How To Wear Your Old Clothes When You Go Up A Dress Size

Size matters - and this is never truer than when you're trying to fit into your favourite jeans but just can't. There is nothing wrong with gaining weight if you're still healthy and active. But deciding your outfit from the clothes in your closet can become really hard. Instead of being able to pick out anything from your closet in a hurry, you end up having to try several, before finding one that fits. And this activity is way too time-consuming to be sustainable. So here are a few tips that'll make this process a little easier...

1. Embrace the leggings

Don't run away from them, they're not evil. Your jeans might not be fitting you during this phase, but your leggings still will. Pair them with long, oversized sweaters or shirts, depending on the season, for an effortless outfit. This silhouette always hints to slender curves hidden behind the clothes. You can even add a scarf or a belt.

2. Make way for sleeveless

If you've gained more weight on your arms than anywhere else, you've mostly ruled out your old clothes because the sleeves don't fit anymore. Most mass-produced clothing items don't have much room for being taken out, so get rid of the sleeves altogether. Take those tops to your tailor and ask him to cut off the sleeves and extend the armhole so they can fit your comfortably again. You can always pair sleeveless options with long, lightweight shrugs if you're into layering.

3. Shapewear is your friend

No, turning to shapewear is not extreme. And while it doesn't suddenly turn you a size smaller, it takes care of any uneven bulges that might show through. Shapewear will make it easier to wear those clothes of yours that still somewhat fit you but just don't flatter your figure like they used to. You'll feel like your old self again with the shapewear. Sure, it might take some getting used to and it's not advisable for daily wear but you'll see the ways it enhances your figure immediately.

4. Don't be afraid of alterations

You could buy new clothes, but there are certain items in our closets that just can't be replaced. In that case, you can turn to extreme alterations. Yes, the work might be a bit intensive but if you find a good tailor, it'll be worth it. Paneling is one way you can make your old tops and dresses fit you again. They can run alongside them seems and you can do it with a contrasting fabric too. Another option is to add gussets - they're triangular pieces of cloth that can be added to one end of the seam to give more room. This can be done to the area that isn't fitting you right, like maybe at the back of a dress and even at the hem of a skirt.

5. Be daring with slits

So what if you've gone up a size? Done's mean you can't show a little bit of skin. All of those pencil skirts, maxi dresses and even pants that feel a bit tight on the calves or thighs can become fashionable again if you get some slits added to them. In winter you can even wear them over a pair of semi-sheer stocking if you like. But at least you'll be wearing those clothes again, instead of letting them lie at the back of your closet, right?

Have any helpful tips or tricks to fit into old, small clothes again? Tell us in the comments below.