March 23, 2022
Two emails, asking the same question from 2 opposite points of view:
- “I’m going to have chemotherapy, and I’m going to probably lose enough weight to be 2 sizes smaller than normal. I expect to gain all of the weight back… What to wear?”
- “I’m starting a new medicine that I will have to take for 3 months; I will gain about 30 pounds during that time. I will lose all of the weight when the therapy is done… What to wear?”
Thus, I’m trying to devise a plan for all among us who might need a “Temporary Wardrobe.”
This isn’t just for those of us being whipped around by the whims of medicine; imagine living in Singapore and being sent to Ireland for 6 weeks to work! Or vice versa…
Of course, you could manage with a really small wardrobe – literally 2 or 3 outfits would be enough. But let’s assume that your sanity would like something a little bit more substantial from which to choose!
A 4 by 4 Wardrobe might be great for many of us, but I’m going to plan around 21 pieces. That’s seven 3-piece outfits…
It’s also the target wardrobe number for those who are participating in “21 for 21” projects, in which one selects 21 garments to wear for 3 weeks.
Of course I’m trying out a template! I find these helpful; I’m pretty visual in my planning:
I want to start with something comfortable and basic – a denim shirt and knit pants. I know the world tries to make knit pants into some sort of a fashion crime, but that’s ridiculous; there’s nothing wrong with elastic!
The shirt should fit your shoulders and then skim from there – nothing tapered or fitted is going to work in this situation. Actually, this is true for how you want all of your tops, and your dresses, to fit…
Denim shirt – L.L.Bean; scarf – St. John; navy cotton shaker-stitch sweater – L.L.Bean; navy knit pants – L.L.Bean; driving loafers – Driver Club USA
Open-front cardigans are perfect for this kind of wardrobe! So long as it’s the right size across your shoulders, it will fit the rest of you for quite a long time…
Treat yourself to jeans that fit the way you like them. They may not make the transition back to your “normal” wardrobe, but you deserve them!
And tee shirts should fit comfortably; they don’t have to cost the moon…
this is the time to ask your friends in your temporary size for help – can they lend you or give you anything? Don’t be bashful – they want to help!
Navy tee shirt – Lands’ End; cashmere and silk scarf – AB Studio Abramovich Patricia; jeans – L.L.Bean; navy cotton shaker-stitch cardigan – L.L.Bean; navy canvas shoes – Keds
Even if you’re not normally a dress wearer, this is a good time to consider the possibility! A loose, straight dress that fits your shoulders and then forgivingly skims everything else is comfortable to wear when you’re feeling rotten. And a denim shirtdress (take off the sash if you’re larger than normal, cinch yourself in a bit if you’re getting thin…) can be layered over tee shirts or worn under sweaters.
Yes, you can wear these with sneakers. It’s 2022 – we’re very hip to this sort of thing… (hip…. sigh…)
Cotton poplin split-neck dress – Lands’ End; earrings – Talbots; sandals – Lifestride Shoes; dark indigo denim dress – Lands’ End
DEFINITELY look into the idea of tunic tank tops – extra pounds will be softly enveloped, and a smaller-than-usual torso will be gracefully concealed…
Shorts might be necessary if you’re in a warm climate, or if you’re “running warm.” Some of us might prefer cropped pants!
Tunic tank tops – Lands’ End; shorts – Gap; sandals – Talbots
Just because you’re going to have a small wardrobe doesn’t mean that EVERY garment has to be boring!
Even if you normally don’t shop thrift stores, this is the time to start. You might be able to buy a few really lovely garments at a nice discount! A little financial boost is always welcome..
This is when I really find a template useful – I can more easily see what we have, and what we need:
Maybe our heroine found these things thrifting, or on sale. Maybe she just wanted some warmer colors, and some variety, in her Temporary Wardrobe:
Candlelight linen beach shirt – J.Crew; green linen muscle tank – J.Crew; stone cropped pants – L.L.Bean; flax linen shirt – J.Crew
I think these oversized linen shirts would be really comfortable when having to deal with medical issues during the summer… Something sleeveless to wear under another shirt is always smart if you know that people are going to be poking holes in your arms!
