6 Tips for Adapting Style to Body Changes

You’re busy, you juggle countless responsibilities every day. With so much on your plate, it’s easy to deprioritise your body’s changes and how they affect your image. No point resisting, it happens to all of us!

Whether due to age, lifestyle changes, or health factors, our bodies evolve, and so should our wardrobes. I’m here to guide you through adapting style to suit your changing body to feel your best, whatever stage of life you’re in.

Learn to Love the Change

First and foremost, it’s important to embrace the changes in your body. Every stage of life brings its own beauty and style opportunities. Recognising and accepting these changes allows you to dress in a way that celebrates your current self, rather than longing for a past version. Show consideration towards your one-of-a-kind body, showcase its features (including when they change).

Remember that your body is a masterpiece in progress. Treat it with kindness and respect.

Stop and list all the hundreds of things your body has already achieved today: survived the night, got out of bed, hugged a loved one, consumed fluids/food, etc. These “basic” activities are not simple at all actually. The complex engineering and processes required to execute them has taken MILLIONS of years to produce.

Mindset is important. Your outside is a reflection of what is going on internally, which is why I integrate the power of psychology and metaphysics into my styling services.

Understand Your New Shape & Body Variations

Take some time to assess your new body shape. Have your proportions shifted? Do you notice changes in specific areas like your waist, hips, or bust? Understanding these changes is key to finding styles that are designed purposely for your figure. Here are some common adjustments and how to address them:

1. Waistline Adjustments: If you’ve noticed a thickening around the waist, consider high-waisted trousers or skirts. These create a smoother silhouette and can provide more comfort and confidence. You will also want to avoid drawing a horizontal line to the waist, so cinched waists, belts, etc are better avoided. Instead consider draping and ruching that look like vertical lines bypassing through your middle section.
2. Bust Changes: Whether your bust has increased or decreased, a well-fitted bra is essential. It can transform how your clothes fit and feel. From there, V-necks and wrap tops can enhance your bust area, providing a flattering shape. (I offer lingerie fitting, time permitting, as part of my Shopping Training & Support service.)
3. Hip and Thigh Variations: If your hips and thighs are more prominent, A-line skirts and dresses can balance your proportions. Opt for darker colours on your lower half and lighter shades on top to draw attention upwards. But be aware that you need to know your ideal deeper shades and get your “value contrast” right for the most flattering look. See my Colour Consultation service for more.

These are just a few techniques to potentially apply for body shape changes, there are so many more. If you feel a bit lost on understanding what your new shape is and how to work with its features, consider my personal style consultation for professional direction.

Choose the Right Fabrics

Fabrics obviously play a crucial role in how clothes fit and feel on your body. As our bodies change, we may become more sensitive to certain materials. Here are some fabric tips:

• Stretch fabrics: Look for fabrics with a bit of stretch, like elastane (lycra) blends. These materials move with your body and provide comfort throughout the day.
• Breathable fabrics: Natural fibres like cotton, linen, wool and bamboo are breathable and can better regulate body temperature, which is especially good if you are experiencing hormonal changes. They also don’t retain body odours as much as synthetics do.
• Structured fabrics: Fabrics with some structure, like ponte or denim, can provide support and enhance your shape. But it does depend on your body’s somatotype, because some types are better in more “drapey” fabrics.

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Tailoring Is Your Best Friend

Investing in tailoring can make a world of difference. The goal of clothing brands is to get the garment ON you, applying the cheapest manufacturing method possible for the design. Clothing brands do not aim to accommodate each possible body variation and especially for women, there are just too many factors for it to ever truly be feasible.

Off-the-rack clothing rarely fits perfectly, and small alterations can ensure your clothes hug you in all the right places. Consider tailoring trousers to fit your waist and hips, adjusting the length of skirts and dresses, and altering sleeves for a more polished look. Darts in the right spots are another easy alteration.

As a tip, if you need to start doing alterations on the shoulders or armholes, walk away from the garment because this is complex and difficult tailoring. You would be better off having the garment made for you by a dressmaker or tailor.

Experiment with New Styles & Colours

Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new styles. As your body changes, so might your style preferences. Here are a few ideas to consider:

• Layering: Layers can add depth to your outfit and provide flexibility for temperature changes. Try layering a tailored blazer over a fitted blouse or wearing a long cardigan over a dress. This will create vertical lines through your midsection which has a slimming effect for most bodies.
• Bold Accessories: Statement jewellery, scarves, and belts can draw attention to your favourite features and add personality to your look. We really want people looking at our faces, so encourage this through judiciously placed accessories close to the visage.
• Colour and Patterns: What’s most important is selecting colours to match our shifting hair colour and skin tone. Know your colour palette and USE IT (you’ll thank me later!) Experiment with different colours and patterns. Darker shades can create a slimming effect (but beware of black), while brighter colours and bold patterns can highlight areas you want to accentuate.

Prioritise Comfort and Confidence

Above all, your comfort is paramount. When you feel good in what you wear, it shows. Choose clothes that not only fit well and aligned to your personality, but also make you feel empowered and ready to tackle your day.

As your personal stylist, my goal is to help you navigate these changes with grace using the underlying science of style to create bespoke outcomes for an individual. Embrace your evolving body, using these tips to adapt your wardrobe. Remember, good style is not about fitting into a certain mould but about expressing yourself confidently in what suits you. If you need personalised advice or a wardrobe refresh, I’m here to help.