Hi Nicole,
There is some excellent advice in here already like eating healthier, portion control, avoiding sugar/carbs, exercise. I'll just add what has worked for me.
Like you, one of my primary motivations was to "look better in a dress" so to speak. I found it to be a very potent motivator. So at the beginning of 2019 I began intermittent fasting. I usually fast five days a week for 18/20 hours with a small lunch and healthy dinner before 7pm. Over the next nine months I dropped 25 pounds and it has had numerous benefits. I have a better understanding of food in general and focused my eating on healthier foods like leafy green vegetables, nuts for protein, fish, bone broth and healthy fats. I have reduced inflammation, lowered blood sugar and raised my energy levels. For me it definitely worked but I will say that once you commit to it you realize you can never go back to the eating habits you had before or you will gain weight. It's a mental endeavor and it really led me to a totally different mindset and relationship with food.
More research is coming out that shows the benefits (link below) and there are numerous books/videos on the subject. Hopefully you find what works for you and best of luck.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/...-2018062914156
