Fashion advice for woman
November 23, 2011 10:37 PM Subscribe
All my life I've been an overweight girl. Now, I'm size 8/10. Help me dress myself. (But: I can't wear everything. I have disfiguring scars.)
So I've lost around 120lbs, and am thin (well, normal-sized, but for me it's skinny) for the first time in my life.
With the weight I had, "This fits" was always more important than "I like this.", in fact, right now I can afford to reject fitting pants, shirts,.. for the first time in my life.
I can't wear everything. The right side of my body is scarred, horribly so, so I feel highly uncomfortable with anything else but long pants, and won't reveal my shoulders/upper arms. This: shirt has the shortest arm length I can bear, anything less is not okay, at least not for the moment.
I'm looking for fashion advice, especially at work.
I'm 28, work as a systems engineer and teach some college classes. My coworkers (all male), all wear very nice dark jeans/ khakis/..
When it's just us in the lab, we wear nice t-shirts, nice pullovers, turtlenecks.. when a meeting comes up, shirts (blouses), customer contact = suit..
Most of us, including me, have a fancy watch.
As the only female, I can get away with a lot, but no skirts/dresses, nothing too girly.
Right now, I'm surviving on way too expensive jeans, modcloth tops and cardigans (like this one), some blouses, some neutral turtlenecks, some earrings.
It works, certainly.
But I've got no clue what I'm doing.
I wear shoes and handbags in the colors of my tops, because I never got the black/brown distincion. In fact, I've got no clue about colors, body shapes, wouldn't dare to match patterns, no idea about layers, scarves, collar types ...
I want to dress fashionable, but I never had the chance to do so. Help?
So I've lost around 120lbs, and am thin (well, normal-sized, but for me it's skinny) for the first time in my life.
With the weight I had, "This fits" was always more important than "I like this.", in fact, right now I can afford to reject fitting pants, shirts,.. for the first time in my life.
I can't wear everything. The right side of my body is scarred, horribly so, so I feel highly uncomfortable with anything else but long pants, and won't reveal my shoulders/upper arms. This: shirt has the shortest arm length I can bear, anything less is not okay, at least not for the moment.
I'm looking for fashion advice, especially at work.
I'm 28, work as a systems engineer and teach some college classes. My coworkers (all male), all wear very nice dark jeans/ khakis/..
When it's just us in the lab, we wear nice t-shirts, nice pullovers, turtlenecks.. when a meeting comes up, shirts (blouses), customer contact = suit..
Most of us, including me, have a fancy watch.
As the only female, I can get away with a lot, but no skirts/dresses, nothing too girly.
Right now, I'm surviving on way too expensive jeans, modcloth tops and cardigans (like this one), some blouses, some neutral turtlenecks, some earrings.
It works, certainly.
But I've got no clue what I'm doing.
I wear shoes and handbags in the colors of my tops, because I never got the black/brown distincion. In fact, I've got no clue about colors, body shapes, wouldn't dare to match patterns, no idea about layers, scarves, collar types ...
I want to dress fashionable, but I never had the chance to do so. Help?
It sounds like you already have a pretty good idea of what works for you. The pieces you linked to are really cute. Probably you just need to get out there, buy some things, try them out, buy more things, etc.
If you have girlfriends, get them to go shopping with you. I am (finally) capable of dressing myself but I've learned a lot from my friends. The internet can give you ideas but when you need to know if a particular pair of pants really works for you, nothing beats having a buddy in the dressing room with you.
Also, What Not to Wear is awesome.
What I've learned over the years:
- if busty, avoid bows and other decor in the front
- when you find slacks or jeans that really fit well, buy them
- don't wear baggy clothes. Clothes should not be tight, but they should hug the form
- if short, avoid long skirts
- you cannot have enough nice black tees. (both long- and short- sleeved). A nice black tee with a funky patterned skirt or taupe slacks and a nice boot and earrings and you're dressed and ready to go
- if you do decide to give dresses a try, they really do make it easy to get out the door in the morning. A simple neutral colored a-line or shift dress with a cardigan and tights will look put together but not overly fussy.
- if you do decide to try skirts, knee-length pencil skirts with boots and tights will rock your world.
- Good bras are key, they can make a big difference in how your clothes fit you
- A cheap fabric will look ok in black when it just looks chintzy in other colors
- Generally, avoid head-to-toe black. It CAN look very nice, but if your blacks don't quite match or the fabric's a bit faded it can look really drab.
