Can I just buy 12 dresses and call it a day?
August 18, 2015 5:59 AM Subscribe
I'm going to need a "business casual" wardrobe for the first time in my life, but I have no idea how to go about that because I am a short overweight woman whose weight is very changing and I have a desire to look stylish and interesting, not boring and frumpy. Is just filling my closet with dresses a thing I can do? How many dresses would I need?
Going from a pretty casual government job to a much more professional private sector job (IT consulting firm), and I have hardly any clothes that will work in a professional setting. Finding an outfit for the interview was a bit of a thing because I, again, had nothing. Ultimately I wore THIS, but it took a lot of work to sort out this outfit. (I know, I know, I shouldn't have worn open toed shoes...) I got the job having worn that outfit, so it must have been okay, but now I need clothes to wear to the actual job. Getting a new wardrobe SHOULD be fun but I sincerely have no idea what to buy or whats appropriate.
The biggest problem is that my weight changes. A lot. So I need clothes that offer flexibility in that regard, that will fit now but will also fit 10-20lbs from now (down, not up). I'm also shaped in such a way that finding clothing that FITS is hard. I'm pretty hourglass-y, with my waist being a lot smaller than my hips/butt. (The above picture doesn't show this, but I swear its true.) Blouses that fit perfectly in the chest inevitably don't fit over my hips, but if I get a shirt that fits over my hips it looks horrific and baggy on my chest. For this reason I tend to gravitate towards dresses because, in general, I can have them fit properly in the chest and then they just flare out and hide my megabooty. And I find they do a better job at fitting and still looking good for a longer stretch during weight loss. Plus, I feel pretty in dresses.
In a perfect world, I'd love to just buy a wardrobe of dresses (like this, this and this) and just wear them. Is that a thing I can do, or do I really need separates? Are dresses okay to wear even if I don't have shapely legs? Are bare legs okay, or is pantyhose a must? Do I need close toe shoes for the office? Are high boots (ie. calf boots) too casual?
Also, how many dresses would I need to be able to sustain my wardrobe without the repetition of dresses becoming conspicuous?
NOTE: The Canadian selection for plus size clothes of any sort (including dresses) is terrible in my area, so my husband wants to take me to the states (Bangor, Maine) to go shopping.
Going from a pretty casual government job to a much more professional private sector job (IT consulting firm), and I have hardly any clothes that will work in a professional setting. Finding an outfit for the interview was a bit of a thing because I, again, had nothing. Ultimately I wore THIS, but it took a lot of work to sort out this outfit. (I know, I know, I shouldn't have worn open toed shoes...) I got the job having worn that outfit, so it must have been okay, but now I need clothes to wear to the actual job. Getting a new wardrobe SHOULD be fun but I sincerely have no idea what to buy or whats appropriate.
The biggest problem is that my weight changes. A lot. So I need clothes that offer flexibility in that regard, that will fit now but will also fit 10-20lbs from now (down, not up). I'm also shaped in such a way that finding clothing that FITS is hard. I'm pretty hourglass-y, with my waist being a lot smaller than my hips/butt. (The above picture doesn't show this, but I swear its true.) Blouses that fit perfectly in the chest inevitably don't fit over my hips, but if I get a shirt that fits over my hips it looks horrific and baggy on my chest. For this reason I tend to gravitate towards dresses because, in general, I can have them fit properly in the chest and then they just flare out and hide my megabooty. And I find they do a better job at fitting and still looking good for a longer stretch during weight loss. Plus, I feel pretty in dresses.
In a perfect world, I'd love to just buy a wardrobe of dresses (like this, this and this) and just wear them. Is that a thing I can do, or do I really need separates? Are dresses okay to wear even if I don't have shapely legs? Are bare legs okay, or is pantyhose a must? Do I need close toe shoes for the office? Are high boots (ie. calf boots) too casual?
Also, how many dresses would I need to be able to sustain my wardrobe without the repetition of dresses becoming conspicuous?
NOTE: The Canadian selection for plus size clothes of any sort (including dresses) is terrible in my area, so my husband wants to take me to the states (Bangor, Maine) to go shopping.
Best answer: 1. Yes you can just wear dresses to work.
2. Yes you can wear dresses with whatever legs you have.
3. Bare legs/stocking depends on the office culture and the season.
4. Open toed shoes depends on the office culture and the season.
5. Calf length boots are not necessarily casual, it depends on the boot. Sadly the intersection between practical winter boots and appropriate office boots is small.
I wear dresses/skirts, bare legs, open toed shoes in summer. I add tights and close toed shoes in winter. Boots mostly on casual Fridays, my Frye's fall to the casual side. I'm considering the purchase of other work boots this winter.
posted by crazycanuck at 6:09 AM on August 18, 2015 [9 favorites]
2. Yes you can wear dresses with whatever legs you have.
3. Bare legs/stocking depends on the office culture and the season.
4. Open toed shoes depends on the office culture and the season.
5. Calf length boots are not necessarily casual, it depends on the boot. Sadly the intersection between practical winter boots and appropriate office boots is small.
I wear dresses/skirts, bare legs, open toed shoes in summer. I add tights and close toed shoes in winter. Boots mostly on casual Fridays, my Frye's fall to the casual side. I'm considering the purchase of other work boots this winter.
posted by crazycanuck at 6:09 AM on August 18, 2015 [9 favorites]
you're a programmer? can you be clearer on the kind of consulting? are you at clients? what kind of company?
for us, dress code is "not jeans" and you'd be fine wearing the same thing all month, but obviously there's a huge range....
posted by andrewcooke at 6:10 AM on August 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
for us, dress code is "not jeans" and you'd be fine wearing the same thing all month, but obviously there's a huge range....
posted by andrewcooke at 6:10 AM on August 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Regarding the number of dresses required. You need summer and winter, or some bridging strategy to get you between the two. 5 each is the starting point, 7 is nice.
posted by crazycanuck at 6:12 AM on August 18, 2015 [13 favorites]
posted by crazycanuck at 6:12 AM on August 18, 2015 [13 favorites]
Stay with grey / navy / black and you can repeat as often as you like-- no one will notice you're wearing the same dresses every week.
This is basically my work uniform too.
posted by travertina at 6:14 AM on August 18, 2015 [4 favorites]
This is basically my work uniform too.
posted by travertina at 6:14 AM on August 18, 2015 [4 favorites]
I would buy a small wardrobe of dresses and shoes on the more conservative end of your comfort spectrum to get you through the first week or so, scope out what everyone else is wearing, and then go wild after the first week buying more fun dresses, boots, etc. if it seems to be in line with what everyone else is doing.
You can definitely wear just dresses, whatever the shape of your legs, and bare legs seem generally okay just about everywhere but I've heard of some people in really conservative offices where it's not. So again, you might do a longer skirt or tights or something for your first couple of days to get a feel for the office norm and then go from there into shorter dresses with bare legs if that seems appropriate.
Grab an open cardigan or jacket or something to layer over your dresses and you can wear them in more seasons, and also allows for more combinations of stuff so no one will notice you're repeating a lot.
posted by Stacey at 6:16 AM on August 18, 2015 [4 favorites]
You can definitely wear just dresses, whatever the shape of your legs, and bare legs seem generally okay just about everywhere but I've heard of some people in really conservative offices where it's not. So again, you might do a longer skirt or tights or something for your first couple of days to get a feel for the office norm and then go from there into shorter dresses with bare legs if that seems appropriate.
Grab an open cardigan or jacket or something to layer over your dresses and you can wear them in more seasons, and also allows for more combinations of stuff so no one will notice you're repeating a lot.
posted by Stacey at 6:16 AM on August 18, 2015 [4 favorites]
Best answer: Wrap, wrap, wrap. See if you can get a DVF-knock-off type wrap, a true-wrap dress. If you can get a wrap dress, you can layer it over a camisole for warmth/modesty depending on the neckline, or just to add some colour, add a belt to cinch it in, cardigans - all you need are really 5 wrap dresses in colours that flatter you at every weight fluctuation, and you've got about 15 outfits (pinterest for capsule wardrobe is your friend).
