Dressing casually

[sa]

I haven't been on here much lately, but I need your help.

I don't know how to dress casually.

If an occasion requires me to dress up a bit, I've got it covered. But my casual wardrobe stinks! I am turning into a frumpy fashionless mom.

I have a few outfits I like, but I just feel bleh in mostly everything else.

I SAH with my 1 yr old, so I need stuff I can run around and get down on the ground with him.

I think my big problem is that I don't think a lot of the clothes that are out there work well with my body.  I always felt disproportionate, but I feel so even more now.  I've always been bigger on top than on the bottom, but even more so since having the baby.  My legs got skinnier and my butt disappeared and my boobs are bigger. (and I already have broad shoulders)  So some of the loose or boxy styles make me look like a block on top of legs.  I think peplum tops work well, but how many of those can I wear?

So anyone want to put together a few outfits for me to get me started?

[ashap]

What are some of your favorite pieces that just make you feel good right now? Types of fabric? Favorite stores to shop in?

I have some ideas but depending on your personal style and things you love I may be off target :-)

[sa]

I mainly live in skinny jeans with stretch and flats. The outfits I like, I wear them with casual blouses that I tuck in to high waisted jeans with a tailored blazer (though the blazer is not always that practical with the baby) or peplum tops. I guess I feel better when you can see my waist - but I feel like all the clothes I like on other people are looser - and I think a lot of those tops make me look bigger and more disproportionate.

[sa]

Oh and fabric - I guess I used to wear a lot of dry clean only hand wash fabrics - but now I need something that washes easy.

[ashap]

I love the trapeze type tops too, but I always feel like I'm wearing a bag!

So I was thinking either skinny jeans or a wide-leg style (I'm loving the sailor styles right now) with various tops:

A base layer (I'm in love with the JCrew 10% tee or sleeveless shell) and a tied waist wrap jacket style - creates an instant waist line: www.loft.com/lou-&-grey-stripeout-jacket/396317?skuId=20530846&defaultColor=4116&colorExplode=false&catid=cat1880002

Love the dolman sleeves on this (gives a "breezy trapeze look" without being baggy or overwhelming) www.loft.com/embroidered-shirred-linen-tee/392852?skuId=20834319&defaultColor=9076&colorExplode=false&catid=catl000011

JCrew Popovers www.jcrew.com/womens_category/shirtsandtops/topsblouses/PRDOVR~F0871/F0871.jsp

This is a cute peplum that's a little different www.jcrew.com/womens_category/shirtsandtops/topsblouses/PRDOVR~C0770/C0770.jsp

Love this one: www.jcrew.com/browse/single_product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441864559&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302045901&nav_type=PRMNAV&bmUID=lfNziEi

This is a super well fitting dress for summer: www.loft.com/blouson-dress/398794?skuId=20550349&defaultColor=6600&colorExplode=false&catid=catl000013

[sa]

Thanks ashap. I actually really love the stuff you linked. I'm going to try some of these things out. Thank you!

Any recommendations for shoes? Closed toe and sandals (Sandals I need comfortable and something that keeps the toes together, haha)

[fashionx]

I've started to rely on my footwear to keep me fashion forward because I'm feeling like my outfits are versions of leggings plus top or skinny or boyfriend jeans plus top.

I love drapey cardigans and think that might be good for you instead of blazers. Will feel similar so it's not too far from your comfort zone, but longer length can help balance out feeling top-heavy.

For shoes I am mostly living in my Sam Edelman Beatrix flats in leopard print, and rose gold spikey loafers. I find loafers really practical and easy, and plan to buy a couple more this season and buy them in a fun color or pattern to help the rest of my outfit.

[ashap]

Apr 11, 2016 20:04:45 GMT -5 sa said:

Thanks ashap . I actually really love the stuff you linked. I'm going to try some of these things out. Thank you!

Any recommendations for shoes? Closed toe and sandals (Sandals I need comfortable and something that keeps the toes together, haha)

I am absolutely loving the Sam Edelman lace up flats right now - I have a pink pair I got on Amazon. 

[gennyu]

Apr 11, 2016 20:04:45 GMT -5 sa said:

Thanks ashap . I actually really love the stuff you linked. I'm going to try some of these things out. Thank you!

Any recommendations for shoes? Closed toe and sandals (Sandals I need comfortable and something that keeps the toes together, haha)

I am loving my new Sam Edelman sandals that are a steal from DSW!

(They come in other colors too)