Updating Your Wardrobe During Weight Loss

The Importance of Updating Your Wardrobe During Weight Loss

When I started my journey to health and wellness in November 2013, I weighed 285 pounds and wore an uncomfortable size 28. As I began to lose weight I pulled smaller sized clothes I had stored away thinking it was a waste of money to buy something that I would be wearing for a short time. By March I had lost over 40 pounds and was in need of new clothes because even my “reserves” were too big. I cleaned out my closet and made a trip to Kohl’s. It was at that point I realized just how important it is to update your wardrobe as your weight changes. The smaller clothes fit my body appropriately, highlighted my new figure and gave me a boost of confidence that I so desperately needed. One of my greatest joys on that trip was buying jeans with zippers; something I had not done in many years. The weight continued to fade away and I returned to Kohl’s for the next round of shopping a few months later. That trip brought a new summer wardrobe filled with short sleeves, capris pants and loads of color. Tucked away in the dressing room trying on stylish, colorful clothes that fit my ever changing figure I began to feel pretty and was excited to look pretty too! Feeling more confident than ever I spent the summer working out, eating right and losing more weight. Two more seasons have passed, I’ve lost 90 pounds and it was time to start my spring wardrobe update. Through the generosity of Kohl’s I was able to update my wardrobe with fashionable, affordable, clothes that fit my ever changing figure and boost my confidence as I continue on the journey to meeting my weight loss goals.

It is important to change clothing sizes as our body changes. Losing weight and getting healthy takes a lot of work and dedication and should be celebrated and shown off. Acknowledging weight loss in stages is important as it keeps you motivated, highlights your hard work and helps boost confidence. By holding on to the larger sized clothes I believe it gives us permission to go backward. I used to keep the bigger clothes “just in case” and every time “just in case” became a reality. Why? Because I had the clothes waiting for me to fail. A close friend encouraged me to “burn my ship” explaining that when the settlers came to the new world the king instructed them to burn their ship so they couldn’t return; they had to stay and survive. Getting rid of my “ship” was by far one of the most liberating, exhilarating experiences I’ve had. The “ship” was gone and left in its wake was a closet filled with beautiful colorful clothes I found at Kohl’s; clothes that fit, were stylish, affordable and highlighted the new me. There is no going back.

Here are just some of the brands of clothes that we bought:

• Simply Vera – Vera Wang
• Apt 9
• Dana Buchman
• Gloria Vanderbilt
• Sonoma
• LC-Lauren Conrad

My most recent trip to Kohl’s was wonderful not only because Kohl’s graciously sponsored me and that I was able to find great clothes at affordable prices but my best friend went with me. In the eight years we’ve known each other she has never seen me in a dress. As I stepped out of the dressing room in my size XL Simply Vera wrap dress her eyes fill with tears as she searched for words that stuck in the lump in her throat was beyond meaningful. We laughed, cried, smiled a lot and celebrated that I am five sizes smaller than I was when the journey began. Knowing that I have more to lose I am looking forward to my next trip to Kohl’s because I always find clothes that fit me appropriately, are affordable and make me feel and look pretty. Life is so much sweeter these days. I feel incredible and thanks to Kohl’s I can step out confidently in style. No matter where you are on the journey I encourage you to make the investment in new clothes as your body changes knowing that you are worth the investment. A big thank you to Kohl’s for giving me the opportunity and for sharing in my journey.

Tips on How to Dress Thinner?