I'd try to get over the thrift store thing because suits are the best thing to buy there: most people only wear their suits on special occasions, and so the suits are the nicest, closest-to-new thing in the store. I have 4 nice suits because I couldn't stand to not buy them when they fit, even though I really have no place to wear them. But I am talking about new high-end suits for under $10. One still had the tags on it, and I don't think the others had been worn more than a couple times.

But I also don't know how important saving money is to you--I don't mean that in a snarky way, but if it's "If I spend $400 on clothes now, I won't be able to take as long of a vacation this summer" or "I won't be able to buy that new TV for another six months", I'd buy the new clothes. But if it's a matter of putting $400 for new clothes on a credit card and paying $1500 for them before they are paid off, then I'd get over the thrift store thing.

OK, I'm just trying to imagine a shorter person losing 100 pounds and not buying new professional clothes? How did you keep them on without falling off? Seriously?

Wish I had sent my 24-20 to you. But, I sent a half a closetful to Goodwill- so if you are in the HOuston area there are some nice choices!

Now I am trying to get about 4 nice outfits for my size now to rotate wearing. But, I am not sure your situation. I am a stay at home mom - so spend most of my time around the house. or at the gym. I have a lot of gym clothes.

I'd like to second the Get Old Items Tailored and Thrift Store Savings routes. Even pre-weight loss, I'd fill in seasonal gear with stuff at charity sales in the better parts of town. Know your labels, know your body, and you can really get a transitional wardrobe for a pocketful of change.

Ask around to friends or coworkers and see if anyone has a relative or family friend who is a seamstress. You may find they have more reasonable rates than a traditional tailor if money has run tight. That said, getting clothing taken in is a heck of a lot cheaper than trying to let clothing out, for the most part. The investment is worth it as you drop the weight.

And if you can't get past the "eww used" thing, definitely keep tabs on all department store sales - even if you don't have a Macy's local, their Plus department is really swell, and they are having one heck of a "Work Basics" sale going on right now. Two Jones New York suit sets will rotate splendidly with a few cheaper blouses and will carry you through this size and the next. Worth the purchase in the long run.

Good Luck!

I was wondering this too!! I am now in an 18/20 and came down from a 28. I tried on a pair of 28 black pants I am keeping as a reminder of where I started. There is no way they would stay up. They fell right to the floor...

Do you use belts or something like that I bet your clothes are totally swimming on you.. :)

Congrats on the weight loss! I am in the same boat clothing wise... I have invested in a pair of jeans and a pair of black pants along with like 5 shirts in each size. I know people probably get tired of seeing me in the same clothes but oh well...

I used to be the exact same way but eventually got over it. Most of my friends swear by thrift stores so I got one of them to take me and some of the fear passed. Also I started into the used clothes foray by getting maternity clothes of Kijiji. For some reason it seemed way less gross to think the stuff only had one owner and I could meet them and their house to see they weren't skuzzy.

If you still can't do used, I would suggest wrap dresses and shirts. This is what Tim gunn suggests for people who's weight fluctuates so your clothes can always look fitted. And hit the clearance racks. Your clothes are way way too big .. You need new ones!! Even 2-3 pants and 5 shirts would do wonders. You deserve it. And it shouldn't break the bank- don't get expensive stuff since you're still on the journey. Even if you get stuff you don't love it'll be a relief to have stuff that fits properly!

Like berryblondeboys, I am wondering how you managed to wait this long. My old clothes literally started falling off of me a long time ago. New clothes were necessary.

Natalia mentioned Tim Gunn. I was thinking about him too. I have been buying my clothes with his 10 Essential Elements in mind. I can get by on a surprising few items. I adapted his list to fit my lifestyle. I don't need a little black dress and a day dress and a skirt, but 3 nice pairs of slacks works well. I have also enjoyed reading about the Six items project. You don't have to have a huge wardrobe. Actually I have to admit, while I have fewer clothes than most people, I have more than I did 100 pounds ago. Back then, I often just had a couple of pairs of slacks. It was so hard to find something to fit and I could just forget finding something that I liked.