Updating my image and getting out of the house

top_drawer_2

hi,

I am looking for advice on updating my image. I feel so old and dowdy at the moment and its making irritable. I lost 2 stone last summer (mainly through stress/depression/anxiety) but it was weight I needed to lose. I am now a lot healthier (and 10 stone again but feel a lot more in control of my life that I am 100% I can lose weight again) I have a lot better life all round now but want to move forward and update my look as I feel like I am ready to broach "going out" and mixing about with people again but don't want to feel or look "old."

I have started a "look" book cutting out clothes that I like (Joe Browns catalogue and LaRedoute so far) and sticking them in a notepad which then I mull them over whether they are projecting the image I want rather than being cheap, easy or the style I already have.

I am also looking for ideas of things I can attend/do which are likely to attract people of similar ages where I can meet others. I attend the gym but found that very lonesome and there was no social things happening and at the classes people only spoke to people they already knew........ that seems to be the pattern in fact where ever I go!

Thanks

TD

ailuro2

A friend of mine does BMF, she seems to make lots of friends through that. It's british military fitness classes, there is a monthly fee but the first class is free - she says I should go along too as the fitness levels are streamed, but I'm nowhere near your wonderful 10 stone weight, so I always say no.:o

top_drawer_2

ailuro2 wrote: »

A friend of mine does BMF, she seems to make lots of friends through that. It's british military fitness classes, there is a monthly fee but the first class is free - she says I should go along too as the fitness levels are streamed, but I'm nowhere near your wonderful 10 stone weight, so I always say no.:o

I already pay for the gym so I cant really afford this too ... You should go though, I imagine its lots of fun and everyone is in the same position. I was in the ACF back in the day (when I was young and stupid:D) and that sort of thing really binds people together.

Jen

trixietoes

Hi Topdrawer, I symapthise with how you feel as I feel the same. Over the past 3 years I have put on 3.5 stone and just feel really fat. I had no idea on how to dress my new bodyshape so ended up wearing baggy ill fitting clothes that just made me feel frumpy, dull and insecure. I have started to lose weight and exercise so hopefully will be thinner soon.

I came across an article in Prima last year regarding your wardrobe. It may sound frivolus (sp?) but it really made sense. I then came across USA what not to wear and what they were saying really made sense - they are now my gurus LOL. (http://tlc.discovery.com/tv/what-not-to-wear/) it gives lots of tips as to how clothes should fit etc.

The wardrobe organisation was roughly like this. (be warned this will be long lol.

1 - write down what you do or in your case will be doing in your life. Eg. Business meetings? Formal working environment? Out Clubbing? Informal/formal dinners? Formal affairs? sporting events - footie/rugby matches? School functions? Sightseeing? Drinks out with friends? relaxing at home? shopping? outdoor activities? Gymming? The list is endless.

2 - Once you have your list but them it to frequency - for me - Drinks out - Freq. Business meetings - never, Out Clubbing - rarely, Sightseeing - freq, Sporting events - occasionally etc.

3 - Sort your existing wardrobe into your categories - you can see where the gaps are and target your buying. So you have things to wear for what you do.

4 - Assess your clothes - do they fit or suit you? If not throw them away!

I know this isn't very MSE but sometimes it just needs to be done. Now I can't afford to go out and buy a new wardrobe. I have a list of what I have in my wardrobe and what I need to get and gradually buy them. I have switched to buying lots of cheap items to buying less but better quality (not always expensive though as I scour the sales - house of fraser always have one on - remember quidco too) just because I feel nicer in them and they usually last a bit longer.

Now try on things you may think won't suit you or fit well or you never thought of wearing - just try them you may be suprised. As Clint & Stacey say.. Use pattern, texture and shine. Clothes don't have to match, they have to go together. Base an outfit on a neutral (beige, white, black, navy, brown) add colour to it for interest - a coat, bag, shoes, accessories. Emphasise the smallest part of your body.

I feel like a preacher, I am not trying to be and I am by no means an expert on fashion - far from it actually. But after doing the above and listening to Clint & Stacey I feel so much better in my new shaped clothes and that is transposing into how I walk, carry myself and act with others.

Good luck xxxx

Katiehound

Have a look at Trinny & Susannah books & Gok Wan ofr ideas- perhaps they have copies in your library? Please don't throw the clothes away!- your local charity shop would like them- even if they go for rag weight. Maybe look in the charity shop too - some have up market clothes.
Good luck

top_drawer_2

Thank you Trixxie thats amazing! I'm normally very logical but I hadnt thought of being logical about clothes. I never seem to have the "right" thing to wear so this approach will be amazing.

Thanks Katie I will have a look, dont worry I dont throw anything away!

Jacks_xxx

:wave: Thanks Trixietoes! I am watching WNTW vids as we speak.

I don't agree with everything that they say but I haven't seen anyone go away looking worse yet!

A little while ago I had some life changes which led to wardrobe changes, and I did exactly what you have recommended, and thought about what I needed clothes for, and how often and tried to keep a proportion in my wardrobe that related to my life.

I had a wardrobe crammed with outfits for nights out, special occasions and work - but nothing fit to be seen for days off and exercise. All my casuals had seen better days.

It's hard to get rid of stuff in a big lump but sometimes it's necessary. (They went to the charity shop and the Humana bin Katiehound )

For a while I didn't have much to wear - but at least what I had worked.

PS top_drawer - well done on the weight loss! :T

Pennylane

I can relate to this thread! Last summer I felt good and think I looked not too bad either. I got lots of compliments and people said how well I looked.

This summer I don't feel so good for some reason - I feel "frumpy" as OP says.:( I put certain clothes on and I feel tired, frumpy and sloppy somehow. Things I've worked out for myself - I can't wear grey. Loose clothes make me look larger. If I take care with my skin and then apply make-up properly I look years younger!;) Light, fruity perfumes seem to suit me and I am totally obsessed with the Clarins Eau de dymastante (Sp?) for a quick boost of fragrance. Likewise their shower mousse makes me feel alive!!

In the next hour I am disappearing into town to buy some nice gear for this summer. I want a nice white top to wear with linen trousers, some sleeveless vest tops for hols and a nice swimsuit. I also want some new cropped trousers that fit really well - again if these are too baggy for me, they do me no favours!

I also need some new heavy silver earrings. Bags & shoes/sandals I'm OK. Got plenty.