5 Wardrobe Essentials for Fluctuating Bodies
The price-per-wear math on these pieces? Impeccable. (And yes, they also work for bodies that don't fluctuate.)
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To borrow from our lord and savior Rihanna, I have the pleasure of a fluctuating body type. I have been many sizes and shapes over the years—I’m mostly a 6ish but have also been everything from a 2 to a 10—but the last four years have been particularly dramatic thanks to two back-to-back pregnancies.
With all of that in mind, I have found a handful of wardrobe items that have fit me through my most recent swings (a 50-pound range, for context) and are worth every penny. Also, if you’re just here for the info about the bra I keep talking about on Instagram, the one I’m obsessed with that’s supportive and wire-free—the majority of you, probs?—it’s the first item on the list.
1. THE PERFECT BRA
Top Secret Prop Top Bralette ($40) in Black
True story: I haven’t worn an underwire bra in five years. Instead, I wear these super-soft, strangely supportive bralettes, which have sort of a minimalist ’90s vibe that speaks to me. I know that bras and bralettes are super personal, and what works for one person doesn’t for another, but I cannot recommend these enough.
While I wouldn’t go jogging in one, I feel secure in them (I’m a 34D) and love that the back is clasp-free. They also worked for me when I was breastfeeding; in fact, I never bought a nursing bra, just wore my regular bralettes in a size large. (FWIW: I wear both medium and large when I’m not pregnant/have a newborn; both sizes fit.)
2. A V CHILL DRESS
Commando Long Slip ($118) in Black
As someone who owns seven or eight of these slip dresses, I cannot stress enough how lovely they are. They’re made out of some lightweight microfiber and are very stretchy.
I use them as the base of so many weekend and travel outfits. I style them with sandals and a worn-in concert T-shirt for the farmers market. They work great with tights, moto boots, and a slouchy sweater for the plane. I even wore one with flat slip-on mules and a printed cotton robe-jacket when I went to the hospital to deliver my second kid. I have tried every stretchy dress on the market, and this is my favorite for fitting at every size.
UPDATE: Just heard it's now sold out at the link above (Wow! That's because of you!), but it's currently in stock at Nordstrom.
3. SMALL, STRETCHY UNDIES
Hanky Panky Signature Lace G-String ($20)
The brand has been around since the ’70s, and for good reason: It makes comfy drawers. That said, not all styles are equally flexible, in my humble opinion, which is why I am the proud owner of many, many, many pairs of its signature G-string undies.
Technically, they fit sizes 2 through 12 (according to the website), but I think the range is greater. They don’t dig in, fold over, or annoy me in any way; in fact, I forget I’m wearing them most of the time. And again, I’m wearing the same style today as I did two years ago, when I weighed 50 pounds more. (Also worth noting, the brand makes plus sizes, too.)
4. A BOXY BLAZER
Anine Bing Fishbone Blazer ($399)
I was never really one for an oversized or double-breasted blazer—generally, I prefer things that are more fitted—but when I was pregnant with my second kiddo, starting to show early, and pretty uninterested in having anyone know what was going on with my uterus, suddenly this wardrobe item became my best friend.
The structured shoulders always look polished, even if I’m just wearing a Commando slip dress and a slouchy T-shirt underneath, and the blazer’s silhouette is surprisingly effective camo for your midsection, if you’re into that. I wore an Anine Bing blazer all through my pregnancy (this one is cool too), it was my go-to piece when I went back to work, and it looks just as smart today. Veronica Beard also makes a version that works really well (I wore one in red for SXSW, and it photographed beautifully), and Zara always has a slew of options.
5. ADAPTABLE LEGGINGS
Free People High-Rise ⅞ You’re a Peach Leggings ($98)
First, a disclaimer. I hate spending money on two things: patio furniture and workout clothes. Both categories are always overpriced and not that fun to spend your hard-earned money on. And while I never thought I’d be the kind of person who spent this much on leggings, this style from Free People has been my go-to pair for the last 2.5 years. I’m startled by the fact that they fit me the entire time, when my body has changed so much, but whatever—it’s magic, I guess. For context, I originally got them in a large, and while I can also wear a medium now, the large still very much fits and looks good.
While these are my current favorites, I'm always searching for new styles to try, so if you have an excellent recommendation, please let me know in the comments below or via DM.
As always, thank you for being here, and thank you for sticking around. If you have any questions or concerns, or want me to touch on any topics in particular, I’m all ears. Leave a comment on Hi Everyone’s Bulletin or DM me on Instagram—I’m @hillarykerr—my inbox is always open!
xxHillary