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[zarathustra]

I just don't think it's cool to tell someone with a PhD how to dress.

But if they only have their Masters or Bachelors, feel free...'cause clearly they're peons. 

[venuvian]

As an update I'll say that although she still has had some issues with her clothing the challenges are different since she's pregnant.

Aha!  Congratulations to her and her husband!

Well, perhaps that explains the clothes being too tight.  Perhaps she has been trying to squeeze into clothes from before her first pregnancy?  It is hard to make adjustments when your body is changing so rapidly.

I think you are a wonderful colleague for thinking about helping her.  She MUST acquire some clothes that fit properly.  Since you like her, then take her under your wing and do whatever you can to help.   

[spyzowin]

As an update I'll say that although she still has had some issues with her clothing the challenges are different since she's pregnant.

Aha!  Congratulations to her and her husband!

Well, perhaps that explains the clothes being too tight.  Perhaps she has been trying to squeeze into clothes from before her first pregnancy?  It is hard to make adjustments when your body is changing so rapidly.

I think you are a wonderful colleague for thinking about helping her.  She MUST acquire some clothes that fit properly.  Since you like her, then take her under your wing and do whatever you can to help.   

I can't believe none of you can hear yourselves...  imagine, if you will, if this new prof registered online and told her side of the story...

You'd all support her against her bullying mentor.

[southern_outlier]

amnirov: I take exception to the comment of bullying. You could not be more wrong and I don't care if this flames. You're just wrong. I've made positive comments about helping her, without embarrassing her and support her new career.

OHHHHH>>>> I'm so mad that you think this and will stop now before I give you yet another reason to respond so thoughtlessly. Unusual for you to be so off.

[torch10]

If it hasn't already been mentioned, maybe you can consider whether or not this person has money to buy new things.  I remember the days of my first couple of years, I did the best I could with the clothing I had from grad school.  Imagine that.  I was a bit ragged to say the least. It took so many months before I got finances settled after a move on a shoestring and the 60 days it takes before there is a paycheck. I didn't let on that I was near starving and behind two months on bills and waiting for that paycheck. 

Someone mentioned how the talk might damage the relationship.  I think it's good advice.  Also, the little comments that are meant to help really hurt if this person is already aware and wants to change the wardrobe.  I used to get the "Oh,  you must not be teaching today."  I felt terrible because I knew these folks meant well, but I was also aware that I couldn't talk about my finances. I knew those first few semesters pretty much cemented the other faculty's judgment of me.  Just like I pretended that I liked my dress, I also faked being over the embarrassment from those early days.  Just a thought...