Buying your correct size is an act of self-love.
We don't need to go into a diatribe of the pressures put on women to 'fit in' to society.
The ideal 'body' has changed numerous times over the course of history.
So let's just leave it at YOUR BODY IS THE PERFECT BODY.
Now, since your body has shifted, the best thing you can do for yourself is wear clothes that fit. You don't need a whole new wardrobe, but you do need to make sure you have at least a small assortment of pieces that mix & match that fit & feel good NOW. We hesitate to call it a capsule because that's a trendy word designed to try to simplify style for women. Understandable, but style is so personal and the capsule wardrobe is so formulaic. With Intelligent Style, you'll develop an innate knowing for how to play with the clothes in your closet and know what will add value when you do want to add something new. Each new piece should create 2-3 new outfits. As your wardrobe evolves and your Intelligent Style (ISQ) improves, you'll be able to create 8-10 new outfits with each new piece.
So this is less about a capsule and more about a foundation.
And so, before you buy anything ...
STEP ONE: GET IN YOUR CLOSET
Try everything on!
Assess what fits and what you can wear now.
Anything that doesn't quite fit or definitely doesn't fit, you can set aside. Ideally, not in your closet. This will help with your clarity for each morning to mix & match a new outfit.
STEP TWO: PLAY WITH THE PIECES YOU CAN FINAGLE
Some pieces may be too big or a smidge too small, but they can still work. They won't be as comfortable (we do want more comfortable), but they'll get you through the transition until you add more pieces you LOVE beyond the first foundational 5.
- Jacket that is too big can be belted at the waist.
- Bottoms that are a smidge too small can be worn with a blouse untucked (but not too big nor too flow-y).
- That blouse untucked can be belted at the waist, slightly front tucked into the bottom, and/or left to flow if they skim the body.
STEP THREE: ADD YOUR FOUNDATIONAL FIVE
These pieces are intended to work well now and shift with you if you do find your body shifting again. Some you may already have in your closet!
-1- Simple Pant or Skirt
This is basically a great fitting but very versatile bottom. Whether it's a pant or skirt is depending on your work environment and your personal preference. We've found people tend to err towards pants or skirts as a go-to and then like to have some options in the other category for time to time. You know which one you are.
-2- Great Neutral Long Sleeve Blouse
We love a white blouse, but that doesn't work for everyone. Neutral is something that will literally go with anything -- patterns, darks, lights, etc. This gives you maximum versatility. Then, you add your accessories for color and personality.
-3- Update your Go-To Blazer with Some Stretch
You may say you don't want to invest in a new blazer when you don't know if you'll shift again, but to have a go-to great blazer changes the game for getting ready quickly. And this is YOUR style of blazer. Maybe that means it's actually a moto, maybe it's a sweater jacket, maybe it's a boyfriend blazer, maybe it's a classic one-button. But, a great blazer is going to usually need to fit pretty close to the body to look it's best, so a style that has some stretch to it will give you more comfort while getting that close to the body fit that makes you look your best.
-4- An Updated Elevated Casual Bottom
This could be a jean, a skirt, or a stretchy linen pant. We're less business formal these days and we also have lives out of work, so a bottom in a more casual, but still elevated fabric takes us through many occasion.
-5- Great Knit Short Sleeve Top
A great quality knit reads like a silk blouse for underneath a blazer or with your favorite bottoms, but it gives you the comfort, versatility and flexibility of the knit. Any color, print, etc.
- We're not giving you visual examples because every person's style is different and we don't want to add bias.
- These are all styles (note the fabrics) that will move with you as you shift. One thing we tend to be good at is helping people find pieces that are flexible.
- You can mix & match with just these 5 pieces to create 10+ outfits, especially as you add in your accessories, shoes, belts, etc. All those pieces that don't shift when your body shifts.