I have one great wrap dress that was above the knee and needed a safety pin to keep it office-demure pre-weight loss, and now it's below my knees and has a relatively high v-neck, but it's the same dress, flattering at either side. When it was wrapped shorter and I was travelling in a cold place, I sometimes wore it over leggings.
posted by dorothyisunderwood at 6:19 AM on August 18, 2015 [13 favorites]
I have one great wrap dress that was above the knee and needed a safety pin to keep it office-demure pre-weight loss, and now it's below my knees and has a relatively high v-neck, but it's the same dress, flattering at either side. When it was wrapped shorter and I was travelling in a cold place, I sometimes wore it over leggings.
posted by dorothyisunderwood at 6:19 AM on August 18, 2015 [13 favorites]
You're me! Hi, me! In fact I've got a phone screen for a tech job in 45 minutes and I panicked online this weekend buying in-person interview clothes in case it goes well. I second dresses 1 & 3 being ok and 2 not so much unles you had a jacket or something on top to "formal-ize" it. When I worked in a super-formal office I was able to get away with re-wearing the same black jacket and pants multiple times per week. It's all about the accessories then, which is fortunate as they are much cheaper.
posted by bitter-girl.com at 6:20 AM on August 18, 2015
posted by bitter-girl.com at 6:20 AM on August 18, 2015
How exciting to have a new job! I agree with Ms. Vegetable that the first and third dresses sound fine for what you've described, while the 2nd one not so much.
You can totally wear different dresses every day. I work with women who do this. I personally find wrap dresses (like the first one) hard to style, especially in winter -- On me, they look a bit weird with tights, which I wear for warmth in the winter.
5 dresses is a good start, especially if you get dark, solid colors instead of prints or bright colors. The navy blue dress you linked to is really great because you can buy scarves to wear with it to make it look a bit different when you wear it. Like this or this. No idea if they have a Target in Bangor, but if they do, look there for scarves. They have cute ones that are not expensive.
posted by OrangeDisk at 6:21 AM on August 18, 2015
You can totally wear different dresses every day. I work with women who do this. I personally find wrap dresses (like the first one) hard to style, especially in winter -- On me, they look a bit weird with tights, which I wear for warmth in the winter.
5 dresses is a good start, especially if you get dark, solid colors instead of prints or bright colors. The navy blue dress you linked to is really great because you can buy scarves to wear with it to make it look a bit different when you wear it. Like this or this. No idea if they have a Target in Bangor, but if they do, look there for scarves. They have cute ones that are not expensive.
posted by OrangeDisk at 6:21 AM on August 18, 2015
Regarding weight changes, my own experience with this was that dresses didn't work as well for me as elastic waisted skirts did, even when the weight difference was going down 30 lbs. I lived in an area with a lot of thrift stores at the time, and I ended up with a variety of decent brands of skirts (Loft, Nine West) that have now fit for years regardless of my daily body size. I have tops in solids and a metric ton of cardigans, a few suit jackets for days when I have important meetings, and they have all been more than dressy enough for my new job where dressing business-y is the norm.
In my office bare legs are fine, open toe is fine as long as it isn't flip flops.
posted by a fiendish thingy at 6:22 AM on August 18, 2015
In my office bare legs are fine, open toe is fine as long as it isn't flip flops.
posted by a fiendish thingy at 6:22 AM on August 18, 2015
Best answer: Land's End has undergone some kind of revolution, and their quality is much better than in the recent past. I am totally impressed by these similar dresses (check the red print) which fit nicely and have pockets! Also in black and another black one.
posted by amtho at 6:22 AM on August 18, 2015 [9 favorites]
posted by amtho at 6:22 AM on August 18, 2015 [9 favorites]
I totally agree on the dresses. You will be fine starting off with 5-7, especially if they are neutral colors. If you buy a lime green dress, you can probably only wear it 1-2 times a month without everyone noticing. Gray, black, brown, or navy are good to start and you can spice it up with fun necklaces or scarves. If you stick with the black/gray range, you can buy shoes that match and a black blazer a
I don't see a huge problem with open toe shoes, but my office is pretty flexible.
posted by elvissa at 6:24 AM on August 18, 2015
I don't see a huge problem with open toe shoes, but my office is pretty flexible.
posted by elvissa at 6:24 AM on August 18, 2015
I wear dresses probably 90% of the time at work. I was going to suggest Land's End also - I have three of those that amtho posted above, plus some other ones. Their clearance sales are amazing and have frankly ruined me for higher end brands because the idea of paying $100+ for a work outfit seems so stupid if I can get a great dress for thirty bucks. Highly recommend.
Get some cardigans in basic colors and you can wear the same dresses in both summer and winter.
posted by something something at 6:26 AM on August 18, 2015
Get some cardigans in basic colors and you can wear the same dresses in both summer and winter.
posted by something something at 6:26 AM on August 18, 2015
If you are comfortable in dresses buy them and wear them. Start out with some conservative ones and then add others once you get a hold on office culture. You can add sweaters and necklaces and other accessories to make it fun for you and not look like you're wearing the same thing every day (and some people do have a uniform, that's fine, but I like to feel like I have variety, and a bunch of cardigans helps with that).
Office culture will also dictate shoes and whether you are wearing hose or not - again, you can purchase conservatively in a style you like, and then see what things are on the inside once you've been there for a minute.
You go! Have fun. And, I wear boots in the winter probably 90% of the time. Dress, tights, boots. Rinse, repeat.
posted by Medieval Maven at 6:36 AM on August 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
Office culture will also dictate shoes and whether you are wearing hose or not - again, you can purchase conservatively in a style you like, and then see what things are on the inside once you've been there for a minute.
You go! Have fun. And, I wear boots in the winter probably 90% of the time. Dress, tights, boots. Rinse, repeat.
posted by Medieval Maven at 6:36 AM on August 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
Friends, I have a wonderful, life changing secret. Yes, friends, step up close and lemme tell ya'll about a new app that will change your life, make you the envy of your friends, enemies, neighbors and watch as COMPLETE STRANGERS will stop you on the street to tell you that your outfit is over the top swell.
Ready for this secret app?
It's called PUREPLE, and it's an app where you take pix of your clothes and scarves and shoes and accessories and IT CREATE OUTFITS FOR YOU. You can save a suggested outfit and swipe left and right so the app learns your personal style.
So, I open the app, select my black turtleneck and tell it to suggest an outfit. I decide whether or not I want jeans, skirts, whatever, and based on what I input, it creates multiple outfits that I NEVER WOULD HAVE THOUGHT OF ON MY OWN.
Another great part about this app is that the outfit selections helped me realize I have a lot more clothes than I thought I had.
Seriously, check out this app. It will inspire you beyond belief. There are other style advisors, but this was the best one I've tried.
posted by kinetic at 6:37 AM on August 18, 2015 [39 favorites]
Ready for this secret app?
It's called PUREPLE, and it's an app where you take pix of your clothes and scarves and shoes and accessories and IT CREATE OUTFITS FOR YOU. You can save a suggested outfit and swipe left and right so the app learns your personal style.
So, I open the app, select my black turtleneck and tell it to suggest an outfit. I decide whether or not I want jeans, skirts, whatever, and based on what I input, it creates multiple outfits that I NEVER WOULD HAVE THOUGHT OF ON MY OWN.
Another great part about this app is that the outfit selections helped me realize I have a lot more clothes than I thought I had.
