Glinda:
I would love to be able to go to a store, and have someone SHOW me the types of clothing that look great on me, without spending a fortune, or having to change my style completely.
Ronnie
Ronnie –
Drop us a line at Wisdom of Glinda and see what we can do for you. We offer a full range of services that can help. If you are outside of our area of physical reach you could still sign up for online personal shopping. Visit our site and see what we can do for you.
Fashionably,
Glinda
Glinda,
What do you think of color choices do you go along with seasonal identification like in the book "Color me beautiful"?
Debra
Debra,
I think “Color Me Beautiful” is a great place for people to start. I have had “my colors done” and am a Winter. A lot of the colors outlined for me I never thought I could wear but when I tried them on I was blown away by how great they looked. One such color was navy. I still can’t get over how good I look in navy (lol). I also think its important to branch out and try new colors and try new things. Every season there are new colors introduced by pantone that are naturally not on a “colors” list.
What I think is important is to figure out what’s going to compliment your skin tone. Everyone has different undertones to their skin and when a color has that same undertone it’s really going to make you pop. I know if I put on any color with a pink or blue undertone I look and feel great.
I also think it’s important to trust your gut. There are some colors that you put on and you just feel yucky all day or feel like you look bad. When you come across those colors, clearly avoid them like heck!
I’m a huge fan of experimentation and don’t believe in trapping yourself in a box with that being said I do think that “Color Me Beautiful” is a valid starting place. As you figure out what looks good on you and what works you will naturally be drawn to certain colors and will fill your wardrobe up with them. You definitely want to keep a range of colors and not just settle into one or two. In my closet you will find a wide range of browns, blues, pinks and purples. I try to run the gamut in those color families.
I hope I helped! As always have fun trying new things and seeing what’s going to make you look your best!
Fashionably,
Glinda
Dear Glinda,
What’s going to be “in” this fall?
Laurie
Hi Laurie,
There are actually some fun trends for Fall. There are of course some trends that I’m skeptical of. Let’s start with what I think is great:
1)) Country club chic is in. Think less “I just fell in Lily Pulitzer” and more subtle. A cashmere sweater with dark jeans and a pearl necklace. It’s going to be more about softer prints instead of big, loud ones. Look for vintage-y prints and cuts that are very feminine.
2) Belts are sticking around, which I kind of like. I do believe a belt on a shapeless garment provides instant shape and that a belt can make your waist look smaller.
3)Tailored, knee length dresses with nipped in dresses are going to be everywhere. Very Hitchcock heroine. To keep the look going pair up these dresses with a cropped trapeze jacket.
4)Pencil skirts are sticking around as the work essential. The look is tres chic when accompanied by a cropped belted jacket
Now on to the stuff I’m not so sure about:
1)Plaid. I don’t know I just can’t buy in. I feel like they push this on us every couple of years and I just feel like a rejected extra from Brigadoon – but that’s me.
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1
I hope this helped you out Laurie!
Fashionably,
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Dear Glinda,
I think your site is great! I especially like the section on Necklines. I always read descriptions in books of styles, but they don't really tell me what they are. Now I know what each neckline looks like. One that I haven't seen and am still curious about – What is a sweetheart neckline?
Cristina
Dear Cristina,
Great question! I didn’t include the sweetheart neckline in the fashion dictionary because it is fairly uncommon outside of formal wear.
Basically the sweetheart neckline looks like the top of a heart shape. The neckline can be strapless or have straps but it mostly commonly accompanies a halter style.
Image from www.midnightglamour.com
The sweetheart neckline is universally flattering as it provides ample coverage of the bust and its plunging style streamlines the figure. Also the eye follows the shape of "heart" and it makes your bust look fuller and more ample (always good, right?).
Like I said, the sweetheart neckline tends to be most common in formal wear but it is showing up in some more casual styles. Typically in a casual style the neckline is less prominent. So keep an eye out for it when you shop. Like I said it is a universally flattering style.
Fashionably,
Glinda
Dear Glinda -
I'm 77 years young and having trouble finding fashionable clothes. I dress casually and cannot wear the tees and blouses because I have the roll around the middle. I can wear a size 10 in pants as long as the waist is elastic, but tops show my roll so I tend to buy XL, which don't really fit. Where can I find nice-looking clothes that aren't old and dowdy? I hate shopping because I cannot find anything that makes me feel good.
