Tell me what to wear.
August 29, 2010 9:00 PM Subscribe
OK SO...I'm sure this question has been asked to death, but where can I find clothes online for my specific/special tastes? I'm looking for thrift-type places that sell cheap clothes (under $50) still appropriate for the 18-24 age range.
I've been looking all over, but it's really hard finding places online that are legitimate, inexpensive, and have things in my size (5'3; 130lb...though hopefully less as soon as I buy a bicycle).
Worse, I'm really bad at dressing myself...and I always end up looking either way younger or way older than I am.
My family has told me that I often look homeless or "like a librarian/nun".
I usually end up wearing a broad mix of things I'd found at Goodwill (I'm on the right).
So, I really love ModCloth but their good things are too expensive.
And I like these shoes but they're from Urban Outfitters, which I recently learned makes cheap, overpriced nonsense.
I would dress like this girl, but I don't know where to find these clothes.
I would buy this dress right now, but it's way too short.
Same for this one.
And this one, even though I like darker colors anyway.
I like Heritage 1981's dresses and prices...but they're also way too short for me.
I also am accustomed to not changing clothes with the seasons (I wore black jeans and a black turtleneck today, and it was 90 degrees outside. The bad thing is, that's one of the more appropriate outfits I own). I want to wear more dresses, because I'm starting to hate pants, but I don't know what shoes go with dresses, and end up wearing what you see in that first picture. I refuse to wear open-toed shoes, although I'd wear these. Since I'm pretty short, and I prefer to wear skirts and dresses that are mid-length, it's hard to find a good combination...(it's hard to find mid-length skirts as it is!)
I'm trying to find things that would work for many occasions, hence this as my guidepost. I generally like to look dignified and not show too much stuff (i.e. cleavage, back, upper thigh, etc.)...which is probably why I always end up looking like a librarian or grandmother (what other 19-year-olds wear button down floral shirts? Tell me.)
I'm a wreck!
I've been looking all over, but it's really hard finding places online that are legitimate, inexpensive, and have things in my size (5'3; 130lb...though hopefully less as soon as I buy a bicycle).
Worse, I'm really bad at dressing myself...and I always end up looking either way younger or way older than I am.
My family has told me that I often look homeless or "like a librarian/nun".
I usually end up wearing a broad mix of things I'd found at Goodwill (I'm on the right).
So, I really love ModCloth but their good things are too expensive.
And I like these shoes but they're from Urban Outfitters, which I recently learned makes cheap, overpriced nonsense.
I would dress like this girl, but I don't know where to find these clothes.
I would buy this dress right now, but it's way too short.
Same for this one.
And this one, even though I like darker colors anyway.
I like Heritage 1981's dresses and prices...but they're also way too short for me.
I also am accustomed to not changing clothes with the seasons (I wore black jeans and a black turtleneck today, and it was 90 degrees outside. The bad thing is, that's one of the more appropriate outfits I own). I want to wear more dresses, because I'm starting to hate pants, but I don't know what shoes go with dresses, and end up wearing what you see in that first picture. I refuse to wear open-toed shoes, although I'd wear these. Since I'm pretty short, and I prefer to wear skirts and dresses that are mid-length, it's hard to find a good combination...(it's hard to find mid-length skirts as it is!)
I'm trying to find things that would work for many occasions, hence this as my guidepost. I generally like to look dignified and not show too much stuff (i.e. cleavage, back, upper thigh, etc.)...which is probably why I always end up looking like a librarian or grandmother (what other 19-year-olds wear button down floral shirts? Tell me.)
I'm a wreck!
Check eBay for items made by designers/brands you like. You can also do an eBay search on, say, "calf length skirt" (or whatever you like.) You can find lots of new and used clothes for much less than you might pay in a store.
posted by corey flood at 9:29 PM on August 29, 2010
posted by corey flood at 9:29 PM on August 29, 2010
Do keep in mind that the dresses that you deem 'too short' are on models that are 7+ inches taller than you. There's a good chance that these dresses will be at or even somewhat below your knee on your short frame.
posted by greta simone at 9:37 PM on August 29, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by greta simone at 9:37 PM on August 29, 2010 [1 favorite]
Ballerina flats and ankle-high boots are very popular right now, so they would be easier to acquire and go well with skirts/dresses.
Maybe you could go for the Heritage 1981 dresses and wear stockings with them. That's my favorite solution for cute dresses that I consider to be too short (which honestly, is most dresses right now because it's quite trendy).
Also, I'm a big fan of Urban Outfitters sale section. Sale $9.99 & Under is my go-to place.
Finally, try Etsy if you haven't already. It's like a giant thrift-store.
A couple things to look at:
vintage-polka-dot-twirling-dress
Long Black Floral Day Dress $15
Shop with lots of vintage dresses
White Mary Janes
Brown Mary Janes
Good luck! :)
posted by ckk88 at 9:59 PM on August 29, 2010
Maybe you could go for the Heritage 1981 dresses and wear stockings with them. That's my favorite solution for cute dresses that I consider to be too short (which honestly, is most dresses right now because it's quite trendy).
Also, I'm a big fan of Urban Outfitters sale section. Sale $9.99 & Under is my go-to place.
Finally, try Etsy if you haven't already. It's like a giant thrift-store.
A couple things to look at:
vintage-polka-dot-twirling-dress
Long Black Floral Day Dress $15
Shop with lots of vintage dresses
White Mary Janes
Brown Mary Janes
Good luck! :)
posted by ckk88 at 9:59 PM on August 29, 2010
I think you look adorable in the first and second pictures!
