ANYONE else too nervous to buy any clothes in the January sales because your new-year slim may mean they won’t fit?
I’ve been scouring the shops and there are — but before I reach the checkout, I find myself hesitating.
Abby McHale tells you how to buy clothes in the sales that will still fit in 6 months timeCredit: David Cummings
I think to myself, “Will this still fit me in six months’ time?”
Often, the truth is maybe not, and reluctantly I leave that item in my online basket or return it to the rack.
It’s the start of a new year and I want to .
Whether by dieting, exercise, or — which are not for me — millions of women are looking to do the same and find themselves in a limbo land where their existing clothes are a bit tight but they also fear buying new items because they could end up too loose.
After stepping on to the scales this week for the first time in more than six months, I saw a number looking back at me that I wasn’t pleased to meet.
I had an “I’ll start in the new year” mindset on weight loss, and after an indulgent festive season had noticed my clothes fitting a little tighter.
I want to slim in order to feel more healthy, and just good about myself.
In our fat-jab era where everywhere you look you will see a shrinking celeb, there is also this constant message that only skinny is beautiful — which is not the case, and not a healthy message.
But while trying to lose weight, looking for new clothes can be tricky.
I’m sure many women in this situation resign themselves to living in joggers until they hit their target weight.
It can be hard to put an outfit together when not feeling your best, and you don’t want to waste money on clothes that might not fit you in a few months’ time.
But I love clothes too much to not buy anything until I shift those pounds.
Over the years I’ve found items that make me feel good no matter what size I am, as they look stylish before and after weight fluctuation.
So, if your size is fluid, read my tips on finding clothes that can still be keepers.
Pick fabrics to skim rather than cling
Marks & Spencer cowl-neck dress, £40Credit: Marks & Spencer
THERE’S no point buying clothes that are unkind to your shape.
Look for designs that will stretch or skim over your body, and be flattering whether you gain or lose weight.
One great buy might be this cowl-neck dress, priced £40.
Jersey, knit and chiffon material is good to look out for, because of their flexibility.
But avoid anything that is, or is likely to be, too clingy.
There are some fabrics that are both stretchy and clingy such as Spandex and Lycra, and they may be comfortable but aren’t always the most flattering.
Avoid these too.
Yes, you can buy jeans
Next, wide-leg jeans, £35Credit: Next
IF you’re in the market for jeans but fear they’ll be baggy before the end of the year, there is a solution out there for you.
Many pairs on the market are now stretchy, making them altogether more flexible.
You can buy a size that will fit now and, as you lose weight, the jeans will adapt to your new shape.
currently has a great range of stretch jeans, like this wide-leg pair for £35.
Find a magic dress
Red dress, H&M, £19Credit: H&M
THE right kind of dress can be forgiving and flattering.
Wrap dresses have always been the classic go-to.
If you’re curvy they cinch you in at the waist to give you an hourglass figure, and if you have a more straight figure they give the illusion of a waist.
If you want a more updated style look for the “magical”drawstring dresses, which can be either tightened or loosened at the waist.
No matter what size you are, dresses like this £19 H&M one will fit your body
Ruching is your best friend
River Island, ruched dress, £46Credit: River Island
I CAN’T shout enough about how ruching is one of the most flattering details on clothing.
If you’re conscious of your weight then look for ruching over the stomach.
This is a common design on dresses and is a must-have if your weight fluctuates.
The gathered material means you won’t get anything clinging to your stomach and it works regardless of your weight.
Victoria Beckham loves a ruched detail, with some of her bestsellers having a ruched front,
However, I love this high street version from for £46.
Black is your fave neutral
Primark, black top, £14Credit: Primark
NO doubt about it, black is the most slimming of neutrals.
It really does work for all sizes.
You need not wear only dark hues, but if you’re conscious of a particular area or your body then this can help to cover that up.
This £14 top from has a sculpted waist which works well on all shapes.
Full elastic waistbands
Skirt, Tu at Sainsbury’s, £24Credit: Tu
NOTHING is more uncomfy than clothes digging into your waist.
The best way to combat this is an elastic waistband.
And I’m not talking about just the back part being stretchy, the whole thing needs to be.
While it’s handy having elastic at the back for if your size changes, it doesn’t stop the front cutting into your waist.
You can pick up stylish skirts and trousers with fully elasticated waist from the high street and most supermarkets.
This skirt from Tu at is so on trend and only £24.
Go back to basics
This knit from Uniqlo has a V-neck to add shapeCredit: Uniqlo
YOU can never go wrong with a “basic”, whether that be a T-shirt, knitwear or blazer.
These are items you hope will last year after year, no matter your size.
For T-shirts, look for something not too fitted – boxy styles work well.
When it comes to knitwear, pick something that isn’t so thin it clings, but isn’t too bulky.
This knit from Uniqlo has a V-neck to add shape, and the gently ribbed detail means it is likely to hug.
It will look stylish whether it’s slightly fitted, or looser.
IGNORE THE NUMBERS
AS hard as it may be, try not to take note of what size the clothing you’re buying is.
My wardrobe has sizes ranging from an eight to an 18.
I judge by what feels best when I try the clothes on, rather than what the label says.
Don’t feel disheartened by what size you have to buy – at the end of the day no one else knows what size you’re wearing.
You are much better off having something that fits OK, rather than something you squeezed yourself into in the hope that one day it will fit.
We all know that approach never works and those clothes will eventually end up on Vinted or in the charity shop pile.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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