To cut expense, try H&M, Ross, TJ Maxx, NY and Co, Filene's, or Marshall's - depending on what's in your area.
The Lucky manual is good for figuring out what clothes to wear for your body type and what to buy.
Good luck!
posted by bunderful at 12:25 AM on November 24, 2011 [5 favorites]
If you have girlfriends, get them to go shopping with you. I am (finally) capable of dressing myself but I've learned a lot from my friends. The internet can give you ideas but when you need to know if a particular pair of pants really works for you, nothing beats having a buddy in the dressing room with you.
Also, What Not to Wear is awesome.
What I've learned over the years:
- if busty, avoid bows and other decor in the front
- when you find slacks or jeans that really fit well, buy them
- don't wear baggy clothes. Clothes should not be tight, but they should hug the form
- if short, avoid long skirts
- you cannot have enough nice black tees. (both long- and short- sleeved). A nice black tee with a funky patterned skirt or taupe slacks and a nice boot and earrings and you're dressed and ready to go
- if you do decide to give dresses a try, they really do make it easy to get out the door in the morning. A simple neutral colored a-line or shift dress with a cardigan and tights will look put together but not overly fussy.
- if you do decide to try skirts, knee-length pencil skirts with boots and tights will rock your world.
- Good bras are key, they can make a big difference in how your clothes fit you
- A cheap fabric will look ok in black when it just looks chintzy in other colors
- Generally, avoid head-to-toe black. It CAN look very nice, but if your blacks don't quite match or the fabric's a bit faded it can look really drab.
To cut expense, try H&M, Ross, TJ Maxx, NY and Co, Filene's, or Marshall's - depending on what's in your area.
The Lucky manual is good for figuring out what clothes to wear for your body type and what to buy.
Good luck!
posted by bunderful at 12:25 AM on November 24, 2011 [5 favorites]
I was always averse to clothes I perceived as "girly", as well, but then I started wearing skirts and realized that not only were they more flattering than pants, they were more comfortable! I don't know what your body shape is like but I find that for hourglass figures skirts are comfy because are more forgiving in the butt and thighs. With that figure it's hard to find well-fitting pants because they wind up being a little loose in the waist but fitted in the hips. Now, I almost exclusively wear skirts.
posted by bearette at 12:33 AM on November 24, 2011
posted by bearette at 12:33 AM on November 24, 2011
I am a woman, and I worked as a web developer for a decade, with mostly male colleagues. I would not tolerate an environment that restricted my dress choices, beyond say, an appropriate level of formality for client meetings.
Wearing skirts/dresses isn't "getting away with something". If you work in an environment where you are genuinely penalized for dressing feminine, and it's not just your own paranoia, you have a larger problem than fashion.
I am seconding opaque stockings (tights!) paired with long skirts. Very classy and comfortable, and does not need to reveal any leg.
If you still have some chub, or if you have loose skin around the middle, Princess waist dresses are very forgiving and flattering. I used to wear them all the time when
I was a 10/12 and got frequent compliments.
posted by parrot_person at 1:29 AM on November 24, 2011 [3 favorites]
Wearing skirts/dresses isn't "getting away with something". If you work in an environment where you are genuinely penalized for dressing feminine, and it's not just your own paranoia, you have a larger problem than fashion.
I am seconding opaque stockings (tights!) paired with long skirts. Very classy and comfortable, and does not need to reveal any leg.
If you still have some chub, or if you have loose skin around the middle, Princess waist dresses are very forgiving and flattering. I used to wear them all the time when
I was a 10/12 and got frequent compliments.
posted by parrot_person at 1:29 AM on November 24, 2011 [3 favorites]
Hi! I'm a 27 year old female systems engineer in a male-dominated office who is a size 8-12 depending on whether or not I've been going to the gym.
If you have no clue where to start, start with some What Not to Wear (seriously) just to get a sense of the vocabulary and ideas and different cuts, shapes, etc. Then go get yourself a (free!) personal shopper at JCrew, Nordstrom, or another store. Be prepared to drop a few hundred bucks to get a few items but once they give you a sense of what looks good, you can move on to cheaper places to find similar items.