So the wardrobe – all assembled?
One would hope that most of your accessories will still be useful during your wardrobe interval! But bear in mind that your feet could do all kinds of weird things – especially if you’re going somewhere super-warm, or if you’re going to be taking new and potent medicines! Plan for a pair or 2 of new shoes – especially sandals. I find uncomfortable sandals to be the WORST thing to deal with when I’m ill…
And lean heavily on jewelry…
If you’re going to want to cover your head for any reason, get thee to Wrapunzel to get a couple of really pretty things to put on your head. (they have special things for women with cancer) Yes, you can wear a baseball cap, but you deserve something pretty. Maybe your friends or co-workers would treat you to a gift certificate?
Here’s my first effort at a Temporary Wardrobe:
I can find a lot of ways to get dressed from this – for days when you’re feverish and fidgety, for days when you’re chilled and need a cuddle…
I’m going to continue to think about this – especially for those traveling from 1 climate to another…
I very much want to hear your thoughts!
love,
Janice
p.s. Five years ago, I started with a scarf, and assembled 4 outfits to go with it – in navy, violet and green!
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For chemo, what I found most useful was soft, stretchy, warm. If the infusion is in the arms, short sleeve tops are best. But you will still be cold, so I found a polartec zip vest invaluable. If the person has a port, scoop neck tops are needed. Non binding garments for any surgery area are important because it will still be pretty tender. I was lucky not to have to work during that time, but I still wanted to look nice. And not too much like Gollum. I had time on my hands, so I crocheted very soft little hats. Some people’s scalps get very tender. Warm, knit scarves in cheery colors were a comfort, holding body heat in. Some people get foot issues, so comfortable and stable are important. What I actually did was find knit pants on sale (Lands End) and bought about 5 pair. I had sweat pants for home. T shirts are very forgiving for this sort of thing. Tunic Ts even better. Fleece vest. Easy on and off second layers. Medical places are always cold. I didn’t have one at the time, but now I think soft ruana would be very useful. Anyway…
Good luck to the person undertaking chemo! It’s been ten years for me. Chemo is hard, but it’s worth it.
Thank you for your insight and yay to you for ten years since your treatments! I have a friend recently dx with stage IV breast cancer and I want to help out in anyway I can. I may have to surprise her with a tunic or a soft, little hat.
Sandy B, thank you for sharing your experience. I’ve had friends undergo chemo and crocheted easy ruana type wraps for them. I can see where this wardrobe would work for weight going up and down. The green and ivory tops I”m not sure of, but I can see where a break from the blue might be appreciated! BTW – where did the striped pants come from? I didn’t see a link. Although I’m only working with five hours sleep – so it could be I just totally missed it. Thank you Janice!
Not a medical case here, but in the process of trying to loose weight – as Janice said, as long as a top fits your shoulders, it will likely fit you especially if it has less to cover. I’m finding the problem area is trousers as my hips were where the weight goes first and so suddenly things that are still the right size for my thighs start trying to fall down. I’m not much of a belt person but I am looking forward to summer weather and getting the tie waist trousers back out because I can cinch them in over my hip bones.
Best wishes for both ladies starting treatment and congratulations to Sandy B for the 10 years.
Rex, if you’re wanting to wear pants for a little longer but they’re loose at the waistline, you might consider sewing darts at the back waistband. Usually two darts – halfway from the side and center back – will do the trick. This sort of alteration is a quick project and is easier on thinner fabric. Denim could be a challenge (although not impossible). All the best!
Just wanted to share a few tips for the chemo. When my mom had the treatment days, immediately after leaving the hospital and before nausea set in, we got her a cold cola to slowly sip during the drive home. Cola syrup was used by an old GP to treat nausea when our nurse practioner was a child & she said the cola may ward off the worst of the nausea…it did. An extra pair or two of really great feeling lounge pajamas are perfect wear for the can’t get enough energy days. Chemo stinks, but an I will beat this attitude really made a difference for my mom. The other ladies in treatment with her assumed that cancer meant dying & they gave up on surviving. Mom beat it.
