I have been in tears over the last few days because I can't find any clothes that I like that also fit my body. Maybe you could suggest some brands or stores to try. I feel like everything is too young, or too old and nothing seems to fit my body well. I have a big tummy and relatively no butt (well, it sags and doesn't stick out). I've lost almost 40 lbs over the last year and a half, but I'm still wearing a lot of the old clothes that are too big.

As for my body, I think I must really be an apple (34 waist and 39 hips). I am usually wearing a 10 these days, but sometimes an 8. I'm 5'2.5" and 138. Most pants are too big in the hips and too small in the waist. Lee jeans are usually painfully small in the waist for me. I end up buying pants that are saggy almost everywhere so that they won't be too tight.

As for my style- I'm 39 and teach elementary school. I would like something a little funky and colorful, but not too far out. Mostly I have been wearing nice plain long sleeve Ts and khaki pants. I would like something with a little more style and that is a little more feminine. At the same time, I can't be really wild with my clothes. It seems like everything I look at is too old or too young.

I don't mean to go on forever, I was just trying to give a good description of what I'm looking for. I would really appreciate any suggestions for clothes. I'm ready for a change, but I can't seem to find what I'm looking for. Thanks a bunch!

Try pairing funkier, trendier tops with dress slacks. Most brands are available with some stretch in the back or sides. Sag Harbor, Coldwater Creek, Petite Sophisticate, Dress Barn are brands that usually have this feature. That way you can get a size that fits your hips, but isn't too tight in the waist.

Also, look for jewelry and accessories that can add color and "funk"

Cute, trendy jackets can also help pull the look together

I have similar problems finding clothing, as I'm short, have no butt, small chest, and am totally an apple. I've recently found jeans at Fashion Bug that are proportioned for different body types and I think they had dress slacks as well.

As far as tops, I'm so tired of the "retro" look I could just gag. None of that looked good on us the 1st time around and it looks even worse now! This year, I noticed some tops at Walmart that weren't so retro-crazy or gaudy, but had some nice style features, so they looked better than plain t-shirts.

Hope this helps. I'm in an area where there just aren't that many stores to choose from and can't afford places like Younkers and Herbergers (or even JCPenney most of the time).

I second Coldwater Creek- sometimes they can have clothes that run a little bit "older" for my style (I'm 36), but you can find some fabulous wardrobe staples, and their jackets are wonderful! The after Christmas sale is the way to go, so hold on! New York and Company has a wonderful knitwear collection, too, at great prices. I know as a teacher, you need to be able to move around with comfort- I'm a veterinarian, and I can crawl around on the floor with my patients in the NY&Co. CityKnit pants!

Thanks for the suggestions! I'm looking into several of the brands online.

Circebee- You made me laugh! There are probably a lot of the same activities in our jobs!

Let me know what you find, I am having the same problem. Plus I'm broke which makes it even worse. I'm going mad cause I love my new body and want to look great in clothes but I can't find anything that looks good on me!

If you are able, find some low-cost jeans and have them tailored. On me I like the wide-legged style that goes all the way down to the floor and almost covers my heels--DARK blue. As far as tops, I like the silky, loose fitting camis (colorful) that are long paired with a shorter jacket (a neutral) with a super cute style to it--not bulky, fitted to the body. This is pretty well my "uniform." I am way into funky shoes now with matching handbags. I don't have a ton of clothes but I feel like I have acquired recently actually works. Oh, and don't forget some great earrings and maybe a matching bracelet. I will necklaces from time to time too.

Oh, and I just wanted to mention not to forget about Goodwill and garage sales--it's the "green" way and the best way! Your pocketbook and the world thanks you. Even better if you can do minor alterations or know someone that can for a good price.

Oh--also, a group of ladies where I live have clothing swaps from time to time. Maybe you could get a group together!

I am having a similar problem. I am 5'8'', have big hips, a tiny butt, and tiny thighs. If it fits in the waist, it is too baggy in the butt and legs. If it fits in the legs and butt, I can't button the waist.

I have probably tried on at least 100 pairs of jeans in the last three weeks. I'm not even kidding. Last weekend I thought for sure I would find a pair at Arden B as that is the one place I always used to have luck. Sure enough, nothing fit! What is with everything being so low rise that it practically goes to your pubic region?! I actually left the store in tears. My mom had to calm me down. It's so frustrating to lose the weight and still find nothing fitting properly.

Long story short, I am going to this place in Illinois called The Denim Loft. They have a bunch of designer jeans and specialize in helping to find that perfect jean...even for people like me. I know it's going to be expensive but nothing else is working!

I wish you luck.

KRy172--I feel the same way about the low-rise situation. I just can't get them to sit right on my body--probably the two kids in two years thing. LOL. In any case, I hope you find something you like. What about trying a smaller size with the "stretch" in the denim?

Thighs B Gone- I do occasionally get lucky at thrift stores, but right now I need a wardrobe (OK I want a wardrobe) and I usually only find a piece or two at the thrift store. About a year ago I got a pair of Lucky Brand jeans for $1.50 This week I was able to get one pair of khaki pants that will work for a while.

I would love to go to NY and Co sometime soon (and by myself). A friend told me about them and the clothes on the website are really cute. I'm just scared to buy anything without trying it on first and the closest store is about an hour away. If I'm lucky I may get to go tomorrow!

Good luck to all of you on the cute clothes journey. I'm glad that I've lost enough to need new clothes, but I never imagined it would be this much of a pain. I guess I saw myself breezing into any store and looking great in everything!

I was just on another thread like this one and recommended that the original poster take a look at MyShape.com.

I really like the clothes there but especially like the fact you can enter your height and measurements and they will assign you a body shape. They then show you clothes they sell which suit your body type. Their models are real women too which is nice.

It really opened my eyes about what type of clothes to wear for my shape. Its a bit like having your own "Stacy and Clinton" to give you advice.

I've never bought anything on the site though I know I will soon. So far I just look at what they recommend and then try and find similar things locally.

Good luck.

thanks..i am going to check there tonight

I'm not that tall either, and I steer clear of pants in general with the exception of skinny jeans, because I always have to get them taken up. Try Sass & Bide or Bettina Liano (Australian Designers) for really well fitting skinny jeans. American Apparel do some really cute raglan tops, and long sleeve tops in lots of colours which are practical but cute. Dresses are a much better option for shorter girls and look fantastic. Perhaps you could try a fitted tee dress, and pair it with an oversized cardi or big chunky scarf.

Good luck finding your style!

KRy-- we have the exact same body shape I think and I get vey very frustrated as well. But I think a person can never go wrong with a good tailor.
If ever I find trousers or pants that fit my waist, it's HUGE in the arse and thigh and as such I find in invaluable service in a good tailor. I can find good sales at most stores because I am cheap and that leaves money for the tailoring services. A pair of pants only costs about 15.00 and they look awesome taken in at the leg/thigh.