New and in need of help. Not sure if where to even start.

tigerlily6200

I am new here. I turn 40 on Saturday and I just had baby #4. I have neververy stylish. I was a jeans and shirt type
of girl. Four kids ago I could get away with it, not anymore. Even when I get down to my pre-pregnancy weight my body has changed.

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6 years ago

Body Type

14 replies

Latest reply was from tigerlily6200

Joy

Veteran

Yes, expect pregnancy to change your body. Expect menopause to change your body even more. Start, as Angie suggests with a good bra fitting and new underwear, if needed, an easy to do hair style and, (I would add,) a good teeth cleaning or whitening. Dress to fit the body you have. This includes footwear. Your shoe size may have changed.
There is nothing wrong being a jeans and shirt girl, but refresh them with a few new stylish pieces a couple of times a year. Think about what outfits make you happiest, and why.
Enjoy those children while you can. They will not always be around.

6 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

The body will change no matter what. I’m same weight and height, but I got a glimpse of myself in a store window today... my legs have become short and stumpy! I don’t understand!

What sort of jeans and shirts did you like to wear? What seems off now?

6 years ago

tigerlily6200

Active Member

Thanks for the comments. Well I used to be able to wear whatever jeans old navy or target had without much thought, now I have my kangaroo pouch so anything below my belly button is uncomfortable. Typically my jeans were always low rise and bootcut with whatever trendy top h&m or target had.

Getting new bras and underwear are my first thing to do and I have a dentist appointment on Wednesday lol

Here is my question: am I a rectangle? I have nothing that fits except yoga pants and even though I know I just had a baby - having nothing that fits is depressing but witv four kids I just don’t have the time to really shop.

I have a some curves at my bottom and I hate my arms -they tend to be a problem area (In my mind at least) even at my goal weight.

I just want to get some ideas of what works with this? Do I create a waste? Someone told me big sleeves to hide my arms in Target the other day. Idk

I’m short though so I know that’s another challenge because it’s harder not to look completely round.

Thank you in advance for any advice.

6 years ago

Carla

Active Member

Hi Tigerlily ... stopping by to say welcome ... you have landed in a good place here I don't have too much to add except that spoiling yourself post-kids with things like a teeth whitening, hair and nail spoils go a long way in boosting one's confidence amidst the exhaustion of small babies. I am sure Angie will chime in with some wise words about your specific questions.

6 years ago

Anonymous

Welcome TL- and congrats on #4. I get the whole body change- JOY is soooo right about everything she posted, I can imagine you have little time for yourself but think it’s fantastic you see the importance of taking care of YOU ( there is a reason flight attendants say to put on your O2 mask before you put them on the kids- lol)
I lived in knit dresses after delivering- when you are tired, at least it’s one and done(to borrow that phrase)! Some styles are loose which you can belt as body goes down and some have elastic waist that will give shape (that’s when I became a lands end fan- wash,wear, always deals for budget conscious)
I too am a rectangle and have limited success in finding pants that accommodate thick middle and doesn’t strangle my non- hour glass waist. While weight/ shape are changing fast you might not want to spend a fortune on clothes so NY & Co pants fit rectangles and are inexpensive but the quality can be hit or miss. ll bean has adjustable waists but can be more costly. New foundation garments are a must- hope you have shopping success but suggest you go before dentist appointment since you might not feel great after.
Good luck ,

6 years ago

jussie

Veteran

Hi and welcome! Sorry your having a hard time wardrobe-wise, but congrats on the 4th baby!
I’m no expert- but I think you are an hourglass with a slight pear tendency. Of course if the baby was born very recently your body is likely to still be changing very rapidly.
Here’s my idea of how to get started- please feel free to completely disregard! Just my thoughts. I wish I had approached wardrobe building this way. Instead I used a random ad hoc approach.
Step 1: read up on all Angie’s old posts. Search out particular topics/questions you have.
Step 2: 40plussstyle is another good blog. It’s a bit more prescriptive though.
Step 3: look at Pinterest, people on the street, on tv shows, in mags for ideas of overall themes in outfits that you like.... maybe your taste has changed?
Step 4: put some time into finding some good basics: jeans, tees, cami’s. This may be somewhat stressful because it can take A LOT of trying different ones on from different stores until you find the basics you are happy with. Remember- the clothes are wrong, not you.