Seriously, check out this app. It will inspire you beyond belief. There are other style advisors, but this was the best one I've tried.
posted by kinetic at 6:37 AM on August 18, 2015 [39 favorites]
What about something like Gwynnie Bee, where you can rent stuff?
posted by mrfuga0 at 6:45 AM on August 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by mrfuga0 at 6:45 AM on August 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
I'm not sure if it's available in Canada, but you might want to look into Gwynnie Bee as a wardrobe supplement. I'm plus sized and can't tell you how great it's been to have two new outfits arrive each week, and bonus, they do the dry cleaning and pay for shipping. I've bought a few pieces that I truly loved, but am also unafraid to just mail things back unworn that weren't flattering. I'm going out of my box in a few cases, and it's lovely to have as many compliments on things I've never thought about trying, either color or style wise. (So it's like Netflix for clothes.)
posted by librarianamy at 6:50 AM on August 18, 2015 [4 favorites]
posted by librarianamy at 6:50 AM on August 18, 2015 [4 favorites]
I agree that the first and third dresses linked are good (brb, off to buy the third one for myself!). I've also added a bunch of Lands End dresses to my own wardrobe--they've been great for all seasons, with a blazer or cardigan when the weather gets cooler. A note on their fit, though: I've got very defined hips and a belly, and their "sheath" dresses look horrible on me. The A-line and "fit and flare" dresses are much more flattering.
posted by TwoStride at 6:53 AM on August 18, 2015
posted by TwoStride at 6:53 AM on August 18, 2015
Best answer: I'm a policy analyst lawyer in a business-casual-any-day-I'm-not-talking-to-a-judge day and I think your selection of dresses are fine for a business casual office (all three would be perfectly fine in my work environment, even with bare legs). Pants don't fit me well (because of my waist-hip ratio and thighs) so I tend to wear dresses and skirts only.
I always suggest people look at Ureshii because I've been very pleased with their quality and service. Some of the more more conservative options because they make each item to order to your own measurements and, because everything is a knit, you get some flexibility with weight fluctuations. Don't dismiss the pencil skirt, either--I've seen it on a wide range of body shapes and it's more flattering than you'd expect and extremely comfortable.
The only "correction" I'd make to your plan is to definitely consider separates because you get more outfits out of your wardrobe that way. You can wear the same black skirt with a bunch of different tops more often than you can wear the same dress. A-line skirts are a little more difficult to come by out in the wild, but not impossible: Vince Camuto, Halogen, Betabrand, Modcloth
But if you really want dresses only, there's no reason not to do that. None.
posted by crush-onastick at 6:55 AM on August 18, 2015 [7 favorites]
I always suggest people look at Ureshii because I've been very pleased with their quality and service. Some of the more more conservative options because they make each item to order to your own measurements and, because everything is a knit, you get some flexibility with weight fluctuations. Don't dismiss the pencil skirt, either--I've seen it on a wide range of body shapes and it's more flattering than you'd expect and extremely comfortable.
The only "correction" I'd make to your plan is to definitely consider separates because you get more outfits out of your wardrobe that way. You can wear the same black skirt with a bunch of different tops more often than you can wear the same dress. A-line skirts are a little more difficult to come by out in the wild, but not impossible: Vince Camuto, Halogen, Betabrand, Modcloth
But if you really want dresses only, there's no reason not to do that. None.
posted by crush-onastick at 6:55 AM on August 18, 2015 [7 favorites]
I own eight dresses. I only ever wear those eight dresses. Eight is roughly enough to allow me to forget to do laundry on Sunday and still have something to wear on Monday. No one has ever said anything about the fact that I wear the same limited range of clothes all the time, but I work at a casual software company and I'm by no means the only person who wears the same clothes all the time. YMMV with your new workplace, though there's a lot of me that wants to yell "FUCK 'EM AND THEIR DUMB IDEAS" in the direction of anyone who would even remotely give you shit for this.
I do have several tiers of dress within the eight, from "yes this is a good dress I like it" (two or three) to "this is fine" to "it'll do". In terms of maintaining the rotation, I buy new dresses whenever I don't feel poor and the clothing companies in my size/price range/that I like (in the UK, so not helpful for Canada) have something that looks comfy and I don't hate. I am weirdly specific about what I will and won't tolerate in clothing (hence only really owning eight items of it, plus leggings and underwear), so I don't buy new stuff often. Old stuff comes out of rotation when it's too worn to still be good or if I get it into my head that it's no longer flattering (whether or not that's true).
(Incidentally, all of my underwear is the same colour, style and size from the same place and I own like 20 pairs. Many identical leggings. I only really wear one pair of shoes. I am weird about this stuff.)
posted by terretu at 7:00 AM on August 18, 2015 [3 favorites]
I do have several tiers of dress within the eight, from "yes this is a good dress I like it" (two or three) to "this is fine" to "it'll do". In terms of maintaining the rotation, I buy new dresses whenever I don't feel poor and the clothing companies in my size/price range/that I like (in the UK, so not helpful for Canada) have something that looks comfy and I don't hate. I am weirdly specific about what I will and won't tolerate in clothing (hence only really owning eight items of it, plus leggings and underwear), so I don't buy new stuff often. Old stuff comes out of rotation when it's too worn to still be good or if I get it into my head that it's no longer flattering (whether or not that's true).
(Incidentally, all of my underwear is the same colour, style and size from the same place and I own like 20 pairs. Many identical leggings. I only really wear one pair of shoes. I am weird about this stuff.)
posted by terretu at 7:00 AM on August 18, 2015 [3 favorites]
Best answer: Two things:
1) If you're going to go to Bangor, drive the extra three hours and go to Portland. Make it a weekend. Your selection (even of Mall-style stores) will be much broader.
2) I'm plus sized and tall, and I've gone to what you are suggesting - about ten dresses and a selection of separates. Don't dismiss the separates. For winter, particularly, a skirt and sweater (or even a skirt and twin set) is going to be much warmer than just a dress (and I'm presuming you have the same weather we have here in Portland). I get my separates from Talbots, and there is a GREAT Talbots mallside in S Portland.
(I think all three dresses are fine, FYI).
posted by anastasiav at 7:02 AM on August 18, 2015 [5 favorites]
1) If you're going to go to Bangor, drive the extra three hours and go to Portland. Make it a weekend. Your selection (even of Mall-style stores) will be much broader.
2) I'm plus sized and tall, and I've gone to what you are suggesting - about ten dresses and a selection of separates. Don't dismiss the separates. For winter, particularly, a skirt and sweater (or even a skirt and twin set) is going to be much warmer than just a dress (and I'm presuming you have the same weather we have here in Portland). I get my separates from Talbots, and there is a GREAT Talbots mallside in S Portland.
(I think all three dresses are fine, FYI).
posted by anastasiav at 7:02 AM on August 18, 2015 [5 favorites]
Definitely go for staples-- black, grey (although, grey dress pants for me and my thighs just don't cooperate), and navy. I try and stick with solid colours because I can take that and dress it up or down, depending on what's going on that day. Find some black flats that are really comfortable and you can wear those with pretty much anything. I also own a pair of leopard print flats and that can easily be paired with navy or black or grey. I know, I know-- leopard print? But yeah, spots! It's a print that is in style right now and doesn't have to be obnoxious. I'm also a fan of an A-line skirt with a shirt tucked it. It hides my "problem areas" and allows me to wear one skirt with three or four shirts with ease (and layer up for winter, if necessary).
And my go to? Target. Basic cardigans to go from summer to winter and to cover up if you're feeling a little too showy in the office. Fun accessories to dress up those black/grey/navy clothes. Target is also cheap enough where if you fluctuate, you won't feel terrible giving the clothing away or stashing it in the back of the closet for awhile. Avoid Kohl's. Their clothing is just cheap looking and the selection for plus sizes is pretty atrocious. I always end up feeling pretty dang bad about myself when I go there (but then I turn a corner, see Target, and feel good again).
posted by thefang at 7:18 AM on August 18, 2015
And my go to? Target. Basic cardigans to go from summer to winter and to cover up if you're feeling a little too showy in the office. Fun accessories to dress up those black/grey/navy clothes. Target is also cheap enough where if you fluctuate, you won't feel terrible giving the clothing away or stashing it in the back of the closet for awhile. Avoid Kohl's. Their clothing is just cheap looking and the selection for plus sizes is pretty atrocious. I always end up feeling pretty dang bad about myself when I go there (but then I turn a corner, see Target, and feel good again).
posted by thefang at 7:18 AM on August 18, 2015
Yes dresses are fine, buy as many as you feel comfortable with. I'd make sure to throw in some shrugs/cardigans/jackets, a few scarfs & statement necklace or two for the transitional times & to mix up the looks.
