Fashion - Clueless

   Hi, I wonder how many of you are going through, or thinking about this. I started putting on weight while in my teens. So, I never had a 'style'. I opted for anything that covered me, and hid my weight (I hoped).
   Now, I am near my goal weight. I have gone from 309 lbs. toward my goal of 125 lbs. I have been holding off buying clothes, since I'm still losing weight. But, I will need to start shortly. I will be having my plastics in January (I hope).
   How does one develope their own 'look'? This figure is so new to me, I don't want to dress the way I did for most of my life. But I don't want to dress wrong for my age, and look foolish, either.
  I have been watching the show 'What NOT to Wear'. It has taught me a lot. I can put myself in the place of so many of the women on the show.
   How did YOU deal with the new image and body?

I wish I had an answer for you. I have been looking in the regular size sections in anticipation of my weight loss and I do not see anything I think I would wear.It seems it is all for teenagers and not for a 50 year old. I hope I can find some age appropriate clothes as I lose. Maybe when I am smaller I will look at stuff different but I am worried I will not find anything. Good luck.

Maybe you just need to try stuff on and see what you think?  That may help you define a style.

Good point!   I also had no sense of what my style was unless you want to count "big shirts" that covered all.   I now wear jeans and tops that I can tuck in.   I think they're age appropriate, but mabye a little tight fitting for my age & size.  I like to wear them small as it is a constant reminder not to eat too much (or I can't sit down!).    I have found a wonderful shop near Leisure World that has age appropriate, stylish clothing - but alas, it's all too expensive for me!   I broke out the sewing machine & made about 8 tops at a cost of approx $4 each.   I really like the clothes at Coldwater Creek too, but again --- too pricey for me.   

I'd say it's time for you to go shopping.   Start small & see how you feel with the new look before you buy too much.   It's such fun!!! I wish I could go shopping with you!

Hi,
you might want to check out Coldwater Creek online...it has age appropriate, good quality clothes. Shop the clearance section for great deals on clothes, shoes, jewelry. I've purchased from them and was very pleased. I'm sure there are many other sources but that's the one that came to mind.
Happy Shopping!
Alice

I watch a lot of  "What not to Wear"  and I also have learned a lot.  I also watch Tim Gunn Style.  I think it helps.  Of course the finial analysis is what you like.  You'll know when you see it.  I also find that in the "normal" sizes the available clothes are much more stylish and much better quality than what your find in large size stores.  I have found that at Macy's I sometimes can find designer clothes on sale at deep discounts.  I actually bought a $250 three piece suit for $25 last spring.   I was at Dillards yesterday and walked thru the Women's dept and got really depressed.  Everything was skimpy, unstylish, and cheap looking.  Not cheap either.  I saw a nice Ralph Lauren pair of pants for $149.  I was so glad I don't have to shop that department anymore but sad sad for those who do. 

I watch a lot of  "What not to Wear"  and I also have learned a lot.  I also watch Tim Gunn Style.  I think it helps.  Of course the finial analysis is what you like.  You'll know when you see it.  I also find that in the "normal" sizes the available clothes are much more stylish and much better quality than what your find in large size stores.  I have found that at Macy's I sometimes can find designer clothes on sale at deep discounts.  I actually bought a $250 three piece suit for $25 last spring.   I was at Dillards yesterday and walked thru the Women's dept and got really depressed.  Everything was skimpy, unstylish, and cheap looking.  Not cheap either.  I saw a nice Ralph Lauren pair of pants for $149.  I was so glad I don't have to shop that department anymore but sad sad for those who do. 

I wear a lot of Alfred Dunner.  I like it because it's dressy enough for work and casual enough for Saturdays... and I can wear the sweaters with jeans.  However, I see the gals at work that blow my socks up with their 'style' and wish I had a little flair like they do.  I've asked a couple of them to go shopping with me now that I've lost my tummy and my arse.  Get someone to go with you to get you out of your 'box' and just try on clothes.  Many times I try something on and head out to the racks and get opinions from other shoppers.  Trust me, the question, "do I look fat in this?" will get a truly honest answer just outside the dressing room from the other shoppers.

Janet

Liz Claiborne works for me.  I also like what I find at Dress Barn.  Most of their clothes are what I imagine women who work in a good office must wear.  "Office chic", if you will.  Also, find yourself a good re-sale or consignment shop.  Not a thrift shop.  The consignment shops tend to be pretty up-to-date with the styles.  The thrift shops can be good, but you have to know what you're looking for.

I started with a few basics, and find I wear them over and over.  I've made a number of big mistakes, but by buying at thrift shops, it hasn't cost me much.

You're gonna love this part of the journey!

Candy

Finding the right look is hard especially now when I can only wear Jr size pants!! I wear size 0 to 3.  Ladies pants are just too big. The Jr styles are harder to choose from as the are for younger girls. I manage....and am not complaining...it is just harder to find the right look.
I haven't even had plastics yet!!! What the heck size will I be then??
I like to watch What Not To Wear too......great ideas!!

Good luck to you in finding what works for you.

Hugs.....connie d