One of the inescapable realities for women is that our bodies change. Try as we might to counteract time’s cumulative damage with regular exercise and healthy food choices, the fact is that our bodies are constantly evolving.
When it comes to fashion, ignoring this inevitable evolution can lead to dissatisfaction with our wardrobes and, ultimately, frustration with the relentless ticking of the clock. An item of clothing that once fit beautifully may now hang with the sartorial elegance of a trench coat on a hat rack. Alternatively, an outfit that once hugged your curves in all the right places may now have you feeling like a stuffed sausage.
Even if you aren’t prone to critical self-analysis, you may still be susceptible to its pitfalls when you decide to shop for something new to update your look. Buying clothing “off the rack” quickly becomes a fool’s errand for those of us who no longer fall into the “average” body type.
Is there such a thing? Sure, most homo sapiens can claim two arms, two legs and a torso in common, but that’s where the similarities end. Gather 20 women with the same body weight in a room and you’ll likely find 20 different body types. So, how can we all be expected to flawlessly fit into the same size 8?
It’s easy to turn the cut of an outfit into a personal shortcoming. But it doesn’t have to be that way!
Rather than trying to make ourselves fit into what is considered “average,” we should be embracing the aspects of our figures that make us unique. And while we’re at it, we need to embrace our tailor, too (with consent, of course). And why not? Men have been using tailor services for hundreds of years; not many of them can buy a suit off the rack and expect to pull off a dashing-and-debonair look.
Before venturing out on your next hunting… ahem, shopping… trip, rifle through your closet for any gems you cast aside as your body changed. Consider the value of each piece in terms of its initial cost and future use before consigning it to the donate pile. Don’t reject something you adore – and still harbours lots of life – simply because it no longer makes you feel like a fashionista. A minimal investment can update it for continued enjoyment.
After you’ve exhausted all workable pieces in your own closet, it’s time to shop for something new. Gravitate towards fabrics, colours and quality you love – but leave the (perfect) fit to the professionals. Then, run as fast as your heels can carry you to your neighbourhood tailor and work with them to customize the cut.
What about the added cost, you ask? Well, you can buy inexpensive, ill-fitting clothing that requires regular replacement – or worse, lingers idly in your home like a sulking teenager – or you can ante up and have it tailored perfectly to your body. The latter choice will yield months or years of use, which is a good investment any way you slice it. And not every item you buy or own will need an overhaul. Once the staples are in place – pants, skirt, dress, jacket, blouse – you can mix, match and accessorize for numerous updated looks. (Google “Project 333” for inspiration on this score.)
One final piece of advice. When you find a tailor you can trust, cling to that person like a life jacket on the Titanic (or your hairdresser). In no time at all, they’ll learn your tastes, your style and your body type – and have you looking and feeling fabulous!
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