having style issues

Hi all!

So I've gone from a size 24 to an 18. I'm 42 years old and have absolutley no style! Ever since I've been overweight I'd buy my clothes from Walmart because they always carry plus sizes but as you all know, Walmart = Frumpy. I need some ideas where to shop and what to wear. I am very busty (44 DDD) and and wear a sixe 20 or 2X top and 18 pants. I want a more youthful look that compliments my figure. Does anyone out there have any advice? WHAT TYPES OF CLOTHES WOULD LOOK GOOD ON ME? I'm tired of always wearing stretchy leggings with oversized t-shirts. HELP!!

Jen-

I know in my area, I am a frequent flyer at a couple of spots in the local mall..I do some shopping in Lane Bryant, but they can be pretty pricey..I shop their clearance department and can usually score some good deals....I also shop at Maurices..I love their jeans...They can be pricey too...but the jeans last forever!...Since surgery, I shop at a store called Deb's too...it has cheaper clothing and still carries plus sizes..not as good quality, but as we lose the weight, we can give away the clothes without feeling guilty...I am looking forward to some responses too...I am always looking for places to buy clothes at good prices!

Those are some great ideas. I will check my mall and see if any of those stores are available to me. What types of clothes do you like to wear?

Jen-

My problem is a lack of something to fill my tops, so I usually stay away from anything with a deep v-neck or an a line on the top..It just doesnt fit properly...I do try to stay up with some of the trends, but I just cant pull off the young styles anymore..I feel rediculous when I try..I just think, what if my mother wore this?!...but I do wear some of the not so revealing or short trends..I am definitely a jeans girl..I wear jeans everyday, with everything..lol...I have to wear dressy, but casual clothes to work..so I wear many different sweaters and 3/4 length tops...if Im going out with the girls, I wear more funky styles...I just look around the trendy shops and try on what I like..if it fits well and I like it..then I buy...My motto...if you LOVE it..Buy it...cause you will get enough wear out of it to be worth the cost...

Started as a 22/24 and now a 14/16. Shopped at walmart before, still shop at walmart now. I just have moved from Plus to Misses. And wow, sure felt good before going camping last week walking in, picking a pair of 16's camo capri's off the rack, buying them, and wearing them the next day with no issue. With a solid colored tank top of course.

 One thing I can tell you is don't be afraid of your boobs!  So many women who carry more weight on top tend to go with big tops, thinking that camoflages them somehow, and it ends up just making them look bigger.  Try some things that are more fitted, with lower necklines, and soft, flowing fabrics, maybe with some ruching, like

designerclothingforplussizes.com/index.php

or an empire waist, like

plus-model-mag.com/2011/01/plus-trend-of-the-day-abby-twist- top-purple-from-satinwoods/

or soft ruffles on the diagonal that emphasize the waist, like

www.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc

Your best friend is a good fitting bra.  Get professionally fitted for the best results.  

As for bottoms, to balance out your upper body and lower body, go for A-line skirts, and flared pants.

But, the best thing for you to do is just go out there and have fun trying on new things.  That's the best way to find what styles work for you!

Tami

 Go to the mall and window shop. When you see something you like, go in the store and try it on. Most store have plus sizes. Also, go in the department stores and look. When a salesperson approaches you, accept their help. And try it on even if you can't afford it. You don't have to buy it. 

 I do a lot of shopping at Lane Bryant, but as previously posted, they can be expensive.  Another good choice for me has been Avenue.  If you don't have one in your town, you can go to www.avenue.com.  Other online websites I swear by are Jessica London and Roamans.  There are always some great deals in the clearance section.  Good luck and have fun!!!
~ Barbara

there is also fashionbug.com or we have storees near us....layne bryant...they do have the best fitting bras and worth the price ...sign up for the credit card if u can so u can get the coupons and deals......also torrid if you like that style....i actually do some shopping on ebay 

I love this tread! I have only lost 26lbs (banded 3/01/11) but I have already gone down a size! Lane Bryant is awesome! But, I only shop when there is a coupon, or real women dollars...LOVE those! I found that JC Penney's is also good, and they always seem to have coupons.

I don't know hoe ya'll feel about online or catalog sales. But, Simply Be, is awesome! They are a little pricey to, but the quality is worth it. I have a few dresses that will get me through a few stages.  I also like Silhouette's, it is again pricey, but quality is awesome. I wore the same bathing suit for 4 years (and wore it a few time a week)!

I'd love to hear more places...looking forward to this "problem". I hate the opposite, when things don't fit because they are to small!