newbie looking to break out of boring box.....

dustt

So (deep breath...1st thread start) here is the crux of my problem. I am a 50 something professional who lost 40+ pounds in the last year has been rebuilding my closet over the last 6 months. I have a need to dress professionally yet not formally at work. Jeans are no go - I'm in Educational Administration - so I end up in dress pants, dress or a skirt, with basic sweaters or blazers most days. I would classify my current style as pretty classic - I LOVE color but wonder some days if I'm over the top. So I walk the tightrope between colorful and boring - and most days seem to end up falling over onto the boring side. If I could ask for one pearl of advice from all of you what would that be.......

thx!!

12 years ago

Dressing

13 replies

Latest reply was from dustt

Anonymous

Hi, welcome dust! My advice would be learn about how clothes should fit. This is the dressmaker in me talking

12 years ago

minimalist

Veteran

Welcome! (Though I'm new, too, and have less figured out than you already do.)

Shoes, boots -- is that an area where you'd enjoy expressing yourself?

12 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Welcome! I am also 50+ and joined the forum after considerable weight loss...you are not alone as there are several of us here in that position!

Including the wonderful Mary K! You might gain some inspiration from her posts because she dresses using very classic pieces (jacket, pencil skirt or dress almost every day) but she is our reigning Queen of Colour.

Fit, as Diane says, is crucial, and to figure that out you'll need to know your new body type. If you haven't read Angie's blog posts in the archives on this and finding a style descriptor, that would be a great first step. And posting photos here is a wonderful way to get help and advice.

12 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Congrats on the weight loss and welcome to the forum.

Get a professional bra fitting, address your hairstyle, and update your eyewear before you do anything else.

Think about the internal and external factors that affect your style. Basically, establish your needs and think about your style preferences.

Learn how to create a flattering fit and attractive proportions on your body type. Once you're comfortable with the guidelines, you can bend the the rules with sass and verve.

12 years ago

Liz A.

Veteran

Hi dustt, I think this is a common problem around here. Can't wait to see your pics so we can use visuals to assess!

12 years ago

kkards

Veteran

Another 50 here. Also joined because I was looking to break thru the boring. When your ready post some pictures. I don't post often, but my 1st few posts had a weeks worth outfits. And the advice I got was so helpful, now I often photograph an outfit and just that process helps me to "see" what I can do to bring it up to modern and/ or more interesting

12 years ago

Beth Ann

Veteran

Welcome! In addition to the great ideas you've already received, I'd suggest you view some of Ingunn's posts (current and former). She's in Europe, has a great, colorful, but classic style and is in Higher Ed. I teach in the University, too, but, since I teach singing, the dress code is different, and, well, diva-ish!

12 years ago

Aquamarine

Veteran

Newbie here, but I remember this post from Angie, which might get you thinking:

http://youlookfab.com/2013/06/.....ern-style/

12 years ago

Joyce B

Veteran

Welcome to the forum and congrats on your weight loss. Having to re-build your wardrobe due to weight loss is a nice problem to have, although it does get expensive.
I am new to the forum, too and I had to get a whole new wardrobe due to/ thanks to weight loss as well.
I started with basic pieces and built-up from there.
Enjoy your shopping. I am sure you will get even more great advice from the forum.

12 years ago

Lantana

Veteran

Welcome dustt. This is a productive thread to kick off your posts.
As well as the top tips you have already received I would add that it takes time. This is my own mantra during my current frustrated and muddled stage of the learning journey.
I am a retired teacher so my days of professional dressing are long gone. Forum veteran Karie is another teacher who adds a funky edge to her workday wardrobe.
ETA to say thanks to Aquamarine for the link to Angie's post. It's a beauty.

12 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Oh, the Angie program above is it. Hairstyle is huge, that really sets the tone. The biggest thing for me when I started, tho, as I tell everyone, was really really examining my needs and how I much time I spend on what activities.

12 years ago

nancylee

Veteran

Lots of good advice already. I'd suggest you go in to your closet and pick out your absolute favorite items. Hang them all together and see if you can pick out some common threads to give you an idea of your style direction.

And if you haven't set up a Pinterest page for fashion, you might want to....having visuals all together is a great way to determine your style likes/dislikes.

12 years ago

dustt

Veteran

WOW - lots of advice!! - can't wait to read them all tomorrow. Off for our anniversary dinner. Thx so much to all who responded - keep them coming please!!

12 years ago

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