Fashion can be a motivator for healthier habits, but you don’t have to wait to lose weight before showcasing your personal style.

Members of MyObesityTeam have shared their clothes shopping experiences. “Bought a new outfit to wear today. I love it. Makes me feel so pretty,” wrote one member.

People with obesity are used to hearing outdated fashion rules, like “Horizontal stripes are off-limits” or “Stick to dark colors for their slimming effects.” Swap that old advice for these timeless fashion tips and enjoy clothes shopping now, no matter your size.

1. Get To Know Your Best Colors

If you follow any fashion blogs, you know that color can make or break your look. But although color theory is having a bit of a moment, it’s far from a new idea. Basing wardrobe selections around a palette that complements your natural coloring is a concept that’s circulated in the fashion world for decades.

Try this at-home experiment to learn what works for you. Stand in front of the mirror in a room with good lighting. Choose items of different colors and hold them near your face. Do certain tones make you look energized and healthy? How about tired or sick?

We all have colors that bring out the best in us. If your favorite shades don’t make the cut, don’t sweat it. You may just need a slight adjustment. For example, if you love blue but sky blue washes you out, how about a rich cobalt or a warmer teal? Take some time to familiarize yourself with your best colors before you hit the stores.

2. Highlight Your Favorite Body Parts

Studies have suggested that women with a higher body mass index (BMI) are more likely to use clothing as camouflage. But rather than hiding behind your outfit, wear clothes to show off your favorite features. Wear eye-catching prints, fitted clothes, or accessories that accentuate the parts of your body that you especially like.

“Look at yourself and find out what you love best on your body,” said a MyObesityTeam member. “Bring those areas out. 😍 Don’t let weight stop you. LOVE yourself and work with what you’ve got.”

You may also need to consider if you have any health issues that may impact your fashion choices. If you have a skin condition, certain fabrics may feel irritating on sensitive skin. Also, some people with obesity experience swelling in their feet, which may impact the type of shoes you wear.

3. Take a Chance on the Thrift Store

If your weight goes up and down or you’re working on weight loss goals, spending a lot of money on clothes may seem like a waste. Secondhand shops let you pick up a few “new” pieces without breaking the bank. They’re also a good opportunity to reuse discarded clothing items that may otherwise end up in a landfill.

“With my weight loss journey, I found an amazing thrift store,” said a MyObesityTeam member. “Most of my designer shirts were $4, some with tags. … As I was losing, I would buy the ones that fit and then donate them back, and I was always in style.”

Another member wrote, “Goodwill is good too, and I love the boutiques. You can find the most treasured stuff for half the price. I am just starting with a new eating plan, and I am trying to fit into stuff again.”

Shopping for clothes that make you feel comfortable and confident can be a form of self-care. You may find yourself waiting to shop until you’ve hit your goals, but you should always have clothing that you feel good in, no matter your size.

4. Buy Separates or Tailor Your Clothes To Fit

It’s not uncommon to wear different sizes on the top and bottom, whether you’re in a larger body or not. Mix and match your tops and bottoms, and get separates that work together. Finding a tailor or making small alterations to your own clothes can elevate your outfit to a perfect fit.

“I find that buying clothes is a struggle. They fit in one place and not the other. Shirts are too short; sleeves are too tight,” wrote a MyObesityTeam member.

“I have the worst time getting tops to fit in the chest area. I gave up trying to find long sleeves that fit a long time ago,” said another.

The truth is, most off-the-rack clothes aren’t going to fit every body shape perfectly. A little tailoring can make a world of difference. Buy clothes that fit the biggest areas of your body so there’s enough fabric to take them in elsewhere as needed.

5. Find Brands That Work for You

Browsing stores that don’t carry plus sizes can be upsetting. But no one should leave the dressing room in tears. Maintain your well-being by spending your time, money, and energy on brands that work to fit bodies like yours. And if the stores near you don’t have styles you like, search for options online.

“I appreciate companies that carry larger sizes. Just because I’m a plus size doesn’t mean I don’t want to look and feel pretty,” said a MyObesityTeam member.

MyObesityTeam members’ go-to brands include Lane Bryant, Avenue, Woman Within, Universal Standard, eShakti, Torrid, OneStopPlus, Catherine’s, and LuLaRoe.

“LuLaRoe is comfortable. They have wonderful colors and prints. … I love the Carly dress. I’m a 2x in that, at a size 22. And they have a 3x,” shared one member.

Another wrote, “I ordered some clothes from Full Beauty (now called OneStopPlus). They have clothes 25 percent to 85 percent off. I spent $100 on taxes, shipping, and all of that on 15 shirts. I have hardly bought any clothes in the past five years, so it was really exciting.”

“I shop everywhere!” exclaimed another member. “You’d be surprised by how many plus-size online stores, shops, and boutiques there are. I always read the return policy to play it safe before ordering online. Woman Within has some awesome, affordable jeans.”

6. Make Every Layer Count

From undergarments to outerwear, looking good is about more than just the clothes other people can see. Finding seamless and supportive underwear can set the foundation for any outfit, especially if you’re dressing for a special occasion. Shapewear can offer a smooth silhouette for tighter sweaters or dresses.

In addition, layering a stylish blazer or cardigan over a basic T-shirt can create a more formal look. Having these pieces in your wardrobe offers greater versatility, so you always have something to wear in a pinch.

7. Don’t Get Hung Up on Clothing Sizes

If there’s one thing you can do to improve your shopping experience, it’s forgetting about the size number on the tag. Wear what fits and feels good, period. It doesn’t matter if you’re up or down from a size that you were in the past.

Remember that clothing sizes vary drastically between brands. They’re not a reliable measure of your weight or health. A size 3x in one store could fit like a 5x in another. Your best bet is to know your actual measurements. Measure your bust, waist, hips, inseam, and even upper arm circumference if possible. You can use a soft measuring tape at home or ask a tailor or close friend for help.

You can make better use of online size charts when you have real measurements to match them up against. Taking the time to try on garments at clothing stores, or ordering a few different sizes for home and returning the ones that don’t fit, is worth the added effort for well-fitting clothes.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyObesityTeam is the social network for people with obesity and their loved ones. On MyObesityTeam, more than 57,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with obesity.

Have you found plus-size clothing brands you like? What other shopping or clothing tips can you share with others who want to feel comfortable and fashionable? Spill your secrets in the comments below or on your Activities page.