Book or website about dressing for body type

Parent Cafe
1

Any recommendations? I don’t always know what looks good on me. I feel like I have a lot of clothes that aren’t the best choice.

2

I don’t know of any but it seems like a good idea, doesn’t it? Do you have favorite clothes that you feel good in? What about them makes them favorites?

I’m a pear shape, so tops that flow out at the waist and below work well for me. I also have narrow shoulders so can’t wear boatneck tops- they fall off one shoulder, I feel like after years of making mistake purchases, I’ve got a fairly good idea of what works for me- and at different sizes since I go up and down every few years.

Do you know why the clothes that don’t look good on you don’t work? Tight in the wrong places? Too boxy? Wrong colors?

3

My waist is right under my boobs. LOL
I also have problems with boat neck tops. If I get a top big enough to fit my chest -sometimes it is too big in the neck/shoulders
I am about 10 lbs overweight and it is all in my middle. Sometimes I will wear something and I think it looks good but then see a picture later and think yuck.

4

I ask my kids (girls). They’re brutally honest.

That being said, I often prioritize comfort/simplicity over looks.

5

http://theelegantlane.com/dressing-for-your-body-type-apple-vs-pear/

https://www.whowhatwear.com/how-to-find-body-shape-calculator/slide18

https://www.whowhatwear.com/how-to-find-body-shape-calculator/slide18

There’s also the question of your personal style. I like the former CC poster alumother’s site: http://amidprivilege.com/style-archetypes/

6

Has anyone who wants help with clothing choices considered using a personal shopper, say at Nordstrom’s? I’ve hear/read some folks who are very pleased with results from such appointments. Of course, you need funds to buy some pieces, but they may be able to help give some style tips and let you know when sales are coming up.

7

Thanks everyone

8

I’ve had great success with Nordstrom’s personal shoppers. Unfortunately the last two have moved out of state. Building a good relationship with one actually saved me money because I bought wardrobe items I wore instead of nice things that fit but didn’t contribute much to wardrobe. I learned enough that I can now shop for myself, even at Assistance League thrift store.

9

Stacy London and Clinton Kelly have a book(s?) about dressing for your body type I read at the library a few years ago, when their What Not to Wear show was airing.

10

I Know a personal shopper would be helpful -but to be honest I don’t want to spend that kind of money. Also the nearest Nordstroms is 3 hours a way.

11

Speaking of What Not to Wear, I had the books from the original BBC series with Trinny and Susannah and they gave spot-in advice about what worked /didn’t work for different body shapes and features. I’m sure many of the fashion trends have come and gone but the underlying advice would be as true as ever. It may be worth an amazon search of used books for them (or for Stacey and Clinton’s).

12

Thanks!

13

OP, how is your bra situation? A good bra that provides great support does wonders for how things look on top. And will help with your middle looking too bulky!

Maybe describe your bottom half of your body too and people can give more suggestions. Are you looking for casual wear, work wear, beach wear - what kind?

14

I am reasonably fit -just my legs are a bit longer than my upper body. (High waist or short waist) Looking for casual wear or maybe business casual type stuff. I just want to quit buying the wrong things. I tried stitch fix and they sent me jean shorts and sleeveless tops -which aren’t really me. Even though I have good arms -I don’t wear a lot of sleeveless outside the gym -partly because I can’t get the fit right (bra straps show , arm holes too big) I have a really small frame.
I am also really fair -with freckles and some broken veins on my legs -so I don’t tend to show those off.

15

How about skorts for casual wear? Cute ones. This is my most favorite skort this year that I can actually wear to work on non-meeting days - it’s long enough (for me) - just above the knee, not as short as appears on the model. Or do you not do skirts either? Just pants?

https://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1077307&pcid=86354&vid=1&pid=153396022

If you have a small frame but a middle area, look for sleeveless tops that are a smaller size but a little flowy. Then you’ll get smaller armholes and a better fit around the neck - so no peek-a-boo bra parts and then the flowy middle will give you a loose fit around the middle.

16

That is cute