Changing fashion choices

[Lorelei1980]

I was reading the older thread about that show "What Not to Wear" and how it would be if an MSer were to be on it and the choices would have to be tailored for easier dressing and whatnot. It just got me thinking. I know that I've had to change a few things about what I wear. How about you, girls?

I can't wear anything scratchy or too tight because my skin is now super sensitive (thank god jeans are still okay). I only wear a bra now if it's completely necessary for visiting someone or having to do a social event (very rarely, that is). I prefer slip on shoes because laces are too difficult. I could tie them but the bending is impossible. I'm also too tired to really fix my hair so I just brush it and tie a bandana on to hide the frizziness. Luckily I was always a bit of a tomboy so bandana, muscle shirt, flannel, and jeans aren't a big change but I do miss getting dressy and wearing complicated clothes.

I used to love going to the local renaissance faire but it's not just the walking and the crowd, I can't IMAGINE wearing a corset for more than five minutes anymore.

Luckily with summer coming there are summer dresses that are loose and soft and flowy and you don't need a painful bra with them.

[RoyaleMSer]

Hmmm... Changes... I've made plenty! Most of the clothes I wear are layerable so I can put on/take off easily depending on how hot/cold I am. I wear jeans only when absolutely necessary, which is not very often considering I basically live in sweat pants. Same with makeup. Only when necessary! Most of my shoes are easy to get on/off and I leave the laces loose so I can slip them on/off without having to mess with the laces. Makes things much easier! Most of my business clothes are ready-to-wear and require little effort.

I love going to the Renissance Fair! I still wear a corset though. I don't have much trouble with my torso area sensitivity-wise so I can still wear them. My legs are a different story!

I'm interested in what ways other women have made fashion changes.

[shortcake23]

Like the previous poster, I too have to dress in layers, since I never know if I'll be hot or cold... I find it a little annoying at times since I have tons of sweaters that I feel I can't wear out anymore, because of that... I feel like I'm stuck with 'cardigans' for life now...

[StillOkay]

I've been thinking that I'll get some really nice shoes for the summer. When I was using a cane or walker I had to have flat, "sensible" shoes so I didn't fall over. Now that I'm in a powerchair whenever I go out, my feet don't touch the ground - I could wear heels if I want to!!! There's always a silver lining to any cloud, I guess.

[tellnhelen]

Summer's here but no open toe shoes for me. Doesn't work well when one foot tends to drag or stump. Also no sandals w/o a back strap...I will kick them off without strap to hold them on...of course all of my shoes are flat...Balance & stamina not enough for wearing high "*****y" heels. Oh about the laces....you can get stretchy ones from drug store...lace them up once...and that's all.

My toenails are thick...should I get a pedicure or go to podiarist?.....these puppies must be cut!

[1755620237@facebook]

My style is definitely more casual than it used to be. The one thing that I try to make myself do is wear make up. I know it shouldn't matter, but I don't want people thinking that I have just let myself go and thats why I don't feel well.
I realize that sounds stupid. I can't win that one - if I look too nice than I must not feel that bad. If I dress to casual than I am not taking care of myself and thats why I feel so bad.
I hate wearing jeans or tops that are too "touchy". I only wear one type of socks because they have arch supports. I hate thinking about what to wear.

[1_4_Kimberly]

I nearly cried when I read these posts... I thought it was just me and it would sound too crazy to say out loud but, I just can't stand having clothes touching me too roughly or at all. Drives me crazy. This is a recent thing for me, last few months, was in a flare-up during this time too. My husband couldn't understand if I was cold why was I wearing short sleeves? Couldn't stand the material touching my arms.
And heels, thats out, even with my suits & dresses anymore. Need the steadiest shoes, I like Dansko, stable and easy on/off.

[Thinkimjob]

It's the weight of clothes that gets me. Some days, wearing jeans feels like wearing lead weights.
I used to wear boots all the time, but they're just too heavy for my poor old legs to carry these days.
I was never good in high heels even before MS, but I do miss those boots.
Love tracky-dacks, but you can't wear them to work.