As far as dresses being to short -- ditto greta simone about them being much longer on you. Also, give leggings a try -- they make shorter dresses more modest, and help extend summer dresses into other seasons.
posted by i_am_a_fiesta at 10:40 PM on August 29, 2010
As far as dresses being to short -- ditto greta simone about them being much longer on you. Also, give leggings a try -- they make shorter dresses more modest, and help extend summer dresses into other seasons.
posted by i_am_a_fiesta at 10:40 PM on August 29, 2010
Ok, so maybe other people tell your that you look like a homeless librarian, but eff them. Seriously. You have a seasonless style you love- it has a lot of personality and that's enviable. So many people aquire hang-ups about fashion (or anti-fashion) and never get the chance to have some fun with it and express themselves this way.
So, here's some good news- the style you like is coming back in a big way. Florals, blouses, full skirts, ankle socks... but with an edge. It's a little 90s, a little 70s. So this season might be a good time to pick up some new things (and in all likelihood next season you won't want anything at all- once you have a look you have to learn to strike while the iron is hot). As for new stuff- I'd try to get away from fast fashion (Forever 21 and its ilk). Since you have an established style, you'll be wearing this stuff for awhile even if it's considered on trend now- so it might be time for a few investment pieces. I've had good luck looking around in higher end department stores and magazines to see what labels are putting out things I like, then shopping at stores like 5th off Saks, Nordstrom's Rack, Lohemans, and Century 21 to find them at a discount. It also easier to shop sales if you educate yourself so you spot quality construction and fabrics.
Also, keep going thrift shopping but let what you learn about quality fashion to guide you. Learn which alterations are easy (hems) which are difficult or shouldn't be attempted (jacket shoulders). Don't buy things you think are just ok, don't fit, or are made of bad fabric just because they're inexpensive. Learn which things could be improved with a little styling or a simple accessory. For example- if you want to look less dowdy but still stay relatively conservative, emphasize your waist by either by tucking in your shirt and/or wearing a belt like the girl in the Flickr image
As for where you can find reliable information about clothing, I'll confess that nearly everything I know I learned from books on men's fashion and tailoring. Books like Elegance: A Guide to Menswear were enormously helpful because their advice on fabrics, construction, and fit is timeless and relatively genderless. I also feel like men's fashion is a little easier to learn since it tends to be so regimented, but it's easy enough to extrapolate that information into women's fashion.
posted by Thin Lizzy at 10:40 PM on August 29, 2010 [2 favorites]
So, here's some good news- the style you like is coming back in a big way. Florals, blouses, full skirts, ankle socks... but with an edge. It's a little 90s, a little 70s. So this season might be a good time to pick up some new things (and in all likelihood next season you won't want anything at all- once you have a look you have to learn to strike while the iron is hot). As for new stuff- I'd try to get away from fast fashion (Forever 21 and its ilk). Since you have an established style, you'll be wearing this stuff for awhile even if it's considered on trend now- so it might be time for a few investment pieces. I've had good luck looking around in higher end department stores and magazines to see what labels are putting out things I like, then shopping at stores like 5th off Saks, Nordstrom's Rack, Lohemans, and Century 21 to find them at a discount. It also easier to shop sales if you educate yourself so you spot quality construction and fabrics.
Also, keep going thrift shopping but let what you learn about quality fashion to guide you. Learn which alterations are easy (hems) which are difficult or shouldn't be attempted (jacket shoulders). Don't buy things you think are just ok, don't fit, or are made of bad fabric just because they're inexpensive. Learn which things could be improved with a little styling or a simple accessory. For example- if you want to look less dowdy but still stay relatively conservative, emphasize your waist by either by tucking in your shirt and/or wearing a belt like the girl in the Flickr image
As for where you can find reliable information about clothing, I'll confess that nearly everything I know I learned from books on men's fashion and tailoring. Books like Elegance: A Guide to Menswear were enormously helpful because their advice on fabrics, construction, and fit is timeless and relatively genderless. I also feel like men's fashion is a little easier to learn since it tends to be so regimented, but it's easy enough to extrapolate that information into women's fashion.
posted by Thin Lizzy at 10:40 PM on August 29, 2010 [2 favorites]
Yeah, you should go to a big Forever 21 where they have a good Heritage 1981 selection and try things on. My short friend can wear dresses from there that look like shirts on me. Models with six feet of leg don't wear things like normal people, so don't trust the pictures! That goes for all dresses- they're one thing I have a really hard time shopping for online.
I would also try looking at Target and (sometimes) Old Navy as well as the sale sections on sites that sell expensive stuff you like (ModCloth for sure and maybe Anthropologie). With Target etc. you don't get the best quality, but they have some good basics and a revolving selection of trendier stuff for cheap. A kind of embarrassingly large proportion of my clothes come from Target, because I'm super cheap. You'll also benefit from getting things that are cut for young women/teenagers, which might help you avoid being told you look like a grandmother.
A few possibilities:
Button Down Floral Shirt- everyone is wearing floral button downs, that's who! :)
A floral skirt, which claims to fit above the knee but might hit you just below.
Cute, cheap basic ballet flats
Tops on sale at Anthropologie
posted by MadamM at 10:56 PM on August 29, 2010
I would also try looking at Target and (sometimes) Old Navy as well as the sale sections on sites that sell expensive stuff you like (ModCloth for sure and maybe Anthropologie). With Target etc. you don't get the best quality, but they have some good basics and a revolving selection of trendier stuff for cheap. A kind of embarrassingly large proportion of my clothes come from Target, because I'm super cheap. You'll also benefit from getting things that are cut for young women/teenagers, which might help you avoid being told you look like a grandmother.
