There are always those phases of life where we fluctuate in body shape and size. But, buying a whole new wardrobe for every change isn’t worth it. Here are a few things to wear in-between sizes.

As women, body changes are inevitable. From weight loss to weight gain, postpartum to pregnancy, our bodies go through a lot! I hear from a lot of you that you struggle to dress in these “in-between” sizes. It’s not financially realistic to buy a ton of new clothes for every size. Here are a few pieces to have in your wardrobe to wear during these times.

WALMART WHITE TOP | MADEWELL STRAIGHT LEG JEANS

Pieces for In-Between Sizes

1. Pants that fit you RIGHT NOW.

• This is the only item in this list that is absolutely necessary to buy. DO NOT buy the jeans that you want to fit into when you lose X amount of weight, and don’t keep wearing those maternity jeans. Go to Target or Walmart or Old Navy and choose a pair of affordable jeans that fits you well as you are, right now. Don’t look at the size, just buy what fits you right now. Having at least one pair of pants that fits you well will make your life so much happier. I have a post about buying jeans RIGHT HERE that will be helpful – check that out before you go.

2. Stretchy Pants

• Stretchy pants are a given, and you should absolutely invest in a good pair or two. Leggings with a stretchy waist are great and can be worn in lots of cute ways (check out this post here), and joggers are also a good idea — my favorites have a drawstring, which is amazing for adjusting as you fluctuate in size. These are my favorite leggings (this pair is the same brand but super buttery soft and has a pocket) and these are my favorite joggers. You can also find other pants and jeans with stretch, since they’ll be better at adjusting with you as you’re in between sizes.

3. Look for fabric with structure

• I have a post all about this RIGHT HERE and you can see just how much of a difference it makes when you’re wearing clothing with structure vs. no structure. While you’re in between sizes, especially postpartum when your body is regulating, structured fabrics will smooth over your body and won’t cling to your tummy or back or hips in a way that accentuates the extra weight.

4. Structured jackets and tops

• In #3 we talked about structured fabrics, but this is specifically about structured tops, like crisp button down shirts, blazers, vests, denim jackets, peplum tops, and other pieces with seams and style that gives you shape. As we head into the fall, it’s much easier to add jackets and blazers, but during the warmer months, look for tops like peplum and button downs that will give you some shape without any need for layering.

5. Flowy dresses and tops

• Flowy tops and dresses will absolutely be your friend during those fluctuating periods. But again, choose fabric with structure. A cotton or linen flowy will flow out and away from extra weight you’re carrying, whereas a super thin jersey fabric will cling, and the extra flowy fabric will get in the way instead of flow out and create a breezy look. When it comes to tops, the same fabric qualifications apply, but also check the length. Choose ones that hit at the narrowest part of your body. If you’re pear shaped, don’t choose ones that hit at your hips where you’re widest, or that creates a line that makes you look wider. If you’re apple shaped, choose longer tops that flow over your midsection and hit at your narrower legs. If you’re inverted triangle, choose tops that hit closer to your waist to elongate your legs.

I have a full postpartum style guide with lots of shopping options, but I hope remembering these five things will help you regardless of whether you’re postpartum or not. You deserve to feel amazing and confident regardless of weight fluctuation.

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