Clothing Optional

[caribou_gen]

It seems odd to be my age and to suddenly learn that I have difficulty clothing myself. It started with my students being very blunt that they thought I was thin and that I wore frumpy, unflattering clothes. They were all set to buy me some new trousers to replace the ones I regularly wear.

Next, I discussed my students' observations with a couple of teachers and they agreed with the students. They told me I wear a lot of clothes that are too large. Speaking with other friends, they all agree.

So why hasn't anyone mentioned this to me before?

I've now got the challenge of changing my perceptions about what size I am. I was a somewhat larger person at the end of high school and used to regularly wear size 16. Who knows if I was even wearing the right size at that point. Today, I was given some trousers that fit remarkably well and are a size 11. I don't think I've really lost a lot of weight, maybe only 10 lbs. I think what I need to to do is change my mindset and stop buying clothes by size but rather by how they fit.

I almost feel embarressed to admit that I'm getting fashion tips from What Not to Wear.

Comments

[therealjae.livejournal.com]

You were bigger than you are now, sure, but you were *never* a size 16. I think you've always worn clothes that were too big for you, actually. I've never mentioned it because I thought you liked the baggy look.

You're welcome to go through my closet and try things on if you like them!

-J

[purplejavatroll.livejournal.com]

I thought you just liked the baggy look, I guess. I tend to ignore sizes, since they usually are madly inconsistent from shop to shop anyway. Take someone you trust to be honest with you, let them tell you if they fit or not, if you want a second opinion.

You'll look fine no matter what you wear, anyway!

pjt

[kelc42.livejournal.com]

I always thought you looked fine, never gave it much thought. I suppose I thought you dressed more for comfort than for high fashion, but that seemed to better suit you anyways, some people (like you) don't have to dress up to look good. Of course you also look good on those rare occasions when you do dress up, no reason I have seen for you to hide your appearance behind frumpy clothes. Sometimes clothing a size or two too big is very comfortable, and if thats the case then do it, who cares what anyone else says. If you want to change your clothing style then go for it, but as a jeans and t-shirt person I won't try to give any advice there.

[mac-arthur-park.livejournal.com]

Don't be embarrassed. I didn't have a pair of jeans that fit properly until last fall. And I have Toni to thank for the fact that I actually buy clothes that fit now.

[queensheba.livejournal.com]

I wouldn't mention something like that (their clothes seeming too large) to someone unless I considered them a close friend, or thought they were especially receptive to it. One of my coworkers always wore pants that were super-short and very high-rise, but a lot of them also had holes in them, so I thought she might not have the money to replace them. Another friend always wears super-baggy clothes, but I *know* it's a money issue for her - she shops at Goodwill and gets what she can get.

[puppytown.livejournal.com]

I totally get fashion tips from What Not to Wear, too. It's a great show. For a long time, I wore whatever was cheapest to buy regardless of how it fit, because I was always going to lose weight and I could wear my old clothes again. And I felt like crap.

After watching that show, I've gotten over that and I feel SO MUCH BETTER when I wear clothes that fit me properly, are flattering and vaguely stylish.

I admit that I noticed that your clothes were way too large, especially those brown cords! I figured that was what you preferred to wear when relaxing.

I'd go shopping with you, if you wanted.

[purpletigron.livejournal.com]

We're not looking a confusion between UK and Canadian size 16, are we?

bou bou bou

[meowster.livejournal.com]

i don't even have to see you to know that you look fabulous. you always do :o)

if it makes you feel any better, i've learned quite a lot from WNTW, lol... plus, they just don't make clothes how they used to.

i have the same predicament. i never know what looks good and what doesn't. to solve that, i usually go shopping with a friend that i trust. it helps if they have fashion sense that you respect or admire. just remember, that no matter what you wear, be true to yourself in the style you choose or you'll never be comfortable in the outfit.

[wstockall.livejournal.com]

I probably have no business posting anything here, but I've never noticed a problem with the way you dress. Plus, I think you should wear whatever makes you comfortable, other people's opinion be damned. Sadly, I often think other peoples' opinions shouldn't matter :-). It's one of my worst characteristics.

[hubris2.livejournal.com]

Wearing the 'correct' sized clothes is a good thing, I guess. Less important than not wearing clothes that are too small!

Funny...nobody has ever come up to me and told me that I was thin, and wore unflattering clothes. Does that mean I am not....or simply that nobody has yet told me?

While I've never seen you in work attire, the casual clothing you normally wear is attractive and comfortable. I think many women with hourglass figures tend to dress to hide things - we men can be awful pigs sometimes. Speaking of which...there hasn't been much discussion about the title you chose for this topic. Perhaps we should host a 'clothing optional' housewarming party. You wouldn't have to worry about your clothes fitting...

Ignore my husband :)

[goldenpaw72.livejournal.com]

Anyway, I'm typically in the same boat. I wear over-sized clothing becuase 1) it's comfortable and 2) I'm trying to hide my shape and size (much to hubris2's chagrin).

Anyway, wear what is comfortable and what you think looks nice. Yes, size in itself should not be an issue. Maybe you and I should go shopping someday :). We could each find one outfit that flatters, that promotes and helps our self confidence and makes us look sexy (long as it's not lingerie) LOL.

clothing/perception

[(Anonymous)]

Why don't you just wear what makes you comfortable and happy? If you're dressing for what other people want, then there's a problem. Don't be afraid to try new things, but on the other hand, if it doesn't work for you, do what YOU want. Be self-confident, rememeber, peer pressure was left in the school days, and dress in a garbage bag if that's what turns your crank.