Best Style Picks for Changing Weight: Adaptable Fashion That Works With You

Author: Tellar Styling Team

Date: July 2025

Disclaimer: Honest, independent, and always free. No sponsorships will influence our advice.

Your body is allowed to change. Whether due to lifestyle shifts, health, age, pregnancy, or postnatal transitions, our bodies naturally fluctuate. But when your clothes stop fitting properly—or you feel caught between sizes—style can feel frustrating.

The good news? Fashion can flex with you.

This technical guide covers the best styles to wear during weight changes—whether you're gaining, losing, or simply transitioning. Plus, discover how Tellar.co.uk helps you find your perfect fit across 1,500+ brands, no matter your current size.

The 5 Key Principles of Dressing Through Weight Fluctuations

1. Prioritise Flexibility

Look for clothing that adapts:

Stretch fabrics like elastane, ponte, and jersey
Wrap styles that adjust to your shape
Elasticated waists or adjustable drawstrings
Smocking, shirring or ruching for built-in give

2. Avoid Rigid Tailoring

While structure can flatter, anything overly stiff or zipped is harder to wear as your shape shifts. Instead:

Use light tailoring like blazers with an open front
Swap button-downs for soft blouses
Choose skirts with stretch or panels

3. Create Visual Balance

If your size is changing unevenly (e.g., top vs bottom), balance proportion with smart styling:

Volume on one half only (e.g. wide trousers + fitted tee)
Vertical elements to elongate
Block colours to streamline shape

4. Minimise Cling & Maximise Drape

Choose materials that skim the body:

Modal, viscose blends, bamboo, soft knits
Avoid tight rib knits or clingy poly jerseys

5. Dress for Confidence, Not Just Size

When your body changes, confidence often dips. Choose silhouettes that make you feel good—flow, movement, softness, and versatility are key.

Best Garments for Weight Changes

1. Wrap Dresses & Tops

Why it works:

Fully adjustable fit at the bust, waist, and stomach
Works for weight gain, loss, or bloating
Universally flattering across body shapes

Look for:

True wrap (not faux)
Wide waist ties
Stretch jersey or matte crepe

Best for: Smart-casual, daywear, office

Top brands: Boden, Nobody’s Child, Hush, DVF, Ghost

2. Smocked & Shirred Pieces

Why it works:

Expands and contracts naturally
Ideal for bust and waist fluctuation

Look for:

Shirring across bust or waistline
Woven fabric with light volume elsewhere

Best for: Summer dresses, midi skirts, boho styles

Top brands: Free People, Sézane, Mango

3. High-Rise Stretch Trousers

Why it works:

Elastic backs or full stretch waists provide give
High-rise holds the waistline as it shifts
Slim or wide leg balances body changes

Look for:

Ponte knit, soft twill, or stretch crepe
Pull-on or side zip styles with back elastic

Best for: Workwear, day-to-night styling

Top brands: Uniqlo, Hobbs, Everlane, Me+Em

Explore more with: The Ultimate Guide to Flattering Jeans for Every Body Shape

4. Oversized Shirts & Button-Ups

Why it works:

Accommodates upper body shifts
Can be worn loose, tied, or layered
Adds polish without tight fit

Style tip: French tuck into high-rise bottoms for structure.

Best for: Smart layering, weekend wear

Top brands: COS, Arket, Zara

5. Empire Waist & Babydoll Dresses

Why it works:

Fit below bust avoids waistline pressure
Flattering if midsection is changing
Adds visual length to legs

Look for:

Light woven fabrics
Clean cuts without excessive frills

Best for: Casual wear, summer dresses

Top brands: & Other Stories, Whistles, Nobody’s Child

6. Soft Jumpsuits

Why it works:

One-piece structure = instant outfit
Loose through waist, adjustable at shoulders or hips

Look for:

Elasticated waists or belted options
Soft draping fabrics

Best for: Travel, weekend dressing

Top brands: Baukjen, FatFace, Anthropologie

7. Co-ords & Separates

Why it works:

Mix-and-match flexibility as top or bottom changes
More forgiving than fitted dresses

Style tip: Pair a loose blouse with stretch trousers for subtle adaptability.

Best for: Transitional wardrobes

Top brands: M&S, Reiss, Mint Velvet

Adaptive Styling Tricks

▸ Belt It (Lightly)

A belt over a flowy dress lets you define shape on your terms—adjust as needed each day. Avoid rigid leather belts; opt for elastic, fabric-tie, or woven.

▸ Try Layering Pieces

Longline cardigans, kimonos, or vests break up silhouettes
Add coverage without clinging
Ideal during postnatal or perimenopause shifts

▸ Buy for Your Largest Area

If your hips are a 14 but your waist is a 12, buy the 14 and cinch with styling. Ill-fitting clothing rarely looks or feels right.

Need help identifying your largest measurement?

Use the Tellar Size Tool to calculate it automatically.

What to Avoid During Weight Changes

Rigid waistbands with no give
Slim-fit button-downs that gap
Bodycon styles in non-stretch fabric
Dresses with zips and no stretch panel
Over-layering, which adds bulk

Focus on styles that move with you—not against you.

How Tellar.co.uk Supports You Through Every Size

At Tellar.co.uk, we know that your body doesn’t stay the same forever. That’s why our free sizing tool uses your bust, waist and hip measurements—or a brand size you already wear—to match you to 1,500+ brands instantly.

No more size charts. No more returns. Just better-fitting clothes that work with you, not against you.

How It Works

✅ Create your free profile at Tellar.co.uk

✅ Use our Store Size Lookup tool

✅ Get your exact size in every brand, in real time

✅ Download a free printable measuring tape to measure accurately at home

Whether your weight is stable, fluctuating, or still shifting—Tellar lets you shop with confidence.

Plus: The Tellar Fashion Hub

Not just a sizing tool. Tellar also gives you access to a free library of expert advice, including:

Best brands for real bodies
Styling by shape and garment
Smart fashion education
Honest, bias-free recommendations

Start here:

Follow Us for Daily Styling & Fit Advice

Instagram: @Tellarsizing
Twitter/X: @TellarSizing
Facebook: Tellar Sizing
Pinterest: TellarSizing

Final Thought

Bodies change—but style doesn’t have to suffer. With the right fabrics, shapes, and confidence-boosting staples, you can feel your best at every stage.

And with Tellar.co.uk, your current size—whatever it is—is just a few clicks away.

Find your size in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s free & easy.