I am so fashion challenged. I love fashion and I can tell when something looks good, but I suck at fashion for myself. I alwayy buy cheap clothes in black and grey and wear nothing but baggy jeans and t's because I am very self conscious and don't feel like I am worth spending money on nice things. I feel frumpy and icky.
I am trying to actually put together "Outfits" for myself and wear accessories. I've been trying to spend money on decent clothing rather than always grabbing $4 t shirts by the dozen and wearing old navy jeans that sag out. I bought some new gap jeans and slacks last month that fit much better.
I ordered a bunch of stuff at gap and old navy, what do you think and any suggestions on how to wear/style them? I am fine with critiques ![]()

This photo won't work - 3/4 sleeve green dotted blouse
This blouse is really sheer so I was thinking of mostly using it under some v neck sweaters in the fall and spring? Or putting a white t underneath?
This grey sweater

These coral/pinky jeans - I am nervous about trying a pair of skinny style pants as I always wear boot cut. I'm a size 16 so I worry I will look like an apple on a stick as I have a very round midsection... I've also never worn bright colored bottoms but I'm trying to try new things.

I am not comfortable baring my arms so I will definitely throw some sort of cardi or something over this when I wear it.
Re: Critique/help me style my gap/old navy purchases?
I love everything especially the gingham, dots and the coral/pink jeans. I would get a knit cotton blazer. It really pulls an outfit together, more so than a cardigan I think. Plus you can wash it at home. I would wear the long sleeve shirts rolled up for the warmer months. You can wear a light sweater over the shirts or you can wear a nude or white cami tank with spagetti straps underneath the shirt.
I would wear your favorite pair of pumps with the jeans. It should help balance out the skinny legs of the jeans and give a you long and lean line overall.
I would wear the tops with your favorite blue jeans or shorts or a pencil skirt.
Have fun with your new stuff and remember you are totally worth it. Don't tell yourself any different.
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I love everything except the short sleeved sweater. I don't like SS cardigans in general (there is nothing wrong with that one specifically). I think the white blouse would look great with the pink skinnies - I like to pair my skinnies with a flowier shirt to balance out my hips and thighs. The pink would look great with white, gray, navy, yellow or black. I would wear them with ballet flats or heels. I wear camisoles under almost all of my button up shirts. I would prefer a white cami over a white tee. Cute shirt though!
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I actually have a blazer on my list of "to get" items.
I've never owned one! I live in a farm town and work from home so I dress pretty casual but I want to have at least one nice blazer. I was thinking just a black, long sleeved, 2 button? 3 button?
So white camis are definitely the way to go underneath anything sheer
Thanks!
I bought the cardi because I dont' bare my arms and I needed some things to put over tank tops for summer that wouldn't have me sweltering in the heat. I also have a cropped white short sleeved cardi, and a bright orange 3/4 sleeve one. Anything sleeveless I can't wear without great fear so I always cover up on top.
You have to try on the blazer to see how well it fits. You want to be able to get a defined waist area where it nips in, even it's ever so slightly. Stay away from big, boxy shapes.
Get a long sleeve blazer, you can always roll up the sleeves. Black is always good, but another neutral would work just as well, like grey or beige or navy.
Blog: Call Me Imelda
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If you like it you should definitely keep it! I don't want you to second guess your purchase because I don't prefer SS cardigans
. I typically wear long sleeved ones and push them up to 3/4 sleeve length. I will bare my arms if I am hot though, so that doesn't help you.
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Ack! I just pinned a bunch of unbuttoned chambray shirt looks for you and then the stupid nest froze. I promise you won't look like a farmer.
See?
Blog: Call Me Imelda
Thanks! I love the photo of the girl in the grass with the black dress, and I even have a black shirt dress. Hmm...Now am I brave enough to wear a skinny belt with my giant fat belly? I think it will make me look pregnant, but i have a plus sized friend who always pulls off a skinny belt somehow.
You girls have no idea how helpful you have been to me, I've learned so much from this board. I should get brave and post photos of how I used to dress and some of how I am improving and ask for tips on how to make my outfits better.
Blog: Call Me Imelda
Love the colors you selected, very spring/summery! I have the polka dotted blouse from ON, I love it! I have it in the navy/green dots and pair it with green cropped pants. I agree with purchasing a blazer, I think the white is also very versatile for the summer.
I have this one, which I love: http://www.jcpenney.com/dotcom/jsp/browse/product.jsp?fromBag=true&selectedSKUId=81655810034&commerceId=ci384001421&selectedLotId=8165581&catId=Bag&quantity=1&ppId=1e4e913
Krisim has a great rec for the white blazer for summer. My sister got one and she looked so sharp with it on. I loved how it looked so nice over a cocktail dress or with a regular t-shirt and jeans.
Blog: Call Me Imelda
actually, a nude colored cami is the best option if you don't want it to look like you've got a cami underneath.
just a heads up, don't be disappointed if the jeans don't look great, i'm a 12 and i CANNOT wear ON rockstar skinny jeans. they're skintight skinny, and since i carry all my extra weight in my midsection and i have scrawny legs, they make my thighs look huge. and they're too low-rise for me. it makes me sad because they don't make the colored jeans in anything else but that cut.
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I was wondering about those jeans...I am DYING for a colored pair but don't want to spend much on a trendy piece so old navy is my price max for that item. They had capris in blue and green, but they sold out in like 2 days
Probably will send the jeans back. I was looking at the Gap broken in khakis they have in bright colors but they are 50 dollars plus tax and it's too much for me for a piece I will only wear probably for this summer/fall.