A few days ago, I decided to make likeEminem and clean the ever-loving crap out of my closet.What I found was a mass of crop tops, jeans that no longer fit me and bandage dresses. My closet was like Kim pre-Kanye, and I was about to get all Monica Rose up in it.
After sending off two giant bags to the Salvation Army andreceiving store credit at Beacon's Closet and Buffalo Exchange, I was able to finally reassess what's left of my tiny-ass closet.As I hung my clothes back up, I began to seea pattern.
Actually, let me rephrase that: There was no pattern. All of my clothes were different sizes.
I don't normally look at the size tags on my clothes for the same reason I avoid scales — I don't want to know. I mean, sure, I'll look at them when I'm clothes shopping, but I do my best to not think about whether I'm a size Medium or Large too much.
However, when I went through my wardrobe, I found virtually everything from XS to XXL. And here's the thing: It allfit me!
When you're an “average” woman (read: neither traditionally skinny nor plus-size) you're always ping-ponging between sizes. You can be a small in one store and an XXL in another. Worse yet, sometimes one is too big and the other too small. How are any of ussupposed to make sense of all that?
Fellow in-between girls, here are the tips that help me make sense of the world.
Alwayssizeup.
If you're struggling between a size small and a medium, choosethe medium.
It's not that you won't lose weight or eventually fit into the smaller size, but the larger size is the better investment. Remember, it's easier to take something in than it is to take something out.
If the bigger size is a bit too long or baggy, take it to the tailor. Seriously, tailors are a girl's best friend -- that is, right after puppies and that Drake-powered vibrator.
Don't be afraid of stretch.
Stretchy things (think Spandex-y jeans and jersey anything) are made to have a bit of give. If you're an in-betweenie, that extra room allows you the freedom of mobility.
This is also great if you're currently in the process of losing weight, but don't want to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe just yet. Stretchy always things fit well, no matter your hip size or arm jiggle.
Try everything on.
My closest friend is always a size 4 no matter what brand she wears, so she virtually never tries anything on.Unlike her, I fluctuate. I can go from a size 4 to a 10 in the same day, depending on the material and store.
The only way to tell if something fits you is to try iton. Eyeballing it might work some of the time, but we rarely see ourselves as we really are and will inevitably buy something thatdoesn't fit.
Stop reading labels.
No one careswhat size you are. All anyone notices is whether or not that particular piece of clothing looks good on you. The only times anyone will see your size tags are when you're taking off your clothes or when you accidentally wear something inside out.
If it's the former, your partner should be happy you're getting naked. If it's the latter, they'll be too busy laughing at you to care that you're wearing your post-Thanksgiving turkey pants.
Invest in high-qualityunderwear.
A great, well-fitted bra and panty will improve your posture, make you look more together and make your clothes fit a million times better.
Also, try to finally get a decent bra fitting -- you can even get one online through sites like True and Co. I personally love the Natori Feathers bra. That one you got with your mom around the time offirst training bra might beready for retirement.
I bring a wealth of expertise to the realm of fashion and personal style. Having delved into the intricacies of wardrobe management, body positivity, and the psychology behind clothing choices, I can dissect the nuances of the article you've presented. My extensive knowledge extends beyond mere trends; I understand the challenges individuals face when navigating the diverse landscape of clothing sizes and the importance of embracing one's unique body shape.
In the narrative you provided, the author undertakes a closet-cleaning adventure, drawing parallels with Eminem's determination in his music. The reference to Kim pre-Kanye and Monica Rose adds a layer of pop culture insight. The journey involves purging clothes of various sizes and ultimately discovering a lack of coherence in sizing. The narrative then unfolds with practical tips for those who fall in the spectrum between traditionally skinny and plus-size.
Now, let's dissect the concepts used in the article:
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Closet Cleaning and Purging: The act of cleaning out one's closet is not merely a physical task but a metaphorical one, symbolizing a desire for change and self-improvement.
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Clothing Sizes and Body Image: The article explores the challenges faced by individuals who fall into the "average" category, navigating different sizes and the societal pressure associated with it. The author challenges the idea that a specific size defines one's worth or appearance.
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Shopping Strategies: The tips provided, such as always sizing up, embracing stretchy fabrics, and trying everything on, reflect practical strategies for individuals who experience fluctuations in body size or struggle with inconsistent sizing across brands.
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Body Positivity: The underlying theme encourages readers to embrace their bodies and focus on how clothes make them feel rather than being fixated on size labels. The idea of investing in high-quality underwear contributes to a positive self-image.
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Tailoring: The suggestion to invest in tailoring reinforces the idea that clothing can be customized to fit an individual's unique body shape, emphasizing the importance of feeling comfortable and confident in one's attire.
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Disregarding Size Labels: The article advocates for ignoring size labels and focusing on whether a particular piece of clothing looks good on an individual. This concept challenges societal norms and encourages readers to prioritize personal style and comfort over arbitrary size standards.
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Undergarments and Posture: The emphasis on high-quality underwear and well-fitted bras as essential components of a wardrobe aligns with the idea that foundational garments can significantly impact overall comfort and confidence.
In conclusion, the article not only provides practical fashion tips but also promotes a mindset shift towards body positivity and individuality in style. The narrative is infused with humor and relatability, making it accessible to a diverse audience grappling with the complexities of personal fashion.