Maggie
Oh, Maggie, we feel for you. There are three main issues in finding clothing for women who are middle-aged and beyond: Age-appropriateness, fit, and lack of availability. As for as age appropriateness goes you should definitely not be raiding your grand daughters closet looking for a great outfit. Anything that is trendy is also going to be an out for you. Women of a certain age look best when they wear more polished and sophisticated looking pieces. Items of clothing that are sort of the “tried and true” of the fashion world. Pieces like wrap blouses, button down shirts, simple sweaters and cardigans, flat front khakis or any flat front pants. These classic pieces wear well and look timeless and casual.
As for fit, well that’s one for the ages. Regardless of age or size pretty much everyone has trouble with properly fitting clothes.
Women put on weight as they get older and weight distributes itself in different places though typically around the middle. Its obvious your efforts at camouflaging your midsection are not serving you. Buying an XL top that doesn’t fit is only going to draw more attention to your middle. When it comes to fit in your tops you need to look for something that is going to skim your body. I imagine an XL is orbiting around your figure. Considering your body shape I would recommend trying tops that are more of a trapeze or empire waisted style. This will help you “hide” your midsection while accentuate your figure in a positive light. (for visual samples of these tops see Glinda’s Fashion Dictionary)
As for trying to find clothes that aren’t dowdy. I would say step out of the “old lady” section of any store. The clothes there are thoroughly depressing. You can search for classic, tailored pieces in any store at the mall. Think Jackie O, think Audrey Hepburn and look for pieces like that. You cannot go wrong with those classic pieces. This will keep you looking sophisticated as opposed to looking like an old fuddy duddy.
Stores like J.Jill, Chico's, and Land's End have fits available that are meant for mature women's bodies, but you won't find out what works for you without trying everything on. The good news is, once you find a store, brand, or style you love, shopping will become much easier.
To get the most out of your wardrobe, look for a few basics that fit well and make you feel great, and then accessorize. Jackets are a great way to polish a look, and they can help to hide a multitude of sins. But, scarves, bright handbags, and jewelry will help give your outfit a modern appeal as well.
Fashionably,
Glinda
Dear Glinda –
I’m petite (only 5 feet) and a size 8. I’m having a hard time finding pants – they’re either hipsters (not good at 40), short in the crotch or boot legs which I feel make my legs look too shot. Can you recommend a brand of petites that won’t make me lose my mind?
Peeved Petite
Dear Peeved –
I’m not super familiar with petite brands but what it sounds like is that you need to figure out your rise and your leg style. If your legs are feeling short in boot legs then you need to look at where your pants are stopping. If your pants are stopping before the floor then they are too short. When you are petite you need to create the illusion of height. In order to due this you need for your pants to be just hitting the floor. This is going to make you look long no matter what. I would recommend maybe going with a stovepipe leg pant. This is a pant that is the same size all the way down the leg and they look like stovepipes. It will skim your leg up top and the line at the bottom will be beautiful and will make your legs look very long.
As for the crotch grabbing and low waist problem I think that it is just a rise problem. Clearly you need to stay away from a low rise and find a pant with more of a mid rise to it (how do you know? Just try those puppies on – there are no short cuts here). If something is cutting you in the crotch it means the pant is not fitting right. You may absolutely be a size 8 but try on the 10 in the same pant and see if it doesn’t fit better. You can always have the waist of pants taken in if you have to go up a size to get a better fit or length. If seeing the size 10 in your pants makes you feel bad then cut the size out who the hell cares. If the pants fit and you look good that’s all that matters, right?
Fashionably,
Glinda
Glinda:
Why isn't there an affordable chic for 30-somethings? I can find the clothes, just can't afford them.
Delia
Delia –
Late 20’s and 30-somethings tend to have to harder. Stuff either feels too young or too old. The trick here is to straddle both worlds to find stuff that works. You have to dig in these years to find the good stuff. There are great stores like Zara and H&M that have some affordable and sophisticated styles that are also budget friendly. Target is a great place for key pieces that look chic but are also affordable. Another place that surprised the poo out of me was Kmart. I went in there looking for a fan with a friend and we both left with adorable wrap dresses, cute capris and a few fun tops. Everything was like 10 bucks we were totally peeing ourselves.
Also Forever 21 has some great stuff for nothing. On the surface it seems like a store with a bunch of clothes for 15 year olds but it has some great stuff for the older crowd. There are some really sophisticated dresses, tops, coats, pants, jackets everything all for under 30 bucks. Their accessories department is also ridiculous. Forever 21 copies a lot of what you see in big name designer shops but for a fraction of the cost.
