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If you’re not naturally stylish

3 replies

Catsbatsandrats · 02/09/2025 21:33

have you managed to look put together? I would absolutely love to look pulled together and polished, but my brain just doesn’t work that way. Until a few years ago I’ve managed to look passable as I was a size 8 and clothes sat a bit better, but now I’m approaching 40 and size 14 and I feel so awfully frumpy and poorly presented. The problem is I don’t know where to start AND I don’t seem to understand style too well. A typical work outfit is loose high waisted pleated trousers, trainers and a loose top. It’s completely serviceable but I know I’m not projecting my role ( relatively senior in a financial services firm). I’ve tried buying a capsule wardrobe, I’ve tried saving and recreating Pinterest outfits, I’ve used personal shopping advisers in John Lewis but it’s never quite right. In addition, I don’t think my proportions help, I’m short and rotund. I’ve got lots of nice individual things (bags, shoes, coats) but can’t quite get the hang of putting them together.

has anyone been in the same boat and somehow transformed into an elegant, well dressed person? If you’re naturally stylish, how do you think about buying and styling clothes?

OP posts:
Gymbunny2025 · 02/09/2025 21:47

I’m not your shape but a similar age. Would swapping your trainers for loafers and your loose fitting top for a nice shirt make your outfit more stylish and suitable for your role? Apologies if the shirt wouldn’t work for your shape. I think teamed with a nice coat and bag it would be a great look though.

PrimevalStomp · 03/09/2025 07:24

If you’re constantly trying loose tops and trousers with trainers and not feeling ‘right’ - maybe that simply isn’t the look for you.

Presumably if you’re fairly senior you can choose how you dress, within whatever parameters of smartness there may be? Have you tried wearing dresses? Much less effort if you struggle to put things together, and they might accord better with your natural style.

(Other thing is the weight increase. What’s causing it, at 39? And what do you intend to do about it?)

How tall are you, btw?

PrimevalStomp · 03/09/2025 09:46

You don’t give a budget, but would any of these styles appeal to you and suit your working day?

Uniqlo dress

Toujours dress

Cos dress

Colenimo

Toast dress

Obviously other dresses are available!

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