Let’s chat fashion: what I wear with a chronic illness

AD: This post is sponsored by Pixels, who asked me to write about my fashion style.

Today I’m back with another blog post and I thought I’d chat about fashion. Before my diagnosis, I was really into fashion-I even dabbled in fashion blogging if you can believe that! But afterwards, I struggled to find things to wear.

How my illness effects what I wear

So why does IBD impact my wardrobe? Well, firstly I find some outfits really impractical. Ever tried to go to the loo quickly wearing a jumpsuit without a thousand zips? I wouldn’t recommend it.

Styles that dig into the tummy area a no go to-they cause pain and discomfort so high waisted styles aren’t my friends. And I need something that will allow me to curl up on the sofa and accommodate a heating pad or two.

At the same time, I am in my 30s and dressing in bright colours makes me happy; especially after having my son and feeling like I lived in baggy jumpers and sweatshirts for the first 3 months (often decorated with a touch of sick!)

My top tips for dressing with IBD.

1. Casual clothes can still be smart. I have about 10 different soft jersey t-shirts with different prints, usually a bold statement t-shirt will cheer me up even if I need to be comfy. Leggins are totally acceptable for day or night too and a nice t-shirt does help dress up joggers/leggings.

2.Look into specialist clothing; such as I’m Fine Attire who do the most amazing jeans with a heat pad built-in! My idea of heaven.

3. Anything with an adjustable waistband is ideal for bloating; that’s why I still wear my maternity jeans! I really hate styles that dig in around the waist.

4. Soft organic fabrics are particularly important if you struggle with sensitive skin.

5. Layer up! We can have temperature spikes (especially when we are unwell) so things that can be thrown on or taking off quickly is especially useful.

6. Similarly, stretchy is your friend if you take steroids as I do. Elasticated leggings that will adapt to your weight fluctuates are ideal! I wear stretchy leggings almost every day, they don’t have to be for the gym!

7. Consider bamboo pjs. If your meds or condition gives you night sweats, consider bamboo PJs-I’ve heard these help regulate your temperature whether in summer or winter and I’m thinking of buying a pair.

8. If you want to dress up to stay indoors, do it! We’re all sepnding lots of time outdoors at the moment but those of us with chronic conditions are used to it already. Getting dressed up sometimes really does lift my mood.

9. Not one for winter but for summer, remember those of us with IBD do tend to burn more easily due to our meds so cover up in the summer months!

10.Spread the word. And finally, with IBD awareness week next week, why not buy one of the many IBD awareness tees on the market to spread the word about our condition?

I hope you’ve found these tips useful. I’d love to know: has IBD Impacted your wardrobe? Do you dress differently than you did before? Let me know in the comments.