So your body has changed. You’ve lost or gained weight, or things seem to have shifted a bit (or a lot!). You’re not alone. Many of us have seen our wardrobe needs change during COVID-19 shutdowns. And now you need to get dressed and out the door — or at least look a bit more poised and polished while on your E-conference call.

In a recent read of Vogue.com I got a chuckle out of the opening lines of an article I was reading. “I’m just a girl, standing in front of my closet, pleading that a single pair of pants will fit, asking why nothing fits, knowing why nothing fits, and simultaneously trying to quell a panic attack about nothing fitting.”

I’ve felt the effects of the COVID quarantine myself, initially using the time available to get into a regular workout routine and implement better eating habits. It was fantastic, with 17 pounds lost! Now fast forward. With a faded new routine and not-quite-so-great eating habits, it’s time to loosen the belt a bit and make room for the 8 pounds put back on.

Does this short-term scenario sound familiar? Or maybe weight gain, fluctuation or loss is something you’ve been working through for a long time. Either way, you need strategies that will help you maintain a look and a personal brand that supports your confidence and success.

First, Just Breathe

Even with a significant weight loss or gain, you don’t have to tackle it all or replace a whole wardrobe at once. Consider how you need to be dressed for your day-to-day activities and special occasions. Then focus on just a small selection of garments and ensembles you’ll need for the next few months.

Capsule Dressing is a fundamental wardrobe strategy to make this work. Eight key pieces working together can create many looks. Many, if not all, pieces can come from your current wardrobe, meaning you only need to make limited purchases while in weight transition. Choose solid fabrics and minimal textures that mix and match from one or two core colors (e.g., navy, charcoal, black, taupe or stone). Add accessories and you’ll have more outfits than you ever imagined.

It can be daunting, but take the time to try on all of your garments. Those that are only slightly snug or minimally too big can usually be easily altered. Consider the fabrics that your garments are made of. Do they have stretch to the fabric, adjustable waist tabs or straps? Next, consider the structure of each garment. Is it form fitted or unstructured? Unstructured garments and those with more flow or drape to them will be more forgiving.

Garments and fabrics to look for that are adjustable and flattering within a 10- to 20-pound range:

• Knit and cotton fabrics – Jackets, blazers, dresses, sweaters and shirts in stretchy knit or cotton.
• Stretch denim, wools and blends – Look for pants with a little stretch in the legs.
• Elastic waists – These are more forgiving with weight loss and gain and last longer than structured waistbands. Your local tailor can help with this. Ladies, look for dresses, skirts and dress pants with elastic waists. Men, look for comfort, elastic and button tab waistbands.

Additional options for ladies include wrap dresses, skirts and shirts. All are flattering for all body types. The shift dress is a shapeless silhouette that is perfect for the weight loss and gain journey.

Design Principles at Work

Using basic design principles can help balance your body frame and accentuate or downplay areas by the art of illusion. Consider the following in your garments:

• Surface Finish – Matte, sheen, shiny
• Color Value – Light, medium, dark
• Bulk – Fine, medium, thick (bulky)
• Pattern Scale – Small, medium, large

With a keen use of surface finish, color value, bulk and pattern scale you can fool the eye and create the shape and silhouette you desire.

For example, if you want to make part of your body look smaller, try matte surface finishes, medium to dark colors, and fine to medium weaves in a solid fabric. To accentuate an area or make it appear larger, use shiny fabric surfaces, light and bright colors, and bulkier/thicker fabrics or a medium to large print.

Regardless of your weight, you want to minimize the maximum and maximize the minimum, creating balance to your frame. Fortunately, a great personal style doesn’t depend on a specific size or shape. And, most important, by taking the time to thoughtfully explore what’s already in your closet, it doesn’t have to be expensive!