Ask Angie: New professional look for a non-dress-wearing girl. - YouLookFab Forum

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Ask Angie: New professional look for a non-dress-wearing girl.

Maggie

I am a lesbian woman who is not comfortable in dresses. I enjoy more masculine clothing, but want to look professional and a little more feminine. Your site was suggested to me by some faithful contributors and I'd like to get some advice on body type, where to buy clothing for my size (16-18) that is more trendy and higher quality, and how to dress more professionally.

http://s830.photobucket.com/al.....aggiesylf/

Body Type

22 replies

Latest reply was from Sihaya

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Welcome to the forum, Maggie! Thanks for posting a picture so promptly. Visuals are always appreciated. I'm sure we'll have you sorted in no time.

You are apple shaped. Do you know your height? Where do you currently shop?

Maggie

I am 5'9" tall and have had most luck shopping at Lane Bryant.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Another tall lass! There seem to be more and more on YLF these days.

What’s your dress code for work? Will you wear a small wedge heel?

How do you feel about sporting an androgynous tailored look: slacks, button down shirts, pinstripe blazers, waistcoats, ties, cravats, oxford shoes or boots and oversized tote.

Maggie

The dress code is business casual on most days but I am in many meetings at various times during the work week that require more....power but grace. I need my outfits to be flexible enough to be on the floor with children during assessments and sessions, but be professional enough in a heartbeat to deal with other clinical specialists.

The androgynous tailored look is EXACTLY what I am going for. A small heel is fine and I do own some chunky pumps that I like. I don't carry a purse, but an oversized Banana Republic tote that carries my laptop and necessities. I like big bags like Franklin Covey...

I'm so glad that I stepped out and risked this. Thank you for all of your help. I look forward to hearing from you.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

love the sound of your oversized tote and I know Franklin Covey merchandise. We are on the same page about your renewed look!

I’ve written a few posts about androgynous dressing. In fact the whole look is close to my heart because I look to dress androgynously too, even though I’m very girly. Perhaps these posts will get the creative juices flowing:

http://youlookfab.com/2006/10/.....nous-look/

http://youlookfab.com/2006/10/.....nous-look/

http://youlookfab.com/2009/07/.....-3-london/

http://youlookfab.com/2008/11/.....ord-shoes/

http://youlookfab.com/2007/09/.....he-season/

http://youlookfab.com/2007/09/.....-the-vest/

http://youlookfab.com/2008/09/.....arty-edge/

http://youlookfab.com/2008/09/.....tton-down/

Maggie

Thanks for the inspiration. I'll start putting together some outfits and posting them. Please tell me how to fix them, don't be shy .

Sihaya

Veteran

Maggie - also check out Jack George's briefcases/laptop bags. They look dressy and professional but are extremely practical and sturdy.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

*chuckle*. I shan't be shy, Maggie!

Thanks for being proactive. We don’t dilly dally about with feedback on YLF, but your feelings and perceptions are safe here. The comments are always constructive, supportive and informative. There is zero tolerance for rudeness. Can’t wait to see what you come up with! And above all, have fun with the process :0)

marianna

Veteran

Hi Maggie! You and I are very similar in shape. I just wanted to chime in and say don't get stuck shopping only at Lane Bryant because there are many more options out there! Nordstrom and Macys have great plus size departments with a lot of variety. Also I know that Talbots has a plus size line which might be worth looking at. For a few trendier pieces (but bad quality), Torrid is fun sometimes.

Enjoy shopping for your new look!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Oh! That's brilliant info, Marianna. I just realized that Michelle is similar in shape to you and Maggie. Bob’s your uncle.

Maggie

Thanks to Sihaya and Marianna for the input.

Ok Ladies, here is what we are working with so far...

http://s830.photobucket.com/al.....aggiesylf/

Maggie

Sihaya,
I LOVE Jack George's Half Moon and Chelsea collections! Thank you so much, I'd never heard of them before

Maya

Veteran

Maggie, I think your current style looks feminine without looking overly girly. I was wondering if you have any oxford shoes? Either heeled or flat. That was the first thing that came to mind when I read your post.

Maggie

Maya,
I'm actually headed out today in search of the perfect oxford. I saw how great it looked in the previous posts by Angie. Do you think flats or a heel?

marianna

Veteran

Your current style is great! My only observation is don't be afraid to wear your clothes a little bit more form fitting if you like. The first grey pants seem a little baggy and might look more slimming if they weren't as loose (the black ones are nice!). Just because we have more to love doesn't mean we have to hide!

Maggie

Marianna,
I do struggle with that. I always feel like I'm hiding dimples and imperfections if things are looser, but sometimes just one size makes things a bit too big. I'm learning that I might need to find a tailor.

Louise

Veteran

Hi Maggie and welcome. Have you seen Angie's blog post for adorable apples? If not here it is x
http://youlookfab.com/2006/05/.....ble-apple/

Maggie

Thanks, Loulou, that was helpful. This is a great forum!

Maya

Veteran

I think whether you get flats or a heel is based on personal preference and what you feel more comfortable wearing. Another factor to consider is whether your pants are hemmed mainly for heels or flats. If your pants are hemmed for flats, heels might not be practical.

taylor

Veteran

Maggie, looks like you have gotten some really good advice already.:)

No matter what your style or size , the right fit is SO important. It will give you that extra polish if your clothes FIT you well!!!

I think you are on to a YLF journey that you are going to love:)

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You posted pictures, Maggie! Good for you. Here’s my 2 cents:

o As a redhead, you look sensational in dirty purples, teal blues and muted greens. Black and white, rich earth tones and the right greys are also good.

o You are after achieving “a long lean line” and I see the beginnings of that in two outfits in particular: the denim jacket ensemble and the tan suede ensemble. I think the scarf worn as a belt is unflattering because it cuts your long lean line in half. Does that make sense? The scarf worn vertically is MUCH more flattering. Well done! Wear it against your neck and inside the collar. More hip.

o I love your necklace! How about a loose men’s neck tie? I’m actually wearing one today as a necklace :0). Explore scarves too. I was so happy to see you wear one. It’s an easy way to spice up an outfit.

o You have slim legs, and we want to bring out that feature. I have a feeling you can wear slimmer, more streamlined slacks. Perhaps with a bit of stretch. How about a pinstripe?

o I love you in tailored jackets. This is an avenue that you can have lots of fun with. This item shows verve and personality and really suits your body type and work environment. Biker inspired jacket? Military jacket?

o How about a waistcoat for over the shirts?

o How about an argyle pullover?

Marianna is a great source of inspiration and to her point, we want to see more of you! Get yourself off to Nordies and try their semantics label. You’ll like their fit.

Keep up the motivation, Maggie. You are doing great!

Sihaya

Veteran

Maggie - glad you liked Jack George's. I have 2 of their pieces and travel all over with them for a last several years and they still look good as new.

Love seeing posts of your outfits. I esp like the black and white with denim jacket and the brown'ish top that followed. Cute pendant. I like how you combine pendants with your outfits. I would also suggest considering a sleeve length that goes to your elbows for short sleeved tops - I'd be curious to see how that looks.