A Clothing Label Does NOT Label You
We’ve said it to our men for years but have we gotten the message for ourselves, or more specifically for our clothing? SIZE DOESN’T MATTER! I recently picked up a cute spring dress in a smaller size than I would ordinarily wear, while the shapewear I was wearing underneath was a much larger size. I decided it was a great example of why we shouldn’t base how we feel about ourselves on a number stamped inside a garment’s label.
Most of us waste a lot of time worrying about the size of our bodies and the size of our clothing. It’s too much to talk about both subjects in one post so in this post we’ll talk about why a size tag doesn’t mean much. And it’s definitely not the marker we should use to value or devalue ourselves.
This post contains affiliate links. Purchasing items from these links will result in dimples on my WHAT? earning a commission. The use of affiliate links does not influence the price you pay. I purchase all my own clothes and products that I write about unless otherwise noted. My biggest pet peeves are Liars, Cheats, Sneaks & Fakes! You can be sure, ALL opinions expressed herein are my own. 😉
Size Labels, Schmize Labels
Have you ever been professionally fitted for a bra? If you have then you’ve likely heard the bra-fitter say, “This is only a guide and it gives us a place to start.” She then proceeds to bring in bras in the sizes she thinks might work for you based on her knowledge about the way individual brands fit even though you measure a certain size based on a sizing equation.
The same goes for shoes. I already know that in certain shoe brands or even footwear styles I will need to go up or down by half or whole sizes. And you know what? I don’t freak about it.
I’ll admit it hurts more when the size is directly correlated to my butt dress size. But listen, it’s something we have to get over. The size tag is only a guide or a starting point for finding your size range with the particular manufacturer. And, it’s TOTALLY dependent on the measurement scale used by the manufacturer and the cut of the garment.
Know Your Measurements
Once again I’m telling you to KNOW YOUR MEASUREMENTS! The size chart is not your enemy. It’s actually the real starting point in the search for your size for that manufacturer. And again, it’s only a GUIDE.
Read the REVIEWS
This entire post is kind of like a rerun of things I said in this post, but I can’t say it enough: REVIEWS are where you’ll find the best sizing information. However, reviewers (that’s us) need to give more detailed facts about their own size.
This is becoming one of my biggest pet peeves about fashion bloggers – “I’m wearing a size ?? for reference.”
What the junk does that mean to me? I’m only looking at a photograph of the person and she’s probably standing at her most flattering angle. And puh-leeze, telling us how much they weigh or how tall they are isn’t much better information.
So, in order to not peeve myself or you to pieces, I’m adding a “my current measurements” section to the Shop My Style page. It’s raw, real and possibly embarrassing, but this way, when I tell you what size I’m wearing, you’ll have a statistical point of reference to go by.
THIS LOOK
Dress – Loft (wearing L) (plus-size) || Jacket – C&C California @ TJ Maxx (similar) || Watch – MVMT || Shoes – (similar) || Earrings – Gorjana || Shaper – Yummie (wearing 1X/2X)
The Inspirational Spring Dress
I purchased this cute spring dress from Loft on a whim when I saw it on a poster while I was checking out. When I ran over to pick it up the biggest size available in-store was a large and to my surprise it fit. Typically at Loft, I’m an XL or larger and have also purchased from their plus-size line.
The cut of my dress is loose and almost a “swing” style. The armholes fit perfection too. They’re not too tight or too loose. It’s long enough that I’m able to belt it without it being too short.
Under it All
I’m wearing a newly acquired pair of Yummie smoothing shorts underneath the dress and they are a size 1X/2X. They serve a two-fold purpose of smoothing things out without major compression and they prevent thigh chafing. Can I get a high five for no chub-rub!
Check out my favorite cotton anti-chafing undies in this post.
The point is, the size label doesn’t matter. Both pieces fit me well and are comfortable and flattering. And the jacket? (a TJ Maxx find by C&C California – similar) It’s an XL and the sleeves could be a tad looser for comfort.
Where I’d Wear It
I wore this to church while I was with my parents in Tennesse. The sky was really this blue that day. I’d also wear it out to eat or shopping if…
I Would Change
I’m already planning to switch out the espadrilles for white sneakers and add a denim jacket. Sandals would further summer-ize the dress and I might leave it unbelted for a breezy look. A chambray shirt tied at the waist would be cute too. Or get some serious mileage out of this dress by packing it for a summer getaway and use it as swimsuit coverup on as well as all these looks!