My Mom was diagnosed with Breast cancer at age 38 years. She is now 83 and going strong. So many of my friends have gone through the full range of treatments for Breast cancer in recent years. Here’s to the courageous women, their families and friends who tread this path. My contribution is usually a gel brow pencil and nourishing lipstick. My friends usually undergo a style transformation after treatment. Colour and print are key in their wardrobes. Joie de vivre triumphs.
Nice collection. Where are the striped pants from?
Uh, J.Crew. That page somehow was COMPLETELY LOST from the post… I thought yesterday when I was writing that things seemed to be jumping around and behaving badly – now I can see that things did indeed go awry!
Thanks for asking,
hugs,
Janice
I often find J. Crew’s website kind of glitchy and jumping around
Yep. And their hyperlinks are hard to get nailed down. But their clothes are lovely…
sigh,
Janice
Thanks for posting the link!
My daughter went through chemo and others meds made her weight go up and down. She found some maternity clothing cheap and useful.
Yes. Well I hope your daughter is OK
But on the other side…. those of us who’ve been through pregnancy + maternity leave + going back to work +/- nursing and pumping +/- losing and/or living with the weight certainly understand the idea of temporary wardrobes.
Personally my pregnancy wardrobe was black, white + a few accent colors and yes even for work was very unstructured and forgiving. For nursing and pumping I had as few specialty clothes as possible and still made it over 9 months with each kid. It’s amazing how what stretches before you as forever, such a change, can go by so quickly.
To my fellow readers: I wish you luck on your medical journey. Thank you for sharing your position needs and vulnerabilities with us. We are with you
More color! 15 years since going through chemo. It helps to look in the mirror and see your pale face brightened by a pretty scarf, bright top or attractive jewelry. Loans of silk scarves for head wraps were especially appreciated. I worked during treatment and my situation was not a secret. Heck, almost everyone knows the telltale signs. Showing up with a polished appearance helps to keep yourself (and others) focused on something other than cancer. Not easy, but every minute you can keep that blinking “C” sign in your head turned off will help your energy level.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for this, Janice! I was literally wondering the exact thing, as I take medicine that has had me gain weight (unfortunately not short-term), and I needed some pointing in the right direction to get my wardrobe straightened out so it’s functional, forgiving, and pretty. I don’t want to feel worse mentally dealing with clothes that don’t fit or flatter. Thanks so much for this. ❤
I am so happy to see the recommendation for Wrapunzel. Their scarves and shapers were a lifesaver during chemo. Also the eye brow pencil and lipstick mentioned in the comments. I am 3 years out from completing chemo. Best wishes and hugs to all walking this path!
BTW, the wardrobe is great!
Congratulations to all the chemo survivors commenting, I do love to hear a success story so thank you so much for sharing, it is a nice reminder that people can beat cancer x.
For temporary wardrobes, I have done this for myself a while back for a maternity wardrobe. For gaining weight, elastic at the waist and/or a low waistline were fantastic, as were any loose tops with buttons so I could undo the bottom buttons. Pregnancy girdles were also great as they covered the abdomen when the lower buttons were undone. I hated smock dresses but for others they can work.
Currently losing some weight and the main thing I am needing is belts – loose clothing still fits, but trousers can fall down. Especially if it is temporary, belts (I’m too large for my 5 years ago clothes but too small for my end of lockdown clothes).
My temporary wardrobe formula (for work and home) was this:
2 summer and 2 winter cardigans (unless you only need a few weeks and can predict the weather for those weeks, options are needed)
3 loose tshirts
4 loose shirts
Oversized fleece jumper
2 skirts with elastic waists
1 pair jeans
1 pair trousers
2 dresses (1 loose and 1 fitted but stretchy)
3 maternity girdles
Having six children, the sort of temporary wardrobe I’ve most often needed are maternity and postpartum! Having a plan definitely for a cohesive wardrobe definitely gives a boost on tired achy days, and also help give direction when lovely friends offer to lend/give gently used clothing!