A few possibilities:
Button Down Floral Shirt- everyone is wearing floral button downs, that's who! :)
A floral skirt, which claims to fit above the knee but might hit you just below.
Cute, cheap basic ballet flats
Tops on sale at Anthropologie
posted by MadamM at 10:56 PM on August 29, 2010
Blech... sorry about the typos. Posting on Ambien was a poor zzzzzzzzzzzz....
posted by Thin Lizzy at 11:17 PM on August 29, 2010
posted by Thin Lizzy at 11:17 PM on August 29, 2010
Though you may have to dig a bit to find stuff in your price-range/skirt-length-limit, Need Supply seems like a good bet to me. Good luck, and FWIW you are so not a wreck! I love those ankle socks.
posted by balmore at 11:21 PM on August 29, 2010
posted by balmore at 11:21 PM on August 29, 2010
I am a guy, but you have the exact same problem I used to have. Your clothes don't fit. It is clear you are really attractive, but that red shirt is about the least attractive thing I've ever seen. Don't buy clothes just because you like the design -- they have to fit the shape of your body. Look at the pictures of the models you posted -- the top of the shirt doesn't overhang onto the arms. The shirts allow movement without being baggy. This is what you want. It isn't the specific piece of clothing that she is wearing that makes her look amazing -- it is the fact that it fits her body. There are no extraneous bubbles of fabric or weird folds or anything. This is what you want. If you find clothes that fit you, you can pretty much dress however the hell you want and look amazing.
You can't just look at clothes and the size and tell if they are good for you to wear. I have seen plenty of shirts that are my size but look awful when I try them on. This is especially important if you are shopping at thrift stores. Just because something looks cool on the rack and even is wearable does not mean it looks good on you. In particular this means that "covered up" and dignified does not mean baggy. I also might suggest that the librarian comment probably refers to way out of style glasses, but I couldn't tell because there wasn't a good close up. In general the smaller more modern glasses are in as opposed to the larger glasses -- and will get you being called the good type of librarian :)
Also -- If under $50 is your criteria you can shop at department stores, just wait for them to have sales -- this works especially well if you get on their lists. I would also suggest fewer high quality clothes as opposed to more low quality clothes -- and frequently the higher quality clothes are made with higher quality fabrics that last a heck of a lot longer, so you end up getting your money's worth more. This isn't always true, but many of the $10-$20 cotton things just start disintegrating after a few washes. Maybe they don't fall apart, but they start stretching in weird ways and then they don't fit you anymore.
posted by An algorithmic dog at 11:23 PM on August 29, 2010 [2 favorites]
You can't just look at clothes and the size and tell if they are good for you to wear. I have seen plenty of shirts that are my size but look awful when I try them on. This is especially important if you are shopping at thrift stores. Just because something looks cool on the rack and even is wearable does not mean it looks good on you. In particular this means that "covered up" and dignified does not mean baggy. I also might suggest that the librarian comment probably refers to way out of style glasses, but I couldn't tell because there wasn't a good close up. In general the smaller more modern glasses are in as opposed to the larger glasses -- and will get you being called the good type of librarian :)
Also -- If under $50 is your criteria you can shop at department stores, just wait for them to have sales -- this works especially well if you get on their lists. I would also suggest fewer high quality clothes as opposed to more low quality clothes -- and frequently the higher quality clothes are made with higher quality fabrics that last a heck of a lot longer, so you end up getting your money's worth more. This isn't always true, but many of the $10-$20 cotton things just start disintegrating after a few washes. Maybe they don't fall apart, but they start stretching in weird ways and then they don't fit you anymore.
posted by An algorithmic dog at 11:23 PM on August 29, 2010 [2 favorites]
I think what you are looking for is the 1990s. Google "grunge clothes" and start looking for sellers or blogs like this and this
Luckily for you it's coming back in.
posted by fshgrl at 12:08 AM on August 30, 2010
Luckily for you it's coming back in.
posted by fshgrl at 12:08 AM on August 30, 2010
academichic may be a great resource for you. Most of the outfits they post are classy but still fun.
There's nothing wrong with staying fairly covered-up-- just be sure not to hide under your clothes!
Their dresses are all pretty short, but Francesca's Collection has some great tops and sweaters, especially when they go on sale. I thought that this top looked reminiscent of the style you were going for. Good luck!
posted by karminai at 12:33 AM on August 30, 2010
There's nothing wrong with staying fairly covered-up-- just be sure not to hide under your clothes!
Their dresses are all pretty short, but Francesca's Collection has some great tops and sweaters, especially when they go on sale. I thought that this top looked reminiscent of the style you were going for. Good luck!
posted by karminai at 12:33 AM on August 30, 2010
It looks like you can find dresses you find suitable, except for hemline.
If you try these dresses on your actual body and still find them too short, take a look at Vintage Hem. They sell petticoat/slip/underskirty sorts of things designed to lengthen your hemline by a few inches and show underneath attractively.
posted by Sallyfur at 12:44 AM on August 30, 2010 [1 favorite]
If you try these dresses on your actual body and still find them too short, take a look at Vintage Hem. They sell petticoat/slip/underskirty sorts of things designed to lengthen your hemline by a few inches and show underneath attractively.
posted by Sallyfur at 12:44 AM on August 30, 2010 [1 favorite]
Dude, Target! I love Target. Just be sure to try their clothes on before you buy--their cuts are sometimes a little funky.
