Where should I shop for women's clothing? - Straight Dope Message ...

So, I've recently lost weight. Like, a lot of weight. I started as someone who wore a very tight 28, and who is now in 12s and 14s, depending on the cut. I'd been that weight for a while, and there are some attendant problems that come with that. Some of them I can't do a whole lot about--loose skin, for instance, is somewhat out of my control. Others, however, I can.

Because of my size, I've largely spent the past seven or eight years buying clothing based solely upon whether it could fit on me. There aren't a whole lot of plus-sized stores, and hence not a lot of selection. I bought things at Fashion Bug and Lane Bryant in person, and later Old Navy when I realized they had a huge online selection. Sometimes I poked my head into Torrid, but they got too girly and expensive for me. I didn't choose these stores because I liked their selection--I really, really didn't. I shopped there because it was that or go naked.

I now find myself at the point where I can shop pretty much wherever I want, barring price issues and places like Allsaints which only go up to size 10 (and I can't afford them anyway). Thing is, though...I have no idea how to do it. I mean, seriously--no clue. None at all. As proof:

• I found myself inside Hot Topic when I was looking for dressier clothes.
• I've only just realized that skinny jeans or jeggings in sizes higher than 6 aren't a cruel joke, but rather are meant to be worn with high boots.
• I didn't realize people didn't wear pantyhose anymore.
• 90% of my wardrobe consists of men's t-shirts. And I'm not a dude.
• I have consistently bought flared/bootcut jeans since about 1999.

I found this thread from four years ago from someone in a similar situation, but the links in that thread are largely expired due to age, and my coloring and such are different anyway. Here is a picture for reference, coloring-wise (hair black, skin on the pale side with olive undertones).

I basically hate the way I look, and feel at all times as though I'm the size of a house. This makes shopping difficult, as I tend to hate everything equally. I also feel like I look dumpier in dressy clothes than I do in jeans and a t-shirt, though I know that's probably psychological.

I'm 29, and I have an .hourglass-ish shape, meaning that I have a waist and I still have a bit of a stomach (which is to be expected, seeing as I'm still losing weight). I think. That's what everyone I've asked has said, anyway.

I just don't know where to shop, really. I've tried Wal-Mart and Target, but the former has too many sequins, and the latter is only sporadically good. I don't know where else to shop--all those stores in the mall are basically a giant question mark, and women's fashion confuses me. Everything's see-through now? Are we supposed to wear layers by default? Why do sleeves stop at my armpit? Moreover, My fashion sense stopped about 10 years ago, and so I tend to be drawn to clothes that are younger than are appropriate for my age (see above re: Hot Topic).

I tend to prefer black and darker blues, purples, and burgundies. I've been told I look good in red, but it feels too bright for me. I think I look good in kelly green, but I have no taste. I love the look of Allsaints, but they're expensive and slightly too small. So, help me out, Dopers, if you would. Where should I shop for clothes?

Source: http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=668932

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