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

[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.

[mouseman.livejournal.com]

I second most of what KelC said. I never particularly noticed. I've always seen you, not your clothes, and that's what was important to me. I suppose if I'd actually thought about it, I'd have assumed you preferred comfortable, as well.

But then again ... Remember my comment ... nations would fall. :>

[boubabe.livejournal.com]

I don't look bad but I could look better. I do dress for comfort and that will never change, but how you dress does affect how you are treated and how you feel about yourself. If I look good, I tend to feel good and more confident. Jill gave me a pair of cords that hug my curves a little more and I feel awesome wearing them.

I'll still dress down while I'm relaxing, but my work clothes can use a once over.