Ask The Aficionado
The Style Aficionado Reader Ms. I Need FasHion Help. Writes in with the following:
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Over the course of a couple years I have become a broke, busted and disgusted fashion victim. I am broke, my credit cards are maxed out. So I am in a tank top rut. I can’t stop. That is all I buy, 3 and 5 dollar tank tops and leggings from Old Navy, Target and Walmart. But I have no pants, no skirts. What I do have are a gut a fat thighs. Help how do I break out of this fashion rut, while still hiding my gut.
Totally embarassed,
Ms. I Need FasHion Help.
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Even the most fashionable chicas get stuck in a rut every once in a while. The key is being creative with what you have, and strategic in what you purchase. Even a wardrobe as simple as tanks and tights can be glammed up with the right pieces. Kim Kardashian practically lived in leggings and cardigans. The key to getting out of a fashion rut is to think outside of the box. Experiment with different combinations of clothing – even things that you’d never dream of pairing ( check out this cardigan worn upside down). Shop your closet, go way in the back and pull out something you haven’t worn in a long time and try to incorporate it into your current taste. It’s almost as good as buying something new. Try layering your tee with a vest, multi strand necklaces and cardigans. We love the look of the classic white button down with the sleeves rolled up worn as outerwear, or cinched with a belt over leggings.
You can’t beat the allure of fast fashion retailers and all the inexpensive greatness they stock, but it is easy to $5 your credit cards to the max, while shopping in those locations. Consider cost per use and quality. Should you buy that $5 T-shirt or save up for a $20 blouse? Consider how the items will hold up in the wash and over time. Ensure that you are buying quality, classic, staple items. When on a budget there is no such thing as disposable clothing – check the hems, stitching, buttons, lining, and zippers. Once you have secured the foundation, then move on to trendier items. Also, try exploring thrift shops. Check out this article from The Fashion Bomb Blog on how to shop vintage.
In addition to evaluating your clothing, reevaluate your hairstyle. Actually, this is the first thing you should do. Changing your hair has a big impact that you will see immediately, instant gratification. An edgy, new hairstyle can actually make your old clothes more appealing.
Lastly, in addressing your concern about your thighs and tummy – Here are some tips to keep in mind when you want to de-emphasize an area.
- Darker colors will make the area in which they are worn appear smaller, the opposite is true for lighter colors.
- Choose diagonal lines as opposed to horizontal.
- Avoid tops that are too thin, and that don’t have structure or shape
- Flowy shirts that band or cinch at your hips or chest will draw attention away from your mid section.
- Prints help disguise belly bulge
- and lastly, heels automatically make you look leaner all around by changing your posture.
Here is a small shopping list of items that will glam up ANY wardrobe. BTW, you NEED a great pair of jeans if you don’t already have some.
- A blazer
- White Button down
- Statement necklace
- A ton of bangles
- Scarf or pashmina (This is a great way to mix in some color)
- Sunglasses
- Over sized bag
