Okay, this is what I wore to class today. I look kinda dumpy. This I know. The question is, WHY do I look dumpy? Bad shirt, bad jeans, or bad overall? I'm pretty sure the jeans are bad. They are rather loose on my waist, so they bunch up and I'm constantly fixing them. But is the shirt bad too? I just got it for Christmas from my mom from Old Navy. I'd like to think that it'd look good with better fitting jeans or khakis. So, do I keep the shirt or do both need to go?
EDIT: I didn't get to shower today because I ran out of time. Don't judge the hair and make up!!
12 comments:
What a wonderful idea for a blog. And good for you for putting yourself out there!
First thing in looking at the pictures you've posted: I don't think you're wearing the right bra for you. If you watched Tim Gunn's version of what-not-to-wear, one of the very first things they did was get the woman to a lingerie boutique where she was fitted properly. I think the right bra under your clothes will make a world of difference in how your shirts fit--the drape will flatter you better and you won't have lumpiness. So I say priority #1 is get thee to a GOOD department store lingerie department or boutique, whatever is in your area, and have yourself fitted and invest in a couple of quality bras. They won't be cheap, but they're literally the foundation of your wardrobe, and you should ask the saleslady to help you find a quality product that will last. Buying cheap crap that doesn't last is not the answer.
Second, I think the shirt/jeans issue is there is no definition anywhere. You look like a rectangle from your shoulders on down. You need something to break up the eye--maybe a tight-fitting vest over the top, or better fitting jeans. Again, go to a quality store and buy a pair of jeans that fit and flatter you, again it won't be cheap but you could probably find something for $100 or less at Nordstrom Rack. Look for a DARK wash and not too loose--loose is NOT the answer for flattering your curves. You could also try looking for a better-name pair at stores like Ross or TJMax. Most Old Navy jeans are fine right out of the dryer, but they'll sag and stretch out very quickly and you'll lose the fit.
Can't wait to see more--good luck!
Ha, me again--looking at the shirt/jeans outfit again, I thought of a quick way to *pop* up that look--accessories! I can't tell if you're wearing earrings, but a big, bright necklace would have added a lot of interest to that look. For fun budget accessories, don't be afraid to go to Claire's or Ice or whatever it's called these days and look for interesting pieces--necklaces, earrings, bracelets, etc. that can add zing to a basic look. No need to overdo it--wear one piece at a time, and you won't feel high-maintenance either. :)
I swear I will shut up soon.
Look at your wedding dress--it looks *lovely* on you. Look at the sleeve length--that looks really nice on your arms. It shows a tad bit of skin and is just really flattering. I say look for 3/4 sleeve tops to mimic that, and don't be afraid of prints! A print top and jeans will be a more interesting look than a solid top and jeans. You also seem to have a nice chest, so look for scoop necks and v-necks (adding angles w/ the v-neck will be slimming too) rather than higher-necked tops.
Interesting! I hadn't thought of the bra thing.
I ALSO hadn't thought of accessories. IDK if you read lower entries, but accessories are foreign territory to me! I never know whether to match or get something that would "pop", and in what color!
You definitely need new jeans! Look for a very dark wash (no fading or wiskering at all)with a boot cut leg and a rise that's 3 fingers below your belly button. With your complexion, look for tops that are jewel toned (reds, blues, greens, stc) and in a v or scoop neck. Think about fabrics like cashmere or a light cotton knit sweater.
I think this is a great idea for a blog!
I do agree with the previous poster about getting a good bra! If you go to a department store like Macy's or Dillards, they should be able to help you by measuring to make sure you are wearing the correct size, and by helping you chose a bra to meet your needs.
I think the shirt is ok, it would look better with a more supportive bra. And I agree that it would look better with some better-fitting jeans or dress pants.
As far as the jeans, I always feel like a darker wash is more flattering for myself (and I'm plus-sized, too. The rise of the jeans you're wearing in the picture isn't quite right, either... it looks like you are wearing them lower than they are made to wear, which is making you have a saggy crotch and look a little more lumpy above the band.
I would encourage you to find some dark-wash trouser jeans, or dark-wash straight legs (NOT tapered. Straight leg meaning they fit your widest point (hips?) and go straight down from there.) Also find jeans with a rise that you are comfortable. I usually buy jeans 2-3 finger widths below my belly button. It took awhile to get used to wearing my jeans higher (I used to do the low-rise thing, but started wearing higher rise bottoms when I gained weight), but I think they are more flattering. If you like your jeans a little lower, make sure you are getting a lower-rise jean, not just regular rise and wearing them lower. I've found that I often have to go up a size if I try on lower-rise pants, so don't worry about the numbers if thats the case for you, too.