If you do decide to try separates, as someone with a similar problem, remember unless it's a super formal office you don't need to tuck in a nicely finished shirt, & a belt makes a baggy top into a nice pelum top that tones done a booty & emphasizes the waist. Or you can get wrap tops that are cut as flatteringly as wrap dresses.
posted by wwax at 7:25 AM on August 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
If you do decide to try separates, as someone with a similar problem, remember unless it's a super formal office you don't need to tuck in a nicely finished shirt, & a belt makes a baggy top into a nice pelum top that tones done a booty & emphasizes the waist. Or you can get wrap tops that are cut as flatteringly as wrap dresses.
posted by wwax at 7:25 AM on August 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Regarding color, I'm going to break rank and say that if you make a color palette your thing, you can have color in your wardrobe besides grey, navy and black. I wear a lot of pink and light blue, so most of my shirts, sweaters and scarves are those colors. If you pick a palette, you sort of have to stick with it but if you like color there's no reason to give it up, they just have to work well together.
posted by fiercekitten at 7:37 AM on August 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by fiercekitten at 7:37 AM on August 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
Best answer: I am shifting from a separates wardrobe to more of a dress wardrobe. I think you can definitely change things up with accessories - different jewelry, scarves, cardigans, etc, and make it look pretty different.
I'd also like to suggest eShakti - you can put in some custom measurements, and they will customize to you. I haven't found a ton over there that is work appropriate, but you could try some items. Once you place an order, they send you a $20-25 "gift certificate" to place another order, and they have sales all the time and new dresses/designs. I've ordered 3 dresses from them so far, and really like one of them, am waiting for one to arrive, and the third is a touch more casual than work appropriate, but oh so comfy!
posted by needlegrrl at 8:17 AM on August 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
I'd also like to suggest eShakti - you can put in some custom measurements, and they will customize to you. I haven't found a ton over there that is work appropriate, but you could try some items. Once you place an order, they send you a $20-25 "gift certificate" to place another order, and they have sales all the time and new dresses/designs. I've ordered 3 dresses from them so far, and really like one of them, am waiting for one to arrive, and the third is a touch more casual than work appropriate, but oh so comfy!
posted by needlegrrl at 8:17 AM on August 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
If I were you I'd buy the 12 dresses but I wouldn't stop there. I would also buy a few thin jersey cardigans, leggings/tights, thin cotton scarves, all in various colours, to wear with your dresses. Also, you say you're overweight - if your thighs rub together that's going to get old FAST in dresses, so I suggest comfort shorts to wear under your dresses if you're going bare-legged.
I suggest block-colour dresses rather than prints because they are more versatile - you can wear the same all-black dress every week and change the look completely each time around with judicious use of accessories.
Fit and flare is a good silhouette to look for if you have a tummy but try to look for a slightly heavier material that will fall nicely from your waist rather than very clingy jersey. It's not always easy to tell when you're shopping online so it's good you'll be visiting some brick and mortar stores to try things on. However, if you do want to shop online, ASOS Curve deliver to Canada and have some great quality, flatteringly cut skater dresses which will work at various sizes. Although I currently live in trousers and tops, I went through a phase where I only ever wore fit and flare dresses and leggings (because I couldn't be bothered to shave my legs daily, lol).
posted by Ziggy500 at 8:28 AM on August 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
I suggest block-colour dresses rather than prints because they are more versatile - you can wear the same all-black dress every week and change the look completely each time around with judicious use of accessories.
Fit and flare is a good silhouette to look for if you have a tummy but try to look for a slightly heavier material that will fall nicely from your waist rather than very clingy jersey. It's not always easy to tell when you're shopping online so it's good you'll be visiting some brick and mortar stores to try things on. However, if you do want to shop online, ASOS Curve deliver to Canada and have some great quality, flatteringly cut skater dresses which will work at various sizes. Although I currently live in trousers and tops, I went through a phase where I only ever wore fit and flare dresses and leggings (because I couldn't be bothered to shave my legs daily, lol).
posted by Ziggy500 at 8:28 AM on August 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
I'd also suggest eShakti. It won't get your clothes there right now, but you can order and have them sent to you. It's a godsend for plus sized ladies!
posted by heathrowga at 8:30 AM on August 18, 2015
posted by heathrowga at 8:30 AM on August 18, 2015
Best answer: You can totally wear only dresses to work. I do it and highly recommend it. It's way easier than trying to combine separates that never quite go together and quite versatile when you add in jackets/sweaters, shoes/boots, accessories, jewelry, etc. I actually even really like dresses in the winter because you can just wear them with wool tights and boots and not have to worry about getting trousers dirty in the slush. It's also more fun to shop for a new dress because you don't have to confine your purchase to certain cuts/colors/patterns because you don't have to worry about matching it to anything. It has simplified the "wardrobe" area of my life immensely!
posted by Jess the Mess at 8:32 AM on August 18, 2015 [8 favorites]
posted by Jess the Mess at 8:32 AM on August 18, 2015 [8 favorites]
I like your interview outfit. You could rock many combinations of that: neutral pencil skirt + jacket + colorful cami.
Old navy makes a great stretchy pencil skirt with fabric thick enough to hide flaws.
You could combine that with the mefi-popular UNIQLO jersey blazer and all the colorful camis you want.
I also recommend having clothes delivered mail-order to your hotel in Maine. That's what I did when I lived outside the US and needed cheap clothes.
posted by homodachi at 8:32 AM on August 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
Old navy makes a great stretchy pencil skirt with fabric thick enough to hide flaws.
You could combine that with the mefi-popular UNIQLO jersey blazer and all the colorful camis you want.
I also recommend having clothes delivered mail-order to your hotel in Maine. That's what I did when I lived outside the US and needed cheap clothes.
posted by homodachi at 8:32 AM on August 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
Side tip for eShakti - I made my first order using a mobile device, and recieved an addtional percentage off for doing so.
posted by librarianamy at 8:33 AM on August 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by librarianamy at 8:33 AM on August 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
Midi Skirts. Midi Skirts are your friend. I tend to prefer the full midi skirt as my weight goes up and down (and now i am pregnant). when you're weight is higher, wear the skirt at a high waist. When you lose weight, the skirt will sit lower on your waist near your hips. Both look great and can be dressed up or dressed down depending on the company culture.
posted by Suffocating Kitty at 8:37 AM on August 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by Suffocating Kitty at 8:37 AM on August 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
Thirding and fourthing Land's End. (I really like their fit and flare cut and have the same dress in black, blue, and one with sleeves in a great burgundy print from last year, and it's worth it to keep checking back occasionally because stuff goes on sale or they come out with new prints.)
The one downside to dresses is they often don't have pockets, and if you want to carry phone/keys/etc. and move around a lot, that can be a pain. A small square over the shoulder bag (just big enough for phone/keys/wallet/etc.) can help a lot, and Etsy has tons of options. (This is my favourite, but not appropriate for all environments, but that's the size I'm talking about.)
Besides dresses, my default is a plain knit shirt in good quality fabric (Land's End, again, often), either in a color (blue, green, purple, for me) with a black knit skirt, or a black top with a colored skirt. Black, gray, or dark color cardigan on top most of the year. It is a bit basic, but you can dress up with cardigan/scarf/jewelry, and it takes basically nil thought when I'm not actually shopping, and sometimes that's really nice.
posted by modernhypatia at 8:45 AM on August 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
The one downside to dresses is they often don't have pockets, and if you want to carry phone/keys/etc. and move around a lot, that can be a pain. A small square over the shoulder bag (just big enough for phone/keys/wallet/etc.) can help a lot, and Etsy has tons of options. (This is my favourite, but not appropriate for all environments, but that's the size I'm talking about.)
