I’ve decided it’s time for a new wardrobe. I have known I needed to take drastic measures for a while, but I just couldn’t face it. A lot has changed since the last time I updated my look. For starters, I had babies, which had a tremendous impact not only on my body, but also my lifestyle. I look in the mirror and don’t recognize myself. Who is this lady with bags under her eyes and spit-up on her sweats? Where did stylish Beverly go? It’s time to look like myself again.
Between both of my pregnancies, I gained 50 pounds, so none of my pre-baby clothes fit. I was just barely a plus size before, but now I’m a plusier plus and I’m just starting to figure out what works on this body. I’ve been making do with maternity clothes and frumpy knitwear but, no more! I may not have my old body back (and probably never will) but that doesn’t mean I have to look sloppy! I have vowed to make a new wardrobe for myself that works with my new lifestyle, flatters my new body, and still reflects my personal style. Kind of a tall order, but I am committed to doing it.
So now the question is……….what should I make? I’ve put together some guidelines to help with the decision making process.
Guidelines for My New Wardrobe
Easy- The name of the game for my new wardrobe is easy. I need things that are easy to make, easy to fit and easy to wear. I regularly come in contact with sticky fingers and bodily fluids of all sorts, so machine washable fabric is a must. Although I am a bit of a natural fibers snob, I’m willing to go the synthetic blend route if it means easy care. Pull-on pants in RPL? I’m thinking yes.
Flexible- I need pieces that can go from chasing little kids around the house to public outings with minimal fuss. Knit dresses, I’m looking at you! I’m also still nursing, so anything that allows me to whip out my breasts easily and discreetly is big plus. FYI-drapey knit cardigans double nicely as nursing covers, so those are on the list for sure.
Fast- I need to make a whole new wardrobe pronto, so spending weeks on a tailored jacket is probably not the wisest choice (Although I am desperate to make a tailored jacket now that the weather is getting cool). I have always enjoyed making items that stretched my sewing abilities, but that’s not the goal here. I need to pump out a bunch of pieces in short order, so anything too complicated and time consuming is off the list.
Stylish- I’m tired of looking frumpy. Although I’m looking for fast, it still has to be fabulous. I want clothes that look fresh and young instead of matronly or boxy. I may be a plus size, but I still want to look amazing. I want to send the message to my daughters that being full figured is nothing to be ashamed of. I have a hard time fitting ready to wear, so if I want to look good, I’m going to have to take matters into my own hands.
Potential Makes
Here is a list of possible items for my me-made wardrobe:
Knit Dresses-
Moneta by Colette Patterns
Myrtle by Colette Patterns
Lady Skater by Kitschi Coo
Penny Pinafore by Kitschi Coo
Violet by Blue Ginger Doll
Maxi Dress by Jalie
Butterick 6213
Appleton Wrap Dress by Cashmerette Patterns
Woven Dresses-
Weekender Chameleon Dress by Hot Patterns
Myrtle by Colette Patterns
Pull-on Pants-
Linda Pant by Style Arc
Palazzo Pant by Style Arc
Pull-on Jeans by Style Arc
Pull-On Jeans by Style Arc
Cardigans-
Cocoon Cardigan by Jalie
Simplicity 2603
Skirts-
Petite Patterns Plus Flirty Skirt
Lantern Skirt by Hot Patterns
Mabel by Colette Patterns
Woven Tops-
Aster by Colette Patterns
Dixie by Style Arc
Mariposa Tunic by Hot Patterns
Knit Tops-
Dolman Tops by Jalie
Scarf collar tops by Jalie
V-neck Top by Jalie
Fiesta knit top by Hot Patterns
Aurora tank top by Seamwork
Sarine top by Hot Patterns
Day to Night Top by Maria Denmark
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