… who says clothing sizes are like golf where the low number wins?
the wind is once again playing havoc with my hair
Cut It Out or Cut It Out
I currently wear pants anywhere from a size 14 to a 20. I’ve tried on larger sizes that swallow me up and others I’m unable to pull up beyond my ample thighs. But a size label does not label me. A size label only labels CLOTHES! And anyway, who says clothing sizes are like golf where the low number wins?
To sum it all up: If we can’t stop freaking out about the size label cut it out with scissors. I’ve often said I wish all clothing was made by a tailor specifically for us with no size label in it. Wouldn’t it be awesome if the tag just had your name in it? The size label might say; “Judy” or “Betty” or “Vicki” and mean the piece fit your body perfectly.
Buy the outfit that fits YOUR BODY PERFECTLY, you’ll feel like a million bucks. And you will make it yours no matter what the tag says!
If this post helped you decide to throw body acceptance issues to the wind and buy a bigger better size for your body or at least take a pair of scissors to the tag that is freaking you out, let me know in the comments below. Or share this post on social media!
Thanks for your support as always.
Mwah,
Paula
Shop More Like This Look
Hey Paula!
This is such a informative and spot on post ..thanks! I’m definitely a review girl for everything I purchase from clothes , to food and hotels..that’s just how I roll.
You are the first influencer who I’ve seen give their exact measurements..kudos to you gurl!! I love your rawness, and humor.
Oh, and let’s not forget how adorbs this look is on you. It’s a good thing you tried that dress on. 😉
Author
It was a leap even for me Elaine. But lately I’ve seen so many influencers saying “for reference I’m a size…” which is really no reference at all. The fact that most of these peeps are size 2’s and 4’s has me wondering if they’re just wanting to boast about that fact. 🤔 Or maybe that’s just me being an envious “not size 2 girl”. ☺️
Hugs!
Paula
I’m with you on the size number flaw and this dress is Fantastic on you. I wear whatever size fits my body and have many dresses from a 16 to 2x. Who knows what size I’m wearing and really, no one cares. Lately I have shopping for cool undergarments for this SFlo heat, so thanks for the link. I look forward to reading your posts because you always dish out the humor and I’m here for it all. Stay Cool Sista. . . . .
Amen Sister! I get so frustrated reading bloggers height/weight and then say they wear mostly a size 6 or 8. Now with some I’m the same weight and even taller and how is it there is NO way I can squeeze into a 6/8? 🤪 I’m more like a 12/14 (sometimes a 10). So then I feel like I must really be so overweight if I am the same weight but wear 2 or more sizes bigger. 🤷♀️ I do think most of them do it because they think it helps so I don’t fault them for that. I love your way of posting your measurements. I appreciate your openness and honesty!
And let me add … you always look SO amazing and beautiful! ❤️
totally agree! I always think it’s about how the clothes FIT and look and make you feel, not the size. We are all doing the best we can 🙂
Have a great day! Love your blog! And that dress is so cute on you!
“We’ve said it to our men for years” LOL …. what a perfect opening! Absolutely love this, and applaud your courage, am going to embrace this too!
Once again you hit the nail on the head. It’s amazing how we get so tied to a stupid number. Kinda like our age. It’s only there for reference, right??
LOVE this dress and love the smiles on you!! That’s the real “perfect” fit!!
XOXO
Jodie
Author
You always say the loveliest things Jodie. That’s your special gift.
Hugs,
Paula
Great post! You look amazing in this dress and I love the idea of wearing it with white sneakers and a denim jacket. 🙂 Have a wonderful day!!
Author
Kelly,
I wore a pair of heels to church yesterday and my feet screamed then and the rest of the day… I told my husband that I think I’m going to have to figure out a cool and stylish way to wear sneakers with all my outfits including dresses from now on. I’m about over suffering for fashion.
hugs,
Paula
Hey Paula – love this outfit but I have one question and I’m pretty sure I already know the answer ha – but what about the cute belt that just ‘makes’ this outfit? Is it ‘old’ and just something from your closet or do you know where I might find the same one? Also, I would love to see a post on belts and/or how to wear them. Even if I had or could find that belt, I don’t really know how to ‘wear’ and style it like you did! Help a sister out, girl! ha
Author
Yes Jackie, it’s older. I thought about it last night and remembered i didn’t link one. I will do some research and find one that’s similar. Do you wear missed or plus… there’s a cute plus one at Lane Bryant that I’m going to post about very soon.
I can wear misses in size 18 but plus size is probably a better fit for me right now – and thank you for posting your measurements – so helpful!!
Author
I’m glad you find it helpful Jackie. It helps me to know what you guys like to see. I’m the same as you, I can wear misses and plus, it just depends on the cut.