As to the why – that is something I cannot answer. My best guess is that too many late 20’s and 30’s women just accept what’s out there. They figure they can’t wear the girlie stuff for young girls and since the other option is matron wear they just opt for matron wear. With no one complaining or looking for real solutions nothing gets done. In this age bracket you can’t have any prejudice against any store you just have to look. You may walk out going “kids these days with their low cut blouses, mutter, mutter, mutter” or you may walk out going “did I seriously just get all of this awesome stuff for nothing???”.
Dear Glinda:
I have been reading your columns and I think your advice is pretty good. However, I don’t think you would be able to help me because I hate to shop. All the advice in the world isn’t going to change the fact that I cannot stand shopping. How am I supposed to change?
Brenda
Brenda:
It may be hard for some readers to believe but there are people out there who hate shopping. Believe it or not but I used to hate shopping too (loved clothes hated the actual shopping). I looked around at everyone else I knew and wondered why I hated it and they all loved it so much. It wasn’t until one day I had to go out and buy something at the last minute that I had a light bulb moment. I HATED shopping with other people. When I would go shopping by myself it was more fun and I could move on and do whatever I wanted.
Your problem could be as simple as that OR you may hate shopping because you have no clue what to wear or what looks good on your body. You didn’t say in your letter but I have to wonder if you feel uncomfortable with your body and just have the mindset that regardless of what you do you will look bad in clothes.
Do you maybe hate actually shopping centers? I hate them too. I tend to focus on shopping online. I find that its easier to find things online than it is in a store. It allows me to look on my own time, try on clothes in my own home and return whatever doesn’t work.
I hope I was able to raise some good questions to help you get to the root of your hate of shopping. If you get to the root of what is stopping you from shopping it will help you transform hate to love.
Fashionably,
Glinda
Dear Glinda:
A LOT of shirts are cut to emphasize smaller breasts, make them look larger, that sort of thing. I can't find a nice, tailored looking shirt that buttons up and doesn't gape over my chest. Help!
Mary
Mary –
This is something that everyone complains about. This is where you are going to have to get used to one word – tailor. What you need to do is fit your chest. Buy a shirt that fits your chest perfectly then get the rest tailored. It seems like a pain but if you love button down shirts this is something you are going to have to deal with (sorry to be harsh). But if you love something you either need to figure out how to work with it or leave it. If button down shirts don’t work for you why not try shirts that have a few buttons on the top instead of all the way down the shirt. It will give you the same feel but without the issues. Or maybe try a wrap shirt with a “protective” camisole underneath. There are plenty of ways to look polished without using button down shirt.
Fashionably,
Glinda
Dear Glinda:
I'm 33, and everything seems to be either geared towards career women, mommies (I'm not one) or party girls. What happened to casual chic?
Evie
Evie –
It sure feels that way doesn’t it. It seems impossible to find some good casual clothes that don’t make you look like you’re 15 or its laundry day. It’s a fine line to balance that look. Unfortunately for us casual chic is not exactly laid out for us you have to go searching. I’m a big fan of tshirts with cardigans and jeans. I like to pair a relaxed tshirt with maybe a fun slogan or from a vacation with a cute cardigan and awesome jeans and cute flats. It makes me feel as though I’m dressed relaxed without looking like slob. Some of my friends favor a long sleeve tshirt with dark jeans or a hoodie with a fitted tshirt underneath.
When it comes to casual looks its dead important to get the proportions right. You can’t have a big sweatshirt with baggy jeans you will just end up looking like a big sloppy mess. If you want to wear a baggy top wear a more fitted bottom. If you have a zip up hoodie wear it with a fitted tshirt and jeans. If you have a fitted top you can have a more looser bottom on.
I have to say this but at 33 there is absolutely no reason for you to run around in head to toe sweats unless you are coming from the gym or on your way to the gym. If you are not doing either of those things then NO SWEATS IN PUBLIC. Sweats are for lounging around the house not running around all day in public. If you absolutely must wear them they have to be chicly constructed a la yoga pants with a fitted tshirt and fitted sweat shirts. Nothing out of control. Again this is only if you absolutely cannot break yourself of the sweats habit.
Fashionably,
Dear Glinda:
HATE that larger sizes (I wear between 14 and 18, depending on style) are sooooo geared to my mother's generation! I can't find fashionable, flattering clothing ANYWHERE.
Non-plussed Plus Size
Dear Non-Plussed:
I hear this SO much and I wish the industry would listen. Girls who are 14 or 18 have to shop at Avenue, Lane Bryant and Torrid. All dramatically different and all limited. Either that or settle for the “plus sized” section of department stores which is typically the most depressing collection of clothing I’ve ever seen. They might as well call it the “I give up” section.