Also, I don't know what An algorithmic dog is talking about. I think that red turtleneck looks cute on you.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 12:53 AM on August 30, 2010
Also, I don't know what An algorithmic dog is talking about. I think that red turtleneck looks cute on you.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 12:53 AM on August 30, 2010
I also am accustomed to not changing clothes with the seasons (I wore black jeans and a black turtleneck today, and it was 90 degrees outside.
Why is this? Do you do this because you don't have any other clothing that fits you or because you like the look or because you like to sweat? I can't imagine that was really comfortable.
In my opinion, you look fine in the first picture. I am personally not a fan of ankle socks, but then again I don't wear closed toe shoes in the summer either. Do you like the way you look in the second picture? Is this representative of the style you're trying to recreate? Because if it is, I understand why you're getting "librarian/nun" from the people that know you. I think that the outfit comes off as very dowdy, especially for someone your age. You're wearing a turtleneck and knee length shorts with a long vest and long chain necklace to go nature walking or whatever you're doing in the picture. If that's your look, then rock it, but if that outfit sort of just happened and you want advice for it not happening again, please clarify.
One last thing, I am also 5'3". I can promise you that dresses that hit just above the knees on models like the ones you linked to will come to well past your knees unless you have an extremely short torso and extremely disproportionately long legs.
posted by crankylex at 1:32 AM on August 30, 2010 [3 favorites]
Why is this? Do you do this because you don't have any other clothing that fits you or because you like the look or because you like to sweat? I can't imagine that was really comfortable.
In my opinion, you look fine in the first picture. I am personally not a fan of ankle socks, but then again I don't wear closed toe shoes in the summer either. Do you like the way you look in the second picture? Is this representative of the style you're trying to recreate? Because if it is, I understand why you're getting "librarian/nun" from the people that know you. I think that the outfit comes off as very dowdy, especially for someone your age. You're wearing a turtleneck and knee length shorts with a long vest and long chain necklace to go nature walking or whatever you're doing in the picture. If that's your look, then rock it, but if that outfit sort of just happened and you want advice for it not happening again, please clarify.
One last thing, I am also 5'3". I can promise you that dresses that hit just above the knees on models like the ones you linked to will come to well past your knees unless you have an extremely short torso and extremely disproportionately long legs.
posted by crankylex at 1:32 AM on August 30, 2010 [3 favorites]
PhoBWanKenobi: In spite of maybe. Its not hard to look cute in ill advised clothing when you are starting from cute.
The first picture is much better then the second but I didn't really say anything because the picture quality was too hard to make out. Also seconding the ditch the ankle socks advice. You look like a different person in the first picture. Quite frankly a much more attractive person. If you are looking for a target you want much more #1 and much less #2. This isn't to say maybe the style couldn't be adjusted some, but the turtlenecks (at least the one in picture #2) are just not attractive on you. You can be professional and display discretion without going to turtlenecks :)
posted by An algorithmic dog at 1:53 AM on August 30, 2010
The first picture is much better then the second but I didn't really say anything because the picture quality was too hard to make out. Also seconding the ditch the ankle socks advice. You look like a different person in the first picture. Quite frankly a much more attractive person. If you are looking for a target you want much more #1 and much less #2. This isn't to say maybe the style couldn't be adjusted some, but the turtlenecks (at least the one in picture #2) are just not attractive on you. You can be professional and display discretion without going to turtlenecks :)
posted by An algorithmic dog at 1:53 AM on August 30, 2010
I agree that Target has some great options in your price range. I shop there a lot, although my style is pretty different from yours. I do think that the length of skirt you are looking for (below the knee/mid-calf) is usually going to read as "dowdy" as well as make you look shorter and make your legs look stubby.
That doesn't mean you can't make that look work for you, but be aware that you're sort of working against your body here.
posted by jeoc at 3:37 AM on August 30, 2010 [2 favorites]
That doesn't mean you can't make that look work for you, but be aware that you're sort of working against your body here.
posted by jeoc at 3:37 AM on August 30, 2010 [2 favorites]
It does seem odd to me that all the dresses you deem "way too short" are knee-length or just above. Unless you're from a very conservative background or you're self-conscious about your knees, I'd recommend you reconsider: that length is still modest, but will make you look taller, shapelier, and more age-appropriate. If it feels like too much, you could always wear leggings underneath - I like ones that slouch a bit at the ankle.
As for finding bargains, I love See Chloe Shop - it has daily updates on what major retailers/sites are currently offering promotions.
posted by Metroid Baby at 4:59 AM on August 30, 2010
As for finding bargains, I love See Chloe Shop - it has daily updates on what major retailers/sites are currently offering promotions.
posted by Metroid Baby at 4:59 AM on August 30, 2010
It's hard to tell from your question whether you want to change the way you look or find cheaper clothes.
Based on what you were saying about wanting to dress like this girl, I'd just like to point your attention to accessoires.
If this girl wore no belt and no high heeled boots, she might well look frumpier than she does now.
What I am trying to say is that if you want to look like a hot librarian, rather than a random one, you can try and experiment with accessoires like belts, neck scarfs, dangly earrings and sexy boots to complement plain knee-length skirts and turtlenecks. This might also make it cheaper than "OMG need to buy entirely new wardrobe now!"
posted by Omnomnom at 5:08 AM on August 30, 2010 [1 favorite]
Based on what you were saying about wanting to dress like this girl, I'd just like to point your attention to accessoires.
If this girl wore no belt and no high heeled boots, she might well look frumpier than she does now.
