Temporary wardrobe for $100?

[Deleted]

I'm going back to work in a week from maternity leave and have basically nothing that still fits. I've lost all of my baby weight, but still have lots of extra skin around my middle. Help me find a few very versatile things that will get me through the work week until I'm able to trim back up. I'm having a difficult time with synthetics because my skin is so sensitive and need things that will hide my floppy waistline. Biggest issue is that we are incredibly broke so I'm needing to make this hopefully under $100 total. I have two or three black/charcoal tops that I can pull off, but that's it. I'm only 5 wks pp if that matters at all.

[Pom]

Maybe hit up a resale shop in a nice part of town...is that possible?

[Deleted]

Do you need just bottoms or tops too? I love Target's TRS pants. www.target.com/p/mossimo-women-s-trs-pant-fit-3/-/A-14153253#guest-reviews

I'd also hit up a Goodwill. Look for dresses so you can keep wearing them even if your shape changes a bit.

[Deleted]

Spanx make me want to claw my eyes out. I have a lot of sensory issues when it comes to clothing. No wool either. Not even a sweater that is a small percentage cashmere. Man, I'm difficult! I'm going to hit up Goodwill in the good part of town to see if I can find any tops, and TJ Maxx for maybe a basic pair of pants or two.

[Deleted]

If I can find forgiving tops, then I'll actually be able to squeeze into some of my pants and skirts, just not button them at the top. I have a couple of generic belly bands and tight tanks that can hold them shut, I just need to make sure the tops hide it.

[Deleted]

I'd look at thrift stores or consignment shops. Get a couple of bottoms that fit, and then more tops. Skirts tend to be more flexible than pants because they can sit higher up on your waist and then lower on your hips as you lose a couple inches.

Would a Bella Band help get you into some of your own clothes?

Or Old Navy has 30% off today.
Grey skirt $15
oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=79586&vid=1&pid=251865032

Dreamer jeans $25
oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=85741&vid=1&pid=662350032

Long sleeve tunic tee $19
oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=72262&vid=1&pid=287654052

etc

[raangoli]

The Loft and The Limited (they have free shipping today, too) have 50% off sales right now, maybe you can grab a few tops or bottoms (maybe a skirt since that is more forgiving) for a good price?

[ssmjlm]

What about sweater dresses? That way they will stay with you as your shape changes?

[vegas]

Can you wear casual clothes (dressy jeans and sweaters) or do you have to be more dressed up? Like you, I needed transition clothes for the first few months back to work pp. I ended up getting a bunch of stuff at Forever 21, including 3 pairs of pants for $35. Most were on the casual side (dark denim and colored denim) but there were definitely dressier options. And everything was stretchy, so I don't feel like I'm stuffing myself into things.

[6fsn]

I'd try to find a couple of wrap dresses in a neutral color you could add a sweater, blazer, or scarf to. They should still look nice as you tone up.

[h]

Nov 26, 2012 15:12:27 GMT -5 6fsn said:

I'd try to find a couple of wrap dresses in a neutral color you could add a sweater, blazer, or scarf to. They should still look nice as you tone up.

I think this is a good idea. A black wrap dress you could accessorize different ways would get you pretty far and would be fine for more or less an business environment short of business formal. This one is $32 plus 30% today at Old Navy: oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=251851&locale=en_US&kwid=1&sem=false&sdReferer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.oldnavy.com%2Fproducts%2Fwrap-dress.jsp

I think I would try to buy one black dress, a pair of black or charcoal slacks that fit, and as many basic tops as you can afford with the remaining money.

[Deleted]

Goodwill is probably best. You might ask your friends if anyone has anything you can have or borrow.

JC Penney and Kohls have some pretty inexpensive stuff. I'm wearing some Worthington pants from JCP today that I bought because I liked them (not that price was no object, but I had some flexibility.). They were $25 full price. And I found some $5 skirts there a month or two ago.

[pamela]

Ditto the Bella band to see if your old pants will work.

[Deleted]

Are sweater dresses okay in your workplace? If so, I'd stock up on them.

[flygirl22]

I would hit up a few consignment shops and look for dresses. At least for me, Pants and skirts are the first things that "don't fit" after weight loss or gain.

[CloudBee]

I wouldn't buy new pants if those belly bands from your pregnancy work for now. Once you go back to work your new schedule may very well change your "shape". Your daily routine will be completely different.

You should hit up Marshalls/TJ Maxx/Kohls/Target and look at cardigans. You can leave them unbuttoned and it will help shieled a muffin top if that's your concern right now. Even solid black cotton tees would look decent under a cardigan if you wore a necklace or pretty stud earrings to dress the outfit up.

Stick to blacks and grays so you can wear them more often without it being obvious.

I would hold off on buying new pants if the old ones + belly band work, and reconsider maybe a month after you've been back at work.

Good luck!

[ESF]

Nov 26, 2012 14:50:28 GMT -5 @tokenhoser said:

Skirts tend to be more flexible than pants because they can sit higher up on your waist and then lower on your hips as you lose a couple inches.

Completely agree. Skirts are way more practical if you are losing weight as they'll fit longer than pants. I'd hit consignment stores or something like TJ Maxx and see what they have.

I'd stick to solid colors and avoid things with noticeable, memorable details so if you need to wear the same shirt in one week, it won't be as obvious.

I disagree with the dress suggestions. You need separates that can be mixed and matched. Since you have a few dark tops and it sounds like your pants mostly fit, I'd pick up a couple cardigans (black and a color), a 2-3 more tops (two different color), and, if you have 2 or less pairs of pants that work, then a black skirt (otherwise get more tops and rotate the 3+ pairs of pants). I'd get colors in the same family - like jewel tones. Eg a jade cardigan and dark purple and royal blue tops could be mixed and matched with everything very easily.

[Deleted]

Thanks! I love the wrap dress idea. I'm not sure about sweater dresses, but I'll check. We're business formal, but things like sweater sets and slacks are acceptable. I actually tried wearing spanx for a few pictures and almost had an anxiety attack. You know that scene on SATC where Carrie tries on the wedding dress and flips out? That's me in spanx and many synthetic things.

[MamaMaui24]

Honestly I wore my maternity pants (elastic waist band, not full panel) until my old pants fit. Now I still have a muffin top in some pants, but I wear loose blouses.

Your baby is precious!

[Ashley&Scott]

Do your maternity pants still fit? No shame in wearing them for a bit. I wore mine until 10ish weeks pp. They were more supportive & comfy

[Deleted]

The maternity pants were all borrowed and had to be returned. I wish I could wear them, but they are on another tush now.