I need help buying dresses and other clothes.

I've always been small and slim, but I'm a little heavier than I've ever been. My boobs and hips, which were kind of round before, are, uh, more round now.

I have a hard time buying dresses in particular. I feel like they either hug my curves too tight, or sit on me like a bag, hiding them.

Can any of you style mavens help me with designs that will be flattering and good places to look? (I'm on a H&M budget) Sexy is all good, but tasteful is what I feel like I'm missing.

Belts are your new best friend. You can find all kinds of cute, cheap belts at H&M and Target and stuff.

When I was changing sizes recently I could always buy the bigger size up dress and belt it as I lost weight. Then you've got both not too tight and yet shows off your curves.

I will say, I found lots that fit well at H&M too, being a short and curvy girl myself.

CarrieMpls said:

Belts are your new best friend. You can find all kinds of cute, cheap belts at H&M and Target and stuff.

When I was changing sizes recently I could always buy the bigger size up dress and belt it as I lost weight. Then you've got both not too tight and yet shows off your curves.

I will say, I found lots that fit well at H&M too, being a short and curvy girl myself.

I always feel like an idiot every time I belt something. I can never find the right place to put it. Where it sits naturally always looks weird to me.

Maybe that also goes back to buying the wrong dresses in the first place? The fabric gets all bunchy and it looks dumb.

Do you have a short torso...or are you fairly proportionate torso/legs-wise?

If you don't have a short torso, two words - wrap dress.

.

I could imagine you in an outfit like this. But it also has a belt.

PunkMistress said:

CarrieMpls said:

Belts are your new best friend. You can find all kinds of cute, cheap belts at H&M and Target and stuff.

When I was changing sizes recently I could always buy the bigger size up dress and belt it as I lost weight. Then you've got both not too tight and yet shows off your curves.

I will say, I found lots that fit well at H&M too, being a short and curvy girl myself.

I always feel like an idiot every time I belt something. I can never find the right place to put it. Where it sits naturally always looks weird to me.

Maybe that also goes back to buying the wrong dresses in the first place? The fabric gets all bunchy and it looks dumb.

oh.

Then, I got nothin'.

I know wrap dresses don't work on me. Every style advice-giver will tell you that they look smashing on everyone, but they're WRONG. They look hideous on me.

Genesia said:

Do you have a short torso...or are you fairly proportionate torso/legs-wise?

If you don't have a short torso, two words - wrap dress.

You know what? Wrap dresses are the only style that consistently look good on me. I often need a safety pin or two to keep them modest up top, but overall it's a good pick for draping the lady lumps in a flattering way.

Or what about something like this?

Serious said:

.

I could imagine you in an outfit like this. But it also has a belt.

I think the trouble is that my waist is too wide. It's small from front to back, but side to side it's not very narrow.

I really like the cut of those outfits, but I think they're more flattering on wasp-waisted girls.

[Edited 2/11/11 15:24pm]

http://cgi.ebay.at/WoW-LoLita-VINTAGE-FLOWER-Carmen-KLEID-WeiSS-Neu-34-36-/160359810561

Serious said:

http://cgi.ebay.at/WoW-LoLita-VINTAGE-FLOWER-Carmen-KLEID-WeiSS-Neu-34-36-/160359810561

I love those! Besides the patterns. The lines are very pretty.

Is it supposed to be off-the-shoulder, or is hers falling off?

PunkMistress said:

Serious said:

http://cgi.ebay.at/WoW-LoLita-VINTAGE-FLOWER-Carmen-KLEID-WeiSS-Neu-34-36-/160359810561

I love those! Besides the patterns. The lines are very pretty.

Is it supposed to be off-the-shoulder, or is hers falling off?

I guess it is supposed to be like that.

PunkMistress said:

Serious said:

.

I could imagine you in an outfit like this. But it also has a belt.

I think the trouble is that my waist is too wide. It's small from front to back, but side to side it's not very narrow.

I really like the cut of those outfits, but I think they're more flattering on wasp-waisted girls.

[Edited 2/11/11 15:24pm]

I am wasp-waisted and I would look aweful in a dress like that.

PunkMistress said:

Genesia said:

Do you have a short torso...or are you fairly proportionate torso/legs-wise?

If you don't have a short torso, two words - wrap dress.

You know what? Wrap dresses are the only style that consistently look good on me. I often need a safety pin or two to keep them modest up top, but overall it's a good pick for draping the lady lumps in a flattering way.

Get yourself a wrap dress and take it to a seamstress. She can sew a tiny snap or hook right where you need it. That way, you won't be poking holes in the fabric and trying to get it right every time.

[Edited 2/11/11 15:36pm]

CarrieMpls said:

PunkMistress said:

I always feel like an idiot every time I belt something. I can never find the right place to put it. Where it sits naturally always looks weird to me.

Maybe that also goes back to buying the wrong dresses in the first place? The fabric gets all bunchy and it looks dumb.

oh.

Then, I got nothin'.

I know wrap dresses don't work on me. Every style advice-giver will tell you that they look smashing on everyone, but they're WRONG. They look hideous on me.

Same

PunkMistress said:

I need help buying dresses and other clothes.

I've always been small and slim, but I'm a little heavier than I've ever been. My boobs and hips, which were kind of round before, are, uh, more round now.

I have a hard time buying dresses in particular. I feel like they either hug my curves too tight, or sit on me like a bag, hiding them.

Can any of you style mavens help me with designs that will be flattering and good places to look? (I'm on a H&M budget) Sexy is all good, but tasteful is what I feel like I'm missing.

Since I am short and Curvy I can help you out,

I just recently bought alot of dresses, I noticed that what looks good on our bodies or business like attires. Skirts that cover up our stomachs or they go up our stomachs with nice little blazers with them and a cute blouse. Dresses that look very good on our body types depends on the occassion. Dresses that help flatten my stomach and make everything else look flawless usually does include belts which either can go under your breast or on your waist,/lower stomach. Bottom line, pick out different types of dresses and experiment.

Serious said:

Mach said:

Serious said:

The hypnotic eyes would fit perfect for you !

wear something like this!

Serious said:

Or what about something like this?

Is she auditioning for a Prince video?

Serious said:

This fabric is all over Etsy. You could get all the matching accessories.

johnart said:

Serious said:

Or what about something like this?

Is she auditioning for a Prince video?

Hey it's a cute dress and the only one of all the ones I posted that would probably not look aweful on me .

Serious said:

Or what about something like this?

I would think this would be the perfect style of dress for you, Punkie. The empire would set off your "pretty girls" and soften your round hips.

johnart said:

Serious said:

This fabric is all over Etsy. You could get all the matching accessories.

Thanks, I just checked it out and they have some nice things!

Serious said:

johnart said:

Is she auditioning for a Prince video?

Hey it's a cute dress and the only one of all the ones I posted that would probably not look aweful on me .

I like the cut and the color, but it's "clubby" to me.

She could wear it to the Honey Pot (she'll know what I'm talkin about ).

I'm not sold on the under-tit chunky detail or the romper room loops holding the straps to the dress.

Shyra said:

Serious said:

Or what about something like this?

I would think this would be the perfect style of dress for you, Punkie. The empire would set off your "pretty girls" and soften your round hips.

Way too short and...shiny.