Looking Good, Feeling Great - The "style"

Ok, for a long time clothes that fit close to the body were "in," and I wouldn't wear them because I didn't like to show off my body.

Now that I'm WANTING to show off my new body, the "style" is big, billowy tops that make even the skinny people look like they're wearing maternity shirts. And stuff like that is literally ALL I can find, unless I'm wanting to wear t-shirts all the time.

Is this a regional thing, or is the "style" like this everywhere?

I think it's all over. I have noticed this trend and I think it looks silly. The worst ones are the dresses that are really short, billowy around the waist and fitted at the thighs. I see so many college girls with amazing bodies wearing those dresses and I think to myself, "what a waste." They have beautiful figures and they are hiding them in dresses that look like billowy potato sacks!

I totally agree...it's just goofy looking (in my opinion). Back when the big trend was showing off your body I always said I would've given anything to have the body to wear stuff like that, but the sense to NOT wear it.

I don't want to be too revealing...just something that lets me look like I've lost weight would be wonderful!!

:dizzy: They have the stupidest styles right now going on in Phoenix.. I tell ya! I'm sure it's just a phase though, and it will pass over time. I think you should just find something that looks good on you...and who cares what the "style" is... As long as it looks good :D

I've been looking HARD, Shorty. My only options, however, are big department stores like Sears and JC Penney, that cater to the current style (at least where I live). I haven't tried in a couple of weeks...maybe I need to go back and check out their spring and summer stuff...

I'm old enough to say that these styles were popular back in the 70's. What goes around, comes around. There is no such thing as a new fashion. I'm sure it's just a phase that will not last. I do agree that they look silly on a lot of people.
Another thing I hate is when you see a top you like on a store mannequin that looks cute and fitted and then you realize it's pinned tightly in the back to make it look that way. When you put it on, it just hangs. I also do not like the new longer tops. I'm 5' 3'' and they hang ridiculously long on me. On the other hand, my daughter, who is taller, likes the extra length so her tummy isn't exposed.

What always bothers me is when I see something on a mannequin that I love, but can't find anywhere. Maybe that just happens around here, though...

What always bothers me is when I see something on a mannequin that I love, but can't find anywhere. Maybe that just happens around here, though...
I think that happens everywhere. Or else it's not available in your size.

I absolutely love the new clothes! But then I always have loved the 70's clothes, well, except for bell bottoms...will never catch me in those. I see and hear from others people absolutely hate it. I don't think it makes one look pregnant...just cute. ;) I don't like form fitting clothes and for years have worn bigger, baggy clothes and these tops are kind of in between for me. Not baggy because they fit around the top and are just a little baggy around the middle. But not so much that they make me look fatter.

I also like the style, but in some of them I KNOW people are wondering if it's a maternity top. (Not that that would mean the end of the world!) They are very relaxing to wear - standing up or sitting down they are perfect! No worry about bumps and bulges here and there as I do in a tailored shirt or even a tee shirt! Recently I've found tops at JCPenney and JJill that I LOVE!

:dizzy: They have the stupidest styles right now going on in Phoenix.. I tell ya! I'm sure it's just a phase though, and it will pass over time. I think you should just find something that looks good on you...and who cares what the "style" is... As long as it looks good :D

I AGREE, for the most part I dont follow "styles" because I need to have clothes that I am comfortable in and that flatter whatever figure I have at the time. So I say find things YOU like and make them STYLISH!!!!

I'm not really a fan of the current style either.
Check out the Jones New York section of the department store. They use great fabrics (alot of my problems with the current thing is the fabric is always so flimsy!), really simple lines and classic styles.
Around here I've seen their sizes go up to 18 in tops? I've never gone there looking for dresses/skirts.

I really like the current styles...but it seems to me that now that I"m not plus-sized, some of the plus-sized stuff is getting cuter/looking more like the misses sized items.

I like the billowy top trend because I can hide my little bit of a tummy roll. I notice, too, that these shirts are cut pretty generously in the necklines, so I can buy a smaller size and get a less-billowey look...something to consider!

Never considered trying a smaller size. I'm just SO used to going straight to plus sizes that going shopping at all is a scary thought. I don't even know WHERE to go when I get into the store!!! :dizzy:

Try on a smaller size! It makes the billowiness less extreme, PLUS you get to have that smaller tag (and some mornings, that makes all the difference).

Depending how billowy the shirt is cut, I have some that are JUNIORS SMALL...now I know I'm at goal, but I am NOT a juniors small. Still, they work well for this style.

I love shopping for tops online, too, though I don't trust pants online. That way you can find exactly what you want, in your size, and a lot of times you can find cheap stuff! Yay!