Personally, I like the Jcrew Super120s trouser pants (the wider the leg, the better) that I can match with various cardigans and sweaters. I buy cardigans on sale from JCrew as well (there's usually a 30% coupon code every couple of weeks) and I like camisoles from Boden -- they wash well, are comfortable, aren't too clingy, and aren't too low-cut. Ann Taylor and LOFT have good sweaters on sale occasionally that go well with a pair of trousers.
I had your same skirt/dress problem for years and dresses still don't always go over well at my office, but I've managed to start rocking the skirts. The secret: opaque tights and knee-high boots (I love these from Aerosoles for everyday use). If you're not showing skin, it's less obvious that you're in GIRL CLOTHES OMG. A couple of nice a-line skirts (again, works with my figure, something else might work with yours) can be substituted for a pair of trousers with the same sweaters or tops. I hear what you're saying, trust me, but over time you might try to work the skirts in -- they make things very versatile and it makes for a much easier transition into summer clothing.
If I want to look more casual, either in the office or on a weekend, I'll do a nice (dark) pair of jeans, a scoopneck sweater, a colorful scarf, and some big-ish earrings. Usually worn with heeled boots.
posted by olinerd at 2:08 AM on November 24, 2011
If you have no clue where to start, start with some What Not to Wear (seriously) just to get a sense of the vocabulary and ideas and different cuts, shapes, etc. Then go get yourself a (free!) personal shopper at JCrew, Nordstrom, or another store. Be prepared to drop a few hundred bucks to get a few items but once they give you a sense of what looks good, you can move on to cheaper places to find similar items.
Personally, I like the Jcrew Super120s trouser pants (the wider the leg, the better) that I can match with various cardigans and sweaters. I buy cardigans on sale from JCrew as well (there's usually a 30% coupon code every couple of weeks) and I like camisoles from Boden -- they wash well, are comfortable, aren't too clingy, and aren't too low-cut. Ann Taylor and LOFT have good sweaters on sale occasionally that go well with a pair of trousers.
I had your same skirt/dress problem for years and dresses still don't always go over well at my office, but I've managed to start rocking the skirts. The secret: opaque tights and knee-high boots (I love these from Aerosoles for everyday use). If you're not showing skin, it's less obvious that you're in GIRL CLOTHES OMG. A couple of nice a-line skirts (again, works with my figure, something else might work with yours) can be substituted for a pair of trousers with the same sweaters or tops. I hear what you're saying, trust me, but over time you might try to work the skirts in -- they make things very versatile and it makes for a much easier transition into summer clothing.
If I want to look more casual, either in the office or on a weekend, I'll do a nice (dark) pair of jeans, a scoopneck sweater, a colorful scarf, and some big-ish earrings. Usually worn with heeled boots.
posted by olinerd at 2:08 AM on November 24, 2011
If you're coming into winter then scarves are your friends. Have a look at this and see what's possible. A well-placed scarf is lovely.
posted by h00py at 4:32 AM on November 24, 2011
posted by h00py at 4:32 AM on November 24, 2011
because I never got the black/brown distincion.
Congratulations! You came out of your cocoon during a great fashion era in which women no longer have to spurn a brown purse if they're wearing a black top, and vice versa. I sort of wonder if this laissez-faire approach to the black vs. brown war is just a phase or if we've just stopped caring about that weird, fabricated distinction.
Anyways! Can we get an idea on your body type? Are you pear-shaped, hourglass, bean pole, what? That will be helpful info!
I am personally going through a huge ASOS kick at the moment. They have free shipping and returns to the US, tons of clothes in affordable price ranges, and there's no distinct style like at J. Crew or Anthropologie. You can find preppy cardigans, party dresses, weird one-sleeved dresses, vintage-inspired blouses, etc there. Buy more than you'd generally purchase during a shopping trip, try the items on in front of a mirror or a discerning friend, and return whatever doesn't work.
Also, find out what colors work for you. The day I realized that, as a fair skinned redhead, ivories, browns, forest greens, purple and gold were my GOOD FRIENDS and that pure white, black, magenta and navy blue made me look like a zombie was the day I pruned 50% of the tops in my closet. You can find out your colors by getting your makeup done by a professional at a good quality makeup counter at the mall, or at a Bloomingdale's if you're near one.
posted by zoomorphic at 5:12 AM on November 24, 2011 [5 favorites]
Congratulations! You came out of your cocoon during a great fashion era in which women no longer have to spurn a brown purse if they're wearing a black top, and vice versa. I sort of wonder if this laissez-faire approach to the black vs. brown war is just a phase or if we've just stopped caring about that weird, fabricated distinction.