What I am trying to say is that if you want to look like a hot librarian, rather than a random one, you can try and experiment with accessoires like belts, neck scarfs, dangly earrings and sexy boots to complement plain knee-length skirts and turtlenecks. This might also make it cheaper than "OMG need to buy entirely new wardrobe now!"
posted by Omnomnom at 5:08 AM on August 30, 2010 [1 favorite]
Your clothing attitudes seem a lot like mine was when I was in the 18-24 age range. (and the 25-30 age range) (and the 30-38 age range). You are, for example, to open toed shoes what I am to polo shirts and short sleeves.
Women's shoes seem to run on the quantity not quality philosophy due to the rate at which the current fashion changes. When you find quality it's usually priced that way. So when you are looking at shoes, there is a calculus of "how many times will I wear these" vs. "how many times can I wear these" vs. "how long will anyone be wearing these" you have to do. There is a definite gradient on Madame Charlemagne's side of the closet ranging from disposable shoes to shoes built more like these.
The skirt length issue - some of the skirts you describe as way to short are only an inch or so shorter than the one you are wearing in your "Goodwill" link. You probably ought to try on some of these before dismissing them outright. (The Heritage 1981 skirts on the other hand do seem very short, but the models in there all seem to have eight or so more vertebra than the people I hang out with.)
Do you know anything about sewing? Consider learning. Sewing lets you make alterations and as some have suggested, some of the wardrobe "frumpieness" you seem to be trying to loose may be more an issue of fit than anything else. Also, skirt is just a big cone of fabric with a hem at the bottom and a waist band at the top, so they are not terribly difficult to make and you get complete control of pattern, length and, uh, fullness. Again, looking at Madame Charlemagne's side of the closet she has a pattern she made back in the day and has a couple very nice skirts that she has made with it over the years. These have gathered many compliments, fit her well, are designed to go with a wide range of outfits and have been amazingly durable relative to other garments made by professionals. I'll see if I can get you a picture of some of these.
posted by Kid Charlemagne at 5:53 AM on August 30, 2010
Women's shoes seem to run on the quantity not quality philosophy due to the rate at which the current fashion changes. When you find quality it's usually priced that way. So when you are looking at shoes, there is a calculus of "how many times will I wear these" vs. "how many times can I wear these" vs. "how long will anyone be wearing these" you have to do. There is a definite gradient on Madame Charlemagne's side of the closet ranging from disposable shoes to shoes built more like these.
The skirt length issue - some of the skirts you describe as way to short are only an inch or so shorter than the one you are wearing in your "Goodwill" link. You probably ought to try on some of these before dismissing them outright. (The Heritage 1981 skirts on the other hand do seem very short, but the models in there all seem to have eight or so more vertebra than the people I hang out with.)
Do you know anything about sewing? Consider learning. Sewing lets you make alterations and as some have suggested, some of the wardrobe "frumpieness" you seem to be trying to loose may be more an issue of fit than anything else. Also, skirt is just a big cone of fabric with a hem at the bottom and a waist band at the top, so they are not terribly difficult to make and you get complete control of pattern, length and, uh, fullness. Again, looking at Madame Charlemagne's side of the closet she has a pattern she made back in the day and has a couple very nice skirts that she has made with it over the years. These have gathered many compliments, fit her well, are designed to go with a wide range of outfits and have been amazingly durable relative to other garments made by professionals. I'll see if I can get you a picture of some of these.
posted by Kid Charlemagne at 5:53 AM on August 30, 2010
Try a lot of stuff on at a lot of different stores, even stuff you can't afford to buy. You'll get a better sense of what looks good on you.
On a side note, I recommend that you get fitted for a good bra. Reining the girls in and hauling them up an inch or two can do a lot to de-frumpify an outfit. A good bra is usually pretty pricey, but it can make all of your other shirts/dresses look so much better it's worth it.
If I sound like I've watched too much What Not To Wear, it's because I've watched too much What Not To Wear.
posted by mskyle at 7:35 AM on August 30, 2010
On a side note, I recommend that you get fitted for a good bra. Reining the girls in and hauling them up an inch or two can do a lot to de-frumpify an outfit. A good bra is usually pretty pricey, but it can make all of your other shirts/dresses look so much better it's worth it.
If I sound like I've watched too much What Not To Wear, it's because I've watched too much What Not To Wear.
posted by mskyle at 7:35 AM on August 30, 2010
PhoBWanKenobi: In spite of maybe. Its not hard to look cute in ill advised clothing when you are starting from cute.
I actually disagree. The cut of the clothing in the first picture--the ankle socks (which make your ankles look thicker); the low-hitting, slightly-too-wide skirt; the tank top that looks a bit stretched out and hits at the hips, making them seem wider--is far less flattering on her body type than the clothing in the second. In fact, the sum effect is to make OP look quite short. In the second, though she's more covered up, the tucked-in shirt and waistline of the pants emphasizes her clearly small waist. The colors of the clothes are also bright and crisp, which implies they're new and well-cared for. You see a lot of young women on the Sartorialist who dress similarly.
I say, rock the retro librarian look--just be sure the pieces you buy fit you well, and that they emphasize your figure. Since mskyle mentions What Not to Wear, it's actually a great show to check out different body types and what does and does not look good on them.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 7:52 AM on August 30, 2010
I actually disagree. The cut of the clothing in the first picture--the ankle socks (which make your ankles look thicker); the low-hitting, slightly-too-wide skirt; the tank top that looks a bit stretched out and hits at the hips, making them seem wider--is far less flattering on her body type than the clothing in the second. In fact, the sum effect is to make OP look quite short. In the second, though she's more covered up, the tucked-in shirt and waistline of the pants emphasizes her clearly small waist. The colors of the clothes are also bright and crisp, which implies they're new and well-cared for. You see a lot of young women on the Sartorialist who dress similarly.
