Really stupid question....

So, we all know what it feels/looks like when we need to go up a size....what I don't know is how to tell when I need to go down a size.  I know...it's silly...but I tend to be slow to try on new sizes, because I don't want to be disappointed.  At the same time, my old clothes still "fit" (meaning they weren't completely falling off me) before I tried on lower sizes and learned that I could fit into things 4 sizes smaller.  So...how do you "know" that it's time to try a lower size?

I know, I know, silly question, right?

Well, if your clothes start falling off of you, you probably waited too long.  Other than this, it's really up to you and your fashion sense.  I liked going down sizes, so when I would fit into the next size down, that would be my time to get smaller sizes.  I like the way fitted clothes look on me.  It took me a long time to have to start changing sizes, but toward the end, they would fall off every few weeks.

It might be worth a trip to your favorite place just to try things on.  That will give you a feel for what size you "could" wear now and you can see how things look on you.  If you are headed to a thrift store, having tried on a variety of brands in more relaxed environment will help you make some choices quickly, since you'll already have a sense of what fits. 

Of course, trying to shop in a relaxing environment for next few weeks could be it's own challenge! 

Congrats on your loss -- enjoy it.

PS -- when I lost a big chunk a weight a few years ago, I'll confess, I was completely overwhelmed by shopping, especially when my butt required women's sizes, and my boobs could sometimes fit into medium misses tops!  This time, I plan to take advantage of the personal shoppers that many major retailers offer.  Their services are free, and they know the merchandise and will help you find clothes within your budget.

I'm just now able to shop without wanting to vomit.

I was able to shop at ONE store for so long (Catherine's - I couldn't even fit into Lane Bryant!). And now I can almost go anywhere. So, it's overwhelming for me, I don't know where to start.

Right now I have on 16 jeans. I should go get some 14s (maybe 12, but I doubt it), but the idea of going and buying MORE clothes is just more than I can deal with right now. I used to keep a size smaller in my closet, but the idea of buying something ELSE just is overwhelming too.

I started in size 34 pants, probably in 14 now. Started in 6X shirts and now wear L or XL. I'm just so overstimulated with clothing, I think. I dunno if this makes sense. Like, I've gone through SO many closets of clothes and bags and boxes and containers in the past 18 months that I'm just... tired.

In fact, right now, I'm just wearing my husband's old t-shirts from like 10 years ago that are L/XL around the house because I just cannot cope with the idea of going shopping. Again.

BUT it is getting easier. I like to go now, but none of my clothes feel permanent yet, so I feel silly spending a lot of money on a nice piece. Part of me still misses some of my really fabulous clothes and shoes I had prior to surgery. I had some NICE stuff. Sigh. Now I'm wearing old gamer t-shirts. LOL

Ditto that on shopping being an overwhelming experience now.  Wow.  A few stores that I never knew existed are now my favorites!  I think I just always walked past them as a fat man without looking inside.

It is! My girlfriends totally don't understand why we walk into a store and I'm just paralyzed. Plus I'm in normal sizes but still some plus so I don't know if I go to ladies or women's wear. And I have the World's shortest legs. And. And. And.

I need more therapy obviously. LOL!

I like the idea of wearing smaller sizes lol but cannot afford new wardrobes. So, Grandma and I will be using the sewing machines to keep me clothed until that no longer works. Hopefully by then I will be ready for regular stores - woohoo.

I don't even know what clothes I like. I've simply worn what is "flattering" for so many years i don't even have a sense of my own style, or what it will be.

Im addicted to thrift stores. I have them scoped out all over town and go at least one a week. I have a shopping problem..but it is cheap. I bought three new shirts tonight for $5.00. I just went down a size and picked up three new pairs of work pants and two pairs of jeans for around $25. I love it because they have so many brands that you can try on until you find one that fits right. I swear I will never pay full price for clothing again... Ok maybe just one or two things when I get to goal. So, I must confess, I am overwhelmed looking for new undies-wont buy those used. I wait until I get droppy drawers and finally break down and get a new set. It usually takes me going to the store and stairing at them a couple of times before they finally jump in the cart. ^_^ Go and get some new (or used) clothing that fits. It is amazing how much better you will feel and look.

DO NOT. I repeat. DO NOT. Do what I did. I waited to long and one day as I was walking in the house with both hands full of  bags from the grocery store my oants started to slip and the next thing I knew I was laying flat on my face with my big fat ass sticking straight up for the whole world to see with my pants down around my ankles.