Embracing the Season You Are In With Clothing Changes
Cold weather is settling in and that means a shift from spending time soaking up the sun in shorts and a t-shirt to cozying up in sweaters and pants. This also means it’s time to break out old clothes and give them a good try-on. This can be a dreaded and intimidating task, particularly if you know you may need to get new clothes that fit your current body. When struggling with a disordered eating or dieting mindset, it can be tempting to say, “I’ll just hold onto these pants just a little longer so I can wear them when I lose weight,” or “I will eat less this week so that I can fit into these jeans this weekend.” Neither of these or many other destructive thought patterns are a healthy way to approach a wardrobe shift. Instead, consider the following...
Try on ALL pants/long sleeves (unless you already know that they won’t fit) and donate the ones that do not fit or are not comfortable. If you need to have a safe person support you while doing this, ASK! Support during anxiety producing tasks can be incredibly helpful. While it can be hard to get rid of clothes, it’s better than playing mental mind games every day about trying to fit into clothes that are triggering and lead to negative self-talk.
After culling your closet, donate the clothes to Goodwill or another thrift store in town. Once you have donated, search online for deals or shop the donation store to find some new items for yourself. This is great for the planet and your wallet!
Try not to focus on the numbers. Every brand has different sizing and even within the same brand sizing can vary amongst styles. Remember, sizes are not a measure of self-worth. It’s a known fact that the human body changes day to day and even hour to hour. Most bodies can fluctuate up to 5-7 pounds a week.
Stay away from comparison (even with your old self) if you can. It’s so tempting to look at other people and compare sizes, styles, etc. The fact is, everyone’s body is different, so everyone is going to have different style preferences. As long as you are comfortable, rock whatever you are wearing! ◡̈
Bring a friend when trying on new clothes. Body dysmorphia is real for many people making it tricky to shop for new clothes if you think that your body looks bad in every item of clothing you try on. A friend can be a voice of reason and help you to find some great pieces.
Work to avoid body checking. Purchasing new clothes or trying on old ones often involves looking in a mirror so try to make that brief and focus on whether you are comfortable or not.
Clothes are meant to be a way to express yourself, not cause you to spiral. If you are struggling with the change of seasons or just struggling with your body in general, we are here for you. Contact us here!
Written by Trinny Duncan, Student Intern and Peggy Pratt, PhD, RDN, LDN, CEDS-C