Having just lost 34 lbs., I’ve found out a bit about changing sizes! If you get not too baggy knit pants, especially with a drawstring waist, they’ll be good for about 25 lbs. before you have to find something new. And, although they aren’t heirloom quality clothes, Old Navy has a vast array of tshirts that are generally around $9—cheap enough to become cleaning rags in the future and you won’t mind if they get stained. They also had drawstring linen pants that were easy, cheap, and cool. Finally, if you’re going down in size, don’t hesitate to give them away. Large sizes are harder to find at resale, and you’ll make someone very happy.
This is such a helpful post! Sandy’s note about a fleece vest and Danielle’s note about the knit pants are also helpful things I had not thought of—for myself and for others. Though I suffer more from heat than from chill, there’s so much flexibility in this example wardrobe. The oversized linen button up is so appealing!
I especially like seeing the navy capsule for summer as I really suit dark colors but have a hard time envisioning them for hot weather clothes. I live in a very hot and humid summer climate.
Speaking of flexibility, I’m interested to see how you pursue the travel extension of this capsule. Please do! As I mentioned, I live somewhere hot, but I’m going to Scotland for a little two weeks this summer and the weather is likely to be extremely variable. How can I do that without breaking the bank on an additional summer wardrobe?
You really have a knack for finding the scarves that bring everything together, Janice! Another couple of beauties here. ♥️
I think I read somewhere that 10-15lb is equal to a size but clothing sizes are so variable these days. Shoe sizes definitely change with weight loss gain as well but those darn bunions still hang around. Cancer and travel from one climate to another can indicate a temporary wardrobe but so can surgery. Heart surgery especially. I cannot suggest a front closing bra enough for those facing a healing chest wound..especially if you are full bosomed. You will be on your back, your breasts will pull and nasty, nasty things can happen. Be prepared prior to surgery. Also easy on, off clothing that stands away from the body. Nothing clingy or tight…Also post ostomy surgery has special requirements such as stretchy waists, looser tops (ostomies are often temporary) I have worked with many post surgical patients ( mostly cardiac) who never gave a thought to preparing for those ‘temporary’ wardrobes before their surgery. One lovely patient (post heart transplant) sent her husband out to purchase that most needed bra…he took his phone and had the sales lady hold up the lingerie so my patient could see it on her phone!
Not fashion but it might help those with nausea: hot liquid orange or lemon jello! Sip it. Have used that on more nauseated patients then I can count from morning sickness to post surgery to chemo induced! It seems to work. When entering the battle you can never have too many tools at hand!
Have to agree though that green or yellow near the face might not be the best choice for someone with temporary medical challenges.
Thank you for doing this! I’m sure that this simple and attractive wardrobe will be helpful to many.
I haven’t had this extended situation, but my post surgery experiences lead me to believe that soft is really important. I was glad to go home from my hernia surgery in a knit dress. Also, I would recommend a few T-shirts in your most flattering colors. I really like the 3/4 sleeve tunic style from Lands’ End and they usually have good sales as well as a range of colors.
Joining several other requests for a link to the striped pants! Love them!
Best wishes to all going through treatments and procedures shortly. This post and all the comments are such a lovely way to start the day. From friends and family who have dealt with this, I would suggest sweaters that close (with buttons or zippers) rather than open sweaters; as someone pointed out, even in summers hospitals can be cold from the a/c, esp if you’re not feeling 100 percent. And slip-on sandals and shoes, esp one or two pair of lightweight sneakers, when you don’t have the energy to bend over or deal with straps. One friend had a pair of bright yellow sneakers, another with a floral pattern, that made them smile every time they had to leave the house.
