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.

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!!

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...