Besides dresses, my default is a plain knit shirt in good quality fabric (Land's End, again, often), either in a color (blue, green, purple, for me) with a black knit skirt, or a black top with a colored skirt. Black, gray, or dark color cardigan on top most of the year. It is a bit basic, but you can dress up with cardigan/scarf/jewelry, and it takes basically nil thought when I'm not actually shopping, and sometimes that's really nice.
posted by modernhypatia at 8:45 AM on August 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
Ponte knit is your keyword for stretchy fabric that will accomodate weight fluctuations. And you can always toss on a blazer over a dress or skirt/top combo to make it more formal if your office sends you somewhere dressier.
posted by MsMolly at 8:49 AM on August 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by MsMolly at 8:49 AM on August 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
Nthing Gwynnie Bee but cautioning that if you're going to do it to stick to lower end plans. At the higher plans you blow through your closet pretty quickly and they start having shipping delays and problems if you have less than about 20 dresses saved.
posted by corb at 8:50 AM on August 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by corb at 8:50 AM on August 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
OMG, yes, wear dresses, all the time! Get real wrap dresses, though, the faux ones obviously can't be adjusted in the same way. Looser tunic- or T-shirt-style dresses and shirt-dresses are easy to belt through different sizes. I'd get a dress for every day of the week (and a bunch of different belts in different colours, to make the neutral dresses different enough that you don't get bored).
For footwear - boots are fine; also fine to wear the boots for your commute and have a pair of closed-toe flats just for the office.
Winter: get a long down coat. I have this one from Land's End (not in that colour, though), and it's made dresses totally wearable year-round, with tights (and wool socks over the tights, under waterproof boots).
Do you have a Loft in your area? There are a few in my Canadian city. They go up to size 18 officially, but those sizes are pretty generous (e.g. I am an XS/0-4 at Loft and a M/6-8 everywhere else). The Bay also has a lot of plus size dress options (in my area at least), and they do deliver (albeit in that special, completely inconvenient Canadian way).
posted by cotton dress sock at 9:18 AM on August 18, 2015
For footwear - boots are fine; also fine to wear the boots for your commute and have a pair of closed-toe flats just for the office.
Winter: get a long down coat. I have this one from Land's End (not in that colour, though), and it's made dresses totally wearable year-round, with tights (and wool socks over the tights, under waterproof boots).
Do you have a Loft in your area? There are a few in my Canadian city. They go up to size 18 officially, but those sizes are pretty generous (e.g. I am an XS/0-4 at Loft and a M/6-8 everywhere else). The Bay also has a lot of plus size dress options (in my area at least), and they do deliver (albeit in that special, completely inconvenient Canadian way).
posted by cotton dress sock at 9:18 AM on August 18, 2015
Best answer: Based on the photo and your description, I think we may have similar hourglass-ish, fluctuating body types, and I wear dresses and skirts near constantly, both personally and professionally. Strongly nthing the Lands End suggestions; I practically live in their dresses, but be warned that their sizing can sometimes run ludicrously large. I have also found some fabulous gems at Modcloth, but keep an eye out for anything overly twee, short, or flimsy quality.
But my #1 secret style weapon is scarves. They are cheap, pretty, and can dress up even the simplest outfit. Airy chiffon or cotton in the summer, heavier wool or cashmere pashminas in the winter. In general, folks rarely notice my clothes, but my accessories always end up getting attention. When everyone is expected to conform to a particular standard of dress, details like handbags, scarves, and jewelry end up standing out that much more.
My work "uniforms" generally consist of a rotating pool of solid colored dresses and skirts in combination with a colorful array of camis, cardigans, and scarves. Sometimes I will stretch summer dresses into the colder months by layering up with leggings and thin sweaters or turtlenecks underneath, but make it easier on yourself by getting items that mesh well together. My closet will testify that I love a good print, but for the standard office environment, dark, neutrals in quality fabrics will likely serve as the backbone of your wardrobe.
posted by Diagonalize at 9:38 AM on August 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
But my #1 secret style weapon is scarves. They are cheap, pretty, and can dress up even the simplest outfit. Airy chiffon or cotton in the summer, heavier wool or cashmere pashminas in the winter. In general, folks rarely notice my clothes, but my accessories always end up getting attention. When everyone is expected to conform to a particular standard of dress, details like handbags, scarves, and jewelry end up standing out that much more.
My work "uniforms" generally consist of a rotating pool of solid colored dresses and skirts in combination with a colorful array of camis, cardigans, and scarves. Sometimes I will stretch summer dresses into the colder months by layering up with leggings and thin sweaters or turtlenecks underneath, but make it easier on yourself by getting items that mesh well together. My closet will testify that I love a good print, but for the standard office environment, dark, neutrals in quality fabrics will likely serve as the backbone of your wardrobe.
posted by Diagonalize at 9:38 AM on August 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Pace yourself with shopping before you start the job.
Nthing what everybody said about colours and colour palettes. At a push you could wear the interview outfit several times during your first week but change out the top, ideally with other nice block colours. You could vary it a bit with a black cardigan. But nobody 'notices' a black jacket/skirt. They 'notice' the smart, colourful top.
I have 5 pairs of black trousers that I wear in rotation and they get washed at the weekend and get worn again the following week. Nobody notices black trousers unless they are noticeably stained/torn or fit extremely poorly - they do notice what colour top I wear (always bright, generally stretchy fabric or knitwear, flattering silhouette), the statement necklace etc. If I need a jacket I have a couple of black jackets as well but a lot of the time I can get away with some nice tops/knitwear (big4 accountant) if my accessories are suitably formal to dress these up.
Also don't buy lots of shoes right now. Get one closed pair that you'll be comfortable in all day for your first week (if you really don't have anything like that).
Once you get the hang of the office culture you can work out what you really need. Personally, I like all your dresses, unless you work in an outlandishly conservative place you could absolutely wear the 2nd one as well, especially if you stick with formal accessories and a black cardigan/jacket. But the 2nd dress is one people will notice, the other two not so much, so bear that in mind in terms of how many dresses you need.
A lot of the more stretchy fabrics can be clingy if they are not lined. So consider lining/slips/shape wear as required. What you want to aim for is a smooth silhouette - people don't notice smooth, they do notice your skirt or dress riding up. If you suffer with chaffing I recommend bandlettes, if you find that bare legs are ok.
Absolutely look for a wrap style in tops as well as dresses. And consider A line(ish) skirts. They are normally not very difficult to take in if you lose weight. Consider getting the same dress in different colours if you find a fit that really works and will be forgiving of weight loss.
Invest in a good handbag.
As you go into winter consider the need for a good, smart coat. Especially if you end up buying mainly dresses a long warm coat is important if you're going to be outside for any length of time. Also consider that it is normally acceptable to wear winter appropriate boots on your commute and change into more office appropriate footwear when you're there.
posted by koahiatamadl at 9:39 AM on August 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
Nthing what everybody said about colours and colour palettes. At a push you could wear the interview outfit several times during your first week but change out the top, ideally with other nice block colours. You could vary it a bit with a black cardigan. But nobody 'notices' a black jacket/skirt. They 'notice' the smart, colourful top.
I have 5 pairs of black trousers that I wear in rotation and they get washed at the weekend and get worn again the following week. Nobody notices black trousers unless they are noticeably stained/torn or fit extremely poorly - they do notice what colour top I wear (always bright, generally stretchy fabric or knitwear, flattering silhouette), the statement necklace etc. If I need a jacket I have a couple of black jackets as well but a lot of the time I can get away with some nice tops/knitwear (big4 accountant) if my accessories are suitably formal to dress these up.
Also don't buy lots of shoes right now. Get one closed pair that you'll be comfortable in all day for your first week (if you really don't have anything like that).
