Develop your own personal style, one that is timeless and frees you up to include the trends that work for you and your body and skip the rest - luckily, the 70s trends with the tight-fitting clothing is on its way out in favor of the bigger, looser over-the-pants shirts and sweaters of the 80s. Choose coats and jackets with big armholes, making it easier for your shoulders or find a dashing poncho or cape, closed with an antique-looking pin you found in a fleamarket. Choose pants over skirts - no pantyhose to wiggle into! - and remember that the elastic waistband is your friend. Paired with an oversized shirt that isn't tucked in and a funky vest, it becomes a stylish, bohemian look. If your style is more towards sleek and businesslike, sew on the buttons in your sleeve cuffs with elastic thread so you can put on the shirt without having to button the cuff. Choose front closures whenever you can (e.g., bras, skirts, dresses) and sweaters with v-necks.
For men, the elastic thread trick works just as well and if you can't avoid a tie, loosen the knot sufficiently to take it off over your head, saving you the work of tying it every morning. If you have trouble getting a grip on the tiny tab to close pants zippers, try putting a small ring (e.g., from a key ring) in the zipper - putting your finger in the ring makes it easier to pull the zipper up and down. For a more discrete solution, create a circle of strong thread the same color as your pants. When possible, choose Velcro over buttons and laces.
There are also numerous doodads to help you with dressing. Ask your doctor for a referral to an occupational therapist who can help you find dressing aids and other tools for the home that will make your life easier - for instance, a reacher that can help you pick things up from the floor so you don't have to bend, sock aids to pull up your socks and dressing sticks to pull up pants (for more examples of products that can help make life easier for you, check out Arthritis Supplies).
Holiday shopping can be exhausting, especially when you're living with chronic pain. Karen Lee Richards, one of our experts on the Chronic Pain site has written an excellent guide to surviving holiday shopping with your energy and sense of humor intact.
Do you have tips for your fellow members to finding clothes and shoes that are stylish, yet accommodate RA? Ideas for outfits? Put your inner fashionista to work in the comment box!
You can read more of Lene's writing on The Seated View.
