Years ago, I worked at an upscale boutique specializing in evening and cocktail dresses. There was one customer who would always come into the store and announce: "I need a new dress." She would then browse the new arrivals, picking out a selection of midi-length bodycon dresses—all in size 0. The problem was, she was actually a size 4. But she refused to try on anything that wasn't a size 0. She WANTED to be a size 0. She BELIEVED that she was, and nothing could convince her otherwise.
Often, she managed to squeeze into those tight clothes. If she loved a dress but the size 0 didn't fit, she'd simply pass on it. Sizing up was never an option in her world.
When I first saw her, I didn't know all this. She came out of the fitting room asking for help with the zipper, and I thought, "No problem, I'll just grab her the right size!" But my coworker quickly pulled me aside and whispered, "Don't — she only wears size 0." This woman had been a loyal client for many years, and after each of her visits, all the sales consultants, myself included, were left nursing sore fingers from wrestling with zippers, all while hoping not to break them (those dresses were several hundred dollars each!) —or worse, accidentally pinch her skin.
Sometimes, I still think about her. For her, each dress she squeezed into was proof that she was a size 0. It was a small victory every time, but at what cost? The dresses were so tight they practically held her hostage. She had to move really carefully so they didn’t burst out during walking. I have no idea how she was able to sit in them (was she at all?), or even breath.
Celebrities can find themselves in similar situations, too. Here's Jennifer Lopez struggling to walk in a too-tight dress. In this picture, an assistant is helping zip her dress shut. Cousart/JFXImages/WENN.com
What's really important in this story is that those around her saw her as she truly was—not through her rose-tinted lens but as she appeared: a woman in clothes that were too tight, moving carefully, one sneeze away from a wardrobe malfunction. Perhaps the people she wanted to impress noticed that her dress was beautiful but even the most amazing gown in the world makes no sense if it’s chocking off its wearer.
Years later, while shopping, I often see size 0 sold out in certain styles, while size 2 remains plentiful. It makes me wonder: why is it so important for women to get their desired size 0? It reminds me of that "Desperate Housewives" episode where Gaby, pregnant but in denial of her changing body, squeezed herself into a size 00 to impress her model friends. She succeeded—technically—but her friends immediately saw that she was expecting. This paradox—trying to look smaller by wearing a smaller size—can actually have the opposite effect. A too-tight fit often highlights insecurities like bloated stomachs or love handles instead of hiding them.
Gaby in her dress to impress proving that size doesn't matter. The fit does.
It might sound revolutionary, but the number on a clothing tag doesn't matter. No one sees that number except you, and more importantly, no one else cares. What people do notice is how well your clothes fit. They see your confidence, your comfort, and your ability to move freely and naturally.
Next time you're shopping, remember: your true size isn't about squeezing into the smallest number possible—it's about wearing what fits your body just right, not too tight, not too loose.
After all, even the most beautiful outfit loses its magic if it holds you prisoner. Your perfect size is the one that sets you free.
For more insights on style, check out our guide on common style mistakes that might be hurting your brand, or explore our analysis of Katie Holmes' pink dress for a deep dive into choosing the perfect fit and color for your body type.
