shopping advice needed

[clarinetV2]

I really, really hope this doesn't come across as showing off - it's not my intention, and I desperately need advice from anyone who's been in this position.

After being an overweight child, adolescent and adult, I've recently lost a lot of weight, going from a size 22/24 for the last fifteen years or so, to 18 this time last year, and now to 10/12 - and I'm determined to stay there. Only now I need to buy new clothes, and I don't know where to start! I know it sounds lame, but for most of my adult life I've had to go to Evans, or M&S once they started doing a limited range of stuff in larger sizes. Even this time last year when I bought some new bits and pieces in size 18 I played it safe and went to Evans & Simply Be. I'm not used to being able to choose from just about anything on the high street and it all seems rather bewildering to me.

Some context: I work in a fairly informal organisation so I can dress 'smart end of casual' iyswim most of the time, with occasional events that require something more formal, maybe a couple of times a month. Money is not unlimited by any stretch of the imagination, but I would rather spend a few months building up a new wardrobe than buy rubbish that won't last & was made by starving 10-year-olds in a sweat shop. I'm not far off 50, and I'm very accustomed to wearing clothes I can hide in - so think quiet and under-stated rather than loud and flamboyant. I do a lot of walking and use the outdoor shops for when I'm not at work, but all my work clothes are swamping me and I look very silly in them. Any suggestions for where I should go and what I should look for?

Charity shops
Charity shops
Charity Shops
and if they do not have what you need on the rails, ask

quality brands surprisingly cheap

What's your personal style preference? I would treat yourself to lots of different fashion magazines from Grazia to Vogue and work out what appeals to the smaller you. Make a note of the shops. Take time to leisurely browse the stores. Study women on the street. Above all: Have fun!

How about getting your colours and style done first with house of colour? If you need a complete wardrobe, it would be good to know what works best for you, and would make shopping so much easier.

Congratulations on the weightloss by the way .

I went from size 20/22 to size 10 too. I used to choose my clothes on the basis of what covered my body best. But as I lost weight I took alot of time and interest in fashion so that by the time it came to splashing the cash and investing in a new wardrobe I was able to be quite targetted in what I bought. My preference is for small indie British, Japanese or Scandi designers and it's such a pleasure to know that their small or mediums fit me off the rack. And the best thing: I don't have to cover my bottom!

Well done that's brilliant!

Many thanks for the advice, folks. I don't know what my colour or style preferences are - it's something I've never had to think about. I've always worn whatever fits and hides me! I think I'll take my time with magazines and people-watching on the street - and in the meantime hit the charity shops so that at least I have something to wear while I work it all out.

clarinet enjoy it, it's loads of fun. I never realised how much clothes and expressing my personality through them could excite me as much as when stopped having to wear clothes that hid me.

Try dressipi.com - I only recently discovered it after being in the same situation. It gives as good advice as a personal shopper would, and it's free too!