Clothing store recs?

[crispy_cooler74]

Know that feeling well. Since my early twenties I've lived in plus-size clothing. Only ever shopped the plus-size sections of department stores, skipped boutiques entirely except to browse jewelry. Now I realize my jewelry obsession was really just compensating for not being able to express style through clothes, so accessories became my outlet instead. Only bought things that actually fit, and trying anything on used to be miserable since the numbers on the tag never seemed to line up right.

This medication completely changed that equation. Finally able to shop the regular racks, and the first occasion I stepped into a mainstream department store to browse ended with me overwhelmed and walking right back out. Had no idea what to grab, no sense of my own style, nothing. Started shopping secondhand and discount racks instead. Slowly building a sense of personal style, though it's been a real process. Want to steer clear of anything too youthful for my age, while also avoiding the frumpier looks that plus-size sections tended to push.

On top of that, right up until recently my clothing numbers kept sliding smaller as the pounds kept coming off. Since progress has stalled out for a long stretch now, I might be approaching my final number, but I honestly don't know yet, so I'm holding off on investing in pricier pieces until I'm sure the changes have stopped. It's a

 

[cracker_ozalumna]

Surprised your clothes ended up that loose after only 15 pounds. You brought up a wetsuit like that's the main worry rather than everyday outfits, isn't that something you could just rent from the dive shop instead?

Down 65 pounds myself and had a bunch of smaller-size pieces tucked away already, so I basically shopped my own closet. Stick to simple stuff, jeans and shirts, easy to manage. Didn't mind if pants ran a little loose, just added a belt.

Eventually though I packed away the biggest sizes and switched fully into the smaller ones. Picked up a few new pairs of jeans too, finally done with the plus-size specialty stores, so satisfying!

Also know basic sewing, so taking in the sides of shirts and sweaters wasn't a big deal.

 

[figuringoutsteady]

Yeah, pretty frugal when it comes to clothes shopping. So, consignment stores, secondhand apps, thrift shops, found some genuinely great pieces that way. Only thing bought brand new was something to wear to a wedding coming up, plus underwear and bras. Only got around 15 lbs left to go, so figure I can start picking up a few permanent pieces now, especially jackets, tees, blouses, that kind of thing. Pants are still on hold though since my backside just keeps vanishing... starting to resemble a plank of wood with a chest bolted on.

 

[ReconFree]

I mostly shop at thrift stores. It still feels like a rush to wear a medium when i was once a 26/28 (3x).

 

[peweerocket]

Congrats, good job! Outside special events I'd buy sale stuff, thrift shops or yard sales. Nice things get costly if they stop fitting because you keep losing. Good luck continuing your success.

 

[deakin]

Same with shopping for me. It sounds insane frankly but I used to obsess over bloggers and online shopping for the newest clothing and makeup trends, & that's completely stopped. I have got my frankly little capsule wardrobe now & it's all I need. An unexpected side effect, especially given the weight I have lost and that I can wear nicer things comfortably, but when I began ozempic I was excited for my 'new wardrobe', and now I am like, meh.

 

[maintaining_log]

Since November 2024 I'm 70 lbs lighter. Bra shopping: about four rounds so far, my size moving from UK 40H down to 36F. The first replacement came at just 18 lbs down. My favorite shop was closing and everything was marked down, so the owner fitted me in one and sold two more in tighter band and cup sizes. Guesswork, sure, yet premium bras at bargain prices felt great. Both got worn in rotation even though neither fit right. Beyond that, big online marketplaces beat everyone on price, brand names included, with easy returns for misfits. A fit calculator website never steered me wrong. Another 20-25 lbs is my target, and I'm hoping to reach UK E cup (DDD), which opens up choices in local shops.