clothes shopping confusion

Jennvandemark

I am so confused, I have lost little over 80 pounds and dropped 5 dress sizes! I also recently just moved back to the US where there are stores that I can walk into and try on clothes (no more internet shopping for me).

I find myself walking around stores looking total confused. I have at least 3 sales ladies ask me if I need help and I just look like a deer caught in head lights.

I have no clue what looks good on me, I find myself always standing in front of baggy shirts and non faltering pants.

I don't know where to begin. I would take a friend with me but we have only been in the US for 2 weeks so no friends yet.

I try on clothes and ask my hubby and teenage daughter what they think. They like but I still never buy because I don't know, fear that they don't look as good as I think they do.

I have spent so many years in baggy shirts and pants. That the idea of me dressing trendy scares the crap out of me.

How do you figure out what best flatters you body? Just cause it fit doesn't mean it looks good.

So 2 weeks in the US and I have managed to buy a bra and only because the old ones were giving no support and I know I needed one of those.

HELP!!!

katevarner

Just keep shopping. If you think it looks good, who cares what other people think? Don't go crazy and get a whole new wardrobe like that, but buy a couple of things and wear them and see what you think. And if you really care, what other people think. Look around and figure out what kind of style you want to have. Pinterest is great for that.

Have fun! Enjoy the amazing change in your body! Congratulations!

CoCoBean14

I don't know what your body type is so it's hard to be really specific. Stay out of super trendy places for now, until you get your feet wet.

To start from scratch, you might want to Google your body type first. Once you have that, then Google "what type of clothes look best on {body type}". You'd be surprised what kind of information is out there.

Also, if you love it, GET IT! Don't question yourself too hard. It's supposed to be fun

sugboog29

Depends...how tall are you? Curvy? Boyish figure? I agree with Kate...by just a few essential pieces for now and mix and match. Plus LET the store clerks help...sometimes they do know! For me if my husband says it looks good I know it does (he never lies...trust me). I found a dress I thought was adorable on me and when I showed him he told me it made my hips and butt look big....then I looked again...darn it he was right! Just don't go for boxy .....it doesn't look good on anyone! Try a more tailored fit!

LorinaLynn

Do you ever watch What Not To Wear? http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/tv/what-not-to-wear

What will look good will depend on your body shape. Check their transformations for people with a similar shape to yours. Pick up basics that are almost universally flattering, like a fitted blazer, straight leg dark wash jeans, a blouse in a color that goes great with your coloring, and accessorize to make it trendier.

You can also try stuff on in the dressing room and snap a few pics with your phone. Sometimes we can be more objective looking at photos than the mirror. Go for lunch or go home and mull it over. Go back if there's something you like.

katescurios

Why not look for one of the larger department stores that offers a personal shopper service. You don't necessarily need to buy a lot but they should be able to poinbt you in the direction of the clothes that will suit you. Their goal after all is to get you to spend as much money as possible so they want you to find things you look great in

samblanken

Lorina beat me to it - what not to wear!

Also, try things that you normally wouldn't. You may be surprised and find something that is flattering!

bob99

I'm rubbish at shopping for clothes. I don't have a clue, these days I dedicate a day to it and go on my own because I literally try everything on, often the things that look good are the things I never expected to so I make an effort to try things out of my comfort zone. Shopping with friends is great but I have a tendency never to buy as I need to take my time.
So my advise is to go to a big store n try everything, and if you find what you like isolate why do you can reapply the rule.

Xaspar

You stated that there have been sales floor attendants asking if they can help you? Oh by golly let them! My mother works at a retail store, and while yes, some sales people will tell you something looks good just to make a sale, most really do want to help too. They want you to look and feel good about your purchases so you will come back again. They can help you with sizes, styles that fit your personal taste, and a hint toward some of the things that are trending.
Just remember, if you don't love it, you won't wear it once you are out of the store, so choose wisely. But have fun with it too. You have a new body, enjoy it!

Oh, and edit: Try on everything that you even THINK you might like ... A pattern that catches your eye may look weird on the rack, but brilliant when worn. You won't know for sure if you do or don't like something until you have seen it ON your own body.

stardancer7

If you are shopping at a mall, consider sitting down and doing some people watching--who is wearing what and how does it look on them...who seems to be a similar size to you and what looks flattering...

melaniecheeks

Hey, what a great problem to have! Congrats on your weight loss, and have fun working out what suits you. I know, I had a similar problem - it wasn't just the size of clothes, the whole what style suits me changed too.

I'd echo the what not to wear and personal shopper recommendations. But if you're honest enough with yourself and how you look (and you seem to be), then just take a few hours and try on a variety of things. Straight leg trousers versus wide legged. Pencil skirt or flared. Fitted dress or tunic and leggings. It helps if you know what colour palette works on you too - does black and white look good on you, or do soft autumny shades make your skin look brighter?