Anyways! Can we get an idea on your body type? Are you pear-shaped, hourglass, bean pole, what? That will be helpful info!
I am personally going through a huge ASOS kick at the moment. They have free shipping and returns to the US, tons of clothes in affordable price ranges, and there's no distinct style like at J. Crew or Anthropologie. You can find preppy cardigans, party dresses, weird one-sleeved dresses, vintage-inspired blouses, etc there. Buy more than you'd generally purchase during a shopping trip, try the items on in front of a mirror or a discerning friend, and return whatever doesn't work.
Also, find out what colors work for you. The day I realized that, as a fair skinned redhead, ivories, browns, forest greens, purple and gold were my GOOD FRIENDS and that pure white, black, magenta and navy blue made me look like a zombie was the day I pruned 50% of the tops in my closet. You can find out your colors by getting your makeup done by a professional at a good quality makeup counter at the mall, or at a Bloomingdale's if you're near one.
posted by zoomorphic at 5:12 AM on November 24, 2011 [5 favorites]
Check out youlookfab. Angie gives good tips on how to think about colour, fit, body type etc and the forum community seems really friendly.
posted by kitkatcathy at 6:04 AM on November 24, 2011
posted by kitkatcathy at 6:04 AM on November 24, 2011
Put on clothes that are comfortable and form-fitting now, and have a friend take a straight-on head-to-toe picture of you from the back. This will give you a clear, uninterrupted picture of your shape, not your features, and it will help you evaluate the style of clothing you should hunt for. This is what professional salespeople are looking at when they begin to try to help you find what will look good on you.
posted by halfbuckaroo at 6:15 AM on November 24, 2011
posted by halfbuckaroo at 6:15 AM on November 24, 2011
I went from a size 20 to a size 12, and now have to make sure any tops I buy are medium (mediums! Not since I hit puberty have I been able to wear a medium!).
It's still weird to reject clothes that fit, but don't flatter me, because I know there will be something better the next rack over. So I know where you are coming from.
I suggest you find out the best colors for your skin tone and hair - I look great in jewel tones, but pastels make me look washed out. If I do wear a very light colored top, I have something around my face, usually a scarf, to give a pop of color.
Also, find out what kind of pants fit you. It's really wonderful how all types of body shapes are being catered to - it's not all just skinny or straight legged anymore. Target has 6 different styles of pants to flatter different types of figures (inexpensive, good for working in). Also LOFT has very nice pants (For client meetings) that also have different cuts.
I don't wear dresses or skirts either, because I have a long torso and very short legs. Also, fat knees. I lost weight everywhere, but somehow my knees are still plump! No one has ever said anything, and honestly I don't care. I like pants, that's all.
For tops, don't limit yourself to just long sleeved or 3/4 sleeves because of your scarring. Layer a cute tank with a thin, tight cardigan. Or if you're really rocking the IT look, wear a tight long sleeved shirt under a short sleeved blouse.
Most importantly - get a bra fitting by someone who knows what they are doing. Most of the major department stores have fitters in their lingerie areas. They can most likely do a fitting for you with your shirt on, if you're not comfortable with taking it off. A well fitting bra (and it's not just about the size, there are all kinds of options), is worth its weight in gold. Your clothes will fit better and your posture will improve.
Congratulations on loosing the weight! Good luck and don't spend all of your money on your wardrobe at once, now that you can buy more than one thing at the mall.
posted by lootie777 at 6:26 AM on November 24, 2011 [1 favorite]
It's still weird to reject clothes that fit, but don't flatter me, because I know there will be something better the next rack over. So I know where you are coming from.
I suggest you find out the best colors for your skin tone and hair - I look great in jewel tones, but pastels make me look washed out. If I do wear a very light colored top, I have something around my face, usually a scarf, to give a pop of color.
Also, find out what kind of pants fit you. It's really wonderful how all types of body shapes are being catered to - it's not all just skinny or straight legged anymore. Target has 6 different styles of pants to flatter different types of figures (inexpensive, good for working in). Also LOFT has very nice pants (For client meetings) that also have different cuts.
