Dressing well when you've gained weight

Two of my favourite writers, Cybill of Sorting It Out, and Anjela (who comments here) report a weight gain and are wondering how to dress. So I am posting today with affection, because I've been there.

I could digress about the emotional consequences of gaining 30 or more pounds but will save that for later, and address the specific question of Anjela's: "What to wear?"

A 30 lb. gain means few of your existing clothes fit, and they mock you every time you see them. Move them to the back of your closet or to another room.
All right! Now, the key task is looking fabulous today.


My GF Missi visited me in a terible funk. "I've gained 40 lbs", she said, "My butt is the size of Cleveland." She just needed clothes that fit to reclaim her lush beauty.

Here's where to find clothes with body-skimming, not swamping, lines.

1. Take a favorite pair of basic pants or skirt to a tailor and have them copied.
Loved your pencil skirt? Just get a bigger one and show off your legs. Your goal: four to six key pieces that fit. Choose fabrics with a bit of stretch.
2. Check out the "Flax" line of linen clothes (www.flaxdesigns.com) for pants or skirts (tops are a bit 'craftsy-mumsy'); fit is on the large side (they also have a plus line).

I'd pick the Ankle Pant or Slim Slacks (shown as sketch) and Style Skirt for Anjela, nothing boxy. Online vendors like 2 on Crescent sell Flax, and there's also always a lot on eBay. Everything is washable, wears well, and is less pricey than Eileen Fisher.

3. Wintersilks makes a silk crinkle skirt in good colours and various sizes (including Women's) that provides graceful, flattering drape and is washable- just twist and stow. Skirt comes in lower calf length; if too long for your height or taste, shorten to the knee. On sale now for $35, and in teak, shown, there's your neutral base.

But thinking of the pop of colour Anjela likes, I'd love to see her in Talbot's orange embroidered cropped pants, $89. Talbot's do not sentence larger sizes to drabs & darks, and offer good tops, too.

4. Get some tees and blouses that fit, but avoid big shirts and baggy tops, which only emphasize that you are larger. Deeper V-neck tees or scoop necklines elongate the torso.

The tunic is a good option but if not too big and or so long it covers your seat. Shown: Talbot's Woman cotton voile tunic, on sale (Clearance section of site) for $45. See where it ends? Doesn't look tenty, just light and easy.

For feminine tees and crisp blouses, check Land's End; I'd wear this vibrant seagrass paisley shirt (available in regular or plus sizes) with white capris. And undo that second button!

Rather than bustin' out of your beloved white shirts, wear them open over a light, close-fitting tank. Silk/modal/spandex tank on sale from Wintersilks, $24.

5. Get one great dress that lifts your spirits and shows off your bust.

The verde green Igigi Origami dress (in the Limited Collection section of the site), $92, caught my eye.


Special occasion

Peggy Lutz' slither fabric pieces are never boxy; she also carries "wrappings", beautiful coats and kimonos like the bronze silk stroller shown. Will ship internationally.
Anna Scholz, a former model, makes sexy clothes in fine fabrics. Shown, cotton jacquard 60's dress.

They currently ship to EU countries and the UK. Shipping worldwide (including the USA) is not offered as a standard service but "may be possible if you have your own account with any international couriers."

And I'll mention Dress by Design again, because they create classic, graceful styles in up to size 24 (shown, "Eve" sheath) and offer a remarkable service.

After you choose your design and features on their site, they will ship you a muslin (if you wish) before cutting. They offer many fabric choices, or send your own. They will even pay for one alteration after delivery, if needed. Will ship internationally.

Slim budget?

Consignments and renos

Resale boutiques often have larger sized clothing in nearly new condition as women cast off their larger sized items the instant they lose weight, thinking they will never gain a pound again.

Clothing renos so often look unpolished and sad. But I once had the the top of a dress that was too tight in the bust removed, and the dress became a full skirt.


What are friends for?

You may have a friend who is the size you now are, and has more clothes than she wants. Most of us have a few mistakes or unwanted duplicates in the closet. Ask her if there's anything she's willing to send to a new home. I assembled a box for a friend, and never missed a thing.
(Shown, Anna Scholz metallic linen safari dress.)

6. Stay out of plus departments in department stores (except maybe Saks' Salon Z), which are their own kind of hell, full of inferior fabrics.

You might strike it lucky with a Calvin Klein or Liz Claiborne piece, but the choices are dispiriting.

Take a look into plus size boutiques, which I think more women should do, even if they are not very big. A plus size 12 top may fit a woman with a broad back and fuller bust way better than a misses' 14, even if her hips carry no extra weight.

If passing through these doors bothers you (I know women who would rather be seen leaving a crack house than a plus boutique), have a nice restorative martini first.

Go ethnic

My GF Vicky took me with her to an Indian boutique where she bought three salwar kameez; the ensemble (long tunic, loose pants and a stole) in vivid striped linens and embroidered cotton looked cool and cost about $50 each.

She also bought a $40 navy and white embroidered kaftan. Not full like Cybill's dreaded muumuu, this just skimmed the body. She will wear these pieces for relaxing at home and hosting summer parties.
You could also just buy the kameez (the tunic top), and wear with your pants or skirt.

Stores that carry Indian, Moroccan, and African clothes often have larger sizes (but Chinese stores do not); call and ask before you go. If you live in a city with an Indian or Pakistani neighbourhood, you can get the ensemble or kameez made to order in any size from a South Asian tailor or dressmaker.

Ethnic clothes are carried by internet vendors, too; check out web sites like Designer Salwar Kameez. Look for cotton or linen (there is a sea of scary poly out there); I like ikat or woodblock prints in cotton. eBay also offers many ethnic items.


Search eBay for specialty sizes from designers
Work your eBay search engine to set up e-mails for "1X" (or other size) listings; many plus-size designers are dedicated to creating fresh, stylish larger sizes (and remember for many lines that is a US 12, and in Europe, a US 10!). They sell through their eBay stores. Citron Santa Monica make arty, Asian inspired larger sizes, and pieces (new and resale) are often listed on eBay.

7. Indulge in a new piece of jewelry.
Missi was the original Pearl Girl; she ignited my love for the gem 25 years ago. So I wasn't surprised when she chose a large ring of mabé pearl set in gold, $200 on sale. You don't have to break the bank; you might find a jumble-sale silver bangle or an art fair glass pendant. Wear it as an amulet to remind you that you are loved, you are you.

Earrings draw the eye to your face; the brilliant green of these malachite dangle earrings make my mouth water, and no calories! Generous 18 x 24mm pear cut stones set in 14k, on sale at Ross Simons, $150, reduced from $250.