This is where online may be your new BFF. Many retailers have a HUGE selection online and many “non plus” sized stores are now carrying up to size 20 on their websites. So while you might not be able to get size 18 pants at Old Navy you can at Old Navy’s website. Again your best bet is to order several things to find your size at that retailer and then return what doesn’t work. Most sites of brick and mortar stores have similar return policies as their stores (usually 30 days) AND you can return stuff at their store so if you don’t want to shell out for return postage simply take it to the store and return the items.
The internet really is a shopping revolution. I wish people would get over going to a store in order to shop. There are SO many amazing websites out there that fit niche clothing markets and have a very impressive selection. Sure ordering online can be trickier than buying in a store but if you do your homework you will be fine. Check size charts since sizing is different everywhere. Check return policies. Once you are armed with all the information you can feel comfortable with making purchases.
Fashionably,
Glinda
Dear Glinda:
Don't even get me started on my 49yr old mother's choice of 19 year old's clothing. I'm 28 and I won't wear what she tries to get away with! No, mom, mesh shirts are not okay... even if they're black.
When can I sign her up?
Embarassed Daughter
Dear Embarrassed:
Well, um right now. We are happy to help her and have her learn why mesh shirts are only okay if its 1984 and you live in Queens and are going to a night club.
Fashionably,
Glinda
Dear Glinda,
One fashion problem I run into is that I am 40 years old and the clothes I find available in the mall are either for teeny boppers or the nursing home. If I can find anything in my size, which leads to...
Fashion problem #2: Finding fashionable clothes in a size above a 12 is really a challenge. The "plus size" stores usually have things in 20w and above. There isn't a lot of choice for those of us that are 14s and 16s. We're too big for the clothes sold at the Gap, NY, NY and Lerner and too small for Torrid and Lane Bryant.
-In The Middle
Dear In The Middle –
If I could I would beat the heck of out everyone who works in the fashion industry. It’s a bunch of fat men telling us we need to be a size 0. Luckily the voices of those who are denied fashionable choices are being heard. Stores like Banana Republic are now carrying pants, tops, dresses in larger sizes.
It’s more of a hunt when you have curves. It’s like being left handed – the world isn’t made for us (try being curvy and left handed – damn bastard genes). Fashion will just not be easy until you figure out your hotspots of finding fashions. You have to get into shopping and get into the hunt and try and make it exciting and fun for yourself.
It’s also important to recognize that stores that carry more “trendy” items are really not going to be somewhere you will want to shop. What you are going to be looking for is more timeless looks as opposed to stuff that will be out of fashion next season.
I would also hunt on the mall stores websites it seems to be in vogue now for the online retailer to carry plus sizes while the bricks and mortar retailer does not. I’d just check their return policy and order some stuff to see how it fits and go from there.
Fashionably,
Glinda
Dear Glinda:
Seriously! What is going on? How do I buy the right size for my shape? This stuff is so confusing! One person says pears can’t do this and apples can’t do this – what’s the real deal here?
Lost in the Department Store
Dear LDS:
It’s a total matter of trial and error. Too often women overly hide what they dislike about their body which causes them to look worse not better. It’s kind of basic if you wear something loose wear something else fitted. This is honestly all about proportions.
If you are bottom or top heavy your natural inclination is to “hide” the problem area by draping it in obscene amounts of fabric – this is bad. All it does is make people go “why is there all that fabric there and why does it look like she has the ass of a tractor/legs of a elephant/is she pregnant?” these are not good thoughts. When you are trying to “hide” all you are doing is taking a big ol spot light and shining it bright on the “issue”.
Okay so here it goes. If you have wide thighs or hips you are going to want to purchase only flat front trousers. I swear to Gucci if I see a pleat I will kill you – pleats are like little loud speakers that broadcast your big hips with every step. They don’t camouflage they draw attention. Okay so back to pants. Now this may seem counterintuitive but you actually want to buy a fitted pant. You want something that is more fitted and then lies straight down. This is commonly referred to as a stove pipe leg. What this is going to do is give you one long unbroken line from hip to foot. This creates the illusion of height and symmetry all the way down your body. Now I know it seems wrong but believe me it is SO right.
Now for tops. Many of us (okay every single woman on the planet) is uncomfortable with their mid section. Many chose blousy tops and over sized shirts to hide the “problem area”. Again all this does is draw attention and make the area look larger then it is. Again, this is going to seem counterintuitive, but you need to buy tops that fit. You may go up a size but not to the point that you look as though you are in a tent. The point is to see the curve of your body. Babydoll tops can be great for concealing a midsection but you have to be careful because if the top is too loose you will just end up looking pregnant. I following the rule that if the top is loose or babydoll I buy one to two sizes down. It allows you to still have the tummy coverage you want while not looking pregnant. I tend to look for them to only have a minimal amount of excess fabric around the midsection you want it to skim the body not float around you like an orbiting planet.
