How Do I Have My Own "What Not to Wear"?

Most of us have the one friend who looks great in her clothes and wardrobe. Go to her. She's relish the opportunity to help and would be pleased at the compliment.

Be ready to throw out or donate the offending wardrobe pieces that she says are no no's. That will be the biggest issue--parting with those clothes that you think are okay.

The personal shopper service at Nordstrom is great. I used this service after I lost a ton of weight after my 2nd baby. Call ahead and ask to make an appointment, and tell the service what you are looking for. In my case, I needed a whole wardrobe overhaul as I had gone down at least 2 sizes and nothing fit! I needed clothes that could go from work to park to dinner out easily, and wanted to invest in basics that would last a long time, and a few fashion-forward items. I ended up spending about $1200, which shocked me, but when I consider I got 2 pairs of cute jeans, 3 pairs of pants, a skirt, several sweaters and tops, a blazer, 2 pairs of shoes and 2 necklaces, 2 new bras, and a few t-shirts & camis -- it was a great day. Everything coordinated with everything else, so I felt like I had 3 weeks of completely refreshed outfits. One thing we did also, was anything that was so basic - like T's and Camis - we went to Sears to buy those, and saved our $ at Nordstrom for items that were really well fitting, or pulled the outfit together.
In the end, the advice I got for the shopper was to purchase a few basics that fit really well, but are good forever - a great pair of jeans, black pants, khaki pants, a skirt, a white t, a black t. then you can spruce up your wardrobe with a trendy sweater, shoes, a bag or a cool necklace to make it fashion forward and look "put together". She said what makes you look like you put some thought into your clothes is to think about the 3rd or 4th piece that you put on - you can wear a basic black jersey dress, but make it dressy or casual based on your shoe or jewelry choice.

Many major department stores offer a "personal shopper" service either for free or for minimal cost. They meet with you, figure out what you like, your size, what looks good, your budget, etc. then they do all the leg work of gathering clothes and you just go try things on and decide. I would check into that.

Have your husband or kids take a picture of you in your favorite outfits. I have found that the camera does not lie but my mirror does😁. You should be able to tell what is flattering and what is not.

I agree with Mamazita! Personal shopper or a GREAT friend that would be totally honest.

Every major department store has personal shoppers (not necessarily the clerks in the departments - usually not!). Most boutiques with really clothes-savvy owners and buyers have some skilled fashionistas working there who SHOULD listen to a customer they want to turn into a "regular". So going in and saying what you want to achieve (business casual, for example) and what your budget is should get you some good service mixing and matching things. These people know what's in their stores, and they know there's absolutely no advantage to sending you out on the street looking terrible. They want people to ask, "Where did you get that great outfit??" and have you send referrals to their store. So I'd call ahead and ask when they are the least busy and when you can get some personal attention to put together a wardrobe. You should be able to take in things you already have in your closet to build a wardrobe around too.

I'd start there. Then I'd go to a good hairstylist (not necessarily a fancy salon) with someone with a good eye for color and style, and let the stylist know what you're looking for (an easy care short style, a versatile longer style if you're skilled at doing stuff on your own, etc.) Sometimes they do make-up but if not you can go to any good skin care place. But I'd do make-up last. Start with clothes and then work back to stuff you can change every few weeks if you don't like it.

FIRST- shop your closet. Every piece which is too big, too small, too ragged, outdated should be discarded/ donated. You can also probably part with those things that you have, but never seem to wear, because frankly what's the point, they just take up space.

Next- consider the work you are going for and what is appropriate in that setting. A sales clerk dresses differently than a receptionist and differently than an oral hygienist.

Then- fill in the gaps in your wardrobe, perhaps with the assistance of a stylist or shopper, and buy more of the same.

Best,
F. B.

I have a friend who works at White House Black Market. We are built about the same and we both have tastes which are similar.

When she gets something in that she knows I would love or wants me to try, I go try it on. She had me try on a blouse with ruffles and I was so anti about that blouse because of my ample boobs and you know what... it looked great and is one of my favorites now! Last week I was there and they had a leather jacket that was so "me". I spent a boatload last week with her and got some great new things for the fall and holiday season.

You can also have personal shoppers at Nordstrom, Neimans, and I think department stores like Dillards and Macy's have them as well. You are not obligated to purchase but they can really help you step out of your comfort zone to find new things that look great on you.

The same goes for the makeup counters.. go there for pointers.

As for hair, I am set in my way with my hair... long straight Pocahontas style but I will play with color from time to time to change things up. I usually go darker, low lights, or a nice pop of color to change things up.

Good luck to you!

http://appleandpearwardrobe.com/
Fab mom/personal shopper/closet cleaner! It's her business.
She spoke to my MOPs group & is located in Faquier County I think. She's also on FB. Ask if she can recommend someone near you or what store to go to! Also found out some GREAT tips on bras & getting measured correctly etc.
Good Luck!
P
PS also there is an online stying shop Stitch Fix.
A recap for those of you new to Stitch Fix: Stitch Fix is an online styling/shopping service. When you sign up, you fill out a style/fit profile and then every week/month/2 months depending on your preferences, you receive a box of 5 goodies at your doorstep. For this service, you pay $20 per box. If you keep anything, your $20 styling fee will be deducted from your total. If you keep all 5 items, you receive a 25% discount on everything. If you keep nothing, you send it all back in a prepaid mailer, but they keep your 20 bucks.

You can also teach yourself. There are hundreds of books on style. Learn about lines and color. Do some experimenting with your own wardrobe. What looks good and makes you feel good when you wear it. What doesn't. Ask yourself why this is and try on various similar outfits to see what works.

I've never used a personal shopper but I think one would help. First do some reading about the basics of color and line so that you will understand why things work. So you will have the vocabulary to help you understand.

There are style consultants. But not sure how you would go about finding a good one. I think they are pretty popular down here where I live close to L.A. I have had friends aspire to this job, and know people who know people who do it, but wither or not you can find one where you live, I don't know.

Trinny and Susannah - the original British WNTW team - actually published several books on this exactly. Check them out on Amazon. I bought one years ago and it make a huge difference in how I looked and the kinds of clothes I bought to flatter my frame.