Adapt Your Wardrobe When Your Body Changes
Has your body recently changed and left you unsure how to dress for your new shape?
Whether it's postpartum changes, hormonal shifts, or unexpected body transitions, suddenly finding yourself in an unfamiliar body can leave you feeling lost in your own closet. I know because I've been there, and I'm navigating it right now.
My Second Puberty Wake-Up Call
Puberty? WTF…
I've been in denial for a while. The pandemic has warped my sense of time, making it feel like my age and reality are out of sync. When we first went into lockdown, I was still in my twenties. Fast forward to now, and I find myself approaching my mid-thirties. I've lived countless lives in that period and experienced significant growth.
Yet, the last thing I expected at this stage was for my boobs to double in size.
Despite measuring myself multiple times, having a professional measure me, and noticing how all my tops feel uncomfortably small, I'm still reeling from this change. It's becoming clear that I've experienced a second puberty.
The Unexpected Challenges of a Changing Body
This is another addition to the list of challenges that come with being a woman. After childbirth, I thought I had encountered all possible body changes, but I was wrong.
This has been an adjustment and a mourning period as I come to terms with my new body. I've been roughly the same size for the past 15 years and have developed a concrete style and understanding of how to dress for my body. Now, I feel like I'm starting from scratch, getting to know and love my "new" body and its additional curves.
It's as if I needed another thing to add to my plate. Thank you, Mother Nature, for your generosity.
Why a Reliable Style System Matters
This experience has made me realize how important my work is for women who are transitioning in their lives. It can be incredibly scary and overwhelming to have the rug pulled out from under you.
Having a system that works is a lifesaver when you're balancing running a household, managing a business, and maintaining personal sanity.
Clothes provide a sense of security because they're the first thing people see when they meet us. Feeling misaligned when your clothes don't fully reflect who you are can be disheartening and uncomfortable. And who wants to feel like that? I certainly do not and won't.
Refresh Your Wardrobe Post-Body Changes
So, it's back to the drawing board as I adapt my style to my body type. Here's what this process looks like:
1. Identify Your Current Body Type
Thankfully, I already have a technique to identify my body type and what is most flattering for it, which simplifies evaluating my wardrobe. Understanding your proportions, where you carry weight, and what silhouettes complement your shape is the foundation of dressing confidently through transitions.
Key questions to ask yourself:
Where has my body changed the most?
What areas do I want to emphasize or balance?
Which of my favorite pieces still makes me feel like myself?
2. Evaluate What Still Serves You
Removing items that no longer serve a purpose in my life creates space and opportunity for what truly belongs to me.
Go through your wardrobe with fresh eyes and a honest assessment:
Does this fit my current body comfortably?
Does this reflect who I am now?
Do I feel confident and aligned when I wear this?
If the answer is no, it's time to let it go.
3. Build Around What Works
Instead of starting completely from scratch, identify the pieces that still work and build around them. This might mean:
Investing in new foundational pieces that fit your current shape
Exploring different cuts and silhouettes that flatter your new proportions
Experimenting with styling techniques that create balance
You Don't Have to Navigate This Alone
Body changes can feel isolating, but adapting your wardrobe doesn't have to be overwhelming. The truth is, most women will experience significant body changes multiple times in their lives—whether from pregnancy, aging, hormonal shifts, health changes, or simply life happening.
The difference between feeling lost in your closet and feeling confident in your clothes comes down to having a clear system and the right support.
If you're navigating changes in your body and want guidance on aligning your wardrobe with your new shape, my Style Rehab service can help you feel confident and fully yourself every day.
Together, we'll:
Identify your current body type and what flatters it most
Evaluate your existing wardrobe and determine what stays and what goes
Create a personalized style strategy that works for your life right now
Build a wardrobe that makes getting dressed effortless and empowering
You deserve to feel at home in your body and in your clothes, no matter what changes come your way.
