Style tips for the non rich and non slim (i hate the term real women)

[switchtvoffdosomelessboring]

It occured to me today whilst sitting in a busy waiting room that many women could be slightly more stylish with just a little bit of extra effort. I'm not talking about a whole new wardrobe, or losing tons of weight, just working with what you have got.

So heres my tips to make you just a little more stylish (if you care!)

Trousers : if they are too long then just shorten the hem with 'no sew' - its as easy as ironing and will stop your trousers trailing on the ground and getting ragged.

Avoid polyester trousers. They may be easy to wash and don't need much ironing but they are not flattering and make your crotch smell. If you already have some, don't bin them, just don't buy any more.

If your trousers are a little on the short side wear boots with them. Certainly not coloured socks.

Shoes : if you have school age kids I'm sure you have some of that scuff shoe polish stuff. Use it. Even the cheapest of shoes will look better if new.

Jogging trousers : no, they are not stylish, but plain black of navy ones that don't have elastic round the ankles are better. And don't try and pretend they are not jogging bottoms by wearing shoes, just put on your trainers and be comfy. Oh and the cheap ones shrink in the wash. Buy the longer size and no sew if necessary. Oh and velour ones, well consign them to winter pjs and don't buy again. Ditto anything that has writing on the arse.

If you are a larger lady long boots with leggings/skinnies will balance you out and look better than pumps.

I can't think of any more but I'm sure I will...

Know what you mean. Alas, on this board, I don't think there's much point in saying it, as it would be preaching to the converted!!!

But sometimes I wish I could say the following to certain people:
Keep your hair looking good. It doesn't have to be high maintenance stuff, just wash about 2 or 3 times a week and use dry shampoo in between if necessary. Looking at people with greasy hair makes me feel sick!

Don't wear too much pattern, ie patterned skirt with a completely different un-matching patterned top....pick a colour out of the patterned skirt and wear a top in that colour.

And shoes/boots....how hard is it to give them a wipe with a damp cloth if they get a bit muddy??

Arrgh. I could go on, but, as I said, it'd be preaching to the converted!

re shortening hems......does the same apply to jeans do you think? I have a few pairs of longer jeans from my heel wearing days which I don't wear much because I'm strictly in trainers/flats these days. Do you think they would look odd shortened?

Sorry to hijack!

sapphire - I don't know, if you shorten jeans they can look a bit homemade . I have a couple of pairs like that and I only wear them with heels or if it is not raining so the wet doesn't wick up my legs.

If they are too long but lovely i'd be tempted to take them up a bit - if you have a machine you could attempt a denim type stitch (you know with yellow thread) but if not I'd 'no sew' them.

I'm coming across here as a bit of a 'no sew' freak. No i don't have shares in the company

NOthing with an elasticated waist, and no tracksuits of any kind unless going to the gym.

And tapered trousers should be outlawed.

you can get jeans taken up at the dry cleaners and they do a denim hem, so no one will ever know. I have a few pairs of french connection jeans and they all needed to be altered, dont know why fc make their jeans so long.

I always have to take up my jeans, as being a size 12 at 5'4" apparently makes me some sort of unclothable freak. They look fine. Or perhaps I'm just deluded?

Make your crotch smell?? How close were you sitting?

tapered trwousers very in now

I embrace the frayed hem at the back of jeans look. But then my jeans are purposefully slouchy and skaterish. I have never understood the concept of "smart" jeans.

BooBooglass I mean when I wear polyester trousers they make me smell

Maybe its less embrassing to say yes i smell old ladies crotches

muffin tops....argh....people should just wear trousers that fit properly..

ooh and bra's that don't fit which provide the onlooker with a view of 4 lumps near the waist area..

grim

This thread reminds me of spending most of my teen years wearing trousers three inches too short, as they did not make longer lengths for teens and when I did fit adult sizes the local shops were too rubbish to stock longer ranges!

For me, getting a well-fitted bra and not buying things too tight/short have made a big difference. Difficult because I see loads of things I like but they're designed for shorter or flat-chested ladies.

I think it is important to stress that leggings must be thick and worn with a long top/tunic as when you bend down I can see..., well let's just leave there.

Yes Fran agreed, leggings are an alternative to tights not trousers!