I'm pretty happy with my older (size 6) clothes and the style I had recently. It's simpler, still pretty polished and somewhat creative too. I like the shapes I wore, though I still needed more blouses and woven shirts. Someone once told me I did the Gamine look well, and I really like that style so much of what I had suited that vibe. Right now (other than the weight gain issues) I want my clothes to be similar to that style, but some of the things I wore don't really suit my heavier figure at the moment. I'm slowly evolving out of a style (and body) rut as we speak (write).
If I am reading correctly, it sounds like you are looking for a direction for your style as your life transitions from student life to career. You already know there is more than plenty of good style advice in the blogs and forum. Read again about the professional wardrobe capsules and body shape posts, and then explore ideas that you may like style-wise. The Lucky Guide to Mastering Style is ok, but not really for career wardrobes (more 20-somethings with plenty of spare time), but you may want to take a look at it and loosely (if at all) apply the guidelines to your style. Another thing to try: perhaps hang out at a lunch place of a possible work environment a couple of times and check out what other women are wearing. Maybe you'll get some good inspiration there too. If grad school is on the agenda, more professional-looking but still student clothes are likely the way to go. Not all grad students dress shabbily (despite a common stereotype). Good luck!!
