Tips for Workplace Style during Breast Reconstruction

Jennifer Manghisi, author of The Sarcastic Guide to Beating Breast Cancer, fought breast cancer at the age of 24 and in the midst of her ascending career within the fashion industry. However during her breast reconstruction, this super-stylish New Yorker had to rethink her clothing choices for work.

Structured blouses and jackets were clearly out, and her changing body combined with tenderness and stiff muscles required easy-to-wear pieces that put comfort above all else. But how do you stay stylish when “comfort” usually means loose sweatshirts or cuddly hoodies?

Here Jen tells us how she remained comfortable but still work-appropriate and stylish during her reconstruction.

1. Cotton jersey pieces are the best to wear while going through the reconstruction process, preferably affordable pieces that can be worn in many different ways. My go-to place for convertible jersey pieces is Kamali Kuture. Everything on the site is $100 or less. My favorite pieces are the All-in-One top and dress because they are appropriate for work and not too form fitting. You can wear either piece as a skirt, one shoulder top, or boat neck top, and the possibilities are endless and no one will know how often you wear it!
2. Wear things that do not make you feel self-conscious and are age-appropriate, but at the same time don’t be afraid of pieces with some stretch. These pieces can morph with your body as it changes throughout reconstruction, and you don’t have to buy clothing again and again.
3. At the same time I was doing reconstruction, I was on medication that made me feel bloated so I needed a pant with an elastic waistband. Printed leggings and poppy colors brightened my day and remained comfortable around my waist.
4. Another key piece during the reconstruction process is a sports bra. Choose one with individual cups and full coverage but no underwire. The underwire can irritate the skin. I like the sports bras with cups because you can stuff the cups with tissue in the event that your breasts are not quite the same size yet!
5. As a New York City girl, I’m inclined to wear black. But even if you don’t usually consider black I would suggest wearing it on top. Black will really make your chest less noticeable…and you will have more confidence about revealing too much about your surgery when tackling your day.

Advice from Jennifer Manghisi

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