Then comes the fun part!!
Part two......

1: start collecting statement pieces. You could try eBay/thrift/cheap stores for these. Let your creativity and personality shine through here! Yay!
2: make sure you have completer pieces to make complete outfits- eg the right shoes/necklace/cardi/scarf to actually be able to wear your essentials and statement pieces in outfits you are happy with.
Good luck!!

6 years ago

Runcarla

Veteran

I see that you joined YLF and first posted 5 years ago. Have you been following/reading the blogs?

6 years ago

Staysfit

Veteran

Welcome! Joy has given you great advice! Truly, the best part is to enjoy your children now while they are young and with you. I didn’t even think about what I was wearing until my youngest was a sophomore in HS!

6 years ago

Mainelady

Veteran

Welcome and congratulations on your 4th baby and turning 40! Lots of excitement and things to celebrate. Your body is going to be changing for a while, so try to take the changes in stride. I like Joy’s suggestions quite a bit. New undergarments, sparkling teeth, perhaps a mani-pedi or a facial, if time allows. I know it can be hard to carve out time for yourself, but when you can, please focus on doing something nice for you.
As your body is changing, I think comfort is key. You may not want to invest too much money in new pieces right away. I think a couple of new tops would be a good start, because they may fit even as your body changes.
After I had my babies I wore clean and comfortable clothes, but can’t say that I really had any specific style. My happiness factors were caring for my babies and seeing polished toes, or cute socks when I had a chance to pick up my feet.

6 years ago

Anonymous

You have a lovely figure and your arms are regular arms, NOT problem arms!
I also think you are roughly a rectangle with a waist. Perhaps you have a belly that is hard to fit?

I definitely think you can continue to wear jeans (in the right fit)—perhaps others can suggest some brands.

Sometimes thing that are a little higher quality (like thicker jeans) or a nicely finished top can make you feel really great.

I know it’s tough to find time to shop! I totally think it’s worth getting a babysitter or something and spending a good chunk of time putting some things together. It’ll feel so good having some nice new clothes!

Congratulations on your fourth! I only have two but wish I could have had more!

6 years ago

Bijou

Veteran

You definitely have your hands full with a new baby and three other children to look after. You look great, and I cannot see a problem with your arms. You are young and lovely.

Where to start...what is the thing that will make you feel best? Is it a new top, some great jeans, a new haircut. What will make you feel most like you and also be practical for the life you lead. We all need to feel fab, it is just doing a bit of homework to think it through on what will make you feel good and work out a plan to get there.

If you post WIW's - as scary as it is putting yourself out there, you will get great feedback. I have found it helps enormously getting objective feedback from a very stylish and knowledgeable group of ladies, many of whom have dealt with similar issues.

6 years ago

SarahD8

Veteran

How about looking for a couple of pretty cotton gauze type scarves? They are easy to throw on and add an instant finishing touch to an outfit, bring some nice color and perhaps pattern near your face, and will fit through weight changes. And, as the body changes start to settle down, the color schemes can guide you in rebuilding your wardrobe.

6 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Another welcome from me.

First thing to do is get a bra fitting, make sure you're happy with your hairstyle, and address eyewear if you wear specs.

6 years ago

tigerlily6200

Active Member

Thank you all soooo much! I am sorry I’ve been MIA today but my older three are on spring break. I miss them when they’re at school and when everyone is at home it’s chaos. Lol but life is good. I appreciate all the comments and advice, really. I am going to print everything out and do some late night thinking. I’m sure I will have some questions because like I said before I know nothing about fashion but I do want to find a couple things aswe transition out of the winter season. I wish I had started this earlier because unless I plan on going to easter service in black leggings I’m in big trouble.happy Monday!

6 years ago

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