I took what were supposed to be “after” photos in February. I had been working out, I felt, consistently and I was sure that I had made significant progress. I had not…I don’t know if those photos will ever see the light of day, but they were not a “wake up call”. They were just some pictures that I took that didn’t turn out the way I expected. But I lost all motivation to keep working out lol.

In April, I went to the doctor for my annual physical. I stepped on the scale and was astonished. I knew it wasn’t my shoes or my heavy sweater…I knew, I had gained a full 15 pounds and the scale was just confirming what I had felt when I had tried to squeeze into my favorite pair of jeans that morning. The jeans were straight leg, 100% denim, no stretch. When I put them on they clung to my thighs like skinny jeans. I figured maybe I just needed to loosen them up. After all, I had just washed them, and denim tends to give a little with some wear. But as I sat on the crunchy paper in the examination room, I realized it wasn’t the jeans. It wasn’t the scale. It wasn’t the camera. I had added the pounds. I decided in that moment that I would start making healthier choices but the most healthy choice I would make was to not beat myself up. I wouldn’t try to force myself back into jeans (or anything else) that no longer fit me, and I celebrated that choice with a little shopping.

If you are also learning to love a new body, I encourage you to embrace it. This body got you through a rough 18+ months and it’s still kicking. If that doesn’t deserve new clothes, I don’t know what does.

Wide Leg Denim

Starting with my favorite, these are Zara - Wide Leg Jeans in Navy Blue. I got these in a size 40 (US 8). These are the only pair of Zara jeans I own that fit off the rack. I typically have my Zara jeans tailored, but these were giving what they were supposed to on day one.

My second favorite are also a pair of Zara - 90s Full Length Jeans. They come with or without holes and in a variety of washes. As a lesson, even when the jeans are from the same manufacturer, every pair is differnt. I got these in a size 40 as well, but they needed to be tailored. Since having them tailored I get compliments every time I wear these jeans. They were “OK” off the rack and lots of my IG followers loved them the day I got them. But if you put them on and you aren’t in love with them right away, consider having them tailored because…BAYBEEE

Straight Leg Denim

The next pair of jeans are from Abercrombie & Fitch. I know….come pick me up off the floor because I NEVER thought I’d see the day. These are the Curve Love 90s Ultra High Rise Straight Jeans in dark wash. I got these in a size 29 (US 8). They fit well enough off the rack, but I’m considering having them taken in a bit around the hips. I love the wash and while I’m not hip to everything, I’ve heard that darker denim will be very in for Fall ‘21.

I got a pair of Gap - High Rise Cheeky Straight jeans in a lighter wash early this summer and they have been my go-to jeans ever since. While I will likely be retiring them for the Fall. I’m sure they will make an appearance next Spring. Again, I got a size 29 (US 8) and they fit perfectly off the rack.

Wild Card

I stepped outside of my comfort zone with this next pair, and I’m pretty sure they’re going back. This is a pair of High Rise Dad Jeans with an asymmetric button fly from Abercrombie. Now…all the reviews said to size down but I didn’t listen and now I’m disappointed. I think I may have really loved these jeans in my size. And, I may still try to pick them up at some point. But somthing tells me this will be a daunting return/exchange process. So, depending on how difficult that is, I may or may not have these jeans for the Fall.

Let me know what you guys think! Should I be on the hunt for my size in these?