During an appointment the other day, a client asked me a very interesting question that made me pause. She was losing weight after just having a baby and wondered if her basic shape would change. I thought a minute and said …not really. So many people are using medications to lose weight. For many of them, it is the answer they have been seeking. As a personal stylist and Indianapolis Image Consultant who dresses people, of course, it impacts my business in many ways. This is the first of a couple of blogs about image and style as you are losing weight.
Perspective from Your Indianapolis Image Consultant
Fortunately, image consultants have “exhaustive” training in recognizing the shapes of women and the build in men, and tailoring styling suggestions around that. I am proud of that training because it goes so much farther than the fashion stylist suggestions that are fun but only focus on current trends, etc. I love color and trends like the next person but know from personal experience I cannot wear all of them. But I like to wear some!
So many people right now are losing weight due to the many new methods out there to help them, so wondering if the shape will change is certainly a valuable question.
My answer is not really because your shape is dictated by your bone structure, height, etc. Now exercise can certainly firm up certain areas and make them appear more toned and slim, such as in your arms, waist, and hips. I have noticed since I started a cycling class that my hips are legs are a little firmer. But, alas, I still have a wide hip section due to my bone structure.
The same is true when you lose substantial amounts of weight. Your bone structure will not go away. It will be smaller, so your styling strategy might change some. I do remember a story about Jonah Hill. My class was in West Hollywood, CA, in the Scandal studio. The teacher said Jonah lost so much weight, and he looked great. He was still an Ectomorph who had a wider stomach area. But he will not likely look overweight.
If you’re a new mom or post-menopause, your waist may be wider. I know this from personal experience. This does not mean you can’t have a smaller waist again, but you may have to work a little harder to accomplish this! But don’t give up.
Photo by Matilda Wormwood
Weight is tied to health, so it’s a good thing to get it under control and find a middle ground. I know I will never have the waist I had when I was 20, but I was happy to find a happy medium.
Anyway, so the gist of all this is to love the shape you are! I can’t tell you how many times I have seen women lose vast amounts of weight and then not look great in the face. (One of my good friends describes it as it either your butt or your face!). I love it.
Work with a Professional Indianapolis Image Consultant
So, knowing your basic shape does not change with weight loss, it’s important to know how to dress the shape you have. I can help you with that. A good part of my styling and color appointment is looking at your shape and pinpointing the most flattering pants shapes, necklines, sleeves, hemlines, blazer lengths, and shoes. Clients tell me this is the most helpful part of my services. I’d love to help you, too!
Reach out to me at beth@bethdivinestyle.com for your Indianapolis Image Consultant appointment.
Keep it sassy, Indy.
Beth Divine, MA, AICI-CIC, Personal Image Consultant