Losing 35 pounds last year (deliberately), I found Lands End and Uniqlo helpful, as well as Poshmark for brands like JCrew, Eileen Fisher, LL Bean (which brand new, even on sale, can be very expensive here in Canada). Etsy can be good for vintage, gently-priced scarves when you’re looking for particular colours.
Also — panties. That was the one thing I didn’t really consider (in part because I didn’t want to assume I’d be successful) but it was the first thing I noticed as I started to lose weight, and it made walking uncomfortable and problematic — thank goodness I didn’t have to work in an office or walk to work! I would get a variety of inexpensive panties, like Jockey, in a couple of sizes, whether up or down, to accommodate the changes.
Hi Janice and Everyone! Thank you for the wardrobe idea, and sending wishes for continued good health for those who have handled chemo. The non-wardrobe ideas are helpful too – I have a very good friend who has rheumatoid arthritis and has been having various body parts replaced. Her weight can fluctuate due to the meds she’s on.
I concur that any medical building or office is always cold.
I loves those long open cardigan sweaters – have a couple for warm and cool weather.
I appreciate the 21pc chart – will definitely apply it for April.
What a very thoughtful post, Janice!
Continued health and healing to all!
Great idea for wardrobe! My only comments would be that if one wants a temporary wardrobe due to climate it would be fine to stick with the green and yellow colors. However for those who are ill or on chemotherapy different colors might be more attractive. Illness and chemo causes strange things to happen to skin color. I noticed the muscle tank comes in a lovely pale lavender and the beach shirt comes in a light blue. Blues, pinks, purples and even reds might be better tones for those who have illness issues.
This is just the most helpful and thoughtful blog entry, and I loved all the comments. Best wishes to all of those who either have had or are undergoing treatment. It’s always good to have a few of these garments in one’s closet to be ready for an unexpected situation.
Thank you Janice for your thoughtful post. I love the practical template for altering the focus of our wardrobes helping us to still look fabulous when faced with illness or injury.
Thank you so much for mentioning the head wraps. My Aunt who is in her 80’s and is the most stylish person I know has a very aggressive brain cancer. She hasn’t wanted to go out much because she has lost a lot of her hair. I just ordered a pre-tied wrap for her in her colors so I’m hoping it will help her feel a little better about how she presents herself. Funny story, years ago when I was in college, my brother and I got t-shirts from my university for Christmas and so we wore them to the family Christmas party. My Aunt was aghast that we would wear t-shirts and not dress up for such an occasion. And now some of my cousins tease me that I’m starting to dress like her. Couldn’t receive a more flattering compliment.
Oh she will love that story!
I battled head and neck cancer losing losing 60 pounds total (and 6 to 8 pant sizes) over 4 months with chemo and radiation. In addition, I had an inserted feeding tube in the abdominal region, a tracheostomy, and a mediport (placed in the unlikely area of between the upper area of the breasts) – all to camouflage. As they say, “Mumus cover everything; touch nothing.” But it was winter, so mumus were out.
My skin tone became pale and gray; face aged at least ten years overnight. Trying to manage all these changes and trying to appear fashionable? Being clean and covered was most days all I could manage. 🙂
Soft, snuggly, comfortable and easy to layer/remove clothing are God sent. Thank goodness for ordering clothing online and having someone alter clothing necessities. Honestly, fashion was pretty far down on my list although I did try to look as though I tried. Just getting a shower was an ordeal and required a nap afterward.
Many scarves were needed to hide the tracheostomy for a year. Speaking of scarves – the most beautiful scarves are featured in the Vivienne Files. Today, I even looked up the beautiful flowered navy blue scarf deciding I would definitely purchase it no matter what the price…then once realizing it was almost $200, I knew it was not in my budget. I still need scarves to hide the ugly neck scarves and to keep my neck warm (persistent side effect of radiation). Janice, would you consider featuring alternatives to the expensive luxury scarf chosen? Maybe an Amazon item?
I adore your column and continue to learn from it. Always excited to read a new post.
