[Anitra]

I didn't notice until I left for work this morning, but I have had some of the same clothes in my wardrobe since 1998. When I was 13. And I suddenly realized that I'm not 13, and, outside of doing outside chores, or hiking, I need better clothes. A lot better clothes. But, with no very close female relatives, or female friends (alas, the plight of a female nerd), and living in a small town with no way to get to a city, I have no clue how to dress nicely. Or wear my hair outside of a pony tail. Or even apply make up. Can anyone here help a twenty-three year old in desperate need of some advice on how to dressing and looking her age, and not like a fifteen year old runaway wearing left over rags?

[XoJUICYCOUTURE]

hmm you might want to look at forever21 , lots of great peices there . take a look around bloomingdales and Saks , bring out dressy tops leggings flats pumps all that . youll have a fab look .

[Anitra]

I... I have no clue what you said outside of a mention of tops.

Leggings? Like in the old '80s tv shows?

[XoJUICYCOUTURE]

np take a look here one of my fav celeb styles , vanessa hudgens . if you like it then shop around for those peices .

here our some of my fav stores mention before but with links

Saks
Nordstrom
forever21.com

[Anitra]

No offense, but she looks like she's ten. Isn't there anything else in fashion? I don't want to be running around looking like a ten year old in my grandma's clothes.

[XoJUICYCOUTURE]

well theres haute couture ? thats gonna cost you about run of the mill a couple of hundreds maybe thousands . lol hopefully someonelse can shed light but inspite of that look theres alot more . check the sites i provided .

[Anitra]

Originally Posted by XoJUICYCOUTURE

hopefully someonelse can shed light

I hope so, I can barely understand a single word you're saying.

[couturequeen]

Are you working or in school?

[Anitra]

I'm in college right now, but I'll be graduating very soon, and then I'll be teaching.

[pout]

Originally Posted by Anitra

I hope so, I can barely understand a single word you're saying.

Do you get the TLC channel? The show "What Not To Wear" would be good for learning the basics...

Even browsing through the major department store websites (e.g. http://www.neimanmarcus.com, http://shop.nordstrom.com, http://www.macys.com) can give you some style inspiration.

Since you say you don't shop much or aren't very into fashion (yet!), maybe some of the more budget stores would be good for ordering clothes off the internet, if you don't have access to the mall (http://www.target.com, http://www.forever21.com)

Or maybe subscribe to an "easy digestible" fashion magazine, like Cosmopolitan or Elle magazine (umm... someone might want to help me out with the magazine names, I rarely read them).

Hope that helps!

[Anitra]

Originally Posted by pout

Do you get the TLC channel? The show "What Not To Wear" would be good for learning the basics...

Sorry, can't afford cable tv, and I don't even get basic reception out here. I looked around, but you can't even download episodes or rent them.

[couturequeen]

Your style will be determined by the colors, shapes and patterns you are drawn to. Not sure what your budget or income for your wardrobe is - but H&M, Express and Nordstrom have great trendy pieces you can match with classics you'd find at Gap, Old Navy, J-Crew, Banana Republic. I recommend trying on as much as possible to figure out what shapes and colors look good on your body. I'd avoid shopping online for clothes until you know what designers and shapes/colors look good on you.

Here are some basics I wore at your age/post graduation. Most of these will be good for a teacher-to-be.
7-8 colored tee shirts (short sleeve or long sleeve) - you can wear these alone with jeans or put under a sweater for work
2-3 pairs of jeans in various washes - (definitely one dark blue for more dressed up evenings out).
3-4 pairs black or brown "work" pants
5-6 button up shirts
3-4 skirts (one classic black)
2 pairs sneakers
3 pairs work shoes (2 pair of heels, 1 flat)
3 dresses (1 black, 2 summery)
1 black handbag

Browse this site to see how to combine classic pieces with trendy pieces.

For make up tips, schedule an hour makeover/appointment with a MAC make-up consultant (visit their website for locations). While you are there ask for some basic tips on application. The MAC consultants seem to be the most educated to me - but you could also visit your nearest department store cosmetic counter to get an evaluation of how to highlight your best features.

Don't put too much pressure on yourself to get an immediate wardrobe or style. Maybe plan two Saturdays when you can drive to the biggest town near you with large mall? Rent a car for the day if you need to. Once you try on a lot of clothes and different shades of makeup you will find the combination that works best for you!

[pleiades1165]

I think you should start with clothes from Banana Republic, Gap, Express, The Limited and Ann Taylor...they have stuff that's more classic and something you could wear again and again. I'm also 23 and I work in a corporate environment so I try to make myself look a little more professional to make up for my age and my looks (I look really young!). I'm lucky to get by with very little makeup...a little blush and some lipgloss and I'm good to go!

Here are some quick examples of clothes that I'd wear or are similar to styles I like (hope these pictures show up!):

Banana Republic











Some casual looks from The Gap:





Even more casual everyday wear (ignore the text on the bottom)...Forever21:

[Anitra]

Wow, I had heard off hand that older fashions were returning, but I didn't realize they meant the 70's or 80's.

I could probably just look through any of my mother's old clothes and probably put together a 'modern' outfit. Ooh, better yet, I can hit up Goodwill and the local used clothing store, I'm sure they have tons of this stuff. Thanks guys!

[ItalianFashion]

What city are you in?