The FastDay Forum

I know, @gillymary but I don't want to look like mutton dressed up as lamb

Well I think there is nothing better than style. There are some local dress shops I don't bother go into anymore as all the clothes look old, boxy and have no style. I think one can dress classy 'eclectic fashion'. These days you can wear almost anything which is fabulous

I also op shop seeking quality natural fabrics like knits silk cotton that obliterates a lot of rubbish clothing. I love fashion, it give me a lift to work on my wardrobe. I have had to pretty much replace 60% my wardrobe

@gillymary you are right - there is a difference between having a sense of style and following the latest fashion. My problem is incorporating the latest trends with the things I already have and I tend to gravitate toward the latest looks off the racks without thinking about what I already have and how it would work together. I think I need a fashion consultant.

What is your preferred style you like @swan51

I'm pear-shaped. I like things that are nipped in at the waist but if I'm wearing a skirt the length has to be below the knee. Since my hips are wide I also have to be careful about the tapering of jeans and trousers, so the cut is important. During the day I wear jeans and fitted tops provided the cover my ample hips. If I'm wearing a dress it is usually one of those that are gathered to one side at the waist (hides a lot of sins), and then at night I wear trousers (usually black) with long tunic-like tops. That's it in a nutshell.

I am a vase according to Trinny and Suzanna, I followed their lead about what suits me best as am amply endowed but the rest of me is in proportion. They suggested Miss Moneypenny on Viagra. Ahem I took note of their suggestions and worked out what I needed to be looking for eg great tops. So now am always on the look out for beautiful tops.

Do you like vintage such as the dress that Karenm just showed, that style would work for you. Tips from T&S are glam shrug, fabulous jackets, pretty shirts, A line skirts, coats worn open, tops in narrow stripes, dress with full skirt, boots with straight legs. ' The body shape bible' is a good book of theirs

I now have a much better handle on what is in my wardrobe and what goes with what. I also did a colour course to get my most suitable colours. It takes time, I find and bought a few books. Mostly just enjoy working out what to look for so it has become a passion of sorts

Hi everyone on the Fashinsia tent. A new comer is here. I am a short person. I like fashion very much but don't go for the latest at any cost. One thing is that since I left age 45 many years ago and do to gradual weight gain, most of the things I tried before, didn't look good and therefore had a hard time to find things I really liked. But now, since I have reached my size ten(Ozy)again, many things fit and look nice on me. End of financial year sales this winter, I had lots of bargains and when I come home and put them in the wardrobe, I feel greedy and guilty. But putting them on, I feel good. The sales are still on in Melbourne.

@gillymary, my OH calls my shape hourglass, but I'd be interested in what a vase shape is! I am pretty much in proportion. Th clothes I've worn over the years, tended to be what I could find in my size, in my price range. I'd love to now start buying more clothes I love.
My mother in law has always loved fashion and had the figure for it too. She's now buying size 10-12. The issue I have is that she insists on giving me fashion advice and really wants me to take it. She's suggested we suit similar styles, but hubby tells me to ignore her and wear what I like.
I too, would love someone to take me shopping and help me choose my clothes!

@Karenm sounds like a plan. I wanted to develop the skills myself . I live in the sticks so no big department stores here. @Pariah for a while I lost my fashion sense and confidence because I hated how clothes looked with my weight gain. Feel so much better now. Just enjoy your clothes it is one of life's pleasures isn't it?

@Karenm a vase is probably closer to an hourglass but our waist not as nipped in and we have boobs and the rest of us in proportion. Still a curvy girl and look best with a more tailored shaped clothes. Nothing baggy or smocked. Lucky really but have to minimise boobs which is easy with v neck tops, no tees. Straight leg jeans, Aline to knee skirts or a little shorter. My preference is winter clothes knits and layers but it is harder in summer to sort things out. Hey but am having fun trying

@gillymaryI checked out the Trinny & Susannah blog and it was quite interesting! I will take on board their recommendations and hope that I remember everything when I'm out shopping.
@Pariah don't feel guilty or greedy when shopping for clothes! We women are hard on ourselves, aren't we? It's bad enough feeling greedy and guilty when we eat, and now that we have gotten eating under control we shouldn't transfer it to shopping and dressing. I remember one of the best experiences I had shopping right after doing the Dukan diet was going into a shop grabbing a size 10 dress and having it slip easily on! See it as a non scale victory and something you deserve.

Bought a red cable cardigan in 'free size' today. Usually that fits well. Should have tried it on in the shop.
It drowns me!
I seem to be a fluctuating 15/16 occasional 14. Thereby nothing properly fits and I feel a mess.
Hey ho, on we go.

I hesitated about buying a dress in the sales last week-It had gone down another £10 today and is now in my wardrobe!

Yay! Way to go Merlin! x

I agree with CM that possibly that colour way is a teeny bit too sweet, but it all depends on your colouring and confidence really. I wear a lot of vintage style frocks and love them; I've just turned 40 and have no intention of stopping any time soon!

Regarding style versus fashion, for me the former is the only factor that counts. I've got a good feel for what suits me and my hourglass shape and I think that's the most important thing. I WILL say that my number one shopping tip is that if I need to ask someone's opinion, I probably know the answer Then again, that probably works for me because I am pretty ruthless about my flaws but also celebratory about my assets. V necks, nipped in waists, 3/4 length sleeves - these are the holy grail for my shape. I've got very heavy upper arms so a shrug is a must if the dress is sleeveless. I'll go without on a very hot day, but I don't like doing so.