I say, rock the retro librarian look--just be sure the pieces you buy fit you well, and that they emphasize your figure. Since mskyle mentions What Not to Wear, it's actually a great show to check out different body types and what does and does not look good on them.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 7:52 AM on August 30, 2010
If you really want to change the fundamental way you dress, you're going about this backwards. The difference between a teenager's wardrobe and an adult woman's wardrobe is that when you've stopped changing sizes every year, you can rely on your clothes lasting you longer than one season. You need to think of it as building a wardrobe, not "Oooh, a pretty dress on sale, I need it now, who cares if I have five just like it."
I started this process maybe two years ago, and I'm not totally done, but at 23 I look way more pulled-together on a daily basis than I did at 21. Identify what it is you like about your favorite clothes-- I realized that the most important things to me are 1) a great texture (tweed, soft wool, nice cotton) and 2) a good fit (I'm quite petite, so finding pants and skirts that fit can be tricky), and I try to guide my purchases from there. Money's a concern for me, so I've become an expert sale shopper. In the US, we don't have anything so convenient as the semi-annual soldes that French women get to enjoy, but there are predictable sale seasons (right after Christmas is a goldmine). J. Crew actually has an insane sale section, a decent amount of petites, and the quality is good enough that you can expect to wear a sweater or dress from them many times a year for years. Same with Banana Republic. Gilt.com can also be a great resource. I allow myself a couple of purchases a year from a place like Target, Forever 21, ModCloth, or Urban Outfitters, but only very cheap, trendy items that I won't mind being unable to wear the next year. Otherwise, my money goes toward nice but unadorned sweaters, good jeans, simple dresses that I can wear to professional events or to social events with a change of shoes, and well-made flats, boots, and pumps.
Yeah, this method takes a lot of the fun out of shopping (I've had to train myself to ignore things like party dresses and brightly colored high heels, which I used to love), but, in my opinion, it's absolutely worth it to have a wardrobe that is edited well enough that I can look classic, neat, and dignified every day without having a "But I have nothing to wear!" freakout.
posted by oinopaponton at 8:06 AM on August 30, 2010 [3 favorites]
I started this process maybe two years ago, and I'm not totally done, but at 23 I look way more pulled-together on a daily basis than I did at 21. Identify what it is you like about your favorite clothes-- I realized that the most important things to me are 1) a great texture (tweed, soft wool, nice cotton) and 2) a good fit (I'm quite petite, so finding pants and skirts that fit can be tricky), and I try to guide my purchases from there. Money's a concern for me, so I've become an expert sale shopper. In the US, we don't have anything so convenient as the semi-annual soldes that French women get to enjoy, but there are predictable sale seasons (right after Christmas is a goldmine). J. Crew actually has an insane sale section, a decent amount of petites, and the quality is good enough that you can expect to wear a sweater or dress from them many times a year for years. Same with Banana Republic. Gilt.com can also be a great resource. I allow myself a couple of purchases a year from a place like Target, Forever 21, ModCloth, or Urban Outfitters, but only very cheap, trendy items that I won't mind being unable to wear the next year. Otherwise, my money goes toward nice but unadorned sweaters, good jeans, simple dresses that I can wear to professional events or to social events with a change of shoes, and well-made flats, boots, and pumps.
Yeah, this method takes a lot of the fun out of shopping (I've had to train myself to ignore things like party dresses and brightly colored high heels, which I used to love), but, in my opinion, it's absolutely worth it to have a wardrobe that is edited well enough that I can look classic, neat, and dignified every day without having a "But I have nothing to wear!" freakout.
posted by oinopaponton at 8:06 AM on August 30, 2010 [3 favorites]
Best answer: I've been getting the "you look like a librarian" thing since I was about 17 (and now I'm about to start working in a library! Self-fulfilling prophecy like woah). I enjoy dressing up and I like my style, such as it is. I think your second outfit looks great, and I agree with PhoBWanKenobi; it really suits your figure. I say, rock that look. Not everybody has to wear jeggings and gladiator sandals. I'm not US-based so I can't give you any shopping tips beyond the obvious (etsy is awesome for vintage stuff). Bearing that in mind, perhaps I am not the person to be giving you advice.
HOWEVER, one thing I have learned in my forays in librarian chic (yes I know librarians do not really dress like this. But a girl can dream) is that there is an extra-fine line between a quirky, interesting outfit and looking like somebody's dotty elderly aunt. I will happily admit to frequently crossing to the wrong side of this line, but here are a few areas which can tip the balance.
1) I hate people who insist you wear such and such obnoxious figure-accentuating thing. BUT I think the "frumpy" comment often comes when your figure disappears beneath layers into one lump of tweed. So: make sure your clothes fit. The advice above to figure out what clothing you can alter/what you can't is good, because it's often difficult to find the ideal fit in a thrift store. Don't lose your figure; use a belt to accentuate your waist, use layers in a way which is flattering. I like ballet pumps, or shoes which otherwise have a low cut, because they make your legs look longer. I wear over the knee skirts all the time, often with a slight flare because I'm somewhat pear-shaped, but if you have the figure for a pencil skirt embrace it! In general I steer clear of turtlenecks because they make your torso look like one block of wool, but I think your second outfit works well because the waistcoat-type thing breaks that up. I would totally recreate it.
2) Contrasts in texture and colour can break up an outfit and stop you looking like a lump of wool walking around. This outfit doesn't look in the least bit frumpy, to me at least, because the different layers, complementing colours and patterns break up the outfit. So, experiment with different texture -- patterned tights, a cardigan with ruffles, or what have you. Lots of vintage -- or vintage-style -- clothes have fabulous patterns which can be layered with plainer clothes. NB go overboard here and you get the "dotty aunt" look. I have not quite learned to restrain myself here!