Well I am one of the bloggers who says fr size reference I am wearing a size… because I find it helpful to me when I read other blogs. I can tell what size I’ll need based on what size someone else is wearing. I guess I’m in the minority on this one!
xo,
Kellyann
Author
I’m glad that works for you Kellyann. Maybe it works for other people too. I just can’t find a point of reference from a photo to compare to a size chart. 🤷🏻♀️
Hugs,
Paula
Excellent post! I’m pretty consistently the same size across the board but always have to remind myself not to freak out when I need a larger size in an item. Conversely, I have to remind myself that I haven’t lost 15 pounds when I happen to need a size smaller in an item. #wishful thinking
I have the same pet peeve when I see “for size reference, I’m wearing a size…”. I’m so happy to hear a blogger verbalize it! I mean, how does me looking at your picture, you telling me that you’re wearing a size 2 or 4 help me determine which size would work for me? There is no frame of reference there except a picture. And staged pictures don’t tell the truth. And I’ve sometimes been surprised when I read a blog, look at the pictures and think “Hmmmm…. I’m probably close to the same size as that blogger” only to find out that they are a size 2 and I am definitely NOT! So that “for reference” to me is kind of baloney because pictures are deceiving! Honestly, I think that some of it is for bragging rights of wearing a size 2 or 4 but I also think that some of it is that, sometime /somewhere a couple bloggers started adding that to their posts and others jumped on that bandwagon. And sometimes it’s genuinely well meaning and to be helpful. I hope more women jump on YOUR bandwagon after this post! Long time reader, first time commenting.
Author
Hey Sarah! I’m so glad you’re finally speaking up. We’re definitely simpatico in our thought process here. I’ve thought the same about “bragging rights”. 🤭
Thanks for always supporting me. I too hope other fashion influencers will jump on board.
Hugs,
Paula
Hi Paula, I am new to your blog but I can already tell you: I love you! It is so refreshing to find someone who is upfront and honest about who they are! The truth is, most of us women are not a size 2 or 4, or even a 6 or 8, but it doesn’t matter! We are still women who want to look and feel our best. The good Lord doesn’t judge us by our size, and neither should others. Thank you for the confidence you have in yourself bc that is what it is all about, that is what makes you beautiful! You look absolutely great in this jacket and dress! And can I tell you, I can already see that your natural hair color actually makes you look younger than you do with color! Thank you for being real and true to yourself and to your readers!
Author
Karlee, I love you too. 😉 My mom tells me the same thing about my hair and she wasn’t sure I should go gray. She kept telling me gray hair was hard to manage. But whether you color or not, there are always downsides.
You look lovely and I agree with the sizes!
I’m also new to your blog but you are quick becoming a favorite! I love your straight forward, easy to relate to writing. Style is an attitude NOT a size number in fashion. And you have style! Looking cute and put together is possible at any size. I’m like you, if it looks good, fits well and I feel like a million bucks in it, I buy it. And that goes for price points too. You also have the courage to tell us if your foundations don’t fit well nothing else will either. And lets give a big AMEN to a garment that helps with chafing. I’m checking out all your links. THANKS.
Author
Thanks Loryl! I’m very happy to have you around.
I tend not to follow fashion blogs because number one I am not thin and number I find the info they give regarding size never makes sense. I marvel when someone says they weigh 165 lbs, are 5ft 5 inches and wear a 6-8. I have been that weight and height for years and have never gotten into an 8 much less a 6. lol I had to laugh about the cutting out labels. I give a lot of my things to my sister and she always comments that she never knows what size I am giving her because I cut out the labels all the time.
Author
So you get it then! After I lunlusged I thought I might have offended other influencers. However, this is my truth and my thoughts. I figured if it didn’t make sense to me, maybe it would resonate with else. 😃
I love this outfit! And I love how you gave several suggestions on how to style it for different looks! It’s a perfect look for your sunny, breezy way of thinking and looks great on you!
I agree 100% on what you are saying!! I like people being real! You look awesome in that dress and continue being the lady that we all need to be(happy with yourself)!! Once I get home with clothing purchase that I love on me I cut out the size label and never look back!!
Hi Paula, I came upon your blog via Pinterest. I love it! I love your style and tips. You also have a great sense of humor, which I love. I’m much older than you (I’m 57) but you are helping me come out of my “Oh, I’m too fat, uh, I mean too curvy for that!” attitude. Thank you, and I look forward to following you. Have an awesome day! Sheri D.
Author
Welcome with all of my heart ❤️Sheri! I’m excited to have another fluffy midlifer in my tribe!!!!
Hugs
Paula
Nice example you are!