Help! I need fashion advice - YouLookFab Forum

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Help! I need fashion advice

Evergreeen Bean

Member

I may or may not be over judgemental of myself but I need help.

Background info: I am twenty, modest (I don't like leggings, nothing too tight) and I am a full time nanny.

I don't own very many clothing items, I currently have a line up of 6 shirts, 3-4 pairs of pants and 2 jackets that I intermingle week to week to create what I consider an 'outfit' for work.

All of my pants are jeans that are at least one size too big for me and my shirts are either baggy or old.

I basically wear jeans, a shirt and a zip up hoodie everyday and every week. Yet when I look for new clothes (if I can afford it) I tend to gravitate towards more jeans and hoodies (don't get me wrong, it is my favorite 'outfit' but wearing the same thing every week makes me feel self conscious)

I am just looking for some fashion advice on how I could (cheapishly) reinvent my wardrobe to help me look my age while still keeping my modest, simple and kid friendly 'style'

Thanks for reading!

General

15 replies

Latest reply was from Staysfit

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Welcome! A question to start.

What is your climate like and do you spend time outdoors with the kids?

Depending where you are, a few very small changes might start things rolling.

If you're in a cooler climate -- how about a pair of coloured jeans and/ or corduroys? Maybe even patterned. That is a small change but one that might feel easy to make.

Also ponte trousers could be an option.

Cropped denim will make your look more current.

Consider your footwear. Is that up to date? It can make a real difference. With the sneaker trend you could get some great shoes that would work for your job well.

Consider a pullover instead of a hoodie, or a knit jacket.

Finally, Angie's first advice for a style update is --

Hairstyle (is it current, do you love it)?
Specs (if you wear them, are they great?)
Bra fitting.

Evergreeen Bean

Member

Hi Suz! Thank you for your help

I live in California, right now it is pretty cold. I am not very up to date on trends or what someone my age usually wears. I like the idea of colored jeans or cropped denim. Do you have any store suggestions that are on the affordable side?

I only have two pairs of shoes. A pair of white sneakers and black Tom's (I don't usually wear these because I feel like they look bad on me)

My hair is like a brassy auburn, I trim it myself and don't style it so there isn't much going on there. But I wouldn't know where to start anyway.

As you can probably tell, I am a bit of an outdated mess lol!

Joy

Veteran

Suz has given you excellent advice. Another thought. I also do not like knit leggings but am ok with slim woven jeans and pants worn under a tunic length top or even short dress.

Be sure to check out thrift stores to save money, but be very picky and only buy what you love. Careful sale shopping can be as inexpensive as thrift stores and the return policy can be better. Pay attention to Angie's blog posts for ideas and to know what is going to be stylish. I often found that, in an area slow to adopt new styles, there were great pieces that had not sold at the end of a season that were hot items the next year.

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Why not start with a good haircut and new bras?

deb

Veteran

Good advice has been given already. The thrift store usually has many jeans and if you can find several that fit the hips and waist, why not try hacking them to cropped versions. Many of us here on YLF did that last year to our old jeans. Here are some posts on the current lengths.

http://youlookfab.com/2016/04/.....ns-styles/

http://youlookfab.com/2016/04/.....-raw-hems/

http://youlookfab.com/2016/03/.....mmer-2016/

Bennett

Veteran

The first thing that comes to mind is a cargo-style vest. Super casual and can be worn over just about anything, even the hoodies. They cover your behind so if your current jeans are too baggy in the butt, it's hidden.

Two good places to shop for inexpensive fashion are Target and H&M.

This post has 2 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I'm smiling because what's cold to you would probably be like summer to me -- I live in Canada!

So...as far as I am concerned, you live in the perfect climate for fashion.

One of our former forum mates, Rae, has a blog that might interest you because she is in California and has a youthful style. She's also a champion thrifter and flea market shopper, with lots of thoughts about that.

For relatively inexpensive denim -- try the Gap. Or Zara.

I'd also consider adding a pair of booties. If you get them in a cognac tone they will "bookend" your hair and lend cohesion to your outfits instantly. A pair with a higher shaft will be on trend.

Evergreeen Bean

Member

Wow! Thank you everyone who has replied, this really helps me a lot. I didn't know that cropped jeans are in, all of mine are super long and bunch around the ankles so I will need to fix that. I also really like the vest idea, it could help me switch up my hoodie look

Any suggestions on what kind of tops to wear, I generally wear neutral colors and stray away from print or fancy cuts because I am not quite sure what looks good.

Liz

Veteran

Here you go! If you watch sales at places like Old Navy, you can get lots of good deal. Biggest things to watch for -- even on hoodies and t-shirts -- is that your items fit you well.

(You can always size up in pants, if you want them to be looser.)

Mid-Rise Pixie Ankle Pants for Women

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Relaxed Lace-Up Tee for Women

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Chambray Button-Down Shirt for Women

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Caslon Denim Jacket (Regular & Petite)

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Ledonna N.

Veteran

Hello and welcome to YLF. There are some great suggestions given. I would start with some inspiration photos. Also thrift shops and retail store sales racks are great places to look at..

VioletMyra

I need pictures to give me ideas, so, I thought this slide show: https://www.babble.com/style/2.....leg-jeans/
might be useful. Many of the lasses are wearing flat shoes or boots. This community is always here to help. I'm pleased you found YLF and posted.
HTH and best wishes for this journey you're undertaking.

Lucy

Veteran

I would start off slowly, so as not to stress or spend too much at once! What about four or five things? I love the idea of a khaki jacket, because they look good with jeans. They are usually comfy too, and would make a change from the hoodies. Maybe one or two tops. What about a striped t-shirt? I'm not a big pattern person, but I love stripes, and they are a bit fresher than another plain t. Striped t, jeans and sneakers is a cute look! And I love the idea of some different coloured denim. It's still comfy and practical for work, but would add a bit of fun.
All of these items could mix really well with what you already have, too.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Lucy's right -- start slowly and wade in. Also, Angie's posts on ensembles might be a great way to see what is current right now. The more recent ones are on holiday outfits so you will have to scroll back for earlier ones, and do read the descriptions because she explains how to put the outfit together. Some of these will be dressier than would work for your job or your age, but some will be exactly on point to your purpose.

For instance: http://youlookfab.com/2016/10/.....ers-bling/

Barbara Diane

Veteran

One trick to help with color choices is to put your hand up to the clothing item you are considering. If your hand looks ill, the color isn't your best.

Another way to elevate your look is to add a piece of jewelry or a scarf.

Staysfit

Veteran

I like shopping online. There are plenty of inexpensive online stores that cater to your age group and have low prices. You should check out:
Forever 21
Mod Details
Styles for Less
ASOS
10 Dollar Mall
Urban Original
Charlotte Russe
Necessary Clothing
Rue 21

My daughter is in your age group and probably income bracket. She checks out all these online stores before she looks at any local brick and mortar shop. She likes to know what is showing, the price ranges available, and if she can find something similar for a better price somewhere else. It saves her precious time because she doesn't like to waste time on her days off running around shopping. She has learned her size and what styles work for her so she often orders online from places if they have free shipping and returns.