Wardrobe Planning When Your Body Has Changed

This sad little closet needs more clothes!

I just cleaned out my closet. I took everything that doesn’t currently fit me, and I put it in a giant tub. I know that goes against the rules of decluttering, but at the same time, my closet was already pretty minimal, and once I lose weight, I hope to fit back in some of those clothes again. If it doesn’t happen, it doesn’t happen, and the clothes are already culled for donation (except for a few items that were my grandmother’s, which I’ll keep).

This is just the surface of the tub I'm putting the clothes that are too small in. — This is just the surface of the tub I’m putting the clothes that are too small in.

The problem is, I have two pairs of jeans, one pair of black slacks, and two skirts that fit me, and a handful of shirts. My body definitely changed after having Baby Girl. The weight isn’t coming off as easily as I hoped – and while we’re looking into medical causes for that – I need, in a big way, to update my wardrobe. After all when you’re a size 18/20/22 depending on who makes it, a whole bunch of size 6/8/10/12 clothes won’t do you a whole lot of good!

I'm not sure I have enough sewing patterns. I think I need more. — I’m not sure I have enough sewing patterns. I think I need more.

I don’t want to spend a ton of money, and I want things to fit really well. It’s hard to find ready-made clothes that fit well post baby. It was hard after one, and it’s even harder after two. That’s why I decided to make a commitment to sewing a large part of my wardrobe. I have a ton of sewing patterns and fabrics. Some things I’ll find second hand, and I’ll either upcycle them or wear them as is. I may purchase a few things that are ready-to-wear new, but I want to sew the bulk of my wardrobe. Luckily enough, it looks like Joann’s Fabrics is having some pattern sales in the coming weeks, so I can round out the patterns I have.

This is maybe a sixth of my fabric stash. It will be a neat challenge to use it in clothing construction. Of course, I'll sew up some things for baby girl too! — This is maybe a sixth of my fabric stash. It will be a neat challenge to use it in clothing construction. Of course, I’ll sew up some things for baby girl too!

Because my section of the closet is so sad and empty, I turned two my two favorite style books: The Lucky Shopping Manual and The Pocket Stylist. (These are affiliate links.) I’m making a list of the clothing that would make a good wardrobe, and then I’ll be matching silhouettes to patterns and fabrics. It’s going to be a LOT of fun!

I hope you’ll follow along as I revamp my closet. But I have to ask, what kind of wine goes with sewing? Post your thoughts in the comments.