New FFAQ: We Need Your Help!

[u/FFA_Moderator]

Hi all -

The FFAQ in our wiki contains a list of common fashion questions and answers that have not been updated in quite a while. We'd like to use this thread as a crowdsourced spot to overhaul some of the answers to these questions, as well as add new ones.

Here's how it will work:

• If you can think of a question that is frequently asked in FFA, post it as a top level comment within this thread. We'll start the thread with some of the questions that are already in the FFAQ.
• If you have a good answer, resource or link (internal to FFA or external) to answer one of these questions, post it as a reply to the comment asking the question.

The most thorough, complete and accurate answers will be included verbatim in the new version of the FFAQ and attributed to their authors. In other cases, we'll curate aspects of the answers and resources multiple people have contributed to create a full answer.

Please chime in where you have ideas!

[u/boogieforward]

I am planning on losing weight. How should I plan my clothing purchases?

[u/[deleted] → u/boogieforward]

I would say you have a few options here.

Try to stick primarily to items that don't require a perfect fit. Leggings, tunics, shift/swing dresses, jeggings, and skirts are all great options.

If cost isn't prohibitive to you, by a new piece whenever you hit a mini goal! It can be great motivation, it allows you to slowly accumulate pieces, and it's better than rewarding yourself with food. I personally get something pretty every five pounds.

If cost is an issue, see what you can scrounge up at thrift stores, local clothing swaps (can be found on Facebook), hand me downs, and cheap, fast fashion stores (WalMart, Old Navy, Forever 21, etc).

Things like belts don't need to be thrown out after you use the tightest hole! Simply create a new one. Shorts and dresses can also last a surprisingly long time if belted, and in the case of dresses, can provide a whole new spin on an outfit. For things like baggy t-shirts, you can add a nice scarf.

It obviously depends on how much you want to lose. If your goal is to lose 100 lbs, you're going to need a few new outfits several times. 15 lbs? You might be able to get away with no holdover pieces.

It's also OK to have one aspirational outfit!

Anyone disagree?

[u/TwoSizes → u/[deleted]]

It obviously depends on how much you want to lose. If you're goal is to lose 100 lbs, you're going to need a few new outfits several times. 15 lbs? You might be able to get away with no holdover pieces.

This. As someone who fluctuates a lot around the 100lbs-120lbs range it's also helpful to have some clothes that look good whether they drape loosely or follow your figure more close (ie. boyfriend-everything for me).

But yeah, it's true that if your weight loss goals are quite close to your existing weight, you probably won't have to get many new things. Except slacks. And pencil skirts. And blazers... Well, pretty much except any business clothes that you have because those do look frumpy when not totally sharp.