Fashionably,
Glinda,
Dear Glinda:
What's appropriate for job interviews depending on the level of job qualifications? It’s so confusing nowadays! Is a suit ALWAYS necessary??????
Judy
Judy:
The business world is changing and with it the rules of what to wear to interviews. My first thought is that you need to know what type of business you are walking into. If it is a very corporate environment you definitely have to show up in a suit. The way to figure this out is to simply ask when the person calls you to schedule your interview. Simply inquire as to the businesses dress code for day to day employees.
If the environment is more corporate dress you will have to wear a suit. However I do not agree with the old idea that women must wear a skirt suit. You can wear pants or a skirt no biggie anymore. If the environment is business casual or casual you could get away with a nice work dress with a blazer or even “suiting separates” like nice trousers, a good blouse and a blazer.
If you are applying for a low level job I think there is nothing wrong with coming to a job interview at a business casual or casual environment in a simple blouse and trousers or that good ol work appropriate dress. However the rules NEVER change for a corporate dress environment no matter what position you are going in for wear a suit.
If you are going in for an interview in a corporate environment and need to find a decent suit for not a lot there are a few good places to snap up a good looking suit for little cost. H&M has some great inexpensive suiting pieces so does NY and Company. Suit sizing can be different, look for it to fit you well not snug. Your bottoms should be loose and your jacket should button with ease. Look for good pieces to go underneath like a button down, wrap top or whatever. However be certain that there is no cleavage popping out.
Remember a job interview is not the time or place to show personal style unless it is a creative field then you can have some more leeway. You want people to see you are serious about getting the job and you want your qualifications to speak for you not your clothes. Suits or interview clothing should typically be in neutrals so that no one is distracted by what you are wearing.
Fashionably,
Glinda
Dear Glinda
What exactly is corporate casual? I can't wear khakis and a LaCoste shirt. Do I have to buy a more kicky version of a suit (with the same price tag as a conservative suit) to meet the dress code?
Goldie
Goldie –
Ugh, how tired are khakis and a golf shirt? I would say you don’t need to buy a suit we can certainly find some other things that will work as well.
I don’t see anything wrong with doing what makes you comfortable, that’s really what business casual is all about. It’s about pulling off the suit and putting on something well, better. I would recommend a tailored pant with something less fussy on top like a good t-shirt with a cardigan and cool jewelry. How about a wrap dress? Try a fitted blouse (wrap, necktie front, button up, whatever) with chocolate brown Dockers. In winter why not a cashmere sweater with dark denim trouser jeans with pearls for the hell out it. These kinds of looks are about mixing something a bit more stuffy with something more relaxed.
I personally find myself relying on what I call “transition pieces”. This is stuff I can wear more casually as well as dress up for work. I’m in love with simple cotton dresses with some serious lines and appeal. I love a simple a line dress with an empire waist. It just works wonders on me (bear in my mind I have an average bust and am short waisted). I also seriously love a faux wrap dress. I find that when I wear a real wrap dress I spend all day long have an internal panic attack that at any moment my dress will fall open (I have the same problem with wrap tops). So back to transition pieces. Things like more trendy tops and dresses can be dressed up or down so it’s something that can be worn outside of work.
I think it’s important to look at functionality in your wardrobe. You don’t want everything in your closet to look like “work pieces” or to spend all your time buying “work clothes”. Focus in on what is going to work in all aspects of your life and that will definitely help you kick up your work wardrobe while still playing by the rules.
Have fun mixing up your style and before you know it you’ll have shook up your business casual look.
Fashionably,
Glinda
Ask Glinda:
I work in a casual environment (you know jeans are okay that sort of thing). I feel like my wardrobe vaults between sloppy and too dressy. How can I find a good middle ground?
-Lost in New York
Well Lost:
You shall be lost no more. You need to build a good basics closet. I too have had casual environments and often found it hard to not look sloppy. First thing- I would invest in some well fitting t-shirts in basic colors. I would also get some well fitting jeans in dark denim. These two things together will look good and polished even though its just jeans and t-shirts. The goal is to look sophisticated. You can work that look with simple pieces like dark trouser jeans, well fitting sweaters, cardigans, good structured blouses. Top it off with some pretty jewelry and cute shoes and you’ll be good to go.
Fashionably,
Glinda
