Thoughts on Dropping a Dress Size

51% of Australian women, in a poll recorded in the February 2012 issue of Prevention magazine, want to drop a dress size. Hmmm! I suspect it's the same percentage all over the world.

I looked in my wardrobe. I have clothes that range over 3 to 4 sizes and some made for me that have no sizing number. When I sew, I am different sizes for different pattern brands. There is the contradiction of a size 8 skirt where the waist is too big although it fits perfectly over my hips. I can also wear a size 12 bra under an Extra Small top and they both fit me perfectly. The only thing that stays consistent is my shoe size.

Drop a dress size! Where do you start - the largest, the average or the smallest size?

A universal standard of dress sizes does not exist in Australia. In the USA I am a different size again. I am also a totally different size in the UK and Europe.

I bet your wardrobe also has a variety of sizes in it.

Here are my thoughts on the subject and some dressing tips to help you look slimmer.

The Dream
Dropping a dress sizeis a favourite new year's resolution as it is seen as an easy thing to do. This dream is a longing for a happier time in the past when you felt slim and all your clothes looked good on you.

You can drop a dress size (ie lose weight) in any number of ways. There are lots of programs, books and people out there who will help you achieve it. The real challenge is to maintain that dress size and that means a permanent change in lifestyle eating and exercise habits. Are you prepared to happily make that permanent change?

The Reality
Just like me, you can drop or gain one or two dress sizes just by your choice of clothes on any particular day. That will not change if you lose weight. Well OK, it will if you wear only one brand exclusively but do not count on it.

When trying on new clothes, take three sizes if possible - what you think you are, one size below and one size above. It is the fit not the size number you are looking for ie the feeling not the number. Note that the best size for your tops and skirts/pants may be different especially if you are pear-shaped (ie smaller on the top half of your body) or an inverted triangular shape (ie smaller on the bottom half of your body).

The Illusion 
What is left - one size fits all or multi-sized clothes. Do not go there. These clothes have to be the biggest size to fit everyone. If you are not the biggest size, it will not look good on you.

Change Your Thinking
I have never been asked - Have you dropped a dress size? I have been asked - Have you lost weight? To dress slimmer, be adventurous. Try on new styles, even if you think they are not for you. In the privacy of the dressing room only you will see yourself. You may be pleasantly surprised. Bandage style dresses that wrap in small crossovers from your bust to your waist or hips can make you look slimmer. Materials with some stretch in them can gently hold you firmer and slimmer. Some dresses now have built-in shaping. Shapewear today is much softer and less constricting than 1960's step-ins. All give the illusion of a smaller dress size.

If All Else Fails, tap into your lighter side. Cut off all the sizing tags from your clothes or order some personalised dress tags in the size you want to be. Humour is good for your body and your soul.

Margaret Sims is an Image Consultant and Fashion Translator. Margaret helps women discover their true personality and how to shine as a modern woman over 40. If this interests you, visit http://thefashiontranslator.wordpress.com Blog for more fashion tips. At both the Blog and Margaret's website - http://www.yourfuturedirection.com.au you can sign up to get the free twice-monthly newsletter and receive your free eBook and Audio - 'Look Fabulous, Feel Confident Every Day'.

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