I don't wear dresses or skirts either, because I have a long torso and very short legs. Also, fat knees. I lost weight everywhere, but somehow my knees are still plump! No one has ever said anything, and honestly I don't care. I like pants, that's all.
For tops, don't limit yourself to just long sleeved or 3/4 sleeves because of your scarring. Layer a cute tank with a thin, tight cardigan. Or if you're really rocking the IT look, wear a tight long sleeved shirt under a short sleeved blouse.
Most importantly - get a bra fitting by someone who knows what they are doing. Most of the major department stores have fitters in their lingerie areas. They can most likely do a fitting for you with your shirt on, if you're not comfortable with taking it off. A well fitting bra (and it's not just about the size, there are all kinds of options), is worth its weight in gold. Your clothes will fit better and your posture will improve.
Congratulations on loosing the weight! Good luck and don't spend all of your money on your wardrobe at once, now that you can buy more than one thing at the mall.
posted by lootie777 at 6:26 AM on November 24, 2011 [1 favorite]
Wear a great bra; clothes will look better. Nice underwear inspires confidence, too.
I work in IT, but am older than you. Skirts come in lots of versions, A cargo skirt, tights and a cardigan is as easy as jeans, not too girly and brings your look up a notch. I splurged on a great pair of boots, which are comfortable and make me feel stylish.
Find a copy of Color Me Beautiful at your library, and get some reliable friends to help you determine which colors really work for you. It's okay to wear colors that don't 'match,' as long as you love the colors together. I don't like being matchy-matchy.
Go buy 1 outfit at a time. Take 1 piece that you love, and build an outfit. Then you may find that the black straight skirt will look great with a decorated cardigan, tights, and flats. The decorated cardigan will also go with jeans, and pretty soon, you have a versatile wardrobe.
Look at what other women are wearing and replicate a look that you like. I just saw a girl in an above-the-knee taupe lace skirt, short black twinset, black tights, and suede flats. Loved it, and am looking for some similar pieces.
posted by theora55 at 7:13 AM on November 24, 2011 [2 favorites]
I work in IT, but am older than you. Skirts come in lots of versions, A cargo skirt, tights and a cardigan is as easy as jeans, not too girly and brings your look up a notch. I splurged on a great pair of boots, which are comfortable and make me feel stylish.
Find a copy of Color Me Beautiful at your library, and get some reliable friends to help you determine which colors really work for you. It's okay to wear colors that don't 'match,' as long as you love the colors together. I don't like being matchy-matchy.
Go buy 1 outfit at a time. Take 1 piece that you love, and build an outfit. Then you may find that the black straight skirt will look great with a decorated cardigan, tights, and flats. The decorated cardigan will also go with jeans, and pretty soon, you have a versatile wardrobe.
Look at what other women are wearing and replicate a look that you like. I just saw a girl in an above-the-knee taupe lace skirt, short black twinset, black tights, and suede flats. Loved it, and am looking for some similar pieces.
posted by theora55 at 7:13 AM on November 24, 2011 [2 favorites]
I found the What Not to Wear books by Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine (they did the British version of the show upon which the American version was based) extremely helpful for very practical tips on what particular garments flatter what body type. After you have a sense of how to dress for your particular shape, then it's a matter of just inundating yourself with fashion magazines to see what catches your eye to inspire your sense of style. I found Marie Claire and Lucky helpful...and hours of Project Runway. Tim Gunn's Guide to Style on Bravo was great while it was on, because every week he would find a normal woman and explain her shape to her and teach her what to look for in much the same way the What Not to Wear presenters did; he also did a book.
posted by Dr. Zira at 7:53 AM on November 24, 2011
posted by Dr. Zira at 7:53 AM on November 24, 2011
measure yourself before getting a professional bra fitting--sometimes they measure you for what they can sell you rather than yr true size if you're a more unusual size.
the right fit makes an amazing difference.
posted by JBD at 11:13 AM on November 24, 2011
the right fit makes an amazing difference.
posted by JBD at 11:13 AM on November 24, 2011
I'm about the same size and age as you, and I'm an engineer too. It's taken a long time for me to learn how to dress well, even through watching lots of tv programs and reading up on it. Now I learn a lot from watching other well-dressed professional women who look the way I want to look, and analyzing what I think makes them look so well put-together. I don't work with many women, so I pay attention in stores, at the bank, downtown, etc. It's been the most helpful in working through my hardest fashion lessons - what tops look good on a bigger chest, what colors I look good in, and what accessories to add.