[SANDRAB]

I've always been a klutz. Since I was diagnosed I now feel like there is a good reason. I wore flats to my daughters wedding, it looked bad but I didn't want to fall down. Daily outside I wear New Balance sneakers, New Balance because they were recommeded for use when you have diabetes. I got a pair with velcro instead of laces, much easier to deal with. The velcro straps can be adjusted to make them tighter or looser. I'm lucky- I'm always hot, never cold, so my I'm always wearing short sleeves. Some of the posts were kinda sad about wearing layers and trying to cover up shot marks. I recently started Tysabri, and I don't miss the shots at all.
Sandra

[cathykelly]

I've had MS since 8-8-08. First thing I gave up was pants with zippers or buttons...so there went the blue jeans that I was use to. My hands are numb and with urgency issues I can't be fiddling around trying to get my pants down when my bladder is screaming that it wants to pee NOW!!! Thank goodness for yoga pants...easy up and down at a moment’s notice and very comfortable.

Hair style was the next fatality. I used to spend a half hour every morning with a curling iron getting my hair ready. Couldn't hold my arms up for 5 minutes anymore let alone a half hour. I took me nearly 2 years to grow out my hair and change my layer cut to a classic "bob" that requires little styling now. MS has taught me to simplify my life.

Tennis shoes were the next to go. My feet were numb and as I was recovering from a flare I was pretty much bed bound. Shuffling from bed to bathroom only required a pair of slippers. By the time I had tried to use the tennis shoes again they had become too heavy and bothersome to tie. Living in Las Vegas I can get away with using slippers all winter long and in the summer I switch to sandals that have a strap all the way around the ankle so they don't fall off.

I dress in layers all year long. I can't tolerate the cold in winter or high A/C in the summer because of the MS hug. I keep an extra blanket and a selection of sweaters or sweatshirts in my car year round. Every doctor office or restaurant that I go into always seems cold to me. Didn't take me long to realize that being prepared beats being in pain.

At least I can still wear casual summer dresses with sandals in the summer. But I still haven't given away my high heeled dress shoes that I'll never feel safe wearing again.

[DianeD]

It's hard to believe I once wore 4 inch heels and actually was graceful.

Nowdays I'm usually barefoot or in 'comfy' shoes with good support. I fell a couple of months ago and sprained my ankle and broke the tip of my Fibula. My left foot still looks weird.

I spend a lot of time in my nightgown and robe which is the most comfy. I wear some of my beat up clothes that are soft and easy care. I can't do the fashionista stuff at all anymore.

Never did I imagine I'd be like this. I also usually go minus make up. I'm 66 so it's not like I look great with no color, but I don't have the energy to apply makeup, besides maybe if my docs see me 'as is' they'll get what I'm saying????

I wear elastic waists, shirts or knit tops that cover my upper arms so the Copaxone injection sites don't show.

I will say that I realize more now than ever that clothes do not make me 'ME' and there are bigger considerations to get excited over.

Diane

[cosake]

Clothes are just to keep other people from seeing you naked and getting you arrested for indecent exposure !

[DianeD]

Originally Posted by cosake

Clothes are just to keep other people from seeing you naked and getting you arrested for indecent exposure !

What a thought :-)

[Shallwearpurple]

Someone was asking about bathing suits to cover shot marks. I can't think of the name of the online store and catalog at the moment, but google sun-safe clothing or something like that.

I have a bathing suit from one of those places that has bike shorts under a skirt. I'm short, so they come almost to my knee. I prefer the brief bottom under the skirt. The skirt still comes almost to the knee.

[ajoy918]

its funny I got a call from my copaxone nurse and she asked what expectations do i have for my medication.. I used to be a model... and I jus said i want my legs back and my feet back all i want is to wear a pair of heels again