Dressing the Body in Flux

Creating a personal style is a rewarding and exciting journey. The processes of honing in on your ideal wardrobe, exploring your proportions, and building outfits that make you feel strong and gorgeous are all incredibly fulfilling.

But what if you feel in flux? What if you’re considering moving to another state with a wholly different climate? What if you have gained or lost weight, and don’t know if you’re going to gain or lose more? And what about those times when you feel like you’re still struggling to figure out what it is you want to look like?

There is no single right answer, of course. Much depends on your personality, budget, and goals. But here are a few possible actions to take if you want to feel stylish, but also feel like you’re in the grip of great change:

Thrift

One major concern when your body is in flux is clothing it without breaking the bank. If you’re unsure when or if the changes will end, spending big on new clothes can seem downright loony. But you also shouldn’t be strapping yourself into outfits that make you miserable or uncomfortable. So consider evaluating what still works – or what will work if some change is pending, like a move to a new area – and thrifting a few basics to fill in the essential blanks.

Stick to the classics

When my body is in flux, so is my confidence. I feel unfamiliar with my own physical territory, and am convinced that I no longer know how to dress myself. At all. So I generally stick to chic, timeless classics during those times. Button-front blouses, full skirts, and heels. Tunics, leggings, and boots. I fall back on dressing formulas that I’ve tried and tested in the past, and leave the experimentation for times when I feel more stable. If you’re in a place where you’re still unsure of your own best-bet outfit formulas, focus on classic pieces: Pencil skirts, cardigans, your favorite style of dress, quality slacks, flattering jeans.

Accessorize

Generally speaking, body changes don’t affect how accessories fit. Some shoes and belts may begin to feel uncomfortable, depending on what you’re going through, but earrings, scarves, necklaces, brooches, gorgeous eyeglasses, and bracelets are all likely to continue fitting. Especially if you’ve chosen the “stick to the classics” route until you feel more even-keeled, splashing out with accessorization can help you continue to feel creative, playful, and engaged with your personal style.

Be kind to yourself

Change is scary. Overwhelming and unnerving, even. So do your best to keep self-judgment and criticism to an absolute minimum. You’re already feeling off balance, so beating yourself up for feeling off balance is just going to make everything seem bigger and badder. Change is scary, but it’s also natural and normal. This is not the first time your body has changed, nor will it be the last. And that’s OK, and you’ll make it through.

Image via weheartit.