I also took a friend's advice that it's easiest to look well-dressed when you work with just one color scheme for your wardrobe. For instance, she would stick to mostly black/white/grey/silver pieces, and royal blue since she's blonde with blue eyes. I'm a redhead, I like cream, browns, beige/tans, gold, black, and blues. You restrict yourself to only buying new pieces that add to your current wardrobe. (It has to work with more than 1 other item you already own, or you have to foresee what you could buy in the future to work with it) Then when you want to put on an outfit, there's no guesswork about whether it matches. Of course it does.
posted by lizbunny at 11:25 AM on November 24, 2011 [1 favorite]
I also took a friend's advice that it's easiest to look well-dressed when you work with just one color scheme for your wardrobe. For instance, she would stick to mostly black/white/grey/silver pieces, and royal blue since she's blonde with blue eyes. I'm a redhead, I like cream, browns, beige/tans, gold, black, and blues. You restrict yourself to only buying new pieces that add to your current wardrobe. (It has to work with more than 1 other item you already own, or you have to foresee what you could buy in the future to work with it) Then when you want to put on an outfit, there's no guesswork about whether it matches. Of course it does.
posted by lizbunny at 11:25 AM on November 24, 2011 [1 favorite]
Just dropping in to say repeat the above advice about a personal stylist/shopper.
I did this recently at Nordstrom, and it was amazing. Set aside a big chunk of time (I was there almost five hours) - then prepare to be amazed. My stylist must have brought in nearly 300 garments - some of which were never tried on.
What I learned:
- Only buy things that you *love* and that look *great*. Trying on that many clothes in a (relatively) short time, teaches you what looks great in a hurry.
- Good stylists will also help you figure out your colors.
- Prepare to have *some* alterations made, sometimes in order to make something go from 'good' to GREAT.
- have fun! but have a budget (I did, and blew it anyway)
The next thing I did was go through my closet and get rid of most of my clothes. Now getting dressed in the morning is fast and a pleasure.
Good luck
And huge congratulations on your new shape/size!!
posted by dbmcd at 12:09 PM on November 24, 2011
I did this recently at Nordstrom, and it was amazing. Set aside a big chunk of time (I was there almost five hours) - then prepare to be amazed. My stylist must have brought in nearly 300 garments - some of which were never tried on.
What I learned:
- Only buy things that you *love* and that look *great*. Trying on that many clothes in a (relatively) short time, teaches you what looks great in a hurry.
- Good stylists will also help you figure out your colors.
- Prepare to have *some* alterations made, sometimes in order to make something go from 'good' to GREAT.
- have fun! but have a budget (I did, and blew it anyway)
The next thing I did was go through my closet and get rid of most of my clothes. Now getting dressed in the morning is fast and a pleasure.
Good luck
And huge congratulations on your new shape/size!!
posted by dbmcd at 12:09 PM on November 24, 2011
Don't dismiss the idea of shopping at the Good Will or Salvation Army. Lots of people donate nice clothes in very good condition, and you can buy them for a tenth of what they cost new. This is great to do if you don't have a solid idea of exactly what you want, since you are only out a few dollars if you get something you later decide you don't like. They will also have a huge variety of random stuff, so you can try on a lot of different styles of clothes.
posted by markblasco at 8:32 PM on November 24, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by markblasco at 8:32 PM on November 24, 2011 [1 favorite]
If you can swing the expense, hiring a personal shopper/stylist is highly recommended. Traded services with a friend in that business. She spent a few hours going through my closet and put together things I already owned as outfits (down to shoes and jewelry, too!). Another few hours shopping together (some on-line some IRL) and I now have lots of flattering options. The best part is that I learned what looks good together & works on me -- the whole layering thing? mixing prints? -- not so hard when you have some good examples to work from.
posted by Kalatraz at 9:09 PM on November 24, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Kalatraz at 9:09 PM on November 24, 2011 [1 favorite]
With the weight I had, "This fits" was always more important than "I like this."
You have sinned. "This fits" is *never* more important than "I like this."
But you have repented. Your sins are washed as white as snow. So, gimme more information:
What is your bust measurement, waist measurement, and hip measurement?
What is the circumference of your shoulders?
What is your height?
What is the height of your head from top to chin?