Once you get the hang of the office culture you can work out what you really need. Personally, I like all your dresses, unless you work in an outlandishly conservative place you could absolutely wear the 2nd one as well, especially if you stick with formal accessories and a black cardigan/jacket. But the 2nd dress is one people will notice, the other two not so much, so bear that in mind in terms of how many dresses you need.
A lot of the more stretchy fabrics can be clingy if they are not lined. So consider lining/slips/shape wear as required. What you want to aim for is a smooth silhouette - people don't notice smooth, they do notice your skirt or dress riding up. If you suffer with chaffing I recommend bandlettes, if you find that bare legs are ok.
Absolutely look for a wrap style in tops as well as dresses. And consider A line(ish) skirts. They are normally not very difficult to take in if you lose weight. Consider getting the same dress in different colours if you find a fit that really works and will be forgiving of weight loss.
Invest in a good handbag.
As you go into winter consider the need for a good, smart coat. Especially if you end up buying mainly dresses a long warm coat is important if you're going to be outside for any length of time. Also consider that it is normally acceptable to wear winter appropriate boots on your commute and change into more office appropriate footwear when you're there.
posted by koahiatamadl at 9:39 AM on August 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
Karina dresses! They are well made and you can search for cuts based on your body type.
posted by turniphead at 9:55 AM on August 18, 2015
posted by turniphead at 9:55 AM on August 18, 2015
eShakti is THE BOMB. With God as my witness, I will never buy an ill-fitting dress again! I am short but curvy and having dresses that fit from the shoulders to the hips is AMAZEBALLS, and being able to get tailored dresses that fit my boobs AND my hips -- !!!!! Shipping to Canada is the same as to the US (although you pay slightly different customs fees, check their shipping pages -- it comes from India.)
I don't know how Lane Bryant's shipping to Canada is, but their online store is very helpful with fit information and measurements. (Probably they have one at one of the malls you'll be hitting up anyway.) They can help you sort through clothes for larger women that are for TALL women or SHORT women or curvy or round or whatever, so it's not just "fat clothes" but "women come in different shapes!" clothes.
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 9:59 AM on August 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
I don't know how Lane Bryant's shipping to Canada is, but their online store is very helpful with fit information and measurements. (Probably they have one at one of the malls you'll be hitting up anyway.) They can help you sort through clothes for larger women that are for TALL women or SHORT women or curvy or round or whatever, so it's not just "fat clothes" but "women come in different shapes!" clothes.
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 9:59 AM on August 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
Best answer: You can absolutely just wear dresses to work (and the shape of your legs is irrelevant to this!). If you want to get a few separates, you might find that knit tops and skirts work better than structured ones - they'll also be a lot more flexible with weight changes. Adding a cardigan or blazer can help dress up a knit top.
Here in Southern California, no one wears pantyhose, and bare legs are final formal settings. Open toed shoes are also find in all but the most conservative settings. It varies by location though, so I'd start out a little more formal and pay attention to what other women in your office wear.
Regarding repetition, remember that no one is going to pay attention to your clothing unless it's inappropriate for the office. I could not tell you what anyone in my office wore yesterday, and I wouldn't notice if any of them wore the same thing today. I might notice if someone wore the exact same outfit 3+ days in row (but then again, I might not).
Personally, I avoid wearing distinctive items more than once a week, but I totally wear the same jeans / black pants / black skirts multiple times a week. I also will sometimes wear the same simple top twice in a week, but not on consecutive days (though again, I doubt anyone would notice if I did!). I'd say 6-7 dresses would be best if you literally only wear dresses. If you wear your interview skirt 1-2x a week with different tops, you can probably get by with 3-4 dresses plus three tops as long as none of them are too crazy / memorable. No one will know (or care) if you have one black skirt or 10 similar black skirts.
posted by insectosaurus at 10:15 AM on August 18, 2015 [3 favorites]
Here in Southern California, no one wears pantyhose, and bare legs are final formal settings. Open toed shoes are also find in all but the most conservative settings. It varies by location though, so I'd start out a little more formal and pay attention to what other women in your office wear.
Regarding repetition, remember that no one is going to pay attention to your clothing unless it's inappropriate for the office. I could not tell you what anyone in my office wore yesterday, and I wouldn't notice if any of them wore the same thing today. I might notice if someone wore the exact same outfit 3+ days in row (but then again, I might not).
Personally, I avoid wearing distinctive items more than once a week, but I totally wear the same jeans / black pants / black skirts multiple times a week. I also will sometimes wear the same simple top twice in a week, but not on consecutive days (though again, I doubt anyone would notice if I did!). I'd say 6-7 dresses would be best if you literally only wear dresses. If you wear your interview skirt 1-2x a week with different tops, you can probably get by with 3-4 dresses plus three tops as long as none of them are too crazy / memorable. No one will know (or care) if you have one black skirt or 10 similar black skirts.
posted by insectosaurus at 10:15 AM on August 18, 2015 [3 favorites]
Yes, look at the dress on the top left-hand corner of this page. You must buy 12 knee-length wrap dresses with sleeves.
You should get them several sizes bigger than usual, because the fit range of wrap dresses is incredibly wide. I am a size 6 in a DVF dress really, but I have size 4 wraps and size 14 wraps from her and they always work.
I really recommend Diane von Furstenberg, as a brand. Their wrap dresses are significantly better quality than those you can get anywhere else. They're genuine classics that will last for years. If the prices are too high for you, there's always lots of them for sale on eBay.
You must also go and get a big pile of cotton tank tops to layer under the wrap dress so that your cleavage is covered, because wrap dresses just will not stay closed over your cleavage. Black will do as a basic, but preferably you should get some colours that pick up one of the colours in the pattern of the dress. Tank tops are cheap, so there's no reason not to do this. Get several of each colour.
Next, get two pairs of black patent leather pumps like the ones in the picture, and alternate them daily. Get some foam shoe puffs so that they keep their shape between wearings, and when you take them off, wipe them down with a wet wipe. When the heel tips wear down, get them reheeled with metal heels, and also get a rubber sole applied. They should last you a good long time that way, and you can wear them from day to night.
Two of the 12 wrap dresses you buy should be solid black silk jersey. When you travel for business, these will take you from day to night, and you can wash them in the sink, hang them up in the shower and find them perfectly smooth and dry in the morning.
Bare legs are acceptable during the summer months unless you're in a very conservative environment, which "business casual" is not. During the rest of the year, I recommend black opaque tights (the same colour as your shoes) and I very much prefer Marks and Spencer 70 denier opaques for quality and comfort. All other brands just seem to be like sandpaper and anything under 70 denier just snags and looks cheap and nasty.
I have tender feet and can't stand the friction from shoes without hosiery, so in the warmer months I prefer fine-gauge fishnet holdups in a colour close to my own skin tone. These are very durable, can be worn with open-toed shoes, and can be repaired if you get a hole in them. However, it may be hard to find hold-ups to fit a bigger size, and the same may be true for fishnet tights; but if you can find any that fit you it's an option to consider.
posted by tel3path at 10:46 AM on August 18, 2015 [5 favorites]
You should get them several sizes bigger than usual, because the fit range of wrap dresses is incredibly wide. I am a size 6 in a DVF dress really, but I have size 4 wraps and size 14 wraps from her and they always work.
I really recommend Diane von Furstenberg, as a brand. Their wrap dresses are significantly better quality than those you can get anywhere else. They're genuine classics that will last for years. If the prices are too high for you, there's always lots of them for sale on eBay.
You must also go and get a big pile of cotton tank tops to layer under the wrap dress so that your cleavage is covered, because wrap dresses just will not stay closed over your cleavage. Black will do as a basic, but preferably you should get some colours that pick up one of the colours in the pattern of the dress. Tank tops are cheap, so there's no reason not to do this. Get several of each colour.
Next, get two pairs of black patent leather pumps like the ones in the picture, and alternate them daily. Get some foam shoe puffs so that they keep their shape between wearings, and when you take them off, wipe them down with a wet wipe. When the heel tips wear down, get them reheeled with metal heels, and also get a rubber sole applied. They should last you a good long time that way, and you can wear them from day to night.
