Sometimes, for whatever reason, nothing looks good on us. It could be an interior issue around low self-esteem, it could be that our bodies are fatter or thinner or less or more fit than usual. It could be that the sands of time have shifted our figures around and we will need to adjust our major wardrobe staples accordingly and haven’t yet figured that out. It could be a lot of things.
When that happens, hang in there. Usually this discomfort won’t linger: it’s a temporary phenomenon. If it does linger, it will be important to set aside a few hours to try on almost everything in our closets to determine whether or not we need to make a major visit to the tailor. Bodies do change, pigeons.
In the meantime, however, PeaceBang finds that a uniform of well-fitted black slacks, black shell, black cardigan and bright colored scarf is very easy to manage and perfectly serviceable for most seasons. The all-black outfit isn’t the most wonderful thing you’ll ever wear, but if you feel self-conscious about your body, it serves to streamline everything. Add a few terrific accessories (fun earrings, a big, dramatic ring, great shoes), and you’ll look fine.
When I feel lumpy and bumpy, I return again and again to a variation on this outfit: trousers, fitted shell and cardigan. It’s not just a question of body insecurity, it’s also about simplicity. I like the line of those garments and I enjoy accessorizing that basic outfit.
But knowing that you have a good, classic pair of black pants and black cardie and shell on hand is like money in the bank. It gives you a stand-by for your regular workday so that when the more special events come up, you’re sick unto death over the process of standing in the closet wondering What To Wear.
Cardies can be young and fresh.
Ombre is very “in” right now, and you know PeaceBang feels about the crisp white blouse!
This would look lovely with a colorful cotton scarf. Cardigans don’t have to be all buttoned up, literally or metaphorically.
A slim belt will give you nice waist definition and make the simple outfit quite smart. The animal print here strikes me as a bit too shiny and sleazy for ministry wardrobes, although I love animal prints in general (in moderation).
(Can you imagine standing around like this in real life? It’s like “Reverend Saturday Night Fever.”) Plus-sized people, avoid bulky or too-sporty cardigans. They can make us look like an Enormous Woodland Mammal.
I like the deep-V of this style and her heels are FAB. The sweater itself, meh.
PeaceBang, I get this feeling all the time. Wardrobe ennui, at its finest. Sigh. In the three years since I graduated from college, my weight has fluctuated dramatically, mostly in the losing-weight variety, thankfully (I’d gained the lazy-senior fifteen, instead of the freshman ones). As a young professional, I don’t have hundreds of dollars to drop on new trousers every six months as I shed the weight, and even now, I have a couple styles of trouser that I simply don’t look forward to stepping into. I constantly have these days, staring at my closet, wishing I could throw on jeans (they fit! they’re fabulous!) and a cute sweater. Fridays and on the weekend I can get dressed in seconds flat (jeans, cute shirt, cute shoes, VOILA). But mid-week…. Bleh.
This advice is fabulous. I do need to do a serious culling of my wardrobe (as you said before, those ratty tees, the things that Just Aren’t Right) to get it in WORKING order, and realize what’s missing. First on that list is the Crisp White Blouse, oy, how have I managed without one! I cringe to think. But I literally just purchased the J Crew Jackie twinset in black and white, and I am SMITTEN. Classy, accessorizeable (new word?), fits me beautifully, full coverage (no bra straps!), still youthful… I can’t say enough.
Thanks for the reminder that back-to-school shopping & clothes inventory is not only for those toting Trapper Keepers. I will corner my fiance to do this as well– ratty sweaters and shrunken tee shirts, begone!!
Love,
SK, a loyal reader
I have to stop reading now, because I keep laughing hysterically and my 2 year old, who is supposed to be going to sleep next to me, keeps asking, “what’s so funny??” and it’s getting REALLY late!
Yes, the basic black base has become my lifesaver. Still a booster of Misook knits, pricey but all washable. I tried on a lot of the line before finding the ones that looked best on me. I’ve gotten my “cost per use” value out of what I bought. Since black isn’t my best color, the scarf/jacket/whatever soften the black around the face. One note: not all blacks “match” and sometimes the shell and pants should be matchy matchy so they aren’t drawing attention.