3) Cardigans seem kind of in at the moment (why is that? Unclear.) I think a cute, modern looking cardigan can brighten up your outfit (see for example this post in academichic, linked above).
4) Accesories will make your outfit look better put-together. I like cameo brooches, brightly coloured shoes, long strings of beads and hats. Do you like knee socks? Sock it to me socks are pretty cheap, and pretty pretty (bike ones here).
In general, I find hel-looks inspiring in terms of seeing people who are having fun with style and don't dress up like they've stepped out of Vogue. I think these outfits all look kind of fabulous: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
posted by the cat's pyjamas at 10:13 AM on August 30, 2010 [1 favorite]
HOWEVER, one thing I have learned in my forays in librarian chic (yes I know librarians do not really dress like this. But a girl can dream) is that there is an extra-fine line between a quirky, interesting outfit and looking like somebody's dotty elderly aunt. I will happily admit to frequently crossing to the wrong side of this line, but here are a few areas which can tip the balance.
1) I hate people who insist you wear such and such obnoxious figure-accentuating thing. BUT I think the "frumpy" comment often comes when your figure disappears beneath layers into one lump of tweed. So: make sure your clothes fit. The advice above to figure out what clothing you can alter/what you can't is good, because it's often difficult to find the ideal fit in a thrift store. Don't lose your figure; use a belt to accentuate your waist, use layers in a way which is flattering. I like ballet pumps, or shoes which otherwise have a low cut, because they make your legs look longer. I wear over the knee skirts all the time, often with a slight flare because I'm somewhat pear-shaped, but if you have the figure for a pencil skirt embrace it! In general I steer clear of turtlenecks because they make your torso look like one block of wool, but I think your second outfit works well because the waistcoat-type thing breaks that up. I would totally recreate it.
2) Contrasts in texture and colour can break up an outfit and stop you looking like a lump of wool walking around. This outfit doesn't look in the least bit frumpy, to me at least, because the different layers, complementing colours and patterns break up the outfit. So, experiment with different texture -- patterned tights, a cardigan with ruffles, or what have you. Lots of vintage -- or vintage-style -- clothes have fabulous patterns which can be layered with plainer clothes. NB go overboard here and you get the "dotty aunt" look. I have not quite learned to restrain myself here!
3) Cardigans seem kind of in at the moment (why is that? Unclear.) I think a cute, modern looking cardigan can brighten up your outfit (see for example this post in academichic, linked above).
4) Accesories will make your outfit look better put-together. I like cameo brooches, brightly coloured shoes, long strings of beads and hats. Do you like knee socks? Sock it to me socks are pretty cheap, and pretty pretty (bike ones here).
In general, I find hel-looks inspiring in terms of seeing people who are having fun with style and don't dress up like they've stepped out of Vogue. I think these outfits all look kind of fabulous: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
posted by the cat's pyjamas at 10:13 AM on August 30, 2010 [1 favorite]
You could try ShopRuche, although they are only *slightly* less expensive than ModCloth. But sometimes they have great sales.
posted by elisebeth at 11:24 AM on August 30, 2010
posted by elisebeth at 11:24 AM on August 30, 2010
Try looking at some of the "everyday" fashion blogs. My favorites are Already Pretty, Fashion for Nerds, and Frocks & Frou Frou. I think their personal styles intersect very nicely with yours and may help you make better use of what you already have.
posted by platinum at 12:48 PM on August 30, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by platinum at 12:48 PM on August 30, 2010 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Everyone—I wasn't expecting so much good advice! (Or compliments!)
To answer someone's question...I'm not really trying to "recreate" the kind of thing I currently wear....so much as keep it similar, but in a less Goodwill bargain rack fashion. It's good advice to stop trying to match things I've picked up from here and there...that's probably what causes this (my best bet is to go with what "kind of" matches). But I hate buying one new thing...to find that it just looks weird among all my old things.
So many times I've almost bought something on the internet, but then thought, "well, that's a nice skirt, but nothing I have matches it...so I'll have to buy something that matches it...but then we're up to $60 already and I can never wear anything with either item because they only match themselves!!"
posted by lhude sing cuccu at 1:08 PM on August 30, 2010
To answer someone's question...I'm not really trying to "recreate" the kind of thing I currently wear....so much as keep it similar, but in a less Goodwill bargain rack fashion. It's good advice to stop trying to match things I've picked up from here and there...that's probably what causes this (my best bet is to go with what "kind of" matches). But I hate buying one new thing...to find that it just looks weird among all my old things.
So many times I've almost bought something on the internet, but then thought, "well, that's a nice skirt, but nothing I have matches it...so I'll have to buy something that matches it...but then we're up to $60 already and I can never wear anything with either item because they only match themselves!!"
posted by lhude sing cuccu at 1:08 PM on August 30, 2010
It is very hard to mix and match, even if you shop more expensively. The things is, the items in stores are seasonally matched together so that the different colours and shapes will go together. With every new season, they'll change the colours slightly.
So (random example) while grey skirts might be in now, it might be grey with some pink woven in, so that it looks really awesome with a pink t-shirt. Next season, the grey will have more of a blue-ish tinge and BAM pink doesn't fit it so well anymore.
So for me, the secret was to splurge on basically two outfits from a store: A skirt, pants, and maybe three or four different tops (blouse, t-shirt etc). The idea is that all the tops suit both the skirt and the pants. That way you get several different outfits that you can mix and match whichever way you want.