Two of the 12 wrap dresses you buy should be solid black silk jersey. When you travel for business, these will take you from day to night, and you can wash them in the sink, hang them up in the shower and find them perfectly smooth and dry in the morning.
Bare legs are acceptable during the summer months unless you're in a very conservative environment, which "business casual" is not. During the rest of the year, I recommend black opaque tights (the same colour as your shoes) and I very much prefer Marks and Spencer 70 denier opaques for quality and comfort. All other brands just seem to be like sandpaper and anything under 70 denier just snags and looks cheap and nasty.
I have tender feet and can't stand the friction from shoes without hosiery, so in the warmer months I prefer fine-gauge fishnet holdups in a colour close to my own skin tone. These are very durable, can be worn with open-toed shoes, and can be repaired if you get a hole in them. However, it may be hard to find hold-ups to fit a bigger size, and the same may be true for fishnet tights; but if you can find any that fit you it's an option to consider.
posted by tel3path at 10:46 AM on August 18, 2015 [5 favorites]
p.s. Those dresses say "dry clean only" but that is not true. I usually cold hand wash mine as part of my undressing routine at night, but it's almost certainly safe to throw them in the washing machine as well. Silk is pretty tough. And it's an all-season fabric.
posted by tel3path at 10:47 AM on August 18, 2015
posted by tel3path at 10:47 AM on August 18, 2015
Oh, and regarding calf length boots: most dress boots should be fine for a business casual dress code.
posted by tel3path at 10:48 AM on August 18, 2015
posted by tel3path at 10:48 AM on August 18, 2015
Best answer: Re your examples: dress 1 is going to be the best style for you.
Dress 2 will obscure your beautiful waist, which is a crime.
Dress 3 will obliterate your splendid bustline and give you a huge matronly monobosom which you must avoid at all costs. You should be wearing a relatively low (but still above the cleavage) neckline as much as possible and you should always wear sleeves (to be work-appropriate, but also to best display the beauty of your figure).
LISTEN, THIS IS REALLY IMPORTANT, MORE IMPORTANT THAN ANYTHING ELSE YOU MIGHT DO: while you're out there, your FIRST priority should be to get a bra fitting and get two nice smooth bras in beige, and two in black. I accept that, if weight fluctuation ruins bra fit, it may be a pain to have to do this again, but if you do have to get another set of bras I recommend that you just do so because it will be the best thing you can do for your appearance. If that means affording only one dress and washing it repeatedly, so be it.
You must also get some smooth, vpl-free (as in laser-cut) boyshort-type panties, some in beige and some in black.
posted by tel3path at 10:55 AM on August 18, 2015 [10 favorites]
Dress 2 will obscure your beautiful waist, which is a crime.
Dress 3 will obliterate your splendid bustline and give you a huge matronly monobosom which you must avoid at all costs. You should be wearing a relatively low (but still above the cleavage) neckline as much as possible and you should always wear sleeves (to be work-appropriate, but also to best display the beauty of your figure).
LISTEN, THIS IS REALLY IMPORTANT, MORE IMPORTANT THAN ANYTHING ELSE YOU MIGHT DO: while you're out there, your FIRST priority should be to get a bra fitting and get two nice smooth bras in beige, and two in black. I accept that, if weight fluctuation ruins bra fit, it may be a pain to have to do this again, but if you do have to get another set of bras I recommend that you just do so because it will be the best thing you can do for your appearance. If that means affording only one dress and washing it repeatedly, so be it.
You must also get some smooth, vpl-free (as in laser-cut) boyshort-type panties, some in beige and some in black.
posted by tel3path at 10:55 AM on August 18, 2015 [10 favorites]
You can often find DvF dresses at The Real Real online consignment shop, although the sizes tend to be limited. I have three or four DvF dresses from Real Real (their return policy is pretty good which is useful because I find the website's sizing descriptions to be hit or miss) and agree that the quality is a cut above.
posted by crush-onastick at 10:56 AM on August 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by crush-onastick at 10:56 AM on August 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
I can personally vouch for The Real Real, having bought from them myself.
posted by tel3path at 10:59 AM on August 18, 2015
posted by tel3path at 10:59 AM on August 18, 2015
OH AND. When I say "low neckline" it's okay if you put a tank top under your dress, and the neckline of the tank top is relatively high. As long as the tank top is a different colour from the dress, it will divide up the space rather than leaving it as one big expanse.
posted by tel3path at 11:03 AM on August 18, 2015
posted by tel3path at 11:03 AM on August 18, 2015
Best answer: Nthing the separates. So much more versatility. Suggest checking out Eloquii - they have REALLY lovely skirts and some new suiting that looks promising. They do carry some of the line in Nordstrom if you end up making that trip.
On the other hand, if you decided to go the dresses only route, cardigans (buttoned-up with a statement necklace, unbuttoned or with a scarf added) can give you some flexibility.
posted by heartquake at 12:09 PM on August 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
On the other hand, if you decided to go the dresses only route, cardigans (buttoned-up with a statement necklace, unbuttoned or with a scarf added) can give you some flexibility.
posted by heartquake at 12:09 PM on August 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
If you want to give Karina a try, right now they're offering 40% off clearance prices with the code "LASTCHANCE." I can vouch for the the Rita Dress, I wish I owned more than one. (Avoid the snug wrap listed in the clearance section, it's 'one size' but it's tiny.)
posted by Iris Gambol at 12:58 PM on August 18, 2015
posted by Iris Gambol at 12:58 PM on August 18, 2015
With regard to skirts: I'm going to nth Ureshii, especially the ruched pencil skirt. I'm roughly your same shape and I pretty much live in the ruched pencil skirt in the fall and winter, with rotating tops. I have it in a couple of neutral colors and its goddamned amazing. Plus the fact that I have actually had people stop me in the subway station to say "great skirt!"
posted by holborne at 1:12 PM on August 18, 2015
posted by holborne at 1:12 PM on August 18, 2015
Proper bra fitting = life changing. Whatever you wear will suddenly fit wonderfully up top.
posted by nubianinthedesert at 3:56 PM on August 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by nubianinthedesert at 3:56 PM on August 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Do you sew at all? I find the best way to get blouses/tops to fit my (large) hips is to shorten them. Tops are really long at the moment, and so, when I try them on, I tuck them up a few inches so that they finish where I want them to (around the top of my pants pockets). I don't generally risk it on expensive tops, but if I find something on sale that I like the colour of, I can generally make it into a nice fitting top with about half an hour on the sewing machine. I've also been known to put slits in the side seams if they're still too tight, but that takes a bit more time. You can also pay to get it altered - about $15 last time I did that.
posted by kjs4 at 5:53 PM on August 18, 2015
posted by kjs4 at 5:53 PM on August 18, 2015
If you do want to get a few separates, I have the same disparate-sizes between bust, waist, and hips that you do, and it was amazing when I finally found Kiyonna, because they fit my bust, my waist, AND my hips at the same time.
(and because you can't have everything, they're made for taller women than I and the busts often give me superheroine cleavage--I nth the recommendation for good bras--so I also have a selection of Halftees that fill in the neckline when I need to be professional, which I can take off when I don't need to be.)
posted by telophase at 6:48 PM on August 18, 2015
(and because you can't have everything, they're made for taller women than I and the busts often give me superheroine cleavage--I nth the recommendation for good bras--so I also have a selection of Halftees that fill in the neckline when I need to be professional, which I can take off when I don't need to be.)
posted by telophase at 6:48 PM on August 18, 2015
Yes, you can wear only dresses to work. I wear primarily dresses and cardigans. It's fine.
However I would suggest that you wait before you make a big trip and buy a ton of clothes. Spend at least a week observing office culture so you can make sure that you know what to buy to be comfortable and feel appropriately dressed.