What is the length of your legs from groin to bottom edge of ankle bone?
Would you say you have big upper arms, or proportionate?
Is your tum flabby, or not?
Do you have saddlebags, or not?
Butt: relatively large, relatively small, or proportionate?
Is your bone structure big or small? (Check your wrist and ankle bones)
posted by tel3path at 6:47 AM on November 25, 2011
You have sinned. "This fits" is *never* more important than "I like this."
But you have repented. Your sins are washed as white as snow. So, gimme more information:
What is your bust measurement, waist measurement, and hip measurement?
What is the circumference of your shoulders?
What is your height?
What is the height of your head from top to chin?
What is the length of your legs from groin to bottom edge of ankle bone?
Would you say you have big upper arms, or proportionate?
Is your tum flabby, or not?
Do you have saddlebags, or not?
Butt: relatively large, relatively small, or proportionate?
Is your bone structure big or small? (Check your wrist and ankle bones)
posted by tel3path at 6:47 AM on November 25, 2011
FWIW - gorgeous British actress Amanda Redman suffered major burns as a toddler when she got a dose of scalding water all over the right side of her body. Her right arm and shoulder are significantly scarred, but she wears whatever she wants and carries it off :) Not saying you should do this - whether or not to reveal scars is a private matter. But just thought you'd enjoy seeing a stylish, confident woman whose scars not only don't diminish her beauty, but positively seem to add something intriguing. Anyway, maybe google her sometime for inspiration! :)
posted by cartoonella at 10:04 AM on November 25, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by cartoonella at 10:04 AM on November 25, 2011 [1 favorite]
Congratulations on being happy with your new shape!
If you're really lost, perhaps go to a fancier department store and seek advice from one of the ladies' department staff? i know service has fallen by the wayside in favour of low price in past decades, but it used to be their job to help people find the clothes that were most flattering to them, and stores still exist (even less expensive) where they will provide that level of service.
If you're really having a hard time, check out the What Not To Wear book, or even find a beauty manual from the 70s or something. I have the Seventeen magazine guide to beauty from the 1970s and it very clearly goes through which silhouettes, lines, necklines, etc. are most and least flattering on ladies of various body shape, and face shape. Knowing the styles that suit your face and body will help you make the most of your clothes, regardless of the price.
My last piece of advice, "This Fits" is still something you should be keeping in mind. So many people today think that everyone should wear everything, and it's just not the case. Even if you really love a style or colour of a garment, don't buy it unless the fit is perfect. Poorly fitting clothing will make even the most beautiful woman look frumpy and awkward. If you're keen on something that doesn't fit quite right, consider either getting it tailored to fit properly, or don't buy it at all.
posted by custard heart at 4:19 PM on November 26, 2011
If you're really lost, perhaps go to a fancier department store and seek advice from one of the ladies' department staff? i know service has fallen by the wayside in favour of low price in past decades, but it used to be their job to help people find the clothes that were most flattering to them, and stores still exist (even less expensive) where they will provide that level of service.
If you're really having a hard time, check out the What Not To Wear book, or even find a beauty manual from the 70s or something. I have the Seventeen magazine guide to beauty from the 1970s and it very clearly goes through which silhouettes, lines, necklines, etc. are most and least flattering on ladies of various body shape, and face shape. Knowing the styles that suit your face and body will help you make the most of your clothes, regardless of the price.
My last piece of advice, "This Fits" is still something you should be keeping in mind. So many people today think that everyone should wear everything, and it's just not the case. Even if you really love a style or colour of a garment, don't buy it unless the fit is perfect. Poorly fitting clothing will make even the most beautiful woman look frumpy and awkward. If you're keen on something that doesn't fit quite right, consider either getting it tailored to fit properly, or don't buy it at all.
posted by custard heart at 4:19 PM on November 26, 2011
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I'd imagine that you've already seen the show, but if not, catch a few episodes of What Not To Wear for some sensible yet sassy advice on how to dress professionally and fashionably.
Also, what about opaque stockings paired with skirts or dresses. If you're still on the curvy side despite your weight loss, pencil skirts made are most flattering, in my experience.
Like anything, learning about which clothes look good on you while making you feel good about yourself will be a learning curve so don't beat yourself up for not automatically knowing what your new wardrobe should look like. Good luck and have fun!
posted by oceanview at 10:59 PM on November 23, 2011 [1 favorite]