Fashion impaired - need help please?

ash2008

Hey everyone,

Im wondering if anyone can tell me how i can learn more about what looks good. I seriously cannot dress myself, i just dont know what looks good, so i mostly just wear jeans, hoodies and trainers. But im soo sick of looking like a 15year old boy lol (im a 30year old woman). I want to dress nice - not become a fashion victim or wear things bang on trend, but just dress classically nice and with clothes that suit me.

Im 5 ft 2, and have a hourglass type figure, with my waist being the smallest part. How can i dress for this - all the magazines use skinny tall girls to model their clothes, so what looks good on them doesnt look good on me. When i see something that i think looks nice, i often dont get it because i worry that probably its hideous to most other people, knowing my lack of knowledge in this area.

Basically, how do some people seem to just know what looks good?? And how do i get the confidence to wear things without worrying what other people think?

I know this seems like a stupid problem, but it really affects me. I usually turn down invites to parties, nice restaurants, shows etc...cos i know i wont be able to dress nice enough and that ill just look ridiculous. Maybe this problem should be in the P.I. forum, but i thought maybe someone on here can help.:o

Any advice is appreciated, thanks.

lainey316

I'm about that height with a feminine figure and I just wear a lot of dresses, mostly from Zara and Warehouse. If you are in Dublin, perhaps consider the personal shopper in Arnotts - apparently v. good. She'll be able to give you some guidance on what shapes and styles suit you, and colours, at least give you a start that you can take to other cheaper shops to add more stuff to your wardrobe.

If that doesn't appeal, ask one of your friends who usually looks good to help you out, promise her a nice lunch if she helps you pick things out and gives an honest opinion (it will only work if she's honest)?

You'll probably find certain shops do nothing for you - for example I rarely go into RI or Topshop as I know they don't make clothes for my shape/style/age - I just pop in to look at the shoes really.

DonnaDarko09

Hi Ash,

Lucky you with an hourglass shape! I think it's important to buck what's 'in fashion at the mo' and go with what suits your body type;

http://www.suite101.com/content/how-the-hourglass-shaped-woman-should-dress-a74984

Depending on how you spend your days, you should consider "..pencil skirts, fitted jackets, strapless dresses, deep V necks, fitted dresses, trousers in drapey fabrics, slim skirts, and shoes with heels and rounded or peep toes (think Mad Men glamour)... Frills and bows do not suit the average hourglass. Big decorations add volume, and the hourglass shaped woman does not need that; she should keep things simple. She should never wear big belts, batwing sleeves, smocks, flat lace-up shoes, or similar clothing".

i.e. keep it simple but go for good fabrics in fitted garments.
Hope that gives you some help.:)