As Janice often recommends, look at online museum gift shops. They’re not dirt cheap, but they have a vast array (I just searched the Met and got 64) and most are around $100, + or -.
Jill, I recently bought a sunflower scarf on Amazon. Under twenty dollars. It is polyester, but for that it is well made and the colors are good. I am extremely frugal so I was glad to find it. Maybe something they have will work for you. Wishing you continued healing and health.
Sandy b
Clothes both during and after Shingles have not been important except as a way to stay warm or cool depending on temperature. There’s a strong need for comfort, but having said that, I have not found a need for quantity or variety; I need clothes to be as easy as possible. I lost about 50+ lbs. during the worst of the Shingles (which lasted for many months) and have not gained it back, so I mostly live in clothes that are too big, which is not a big deal right now. Aside from that, I’d say if you’re trying to go from one temperature zone to another while travelling, it’s helpful to remember or understand what the temperature zone you’re travelling to feels like. If it’s 40 degrees where you are now but it’s likely to be in the 70s or 80s, remember what you wear in the summer and pack for that. It can be hard to think about a completely different climate when you’re in its opposite zone, so keeping some kind of record of what you wear in that season could help.
Reading these stories of strength and survival has been so moving. So many of us have either dealt with life-threatening health conditions, or have helped care for ill relatives or friends.
These wardrobe tips also work for people with chronic conditions such as autoimmune disorders, like my daughter and sister. You never know when there will be a flare, so having some extra comfy clothes for those days is crucial. So many of these conditions are invisible–no one really sees that you are sick, yet a flare can knock one out. For days or weeks.
I have fibromyalgia as a result of autoimmune diseases. Flare-ups are the pits. In winter I wear roomy knitwear and velour. In summer I wear light and soft jersey or viscose. Comfy and roomy clothes are a must. I also have fingerless gloves and cosy socks to keep my hands warm whatever the weather.
My daughter has fibro, too. She says her entire wardrobe is “secret pajamas”.
My Temporary Wardrobe needed to accommodate a scaffold around my right arm when it was reconstructed after a severe break. Some of the things I learned:
Arm hole size and fasteners were the main consideration for all clothing. It’s hard to struggle with tiny buttons or fussy snaps with one hand and arm.
Medications can cause all kinds of disturbances with your personal thermostat. Layers you can add and remove as needed are wonderful.
Medications can also create skin sensitivity you’ve never had before. A favorite sweater or scarf can become incredibly scratchy and uncomfortable. Also seams can suddenly become an irritant. You will likely be paying attention to fabric content and construction in new ways.
When you’re tired and feeling drained wearing your favorite colors can make all the difference. Scarves and favorite jewelry can help lift your spirits.
When my grandmother had her shoulder replaced, my mother bought her some cami-vests with spaghetti straps. I don’t remember if she chipped the entire strap off, chopped it in two (to fasten together after putting on) or did some of each, but they kept my grandmother covered and supported without straining the operation site – no armhole manoeuvring to contend with!
Thank you to each commenter who shared your strategies for dressing – and living! – when dealing with health struggles. I wish you strength and great health!
The phrase, “if you build it, they will come” popped into my head while reading all of the helpful, thoughtful, caring comments. Janice, your caring and thoughtful blog has drawn and formed a community of like-minded people. 💐
I will bookmark this post; I know I will reference it.
Thank you for the lovely post and the the wonderful community discussions! When my late husband went through his cancer treatments, I got to know other patients. I learned that chemo can make people’s hands, wrists and forearms cold. I knit many sets of wrist warmers and fingerless gloves for patients. These turned out to be fun to make for me, and wonderful soft, warm and comfortable accessories for the patients.
A little over 4 years ago I had gastric bypass surgery and went from size 32 to size 14 in about a year. I managed the almost monthly wardrobe change by following your six-pack formula, buying cheap, and loading up on accessories. Your blog was a God send to me at the time. Thank you for the inspiration.
Brava to you! What an amazing accomplishment!!!!
big hugs,
Janice