Lastly, look for jeans that are heavy and don't have much stretch in them. Not only will they hold their shape and last longer, they are more supportive and flattering.
I have found some really good jeans lately at Lane Bryant, and also in the plus size Daisy Fuentes brand at Kohls. Both are reasonably priced and there are usually coupons or sales going on.
Anon-6:34 again. As far as accessories, I'm thinking something like this:
http://www.cyberattic.com/stores/Sweets/items/556303/item556303cyberattic.html
or any other thick multi-strand necklace--black, turquoise, purple--any color really. If you wear a lot of dark colors, look for something bright--red, white, etc. Don't worry about "matching" it--try different colors with different shirts until you feel comfortable. Your eye will guide you. :) You don't want anything too delicate--you want to create balance.
Here is Tim Gunn's list:
http://ellen.warnerbros.com/2008/01/top_10_essential_tips_from_tim.php
I recommend making this (after you buy good-fitting bras--and NOT Victoria's Secret, yeesh) your shopping list. Owning ten quality pieces will do a lot more for your wardrobe than owning one hundred cheap things. It's fine to buy basic cotton shirts or things like that at a discount store, but you will see and feel a definite difference in the quality and fit of better-made trousers or button-down shirts. The draping, the darts....it's all just "better"--sometimes you do get what you pay for, plus if you buy classics you will get literally years out of good-quality clothes. :)
One look you might want to try is a dress and boots. Don't run away, wait! Look for a 3/4 sleeve or long-sleeve wrap-dress (most will have a pretty deep v-neck, which would be great on you) in a jewel-tone or print. I think you want something that will hit right at the top of your knee cap. And then look for high boots that hit right below your kneecap or that general area. Flat boots are super comfy. Then you'd have a "day dress"--#8 on the list. The right dress will be fitted at your waist (again, a wrap is good here) and then flowy without adding volume.
Just a thought! But BRAS first. :)
I know we all can't afford to spend what would like to on clothes, but one thing you definitely have to splurge on is a good bra! Trust me, worth is in the end. The undergarments make eveything else look better! So don't buy something cheap here, invest in something good, take care of it when washing and they will last!
Choose tops with a v-neck, more flattering for your type.
I saw you on the nest and this is a great blog! I will definitely keep reading!
I agree about the foundation comments - you need to go find a good bra. That is always the basis of a good wardrobe and will always make you feel better about yourself. And I am not talking about going to Victoria Secret for bras - while I love Victoria's Secret those are the bras you buy when you want someone to take it off of you - not the bra you buy to wear all day at work. Go to a deapartment and try on some Wacoal bras and get fitted - have the lady bring you several bras to try on and believe me you will see a difference in your clothing. As far as your tops - I think you would like 3/4 sleeves better and should look for v-necks or scoop necks instead of higher neck lines. I have the same problem and look just awful in shirts with higher neck lines. The jeans, look for a darker color and don't do a tapered leg - look for a wide leg.
This is great! I look forward to your next posts and seeing your progress!
Kudos to you for making this blog! I found you off The Nest!
I am in my seventh year of practicing law, so I encourage you to milk your three years in law school fashion-wise -- now is the time to have fun before you get sucked into the conservative world of law.
Re the shirt and jeans in this post. The shirt seems to be clinging to all the wrong places. I would go for more forgiving fabric -- not necessarily looser per se, just not a fabric that hugs every curve.
As for the jeans, a dark wash is your friend. Go for a stiffer fabric, which will give you better structure and support. Avoid any jeans with "whiskers" around the crotch area, which will accentuate the width of your midsection.
Good luck! Don't age yourself unnecessarily by going "serious" so soon. When you're in law school, you're not a lawyer yet. ;)
Thanks so much for the advice!! Yeah, "serious" is definitely not the goal! But I do want to have some of that stuff, since I plan on interning or working during the summers. I really just don't want to look so dumpy in class!! :-P
Hi, I saw your post on the nest too.
You've gotten a lot of advice about bra-fitting, and I know you are trying to keep your cost down. So, after you find your size and brands, you might try looking at Kohls for them as well. I've gotten Wacoal and Maidenform bras from there before.
I was also going to suggest some accessories to make that outfit more interesting. Even just a simple silver or gold pendant necklace would give it a little something. Or add a fitted jacket over it.
Those jeans aren't the best. A darker wash is more in-style, and generally more flattering. I know shopping for jeans is frustrating. Just keep trying and eventually you'll find a pair that fits great.
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