Need help with summer wardrobe.

Hello Hello!

I haven't been here in forever and a day, but, as in many other parts of my life, I figured I'd come out of the woodwork.

I'm really here to ask for your help.

So, clothes. I've spent a year and a half not thinking or caring about clothes. It just seemed like too much, so I subsided into wearing sweat pants (the pockets, you know!) and old Zella tees. If I was actually (gasp!) leaving the house, I'd put on my one lovely pair of Eileen Fisher harem pants and a nice top.

Now, though, I'd like more than one choice for summer wear, but still staying with the ultra-comfy vibe.

Jeans aren't an option. I don't fit properly into any of what I already have, and shopping for new denims that fit my body in its current incarnation just isn't appealing.

So, I'm considering harem pants in colours other than black, and other pull-on options that aren't constricting and that I can dress up with a pretty top, footwear, and jewelry.

To go with those I'm looking for boho and boho-lite tunics, tees, and summer blouses.

Oh, and I could use a fashion sneaker refresh.

Parameters:

I think the best descriptor for what I'm going for is minimalist boho. I want clothes that are comfortable and easy to wear, and that I can dress up or down depending on whether I'm wearing them to walk around the neighbourhood, or out to brunch or the symphony.

I definitely do *not* want anything that looks or feels or wears like gear.

I gravitate toward a lot of black, and I shine in jewel tones, especially purples and blues.

I'm petite, and apple-shaped and I need room for a tummy and bust that are a little out of proportion with the rest of me.

One last thing: I'm blind, so if you could describe your suggestions (colour, fit on the model, overall vibe) that would be really helpful.

Warmly,

Robin

2 years ago

Runcarla

Veteran

Hi Robin! Are you still in Seattle? You are a curvy petite, right? Do you have any preferred shopping destinations? I’m thinking Universal standard might be a good place to start. Would you work with a sales assistant or stylist at a place like Nordstrom’s?

Before I make any specific suggestions, have you considered dresses for ‘one and done’ outfits with ease?

Stagiaire Fash

Hi Reba!

I haven’t met you yet, but I’ve had a good summer so far with lots of bright colors.

I don’t know anything about harem pants, but it occurred to me that you might like the relaxed ease of a jumpsuit. I headed on over to Nordstrom to pull one up, set a few search parameters and what came up is… harem pants! At least that is what I think you’d call these. They are loose-fitting pants that look quite soft, with slightly cropped wide legs. There is a matching top. It’s short, just reaching the waistband of the pants (but of course that depends on how tall/long-waisted you are), sleeveless, and kind of swingy, with the top getting wider towards the hem. Both pieces are solid purple.

I am horrible at fashion terms. Here is the description from Nordstrom’s site
Maximize the reward-for-effort ratio with this cropped and boxy set cut from cotton woven in a herringbone-stripe pattern.

17" top length; 29 1/2" inseam; 27" leg opening; 14 1/2" front rise; 18 1/2" back rise pants (size Medium)
Top has back button closure; boat neck; short sleeves
Pants have elastic waist; side-seam pockets
100% cotton

If you want to try jumpsuits, head over to COS. They have a bunch of slouchy, comfy, chill ones. When I try to go to the US site, I get shunted back to the one for the country I’m in (Germany).

ETA yeesh, all that and I didn't even give you the link to the set I was going on about? I am sorry! Even worse, on further research, it seems the Free People Changing Tides set in purple is sold out. Remaining colors are earth tones, not anything like what you said you're looking for.

Sal

Hi Robin

I remember you! I am in New Zealand so can’t help with shopping recommendations but like your ideas.

-loose tee shirt dresses
- harem pants and shaped tops
- modern footwear

I think the fit is the key on loose pieces and that might be hard to gauge for you. Is there a way you can share photos with the forum?

And I know Angie ( who is offline due too her Dad’s passing) would advise hair and lingerie refreshes at the top of the priority list!

Thanks for posting.

Sloper

Hi Robin,

I will recommend harem pants from a company that I have recently discovered. It is One Golden Thread. I have their harem pants and two tops.

Everything is unisex. I am 5 ft. 7 inches with full bust (36G) and full rear-end. Hourglass figure.
I find the clothing sizing generous.

The pants are called "Tree Pants" and come in black, forest green, beige, white, dusty mauve - looks like lilac, and a deep rose color but that is currently sold out. They do restock periodically.

Cost is $288. One unisex size. Made in Los Angeles. Very nice quality substantial cotton jersey fabrics.

Their tees are also of the same cotton jersey and are sized small, medium, large. Long sleeve and short sleeve. Also, they have scarves and wraps in solids and tie-dye patterns.

They seem very customer friendly and if you reach out to them, I feel that they would be helpful with your needs.

https://onegoldenthread.com/co.....1210821745

Another company is Mimu Maxi. They make jersey dresses, tops, and skirts in simple shapes and beautiful colors. However they don't make pants. https://www.mimumaxi.com/

rachylou

Hi Robin! My mind went straight to cropped harem or lantern pants with an angled hem. There are many Tibetan shops in my town that carry such pants. I tried to find such a style on Amazon but every seller looks very sketchy! Phooey. All right. I’m still looking. Eileen Fisher does a lantern pant, if you like her.

Gaylene

Hi Robin, nice to hear from you again! My suggestion, If you like your Eileen Fisher pants, is to use them to build a little EF capsule. Add another top, maybe a sweater, and another pair of pants. The nice thing about EF is that usually all her styles and colors in a particular season work well with each other. Play around with your current shoes and accessories to make the outfits distinctively your own, adding a couple of inexpensive extras if needed.

I did something similar a few years back when I needed a fast “nice” capsule after my wardrobe had been drastically culled for our move. The EF pieces I bought got worn with other items as my wardrobe re-established itself and are still workhorses now relegated as everyday wear. Five pieces that work together can give you a lot of mileage.

Category