Dressing for peri/menopause and midlife body changes - Part 1
If you’re doing all the things and still struggling to dress your changing body in peri/menopause—this is for you.
Take a deep breath. Now, another one.
Let’s dig in.
Layering for the win
Are you dealing with hot flashes or just running warmer? Layering is your best friend.
Does this sound familiar… sweater on, sweater off. My biggest tip is to make sure what you have on underneath is something you feel beautiful in by itself.
It took some time, but I’ve come to realize I feel my best in a silk cami or a good fitting sleeveless tank. You could do an elevated tee or blouse in a silk or refined cotton that drapes beautifully. Pay attention to necklines and where the sleeves hit so that the piece highlights what you love best.
For an effortless vibe, a cardigan is great finishing option. With so many options in length, fabric, and texture, you can play with silhouettes and really mix it up.
For a modern touch, drape a cashmere sweater over your shoulders instead of a scarf for warmth without bulk.
If you prefer something a little more structured and put together, blazers, lady jackets, denim jackets, chore and shirt jackets are all great options.. When worn open, cardigans and jackets skim the body, creating length and visually balancing your midsection.
Create your seasonal go-to look
You know that saying that you wear 20% of our clothes 80% of the time? Now is the perfect time to simplify and embrace that 20% that works for you right now so it’s easy to get dressed and you still feel like you.
Tuck away all your pieces that don’t fit the way they used to so you can focus on what does. Then, have a try on session and create a go-to look that works for your body right now. Keep it simple.
I’m always running warm and battling hot flashes, so I wear smocked sundresses in the summer and then move to a tank with comfortable jeans or trousers in the Fall. I finish my look with a light layer, a feminine shoe, and a beautiful bag. This combo feels effortless and I always have something I love to wear that fits my fluctuating body changes.
By embracing a go-to look that works with your current body, you take the stress out of trying so many things and getting frustrated with what’s not working.
You learn what works for you right now. You’ll also be able to see more clearly what you need to add to your wardrobe.
You had me at elastic waists
Covid started it and I fully embrace it. Embrace elastic and stretch. Easy trousers and skirts with elastic waistbands and knits, jackets, jeans with a little stretch are lifesavers when your body is in flux. And these aren’t the frumpy pieces you might think of. Brands are making elevated yet easy trousers, skirts and jackets with comfort in mind without sacrificing style. Skip the versions with buttons and zippers and lean into fabrics and styles that are flexible and work with you.
For me, long, smocked dresses became my go-to in the summer. They always fit, no matter how much my body changed, and look effortlessly chic paired with flats and a great bag. Now that Fall is here, I’m embracing elastic-waist skirts, a fitted tank, and knee-high boots. It’s comfortable and put-together.
Buy multiple sizes, it’s okay!
If your weight is fluctuating, give yourself permission to have multiple sizes of something to fit your fluctuating body. And it doesn’t end with jeans. I’ve bought two different sizes of tanks to fit my changing bra size.
Invest in quality finishing pieces
How do you know what to invest in if it feels like your body is constantly changing? Buy less, and invest in quality pieces for your wardrobe that will always fit…finishing pieces.
Bags, shoes, cardigans, blazers, coats, jewelry…these are items that will always fit and will finish and elevate any look. You can wear the simplest outfit of jeans and a tee and when you add a beautiful quality bag, fun shoes and a great jacket, you’ll feel put together and your look will be personal to you.
You are always evolving and your wardrobe and style should evolve with you, even during peri/menopause. It might take a little more self love during this time, but remember you are doing it for you.
So take the time to figure out what works for you with the body you have today. You’ll be able to get dressed with ease and feel aligned and empowered to live each day to the fullest and embrace what’s next for you, whatever that is.
This is just Part 1—dressing for peri/menopause. Part 2 will dive into all the other things that can help you feel your best beyond clothes and style. Keep a lookout in your email in the next couple weeks.
As always, I’d love your feedback, stories and thoughts, feel free to email me here.
with love and gratitude, Laura
