I'm Out of Style -- HELP

I was interested in this too because it's been years, YEARS, since I even thought about it. My body is changing and the styles have certainly changed so just going backward in my clost isn't going to cut it. I googled and this was the first one found:
http://www.howtolookgood.com/latest-fashion-trends/
I would also love to know if anybody has a site that is tried and true???

Do you have a Barnes and Nobel near you or really any book store...go there and look for style books...I was just there a couple of weeks ago and there were several great books regarding style one in particular but of cource I can not remember the name of it..BUT I am sure if you look in the self improvement section or ask someone they can help you. The book that I found had pictures galore and was really helpful. I just sat there for an hour or two and checked out the different books I did not buy any of them but I got a definite sence of style.
Oprah magazine a couple of months ago did a piece on what to have in your wardrobe you might want to check out her site....
THe first thing to get rid of is your mom jeans!!! Kohls has really sharp trouser jeans...get a kohls card if you don't have one it will entitle you to discounts throughout the year and you can rework your wardrobe for CHEAP!!!

I was wondering about books....The magazines seem good if you already kind of know what you're doing:blushing:

We don't have a Kohls yet in Canada (yet) but I had a quick look online and they do ship! Great prices and printable coupons!!! Thank You!!!

as problems go, this is a great one to have! been there too. I can highly recommend watching any episodes of What Not To Wear, new or old. There's another called How Do I Look but WNTW is the one I used to overhaul my style--I called it "remedial girls school" since I was terribly "butch" all the time and needed a more professional look. (At home I can still be my old slobby self of course) I learned an amazing amount of info just from watching--actually started watching in order to ridicule the show's concept, but then (gulp) I started seeing clothes I had in my own closet on the "Before" ladies--Yikes!

Maybe she would send your name in to be on the show? That would be awesome!

Honestly, sometimes you just need another person to take a good look at what you've got and what you look like to give you the best advice. You can read books, but after awhile, it is hard to be objective.

If you have a nice department store near you, ask if they offer a personal shopping service. I know Nordstrom's does. It's like a salesperson stays with you and picks things out for you to try on. They can give you advice, right down to alterations about what looks good. Of course, that can be expensive.

Also, try to get back to basics. Neutral colors work well on any person at any age. Pick some neutral colors and play with color in your accessories. Make sure you have a full length mirror when you try on clothes and do the 360 spin to see if you can get a glimpse of your backside.

I thought about What Not To Wear as well. Here's a website about the show that has links to tips. Best wishes!
http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/tv/what-not-to-wear

I think if you work out your body type, then remember that the most flattering for a woman is her version of the hourglass, work around your gifts and hide your imperfections with belts, good cuts and darting.
You will find good items in all budget levels, it's the way you put them together.
A big smile is the best accessory!

youlookfab.com has forums with women of all ages, shapes, and sizes looking to improve their style. I highly recommend that website.

I second the suggestion to check out youlookfab.com!

youlookfab.com has forums with women of all ages, shapes, and sizes looking to improve their style. I highly recommend that website.

Just sent you a friend request, I dress casual for my work and I am over 50 :flowerforyou:

What I've been doing is going on pinterest and pinning all the styles that I find I like. My plan is when I am ready to go on my shopping spree (another 15lbs to go!!!!) I am going to look through all them and see any similarities (i.e. blue scarf, black boots etc) to create different outfits without spending a boatload of money.

Bump

Maybe this will help. I found it interesting.
http://www.oprah.com/style/What-to-Wear-When-Youve-Gained-or-Lost-Weight

To kick off the new me, I got measured and bought a new bra (full price even). It is so cool. It fits perfectly. I am somewhat senstitive about my post-cancer breast so this was big for me. Then I went to another store and bought two belts, based on my new found knowledge that I should accentuate my waist.

I came home and went through 1/4 of my closet (before I got too tired) and have pulled out five oversize blouses and a sweater. I realized that I have been adapting my pant sizes but keeping my old tops.

This is a new beginning. I am pumped!

Perfect approach! Getting a profesionally fitted bra post-weight loss is really important and helps you figure out what your real top/blouse size is. I have lost weight on my top much more successfully than on my bottom half, so I have done the opposite of you--kept most of my skirts and pants and changed out my tops. I forage the deep discounts at a couple of local department stores for current or end of season tops at really good prices. It's not unusual for me to get them at 85% off, so for $100 I can buy a lot of things. I also indulge in current or end of season clearance costume jewelery to perk up some older things I'm tired of. Between jewelry, scares, and belts, you can make a relatively modest amount of clothes go a very long way.

The best thing for me is routinely going through my closest (probably every 3 months) and trying on everything that I haven't worn for a while. It allows me to see how clothes that used to look good no longer fit well, pare down my items to those that I really wear, and also note progress by being able to get into clothes I had packed away because they no longer fit. My goal is to have turned over my entire wardrpbe by the end of this year--about 20 months since I started to really work on losing the weight I had gained since college (cough cough) 35 years ago.

Personal shoppers can be helpful but watch out for the sales people at Chicos! I can't tell you how many times I have fallen for a "oh yes, that's great on you" and realized after the fact it was a commission talking. My favorite was last year when I tried on a dress, asked about the fit (it seemed to have a slightly raised waistline) and was told oh, that's the style. I bought it because I liked it well enough and it was a good price. Then, after losing 10 more pounds and putting the dress on again, it was clear that the waistline was "raised" because of my large bosom and not because of the style. My lesson learned from that: if I'm doubt, wait.

But it is fun to buy new things and especially to modernize your look. Enjoy it!

Pick up a copy of In Style magazine (or check them out online, though I've never really browsed their website, so can't speak for it). They alway shave outfit ideas, including a recurring section that shows how to wear styles / trends at different ages... and just looking at the ads and articles can give you an idea of what's current!