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Weight gain happens after 50. Oftentimes more pounds pile on than we expected. Though some women fight it and do everything from diets to Ozempic to regain their former size and shape, more

women now acknowledge the slide from their old size to larger sizes and “plus” with a smile — but they worry about new fashion options. A third group simply accepts their new amplified body

and buys the same clothes, only in larger sizes. How do I know? I’m a fashion editor, stylist and personal shopper for women over 50. From what I see and hear, many plus-size women have

shifted their thinking from “I want to look thinner at any cost” to a healthy and happy “I just want to feel good and look great!” Here’s how you can, too. (From left) L.L. Bean Women’s Plus

Pima Cotton Tee, Elbow Sleeve Boatneck in Dark Twilight Blue; KUT from the Kloth Plus Meg Patch Pocket High Waist Ankle Wide Leg Jeans in Optic White Plus. AARP (L.L. Bean, Nordstrom) 1.

GIVE YOUR BODY, PSYCHE AND WARDROBE A DAILY BOOST. If you’re still hanging on to a rack of smaller-sized clothes for “when I lose the weight,” donate them ASAP. Seeing size 28 jeans and a

bunch of size 10 dresses every time you open the closet is a downer. No one needs that kind of stress. Add to the gotta-go list: clothes that are so oversized, baggy or shapeless they offer

no incentive to feel stylish, glamorous or cool. Then, start shopping! Even a few new basics in your current size will make getting dressed delightful instead of a drag. You might try some

fresh-looking boatneck tees like the L.L. BEAN WOMEN’S PLUS PIMA COTTON TEE, ELBOW SLEEVE BOATNECK IN DARK TWILIGHT BLUE, DUSTY PURPLE OR RAVEN BLUE ($35, llbean.com), a pair of white jeans

like KUT FROM THE CLOTH PLUS MEG PATCH POCKET HIGH WAIST ANKLE WIDE LEG JEANS IN OPTIC WHITE PLUS ($73, nordstrom.com) and a pastel cotton-gauze shirt like the TORRID DROP SHOULDER

BUTTON-DOWN SHIRT IN FADED ROSE, MOUNTAIN SPRING OR DUSK ($30, torrid.com) to get started. (From left) Ava & Viv Women’s Slim Fit 3/4 Sleeve Boat Neck T-Shirt in Black Striped in size

1X; Old Navy Women Long-Sleeve Mariner Loose T-Shirt in On Navy/White. AARP (Target, Old Navy) 2. GO PLUS IF AND WHERE YOU NEED IT. Are you a size 16/18, an XL or a 1X or 2X? Is it possible

to wear a regular-size top and a plus bottom, or vice versa? Plus-size brands/sites and “size-inclusive” retailers whose sizing choices go from the numerical like 18 to letters like XL and

then into plus designations like 1X are thoughtful, but there is some confusion. So let’s clarify things. Every “plus-size” body is different. You might be a true all-over plus-size or need

the extra “plus” sizing to accommodate extreme curves.  Some women can wear a regular-size top but need a plus below the waist, and vice versa. Depending on the item and brand, you may even

be able to wear an 18, L or XL size without going into plus sizing. This requires some due diligence. Remember, despite how your pounds are distributed, your body does not get taller, and

your legs and arms do not get longer with weight gain. So decide on a sleeve, pants/dress/skirt length and style you prefer, as well as a neckline. Next, consider the fit you like and that

of the garment. Is it relaxed? Loose? Oversized? Or fitted? Check the size chart now included on most retail sites. Look at these three similar striped boatneck tees and their measurements

and note the differences. The OLD NAVY WOMEN LONG-SLEEVE MARINER LOOSE T-SHIRT IN ON NAVY/WHITE ($15, oldnavy.gap.com) is roomy, and both sizes 2X and XXL (there is no 1X) accommodate a

size 48 bust and a 42 waist. The J.CREW WOMEN CLASSIC MARINER CLOTH BOATNECK T-SHIRT IN STRIPE-PLUS IN IVORY NAVY ($50, jcrew.com) is a relaxed fit, and size 1X/ XXL/18 works for a 46 bust

and a 38 waist. The AVA & VIV WOMEN’S SLIM FIT 3/4 SLEEVE BOAT NECK T-SHIRT IN BLACK STRIPED ($20, target.com) is a stretchy spandex blend that skims curves. Its 1X is said to equal a

size 18, and accommodates a 47 bust and a 43 waist. It’s about 2 inches roomier than an XXL, which is described as a size 17. (From left) West K Women’s Plus Jana Short Sleeve Knit Jumpsuit

in Golden Yellow; Kiyonna Plus Gia Floral Midi Dress in Vibrant Garden Print; Lands’ End Women’s Plus Size Mid Rise Classic Straight Leg Chino Ankle Pants in Lilac Petal. AARP (Target,

Nordstrom, Lands’ End) 3. GET OUT OF YOUR FASHION COMFORT ZONE. Being a plus size doesn’t have to mean buying the same old familiar pieces year after year. While there are plenty of ordinary

plus-size tees, pants and dresses, there are also trendier ones. Think about making more of a fashion statement that indicates you’re as interested in style as ever — or maybe for the first

time in years. For example, the UNIVERSAL STANDARD COMFORTDENIM MAXI SKIRT IN WESTERN BLUE WASH ($90, universalstandard.com) is a soft, shapely denim skirt that works as a jeans alternative

(note this brand’s 16 is equal to an XL/1X, their 18 to 2X, and so on); the WEST K WOMEN’S PLUS JANA SHORT SLEEVE KNIT JUMPSUIT IN GOLDEN YELLOW OR BURNT ORANGE ($43, target.com) is a

stylish alternative to separates; and the LANDS’ END WOMEN’S PLUS SIZE MID RISE CLASSIC STRAIGHT LEG CHINO ANKLE PANTS IN LILAC PETAL OR BERRY ROUGE ($39, landsend.com) would look amazing

with any black or white top. All say a lot about your confidence level.