jim have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Ok, so this is my third try at leaving a comment. Honestly, one would think I could just spit. it. out!
Anyway, I just want to say that I am so sorry you have to deal with all this junk with your various conditions and meds and their rotten side effects. But nonetheless, you still look beautiful and well put together. Your fine fashion sense and skills serve you well. And as always, thank you for sharing your knowledge in a practical and enjoyable way!
I think my three style words may be understated and classic with a touch of whimsy. My closet does not generate inspiration on any level. I don’t have a lot and I hate half of it, so there ya go. But if I would ever get my behiney in gear and go do some shopping and figuring what looks good on me, it would get better. I just get overwhelmed. Thank you a million times over for all you have done to help and encourage me! 🙂
Love, Deb
Deb,
Well, I’m glad you finally got it all spit out! 🙂
I think your style words are interesting and unique, especially melding classic and whimsy. Love that!
Yes, I have to agree that you need to get out and do some shopping. With St. Vinny’s, Goodwill and that consignment store we once saw on the way out of town on the way to the airport, you could cycle through each of those, maybe visiting one of them once a week.
My wardrobe (such as it is) has been built very slowly but even 2-3 pieces a month really add up over the course of a year.
YOu’ve come a long, long way already, Deb, and I’m honored to have had a small smart in your style journey.
Keep wearing skirts with fall colors, (it is not that cold down there!) and leave the pants folded up for now. Seeing a woman in skirts these days is refreshing to men and women both. They can be fun, colorful, playful, intriguing, amusing, comfy and just plain satisfying. Ruth
Ruth,
Yes, I DO love skirts and fall colors; a wonderful combination!
I am a long (really long) time reader who always enjoys your posts, but a little shy about commenting ?. Today’s post deserves a huge kudos. 1. Will you please come to Colorado and organize my closet? Wow, I love that picture. 2. It is so nice to know that we all have times when our wardrobes shrink. 3. Always appreciate your style tips. You look beautiful no matter what you weigh, and more importantly I suspect you are more beautiful in your soul than even on the outside.
I am in same age bracket and life stage as you and feel somehow connected to you in many of your posts (or sometimes feel like a stalker lol). We even have a daughter, son law and granddaughter living in your beautiful state, and thought of you as we drove past Manteo on our way to the lighthouse last time we visited.
Thank you for candidly sharing your life. Even though we have never met, your family and your church are in my prayers.
Take care.
Susie,
You just made my day! I always love hearing from infrequent or first time commenters but when they are also encouraging and sweet with what they say–well, what more could any blogger ask? 🙂
Thank you for affirming the style post. I was little hesitant about writing that personal stuff at the beginning but I figured there had to be other women out there who could probably relate so I went for it!
How nice you have family in NC. If you ever come to Manteo again let me know so I can hello!
Wow, Susan Street really did a makeover. She looks so much younger – even though the hair is still grey, it’s a new style. Yes, I’ve gone through the clothes changes for many years. Guess that’s why I’m so thankful for thrift stores – you don’t have to pay an arm and leg for different clothing – either gaining or losing weight. You still look great Becky, no matter if you have gained weight.
Sharyn,
Yes, Susan did do quite a makeover, didn’t she? Inspiring to know we can still look lovely into our 50’s, 60’s and beyond.
You are exactly right about thrift stores; I have been thankful over the years that as my size fluctuates, I can always fill in some gaps with inexpensive thrift store items. Don’t know what I would do without those places!
Modern, fun, understated & comfortable. That’s me. 🙂 Although your style is not the same as my style, I really do enjoy your style posts because you give great style tips that have helped me a lot! My closet is still very much a work in progress but it’s coming along, thanks to you! Oh, and I would say I’m wearing about 90% of my closet, which isn’t saying much since I don’t have much. Lol
I love that dark skirt and coral jacket outfit! It is very flattering, fun and you look so great in it. You look good in all of your outfits but I especially like this one. 🙂
LeeAnne,
I love your style words, especially modern and fun. And NOTHING is better in a wardrobe that being comfortable!
You’re doing well to be wearing 90% of your wardrobe; that’s probably a fairly high percentage, comparatively.
I’m so glad to know my style posts have helped you out. It’s a never ending process, isn’t it?
Oh Becky- I needed to read this today. I’m glad I’m not alone! It cheered me up a little to know I’m not the only one in a clothes-no-longer-fit-due-to-weight-gain- situation! In fact, I had just gotten dressed moments before reading this, and the first pair of pants I tried did not even remotely fit, causing me to undeniably face the fact my size has expanded. I always had a fast metabolism and could eat pretty much what I wanted (within reason), but between losing the ability to walk these past months (and therefore being much less mobile and not burning nearly as many calories as before) and turning to comfort food and treats as a way to cope with the situation a lot of my clothes suddenly no longer fit.
Your post has inspired me to try to find a better style. I know I say that every time you write one of your wonderful style posts, but I really really mean it as i sit here in my now too tight, stretchiest pants and an old plaid shirt that is better suited to pajamas. Having finally faced the fact that there’s only so many times i can blame our dryer for having shrunk yet another clothing item, I am ready to be honest with myself about what is really going on and begin to take better care of myself eating-wise. And I’m also ready to try to find some semblance of a classy style. I would like to look well put together- even chic although right now that feels like more of a stretch than my stretchy pants. I liked both of the fashion blogger’s looks that you showcased- but I especially relate to Susan’s.
And I like how you put your outfits together. Have a wonderful day!
Jenna,
You have such a sweet, encouraging spirit; I really appreciate the way you take time to write out such meaningful comments and truly express your heart.
I hesitated about sharing my weight challenge on the blog; I’m glad I went ahead and did it, if for nothing else than to help you know you’re not alone. It gets very discouraging to have a weight struggle that is due to health issues. I have to be careful not to let myself get envious of healthy people who can run and exercise and climb hills and not even think twice about it. But you and I are blessed in other ways.
I’m so happy my style posts are giving you a little nudge into dressing more in a way that you enjoy. When you are already struggling with so many tough things, feeling like you look nice in what you have on can be such a morale booster.
I’m pulling for you! Just start with the smallest changes and see where they take you.