Pictured: (photo-left) Gucci cross body bag / (photo-right) sunglasses / sparkling earrings / grey scarf / black top / dark wash jeans / faux fur boots /

Are you wondering how to replace your wardrobe after weight loss? While it might sound fun to buy a whole new wardrobe after losing a significant amount of weight, but buying that many pieces of clothing all at once can be costly! When I lost over thirty pounds last year, I found out quickly just how much replacing the clothing in my closet actually costs; it’s not cheap!

Thankfully, we don’t have to break the bank when replacing the large sizes in our closet with smaller sizes. After all, this is part of the reward of losing weight! I mean, don’t we all look for excuses to buy something new? This is a really good excuse! Plus, it’s a necessity. No-one wants to walk around in pants that fall down, or clothing that looks like a potato sack. Alas, this can easily happen; especially when you don’t realize how small you have become!

In order to easily replace your wardrobe after weight loss, and not go broke or end up in debt, here are a few tips which worked for me!

First, make a list of the items you reach for most often. Those are the things you will need to replace first. This could be pajamas, workout clothing, jeans, and/or office attire.

Second, make a budget. How much money can you spend each month on clothing? This will help keep you in line budget-wise. The last thing you want to do is spend more than you have in your bank account or can afford. Don’t sacrifice the rent to buy a new pair of jeans.

Third, don’t replace things you don’t need right away. That cocktail dress? Wait until the next invite you receive to a cocktail party. You don’t need to run out and replace something that will hang in your closet for months. Only replace what you immediately need, then the rest will naturally turn into your normal shopping habits.

The first thing I replaced were my pajamas! Yes, it’s true! I found the most annoying thing was having my pajamas fall down; and they were falling down! I purchased pajamas which were inexpensive, and still had plenty of cash for a few must-have items. What were my must-have items? Two pairs of jeans, and two tee-shirts. I hit my low weight in August, so I bought jeans and tee’s because they could easily flow from summer into fall.

My husband instantly noticed I was shopping more than usual, so he told me to buy a belt instead. haha, this is actually genius! Instead of buying new shorts, (it was the end of summer), I used my new belt on the old ones to get through those last few weeks. Next summer I can buy new shorts. Boom! Saved some cash right there! I recommend find a fabulous belt, I probably saved close to a $1000 by buying a belt instead of several pairs of shorts, pants, and jeans. The belt even helped keep a skirt with an elastic waist in place, so I didn’t have to replace the skirt. You can see that outfit here.

Depending on where your weight loss is most significant, will influence what you replace in your closet first. I replaced bottoms first because I carry my weight low, so when I lost it, it was most noticeable in my legs. My pants and skirts were horribly huge! I went down three sizes. I replaced my jeans first and then slowly started on pants and skirts. I still have a small number of tops in my new size. Those are easier to replace later.

Another trick, which works well in the colder months, is to replace your jacket and/or coat before your tops. After all, when it is cold your tops are hidden by your jacket or coat, so having outerwear that fits properly can hide the larger tops or layers you have on underneath.

Well, that’s it! Stick to your budget, and slowly replace items in your closet on an as-needed basis. Use a belt, and a jacket/coat to make larger items still work as you slowly replace them. Replace the items in your close that you need the most first. If something is falling down, or is super annoying, replace it first too. Make a list of what you need and prioritize it. This way, you can replace parts of your closet each month and stay on budget. Don’t replace items from a different season yet, wait until that season to replace them. You only need clothing from the current season in your closet. Lastly, be sure to recycle or donate the larger pieces in your closet. You don’t need to keep them because you plan to stay at, and maintain, your new weight!

Feel free to ask me any questions! So far, I have replaced my casual wardrobe for the fall and winter seasons. I still need to replace wardrobe staples for spring and summer, which I will do in those seasons. I am waiting for dressier events before purchasing clothing for those types of occasions. I have an event in March, so I am waiting until late February to get my new little black dress for it! Stay tuned!

Thanks for stopping by, and congrats on your weight loss!

XOXO
Cathy