How to Dress When You’re in Between Sizes
Your body deserves care at every stage.
Not just when it’s “settled”.
Bodies change.
Sometimes gradually. Sometimes suddenly.
Sometimes in ways that feel affirming, and sometimes in ways that leave us unsure of how to get dressed.
If you’re in a season where your clothes don’t quite fit right but you’re not ready (or able) to replace everything, you’re not alone. Dressing a body in transition—whether due to weight fluctuation, health shifts, hormones, or life changes—can feel very uncomfortable and confusing. And in a world where most style advice is still rooted in discipline and control, it’s easy to feel like you’re doing something wrong just for existing in the in-between.
You’re not. And your style doesn’t have to go on pause until your body “figures it out.”
Take it from me: not only am I a personal wardrobe stylist, I’ve also dealt with a body that has fluctuated by over 140 lbs. in the last decade. Though I did my best to approach my circumstances with self-compassion, one of the toughest and most triggering aspects of the experience was no longer feeling at home in my clothing.
Why dressing in between sizes feels hard
When you’re not in a consistent size, getting dressed can stir up:
• frustration when nothing fits quite right
• fear of buying new pieces you might “grow out of”
• guilt for not “making do” or for wanting more
• the temptation to wait until you’re smaller (or larger) to invest in yourself
• feelings of shame around your body, and even feelings of shame around feeling shame!
And if you’re plus sized, this becomes even more layered—because clothing options are already limited, expensive, or inconsistent in fit. It’s easy to end up with a closet full of “maybes,” and nothing that feels like it actually belongs to you right now.
How to dress with care when your size is in flux
This isn’t about tricks or hiding your body. It’s about feeling more at home in your clothes while you move through a shifting season.
1. Focus on ease—not precision
Look for silhouettes and fabrics that give you a bit of breathing room. Think soft knits, elastic waists, wrap styles, and stretchy denim—not because they “hide” your body, but because they adapt with it.
→ Style tip: Wrap styles, shirt dresses, and relaxed sets can carry you further than hyper-tailored pieces when your size is changing.
2. Prioritize comfort and presence
It’s okay to want ease and still want to feel put together. A polished layer—like a structured jacket or super sleek shoe—can add intention without requiring fitted clothes.
→ Style tip: Try pairing soft, body-neutral pieces with something angular (like a pointed shoe or a clean-lined bag) to bring balance.
3. Keep a small, functional capsule of “right now” clothes
You don’t need to overhaul your entire wardrobe. Try to pull 10 pieces that fit your current body and lifestyle well and make them your main rotation. It’ll reduce daily stress and help you rebuild trust with your closet.
→ Style tip: Include layering basics, pieces with flexible fits, and one or two “joy” items you truly love to wear.
4. Loosen the grip on old sizing labels
Your size is not a fixed identity. It’s okay to go up. It’s okay to go down. It’s okay to fluctuate. What matters is how the clothing feels, not what the tag says.
→ Style reminder: Your body didn’t fail the clothes. The clothes just weren’t designed to flex with you.
5. Get support with key pieces if it’s accessible to you
You don’t need a whole new wardrobe—but a few intentional additions (like a pair of bottoms that fit well for the now or a top you feel great in on Zoom) can go a long way. If budget allows, prioritize comfort, fit, and function.
→ Style tip: Keep your most frequent settings in mind. If you WFH and have a lot of Zoom meetings, it might be best to start with this space in mind. If you work in-office and you notice that is a space of insecurity for you, focus on nailing down 1-2 great outfits that you can mix and match right now for work. Don’t try to overhaul your entire closet right now. Just start with a few affirming pieces in areas of your life that will have a lot of impact on your mindset.
6. Be honest about how certain pieces make you feel
If something makes you feel self-critical every time you put it on—even if it technically fits—it may be time to set it aside. You deserve to get dressed without emotional friction every day.
→ Style reminder: Comfort isn’t just physical! It’s emotional, too.
7. Try layering to build flexibility
Layers can help stretch your current wardrobe further—billowy open shirts, longline cardigans, cool jackets, and reliable base layers offer flexibility for changing temperatures and changing sizes.
→ Style tip: Use layering to change proportions without needing to tailor or replace everything.
7. Use this as a period to experiment with non-clothing style anchors
If you need to take a bit of space from style discovery in your closet, I get it. Sometimes, it gets overwhelming and you need a breather. Instead, you might find some joy and excitement in brainstorming your non-clothing style anchors. These are aspects of your personal style (such as hair, makeup, and even tattoos!) that don’t require you to get dressed at all. A new signature lipstick or a hair transformation can help you feel embodied in your style right now, even when everything else just isn’t clicking.
→ Style tip: Stylists can help you with all aspects of your image, including hair and makeup! Pinterest is also a great place to gather inspiration. Create a main “personal style” board, with subsections like “Clothing” “Hair” “Makeup” to honour the various facets of your style.
You don’t need to wait for the “after”
Style doesn’t have to be reserved for a stable size, or a moment when your body finally “makes sense.”
You deserve clothes that work for you now—even if your now is temporary.
There’s no shame in dressing a changing body. There’s only care.
And sometimes, the kindest thing you can do is dress in a way that makes you feel supported, even when everything else is shifting.
Need guidance on building a flexible, feel-good wardrobe?
If you’re in between sizes and overwhelmed by the “shoulds,” I’d love to help. Whether it’s a capsule for your right-now body or styling support that adapts with you, I’m here for the in-between—because that’s real life!
→ Explore Styling Support
→ hi@heensie.style
You don’t need to wait to get dressed like yourself again.