In a couple of weeks I have a REALLY BIG, REALLY IMPORTANT meeting in NY.

I need to look nice.

Right now, my entire wardrobe consists of one stretchy and kind of faded skirt, one pair of jeans (getting too big) one pair of shorts, and a bunch of workout clothes.

I was stupid enough to buy a really nice pants suit, very expensive, in the spring, in a size 18. At that time, I couldn't imagine wearing a smaller size. Now of course it's too big, but I'm hesitant to get it altered until my weight settles. Besides I don't think I can wear black pants and a black blazer in July.

I am going to HAVE to buy something new but again, I hate the thought of buying something that is going to end up too big after I've only worn it a few times.

Any advice on something that might travel down with me?

I am about a size 14 and need something that is work appropriate but not too dressy. Not too serious or businessy. Appropriate for (media type) New York in July. I like skirts.

HELP!

Go For A Simple Sheath Style . This Way You Can Add A Belt . As Your Body Changes It Will Look Good For Quite A While. Not Hard To Find .

1. Start calling all the friends you think of as "too small to share clothes with". You aren't, anymore, and someone will have an outfit you can wear.

2. Go to Goodwill. You probably will NOT be able to find something you love, but you will be able to find something that is nice, fits, and is appropriate, even if it isn't your style. That's ok, because you are only going to wear it once. So try on all the clothes you would normally overlook because they aren't the color or style you prefer. For one thing, a lot of the old "rules" you have about what styles work on your body don't apply anymore. I have found that the only way to learn what does work now is to try on things you think will look ridiculous.

I can't offer much advice on WHERE to buy something because I am still restricted to shopping at Lane Bryant. I have found that certain types of dresses are easy to alter. I had a very nice black dress I wore when I was a size 16 (many years ago) and had it taken all the way down to a 10 (again many many years ago). Something sleeveless, semi-fitted and not stretchy would alter well if that is your main concern.
I found a cute dress on the Lord and Taylor website but I can't post links yet.

I love this kind of thing (I"m about to go work out while watching What Not to Wear). Some questions:

What kinds of colors do you like? What is your skin tone and hair color?

What are some things you just won't wear?

Will you wear heels?

How much are you looking to spend?

Everybody needs a pair of jeans! Check the sales racks. A light summery jacket, matching tank, dark jeans and cute shoes. Wear the living daylights out of it and pass it off to goodwill in the fall.

Oooo I'd love to do a power shop with you!

I bought all my going down clothes at Goodwill, Salvation Army, Savers and consignment shops. It takes a little patience but you can find some very nice things, oten times brand new .

I agree with shopping at thrift stores in nice parts of town. I am very fashion forward and I've spent a lot of money on clothes over the past 3 -4 years as I went from a size 6 to a 12. I feel very guilty about spending money on clothes that I can not fit later.

I have had personal shoppers and the whole nine but from here on out I plan to go after a high/low look by shopping at thrift stores and purchasing high end items that fit like shoes, handbags & other accessories.

Also, while NYC is undoubtedly one of the fashion capitals of the world - no one really pays your dress or style any attention there. They've seen it all.

Good luck!

If you have it where you live, TJMaxx or Marshall's! They usually have pretty good stuff on sale.

What Bamagirl said--also Ross, Burlington Coat Factory, or a Fashion Bug. Good luck!

I think I'm a "spring" (if I remember right...) Light brown hair, blue eyes, fair skin. I have had a tendency to wear a ton of black (fat girl habit) but I like pastels, blues especially, also pink and white.

I don't really know what I just won't wear... my style is pretty conservative-- nothing too flowy, too patterned, or just, funky. My traditional "go-to" outfit for this kind of thing was black matte jersey pants, a nice sleeveless top, maybe a little sparkly or something, and a boxy looking jacket. I also had a black sleeveless matte jersey dress that I used to put a sweater or boxy looking (aka hide the rolls) jacket. Of course, at almost 300 lbs, my options were pretty limited.

I think my legs are my best feature. I love to wear heels but need to be sure I can walk in NYC. I like pencil skirts a lot.

I'm willing to spend a fair amount. This is business and the impression I make will be very important.

Hey since you are willing to spend some cash I would recommend going to Nordstrom or Macy's (sort of a last choice) and get a personal shopper - they are free at these stores. I don't know what part of the country you live in but wherever it is go to one of the better department stores that offer personal shopping. Call before hand and give all your dimensions and what you are looking to do in the clothes i.e interview, dine out, active/outdoors, etc. You may not find all your answers on this site because no one can see you or be with you when you try on the clothes. Get yourself a free personal shopper.

I usually spend about $700 - $1,000 when I do this because I end up falling in love with really nice clothes that I would not have tried on otherwise. Of course, you don't have to spend this much and you might want to give them a budget. I love this service because since gaining all this weight I am discouraged to shop which I never really liked to do anyway. They will place you in your own private dressing room and it is easy peasey.

If you call and find a store that has shoppers then you can go in the same day. They want to make a sale.

I hope you do it - let us know how it goes

Good Luck!

This is a great idea and one that I had actually been thinking about... but I was a little insecure about it because I'm not quite sure what size I wear...
And just insecure in general because I have hard-core dressing room phobia after 20 years in the plus department....

I get all embarrassed around sales ladies and try to sneak into and out of the dressing room without talking to anyone. (I know. Hard core Geek.)

ubergirl -- I just pre-shopped Nordstrom's annual sale today and they have many clothes in my size. You and I are close in height and weight, so I know you will find tons of stuff.

The annual sale starts on Friday and it's their big deal sale of the year, so you might even get bargains.

I have definitely been the Hard Core Geek kind of shopper (who am I kidding? I'm hard core geek all the time -- I have degrees in computer science and library science), but I'm loving having a personal shopper to work with at Nordstroms. She's very low key and incredibly knowledgeable and talented. She'll pull stuff together that I never would have on my own. After an initial run to look through some of the racks, I end up camped in the dressing room while she brings me things that might work with what I already have. It's a ton of fun!

The other nice thing about Nordstrom's is that they have tailors on staff. So, you can get pants and skirts hemmed and fitted when you buy them. And, if you bought the pants or skirt there, they will take the waists in when you've lost a few pounds for a small fee, even if it's months later. I also have them put shoulder pads in any jacket I buy because, with my pear shape, I look so much better with just a bit of padding.

Oh, thanks for this! It makes me feel better, and since I'm just about ready to head out, knowing about the sale is even better....

Would it be rude for me to ask what size you wear? I'm just barely 5'8" and my weight is concentrated around my middle, so at 5'9" you're probably a good bit slimmer than me.