Right. My PhD thesis is done, now I can start shopping. - YouLookFab Forum

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Right. My PhD thesis is done, now I can start shopping.

Mander

(website)

Veteran

I started thinking seriously about my wardrobe and general look a couple of months ago, but everything has been mostly on hold while I finished up my PhD thesis. All the changes were finally approved yesterday (hooray!!), so I can have it bound and submitted next week. Then I just have to decide what to wear to graduation...

In trying to get dressed to actually leave the house yesterday I realized that even though I have already cleaned out a huge pile of clothes, I still have half a closet full of things that I just don't like. Pretty much everything I put on makes me feel ugly and dishevelled.

I think I am frustrated because I am not happy with my body shape, and so I feel like everything looks terrible regardless of whether it fits me. But I guess this probably is an indication that I need to start creating a different look. Trouble is, I'm drawn to a nice sleek profile that just doesn't look good on a figure that seems to be an hourglass with an apple grafted onto the front...

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18 replies

Latest reply was from goldenpig

Mochi

Veteran

Apples sure are a challenge to fit, aren't they?

Congrats on your thesis! MAJOR accomplishment and you should take that all in and enjoy it. Once the stress has dissipated and you can ease back, I'm sure you'll start finding some great clothes.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Congrats on your thesis -- that is HUGE (I've only been through that for my master's, I can only imagine how much more intense it is for a doctorate)!

It sounds like your wardrobe is in the same state of flux mine was in earlier this year. Now that you have a bit more time on your hands, I've no doubt you'll figure things out and be much happier with your style and wardrobe very soon. It just takes some time, and I can't begin to express how helpful and inspiring this forum has been. We'll help you!

Claudia

Veteran

Mander, congratulations on your impressive achievement. After all the hard intellectual work and focus I hope that you will have some fun clothes shopping for yourself. You deserve it. Again, congratulations, and best wishes for the doors it will open for you.

Astrid

Veteran

Congratulations on completing your thesis!

I think the most important thing is to really take your time to discover your style. Just keep an open mind and go shopping without pressure and I'm sure you will find something you like that fits you. Your advantage is that you are starting from scratch, you don't have to find that one special item but are able to just browse and discover what you like. It sounds like you already have an idea what it is you want ("nice sleek profile"), maybe you can start from there and think about why you want that? I really think that you can have clean lines and looks with every figure, if that is what you are drawn to!

The idea of overhauling a whole wardrobe is daunting for sure, but if you just concentrate on the little steps a lot of pressure disappears. Just take your time and we'll all help!

Isis

Veteran

Congratulations Dr Mander! That is a real accomplishment, take time to savor what you've actually done!

As for clothes, remember, it's the clothes, not you. I'm sure there are clothes that can fit you and give a sleek style, they just aren't in your closet. You'll find them.

Astrid's advice is spot on, take your time and go slowly. You really are still discovering your style (as am I). I think you'll have a lot of fun exploring!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Congratulations on finishing your thesis! That is a huge accomplishment!

As for the closet woes, you've received some great advice already. Take is slow, take it easy, and give yourself time to figure out what is going to work. You will eventually find the clothes that will give you the style you crave.

Parsley

Veteran

Congratulations, Mander!
Finishing your PhD thesis is quite an accomplishment to be proud of!

Now I wish you the best with your task of overhauling your wardrobe. You've definitely come to the right place for help with that- I know Im finding this site to be extremely helpful and inspirational in my own "image improvement" project.

Please know that you are not alone in having fit challenges! It's a pain in the neck, but it CAN be done to find things that work for you and to make alterations as necessary to MAKE them fit!
I never cease to be astounded by the women here of all shapes and sizes who manage to look so amazing and stylish. It's a relief to know that it's not necessary to be built like a model in order to look great.

Anyway, well done, Doctor! And good luck with your next projects!

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Congratulations on completing your thesis - what a major accomplishment!
I think most of us feel frustrated with our bodies from time to time - until we learn how to dress them. Unfortunately most women do not born with innate sense of style and skills to dress but we sure can learn that!
Just remember one thing: it is not your body which is wrong, you just don't have the right clothes for it. Have you looked at Angie's posts on how to dress different body types in a flattering way? They are very helpful if you just starting out on your style journey. Other thing you can do is to look at other forum members who have similar body types and whose style you like. We have a lot of adorable and stylish apples here, they can be style inspiration. Marianna comes to mind - and her style is sleek and modern classic.
If there is one thing I learned here is that you cannot find your style until you accept the body you have and begin to love it.
Good luck and we remember: are are here to help if you need us!

crwilson

Veteran

Congratulations on finishing your thesis! That's such a huge accomplishment! What's your field?

I'm an apple-y hourglass too, and I know exactly what you mean about the challenges of dressing that shape. Jackets do wonders for my body, and they might help you create the sleekness that you're drawn to while also creating more of a defined waistline. I don't like stiffness, so I've found a lot of jackets that are either ponte or have some kind of stretch in them that I find very comfortable. I find that scarves also hide my wobbly bits in the middle, so I have lots and lots of scarves.

Jonesy

Veteran

Congrats on completing your dissertation! Yay Dr. Mander! Give yourself a moment to feel happy and satisfied--how many years have you been doing this? Now you have achieved it, so pause for a bit to enjoy yourself.

Now you can have a bit more time to focus on fun stuff like style and fashion!

Kappy

Veteran

Congratulations!!!! What a huge accomplishment; you must be very proud of yourself. I feel your wardrobe pain because I am an hourglass with an apple graft too and am also drawn to things I just can't wear . Things that look good from the front can look ridiculous on the side view because of my stomach. Add in a G/H cup and needing a 35" inseam and it's a wonder I own any clothes. Do you have anything you love right now?

Diana

Veteran

Congratulations, Mander! You've definitely earned yourself some new clothes and shopping time. My advice would be to go slowly, try out different things, and don't forget to have fun.

And there's nothing quite like the feeling of holding your freshly bound thesis in your hands!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I have no doubt that Dr. Mander can look absolutely fabulous :).

Start with the guidelines on how to dress your body type and work your way from there. Have a professional bra fitting if you haven't had one in the last year, and take yourself off to have your hair done. If possible, address your specs style *before* your clothing style.

There is NOTHING wrong with your body. When clothes don't fit - it's the clothes, not your body shape. It might take a little while to find stuff that you love, but you will get there. It's my promise to you. And we are here to help you every step of the way.

Now go spoil yourself, Dr!

bj1111

Veteran

WOO HOO!!! what an awesome accomplishment. take a deep breath, let it out...now savor the moment!

then...let the shopping begin. as a pear, i envy apples who can show off their legs.

Amy

(website)

Veteran

Congratulations! That is a major, major achievement. You've already had some great advice about your wardrobe. I just want to add that it's high time you spoiled yourself a bit!

Mander

(website)

Veteran

Aww, thanks, all!

I've been assessing what I have and looking through Angie's fabulous rules. I think I might need to tackle this academic-style, really. And buy more woven shirts. And more glasses. My current frames are pretty good looks-wise but I'd like to be one of those people who has frames in various colors and styles to choose from every day.

Kate

Veteran

Congrats! I've got another 3+ years, and I can only imagine what a relief it must be to be completely done! Hooray, and enjoy the shopping!

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Congrats Mander! What an accomplishment! Have fun shopping and updating your wardrobe! As a fellow apple, I can commiserate, but just remember, if it doesn't work, it's not your body, it's the clothes!