For this to work, you need a colour scheme. A colour scheme is basically there so that every new item you buy in the following seasons fits to the others in your wardrobe in terms of colour. So when you buy clothes, you automatically don't look at the green stuff (let's say) because you already know it won't fit to anything you have.
For this, it helps to decide on a baseline colour which suits you and then find complementary colours to have fun with. I quite like brown because I can wear different shades of pink-red-purple with it and that's my favourite me-colour scheme. Then you can also find shoes and bags that fit (purple shoes!).
Whether you try this or find it too boring or expensive is up to you. It does cost more, short term. But you tend to buy less random stuff that you can't wear, later on, so you might end up saving money. And it saves you a lot of "which pants fit my t-shirt?" hassle in the mornings.
posted by Omnomnom at 1:36 PM on August 30, 2010
So (random example) while grey skirts might be in now, it might be grey with some pink woven in, so that it looks really awesome with a pink t-shirt. Next season, the grey will have more of a blue-ish tinge and BAM pink doesn't fit it so well anymore.
So for me, the secret was to splurge on basically two outfits from a store: A skirt, pants, and maybe three or four different tops (blouse, t-shirt etc). The idea is that all the tops suit both the skirt and the pants. That way you get several different outfits that you can mix and match whichever way you want.
For this to work, you need a colour scheme. A colour scheme is basically there so that every new item you buy in the following seasons fits to the others in your wardrobe in terms of colour. So when you buy clothes, you automatically don't look at the green stuff (let's say) because you already know it won't fit to anything you have.
For this, it helps to decide on a baseline colour which suits you and then find complementary colours to have fun with. I quite like brown because I can wear different shades of pink-red-purple with it and that's my favourite me-colour scheme. Then you can also find shoes and bags that fit (purple shoes!).
Whether you try this or find it too boring or expensive is up to you. It does cost more, short term. But you tend to buy less random stuff that you can't wear, later on, so you might end up saving money. And it saves you a lot of "which pants fit my t-shirt?" hassle in the mornings.
posted by Omnomnom at 1:36 PM on August 30, 2010
Shopping online is fantastic, but you need to hit the stores. Preferably with a friend who has a good eye for style and proportion. Someone who can tell you if a jacket that hits at hip level is better than a cropped length or vice versa. Since your style is more classic and sophisticated, fit and proportion is really your main concern. You won't know what the dress online looks like until you have it on.
For the girls who are running around in tunics and leggings, fit isn't really an issue. Their clothes are often loose (tunic) or tight (leggings) where it doesn't matter if its the wrong size. But for your style, fit and proportion are important.
For example, in your schoolroom picture, the proportions are exactly half. Half is the top, half is the bottom. And then, your hem length is very long. So what you've managed to do visually is elongate your body and then cut it in half so that your 'waist' level drops making your torso longer and legs shorter.
The ultimate goal is generally to accentuate the good points and draw attention away from bad points. A short list: legs longer, bust more bustier (or less bustier depending on your cup size), waist smaller, hips bigger. These 'visual illusions' can be achieved by playing around with proportions of clothes on the body.
As for longer skirts, a skirts that hits right above the knee will be a perfect compromise for the longer length and the desire to wear flats/small heels. Again, go to the store and try it on.
I'd lay off the Goodwill for a while. I love me a bout of Goodwill shopping, but its tough to learn anything about what fits you when you have a limited and outdated selection of clothes.
Any particular reason you don't want to wear open toed shoes? (I refused the same way in that age range, but... I got over it somehow.) What about peep toes? Do you wear heels? I find that at our height, that extra boost helps with proportion.
Some stores that you might want to consider... Anthropologie, Ann Taylor, Gap, Target. Local boutiques in artsy districts. Nordstrom, the B.P. department. Macy*s (the whole store is on sale like every weekend..) H&M.
I played around in polyvore. I stink at making collages, but I wanted to show you the skirt length that I mentioned.
posted by p1nkdaisy at 10:48 PM on August 30, 2010
For the girls who are running around in tunics and leggings, fit isn't really an issue. Their clothes are often loose (tunic) or tight (leggings) where it doesn't matter if its the wrong size. But for your style, fit and proportion are important.
For example, in your schoolroom picture, the proportions are exactly half. Half is the top, half is the bottom. And then, your hem length is very long. So what you've managed to do visually is elongate your body and then cut it in half so that your 'waist' level drops making your torso longer and legs shorter.
The ultimate goal is generally to accentuate the good points and draw attention away from bad points. A short list: legs longer, bust more bustier (or less bustier depending on your cup size), waist smaller, hips bigger. These 'visual illusions' can be achieved by playing around with proportions of clothes on the body.
As for longer skirts, a skirts that hits right above the knee will be a perfect compromise for the longer length and the desire to wear flats/small heels. Again, go to the store and try it on.
I'd lay off the Goodwill for a while. I love me a bout of Goodwill shopping, but its tough to learn anything about what fits you when you have a limited and outdated selection of clothes.
Any particular reason you don't want to wear open toed shoes? (I refused the same way in that age range, but... I got over it somehow.) What about peep toes? Do you wear heels? I find that at our height, that extra boost helps with proportion.
Some stores that you might want to consider... Anthropologie, Ann Taylor, Gap, Target. Local boutiques in artsy districts. Nordstrom, the B.P. department. Macy*s (the whole store is on sale like every weekend..) H&M.
I played around in polyvore. I stink at making collages, but I wanted to show you the skirt length that I mentioned.
posted by p1nkdaisy at 10:48 PM on August 30, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by cmgonzalez at 9:09 PM on August 29, 2010 [1 favorite]