You can also try having some pants tailored so that they fit you well. Good pants and a nice cardigan = bliss.
posted by bunderful at 6:58 PM on August 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
However I would suggest that you wait before you make a big trip and buy a ton of clothes. Spend at least a week observing office culture so you can make sure that you know what to buy to be comfortable and feel appropriately dressed.
You can also try having some pants tailored so that they fit you well. Good pants and a nice cardigan = bliss.
posted by bunderful at 6:58 PM on August 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
Best answer: I only wear dresses to work. I have 3 primary kinds of dresses:
- Wrap dresses (great for weight fluctuation, looks professional, easy)
- Shift dresses (like in your 2nd link - great for when I don't want to wear fitted clothes, and always manage to look easy and polished)
- Structured shift dresses (more formal looking, great for meetings and client presentations)
Mine are mostly neutral colours, with 3-4 statement dresses which are colourful and patterned.
In summer, I wear them as is, with a light silk scarf, statement necklace, good shoes.
In winter, I add fleece lined tights (heaven), Uniqlo heat tech thermal top, a pair of sharp boots I bought at Nordstrom Rack on sale , and a heavier scarf.
It has made my corporate wardrobe SO much simpler, and I get comments all the time about how put together I look. I hate hate hate separates and the stress of matching things, so dresses are the best.
Invest in great looking (doesn't have to be expensive):
Watch(es)
Everyday jewellery (pearls, a good statement necklace, a bangle maybe)
Light silky scarfs
A neutral bag
Shoes
Blazers, jackets, cardigans, shrugs
For me, I have 1 great work bag, 1 watch, about 4 pairs of earrings, 1 statement necklace, 4-5 scarves. 2 pairs of summer shoes, 1 pair of boots.
And you're set to go.
This will change your life.
posted by shazzam! at 10:38 PM on August 18, 2015 [4 favorites]
- Wrap dresses (great for weight fluctuation, looks professional, easy)
- Shift dresses (like in your 2nd link - great for when I don't want to wear fitted clothes, and always manage to look easy and polished)
- Structured shift dresses (more formal looking, great for meetings and client presentations)
Mine are mostly neutral colours, with 3-4 statement dresses which are colourful and patterned.
In summer, I wear them as is, with a light silk scarf, statement necklace, good shoes.
In winter, I add fleece lined tights (heaven), Uniqlo heat tech thermal top, a pair of sharp boots I bought at Nordstrom Rack on sale , and a heavier scarf.
It has made my corporate wardrobe SO much simpler, and I get comments all the time about how put together I look. I hate hate hate separates and the stress of matching things, so dresses are the best.
Invest in great looking (doesn't have to be expensive):
Watch(es)
Everyday jewellery (pearls, a good statement necklace, a bangle maybe)
Light silky scarfs
A neutral bag
Shoes
Blazers, jackets, cardigans, shrugs
For me, I have 1 great work bag, 1 watch, about 4 pairs of earrings, 1 statement necklace, 4-5 scarves. 2 pairs of summer shoes, 1 pair of boots.
And you're set to go.
This will change your life.
posted by shazzam! at 10:38 PM on August 18, 2015 [4 favorites]
I get away with no effort business casual by wearing black most days -- occasionally with colorful scarf -- and once a week wearing some sort of bright patterned dress.
If I were you, I would get about 7 neutral colored (solid colors, and like, black, dark blue, olive, etc) wrap dresses, and 3 other dresses. Try to get them with 3/4-length sleeves, because that can work across seasons.
Then, go to Zara or something and get about 5 different scarves. Rotate scarves and neutral colored dresses to pretend that you are wearing a variety of clothes. Occasionally wear the other 3 dresses.
posted by aaanastasia at 12:58 AM on August 19, 2015
If I were you, I would get about 7 neutral colored (solid colors, and like, black, dark blue, olive, etc) wrap dresses, and 3 other dresses. Try to get them with 3/4-length sleeves, because that can work across seasons.
Then, go to Zara or something and get about 5 different scarves. Rotate scarves and neutral colored dresses to pretend that you are wearing a variety of clothes. Occasionally wear the other 3 dresses.
posted by aaanastasia at 12:58 AM on August 19, 2015
Everything shazaam! said! I have the exact same strategy - I've worn dresses every day for six years and it's perfect. I would add that when I wear tights I've found that simple ankle boots like these can be more flattering for me (i'm also hourglassy). I wear Saltwater Sandals during the summer but you may find those a bit too casual - Camper do some good sturdy-but-great-looking shoes too.
posted by ukdanae at 11:01 AM on August 19, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by ukdanae at 11:01 AM on August 19, 2015 [1 favorite]
I am copying an pasting shazaam's comment into a doc on my phone. Excellent, excellent strategy. Also wanted to 2nd something upthread about wrap dresses: Spring for the quality ones. I pick up my DVF's at my local consignment store for a fraction of retail. Love those. They are very forgiving. Also, I know this is totally old school but I still buy the one piece girdles with light hold for when I'm wearing something fitting. My philosophy is try to comfortably make my jiggles one solid mass if possible. :) Although when it's hits 100 in Arizona, I just say screw 'em.
posted by nubianinthedesert at 11:10 AM on August 19, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by nubianinthedesert at 11:10 AM on August 19, 2015 [1 favorite]
Calvin Klein dresses look fantastic! And when you lose weight, you can put a belt on them and then eventually have them taken in.
Bonus: you can often find them at discount stores.
posted by Neekee at 6:48 AM on August 20, 2015
Bonus: you can often find them at discount stores.
posted by Neekee at 6:48 AM on August 20, 2015
Dresses are great for work! I exclusively wear dresses to work (except on Fridays, which are jeans days for me). I'd advise you to wait a bit to really invest in a wardrobe; it's good to know what other people wear to work. For now, get an inexpensive dress or two at target or your equivalent and try to get by for a week or two on what you already have so that you can get a feel for the office culture, the temperature of your building, etc.
And as a fellow knitter? You can get a ton of mileage out of shawls - it's like having a blanket in your purse! My biggest issue with dresses at work is that sometimes I get chilly, so look at this as a great opportunity to get some pretty shawls on your needles that will be very useful to have at work. They're also good conversation pieces - I can't tell you how many times I've been asked where I got the shawl I'm wearing. This usually kicks off a nice conversation about my knitting hobby, and in two cases it has even netted me a friendly fellow knitter colleague to chat with about something that is both not work related but is also neutral when we run into one another.
posted by sockermom at 4:29 PM on August 21, 2015 [1 favorite]
And as a fellow knitter? You can get a ton of mileage out of shawls - it's like having a blanket in your purse! My biggest issue with dresses at work is that sometimes I get chilly, so look at this as a great opportunity to get some pretty shawls on your needles that will be very useful to have at work. They're also good conversation pieces - I can't tell you how many times I've been asked where I got the shawl I'm wearing. This usually kicks off a nice conversation about my knitting hobby, and in two cases it has even netted me a friendly fellow knitter colleague to chat with about something that is both not work related but is also neutral when we run into one another.
posted by sockermom at 4:29 PM on August 21, 2015 [1 favorite]
I bought the Land's End red print dress that amtho linked, and it is amazing. I'm wearing it today and just bought two more (another print and solid black). I'm fairly busty and the fit is impeccable. Nice princess seams that DON'T go right across the nipples, and a very high armhole (no gaping hole to show your bra).
posted by peep at 9:49 AM on August 27, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by peep at 9:49 AM on August 27, 2015 [1 favorite]
I bought that exact dress on amtho's rec too and agree that it is amazing! I recently lost some weight so really didn't know what size I was, and it fits like a glove. I feel great in it.
posted by valeries at 11:03 AM on August 27, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by valeries at 11:03 AM on August 27, 2015 [1 favorite]
This thread is closed to new comments.
Without knowing more about your specific office culture, I can't comment on the bare legs/pantyhose or shoes. I wore mohops and they were fine.
posted by Ms Vegetable at 6:03 AM on August 18, 2015 [3 favorites]