I'm a little scared of online shopping...I don't LOVE to shop, but I like to have the clothing on my body, to see how it looks, before I buy it. The other day I was in Wal-Mart, of all places, and saw this sleeveless, turquoise shirt I just LOVED. Until I put it on...Uh...no. I just worry I'll see something I think will look good, order it online then get it and think...uh...no.

I am not crazy about the new styles either. But then I tried on a dress in one of the slinky new fabrics that had the most hidious print. And it looked wonderful. Try taking a lot of things into the dressing room that you wouldn't ordinarially wear. You might be surprised at how they look.

I actually like the billowy-styled shirts.

It's flattering, frontal view wise. Now sideways...that's a different story. :D

A lot of empire waist stuff looks like maternity wear, but I think a lot of times it can be really flattering!! I think they look really nice on me with my proportions, etc. and they ARE super comfy!

I also LOVE the longer tank tops, etc., that are in style now because I'm really tall!! It's so nice to actually have shirts that feel like they're long enough!

What I HATE is the "leggings as pants" trend that seems to be sweeping college campuses. If I can tell what kind of underwear (or lack thereof!) you're rocking, your pants are far too tight. Even if they're leggings. Unless you're going to the gym or a dance class or some other physical activity, I can't deal. (END RANT)

Small, tighter shirts are always in style. I like to go to JC Penneys on look in the petites department (I am extremely short). In the spring and summer they always have these tables set up with shirts and pants folded up on them.
To be honest with you I don't even really notice these billowy types of shirts on display when I go shopping. I have noticed them in display windows every now and then as I remember thinking about how that old Indian type of hippy style was back, but when I actually get inside the store I usually just notice all the clothes I'm used to buying. I mainly get polo style shirts, button up shirts for work and those cool long sleeve sweaters that have a collar and cuffs sewed on to look at though you're wearing two shirts. I love those.

I've definitely struggled when trying to find clothes that didn't make me look like I was trying to be 17.

I've found that shopping at stores that were geared towards adults has made a big difference. When I shop at the mall, and I rarely do, I head towards stores like Ann Taylor and Banana Republic. I'm not old enough for "old people" stores, but I just cannot feel comfortable in stores that "tweens" shop at. I'm a mom and I like to look like an adult. The stores that I mentioned really focus on clothes that are mainstays in one's wardrobe, not something that will be fashionable for 15 minutes. I would much rather spend $200 on a sweater or pair of pants that I can wear for years, than $20 10 times for different shirts or pants that are "out of style" the next season.

Artsnsmarts – I have the same problem with shirts...at 5'9", a normal shirt on a longer person is entirely too short on me. I love the longer shirts that are in style now. And y'all are making convincing arguments with going with the flowy shirts...

zeffryn – I guess a big problem I'm having is getting my head around the idea that I'm able to wear smaller sizes now, and CAN shop at the more sophisticated stores, rather than just the department stores that have a large variety of sizes (where you run into track suits and business suits in bold prints for larger people). Maybe my mind will catch up with my body eventually!!

Artsnsmarts – I have the same problem with shirts...at 5'9", a normal shirt on a longer person is entirely too short on me. I love the longer shirts that are in style now. And y'all are making convincing arguments with going with the flowy shirts...

zeffryn – I guess a big problem I'm having is getting my head around the idea that I'm able to wear smaller sizes now, and CAN shop at the more sophisticated stores, rather than just the department stores that have a large variety of sizes (where you run into track suits and business suits in bold prints for larger people). Maybe my mind will catch up with my body eventually!!

I can't say I feel bad for you...because that would defeat the purpose of losing all those pounds in the first place. Good job!

Don't worry, a better body image will come. eventually.

;)

Also, Mindi, both Banana Republic and Ann Taylor offer "Long" or "Tall" sizes. Most aren't available in store, but online.
I buy shirts in Tall sizes. I go to the store, try on the size and if it fits...order it online in the coordinating tall size.
My husband has to do the same. :(

Thanks for the tip, zeffryn!!! I think there's a Banana Republic near here, so that's something I can do!!

You're welcome! Happy Shopping!!

I hate the big, billowy midriff tops and dresses. Because I am very hourglass...it completely hides my waist, which is the smallest part of me. Since it hides my small part, what is left showing is my buns/thighs...which are the larger part of me. In effect, it makes me look heavier-like my middle is as heavy as my rear end.

I look much better, in say, a fitted tee and a big billowy SKIRT.

I'm the same way, aphil...I've got a very defined waist, but my hips and thighs are larger. Before the first 40 or so pounds, I also had a large chest so finding shirts that fit right and showed off my smaller waist was pretty hard. It's getting easier now...