Since I didn’t want them to be too “slouchy”, I bought a size smaller than my usual. The store had it in a couple other prints, plus some nice jewel-tone solids. The cream color is lovely as well.
Linen tends to hold dye so beautifully.!
The top is fairly long and slimming. IMO would be fine for work on its own in the summer, would also look great under a jacket or cardi.
@calgal and @sax My eyes are blue, my hair is light brown. Skin tone is another one of those things that mystifies me. I know that I’m fair, but what undertone – no idea. I know that I look awful in peach or coral; it makes me turn green. I’ve gotten complements when I’ve worn black. Maybe I’ll stop by the cosmetics counter before I go see my shopper.
@bookreader What a helpful link on palette, thank you. I think I’m a summer, and those actually are the colors I’m drawn to, so that’s good. I’ll see if the shopper confirms.
Yes, Loft is discount Ann Taylor. That’s a cute top and it looks cool for this summer heat!
I agree that working with a personal shopper is a great idea. I’d wear your shoes and your favorite slacks and a top that’s easy to remove. Finish by lunch and celebrate your progress!
Sounds like you have gotten some great suggestions. Add me to the list of folks who missed out on the style gene and is not a fan of shopping. Even though boutiques have fewer choices, they will offer personalized service and can help you figure out what looks good on you. I Used to go to 2 different ones, but unfortunately they are no longer here. Miss their help and style eye.
So looking at your pictures and links you have some very typical nice outfits that you like.
Here’s a couple of tips:
notice in some of these what “makes” the outfit is a statement necklace or one piece of the outfit that is especially outstanding in looks - try to make that happen when you are putting together outfits in a store (or at home).
FIT. Comfort doesn’t have to mean that things have to be two sizes too big! Work hard to have your items fit right. A top that is fitted but not tight - but also not so loose it could fall in the one-size-fits-all category! Pants that are the right length - not so short that we see your ankles (unless you’re going for the cropped look) but not so long that they puddle over your shoes.
OP I haven’t read the entire thread but Google a website called you look fab. it’s run by an amazing woman who is a fashion stylist, very inclusive of all ages/ budgets/body types.
Yeah, LM, I think you have more savvy than you think. It’s not like you’re trying to transition from cat sweatshirts. I think you may find some of this easy. My only advice right now is to decide whether you really want more bold looks or just an upgrade. And whether you want more elegant/tailored (eg, a button down or cargo type shirt, but in silk, maybe colors,) or a wider variety.
I agree some simple looks (the silkier shell, whether V or scoop,) can be dressed up with good solid jewelry, a necklace or even a brooch on the jacket. Or a long, skinny scarf that just hangs.
So glad you posted this, @LasMa, because I’m 45 and have the same problem. With my youngest graduating in 2016 I would like to re-enter the work force. But when I look at today’s work clothes I feel completely stumped. Casual clothes are even harder. Right now I get by on jean shorts and button downs (80’s chick LOL).
I thought I was the only woman on the planet who hates shopping.
@abasket Here’s how I’ve always dressed: Put on pants. Put on top. Put on shoes. Done. In doing this exercise, I can see that that might be “done” but it’s not “finished.” Accessories/jewelry/completers bewilder me but I feel like that’s something I can just straight-up copy from a picture until I get a better feel for it, if I ever do. Fit is something that’s easier for me to comprehend than style, but I need to take that extra step and do something about it. I shall get to know the Alterations department.
LF – LOL @ cat sweatshirts… Thanks for the food for thought re bolder vs upgrade; that’ll help sharpen my direction with my personal shopper. I really love the silky shell look, but I don’t know if I’m confident enough to pull it off yet. I think I could do it as a date-night look though. My D is a maestro with scarves; maybe I’ll ask her for a lesson.
And yes, this thread is encouraging. Wish I’d done this years ago. I feel so much better.
Do you like scarves??? Or would you prefer jewelry instead? I just say this as someone who cannot stand to wear a scarf and doesn’t get all the scarf love!! I think adding a scarf is an automatic response for many (who love scarves) not realizing that not everyone does!
Depending on your hair length/style, even a pretty headband can make a cute difference.
Headbands, love 'em. The thing about scarves (and I own a lot of great ones, they were DH’s go-to gift when he travelled through duty free,) is that even among a certain set, they aren’t the statement today that they used to be. it sure seems a quality (or artsy) chunky necklace has replaced them. When I wear a scarf now, I don’t feel I get the ‘bang for my buck’ that I used to. Maybe in a haute situation where they send some class message, dunno. I suspect some of this is regional. One would have to look around at others whose look she admires.
LasMa: Love the look you are previewing for us!! Comfort level is really important, imho. One of my sisters has a closet full of exquisite garments, many still with tags, but for a variety of reasons can’t actually get out of the house in any of them. But she won’t upgrade what she wears out of the house 'cause those aren’t her “real” wardrobe, even though that’s all she ever wears. Anyway - my busybody advice is not to buy anything you can’t imagine wearing in the immediate future, if not the very next day. Good luck and have fun!
eta: sort of adding on to a recent post by notelling, I always admire those who have a few extremely well chosen accessories and wear them daily as part of their signature style. Based on what you are describing, this might be the easiest way for you to go at present.
I don’t know, I’m just being open. I like the look that LF described – silky shell + elegant scarf. I have an aversion to headwear which is a shame because I’m told I look really good in hats. But I also have curly hair, so hats give me hat-hair for the rest of the day, so No.
95 your post is fascinating to me, because it assumes we are dressing for a certain audience (and maybe most of us are) but we haven't even asked LasMa what sort of audience she is imagining dressing for and that might be a really fascinating discussion, at least to me.
Alh, sometimes we are, sometimes it’s just for us. I like to think it’s fluid. I’ve done the power suit thing when I needed its effect…and dressed down a bit when I needed to make certain clients comfortable with their own choices. Depends.
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