Avoiding the 'frumpy' look and looking more feminine

Knowing what styles flatters your body type really helps when shopping. When shopping for a dress, I know for me, dresses with princess seams and no set in waist make me look better...I look taller and thinner. Certain necklines are more flattering for me also. When buying a dress, I'm always thinking of the jewelry options that can be worn with it.

Color is important too. There are some colors that really highlight your hair or eyes and just naturally look good on your skin tone. Looking into my closet, I have lots of different shades of blues and greens along with some neutrals and black.

I like to buy a number of separate pieces that I can put together and make a number of different outfits by layering, changing up the jewelry or adding a scarf or sweater. Feel like I'm getting more for my money :)

Feeling comfortable is important but I also like to look put together. I'm more casual than dressy now but still like to look tailored. Around the house, in the winter I'm wearing micro fleece...going out for lunch with the girls, a sweater, scarf, jeans, earings, bracelet and comfy shoes. I have several pair of leather mary jane stlyle casual shoes that i like to wear with my jeans with "crazy" socks that go with my sweaters. I also like sweater dresses and the opaque tights.

I find summertime is easy for casual dressing...a sundress and comfy sandals. Comfy bohemian tops with capris or bermuda shorts are easy. I do not do high heels anymore, but have found that there are lots of cute and flirty sandals to go with dressier dresses. I love to go online and look at shoes. You can find something you like and find a store locator near you. It makes shopping easier. There are many styles out there as well as brands. Sometimes just finding a brand you like will keep bringing you back. I have my favs.

I enjoy shopping, except for swimwear. Love finding bargains and things that feel good and fit. Hope to find some great bargains tomorrow.

Good luck luvs....happy shopping to you

Hugs, Robin

I tend to end up with the same dress in different colors. I know what kind of cut I need to look good.

If you don't know, take a few friends. Take a pain killer before, be critical, and take notes.

I have lots of print skirts and then silky tees/buttoned shirts. Also have three mid-calf skirts, fitted at the waist and then flaring below mid-thigh. They are brown, black, and tan. I have a variety of jackets to go with these.

It all depends on your personal style, too. I am allowed more quirky clothing.

As far as shoes, again, hit a superstore and TRY ON. Station someone at your little stool area. If something you like doesn't fit right, send friend to go get next size up. I searched for six months to find my black boots. When I found them, I bought gel inserts. I love them. That is my rule of thumb-get something as close as you can to comfortable, and add more comfort.

Leather shoes only. They look better and will stretch to mold to your feet. Pass up the cheap man-made ones.

Look for capezio. They make dance shoes and so are meant for crazy support. They also are very classic style.

I figured out a few years ago what works for my body and I just continue to purchase the same items, just in different colors/patterns. And I usually go for cotton.

Load up on accessories: scarves, funky stockings and earrings are your friend. I only wear belts casually with jeans. My body looks weird wearing one so I only rock them with jeans and a fitted T.

Tall boots (I have black riding style, a low heeled/pointy toed warm brown, and a more casual flat chocolate brown with cork sole. These work for work and with jeans stuff into them.

Skirts! I go for just above the knee, pencil style if I can find it.

Lots of sparkly sandals. If they pop, then I can tone down the rest of my outfit and I still look presentable.

Dresses: once you find a design house/ style that flatters, buy them in every color/pattern you can. My body looks best in dresses from Banana Republic. I have tried other brands but it just doesn't work. BR dresses seem to be designed for a longer torso. Stick with what works.

The occasional flowy knitted sweater. Anything that is oversized 'looking' but is actually your size. You can match this with a pencil skirt and boots, jeans and sandals, you name it. Very versatile.

Cardigans in every color. I wear these year round with...

Fitted Ts. You can dress them up or down.

Fitted jackets. Stick with a neutral color and it goes with everything, casual to business casual.

Casual shoes: I am horrible at. Which is why I go for boots or sandals.

My biggest piece of advice is to learn what makes you look good. I have a small waist but a big...uh, bosom. I also have short legs. This means that I MUST wear fitted tops, no exceptions, unless I feel like adding 30lbs. And who wants to do that. And because I have short legs with no calves, I have to be very careful to buy fitted booty and thighs, but larger calf area pants. Or cover them with boots.

Ugh. This is why I hate shopping.

Post Edited (AnnaBananna) : 1/15/2014 5:05:40 PM (GMT-7)

More great stuff, AnnaBananna! And I'm adding this to my notes.

Thanks much and have a super day! :)

I sure hear you, Jen. I live in sweat pants, a sweatshirt, and other layers this time of year. It takes me forever just to get dressed, and I'm none too glamorous!

Am so looking forward to lightweight colorful Springtime clothes again. Enough of the boots, gloves, heavy coat, etc..

I keep reminding myself, "This, too, shall pass." Hey--we are now halfway through January--yayyyy! :)

txcola: Just did a search on Dansko floral clogs. I like them!!! More for my list. Thank you! :)

Thanks, Debbie. Yes, I'm sure looking forward to the Spring/Summer shopping. Nicer weather and taking off all the heavy clothing can't come fast enough!

I will do some heavy-duty 'scouting' around before making any decisions on shopping. Yep--it sure IS challenging!!