Okay, so I'll be the first to admit I'm clothing inept. Before you begin answering with whatever you think I'm ignorant of, understand it's likely going to fly over my head. Lets just say I know T-Shirt + Jeans = Okay. But that's it. I don't understand how you take this whatchamajig and attach it to that hoozamathing and then put a thingamabob over it, let alone what all those different articles of clothing are. I'm a software developer, and very rigid in how I like things. Suffice to say I have a difficult time in situations that aren't bounded by clearly defined rules, and fashion is about the biggest no-rule zone there is.
This is where we get to my request, I would drop dead for a list of X / Y + Z = OK type things (X over Y and Z ;-)). Just something to get me through the basics so I can go to the store and know if I buy an X I have to buy a Y to go under or over it. Nothing is worse than going out and being sans a very important article of clothing and looking like you can't dress yourself, because well, I can't!
Links to Amazon, or other sites', examples of the parts of the equation would be fabulous too, so it's not just words. Pictures make everything fun!!! And so does SHOPPING!!! :-*
Being an MTF this is mostly geared for female fashion, but there's no particular reason, outside my own personal needs, that it can't meander a bit. :laugh:
Have you seen any episodes of "What not to wear", with Trini and Sussanah?
They also have a book out, same name, which is good on how to get the best results if you have a small/big bust, no hips, short/long legs etc. They point out which colours can make you look smaller or larger, that sort of thing.
I have found the magazine "In Style" gives a good guide to combinations that work, as well as upcoming trends. At the moment layering is very in, the longer layers underneath of course.
To avoid having to update my wardrobe too much I have tended to go for styles that don't date, rather than the latest fashion. For example I have two coats I am wearing at the moment. One is a light blue sheepskin and the other is a full length black leather number. Neither of those will go out of style. The same with denim and leather skirts, and calf length boots.
If you can pick some celebrity whose style clicks with you, you can try copying their general look, and adjust as neccessary. Mine is Emma Peel from the 60's TV series "The Avengers". Diana Rigg set a style that will never date. Also I am a big fan of the Mod look of the 60's which is always making a comeback. Main thing is, as in everything else, be yourself.
Karen.
You can also see something you like such as a skirt, blouse what ever and go up to a shop assistant and say I love this what goes with it? And then you go to another shop and say I've just bought this, what goes with it. You learn. That is one of the fun of clothes shopping. If you are like me it becomes, I've just bought this pair of cute shoes, I need undies, a new dress, skirt/blouse, whatever, jewellery, handbag, make-up, perfume and boyfriend to go with them. What do you have?
It can take days thank Goddess
The you need to match your new dress to something else :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :o :o
Cindy
Yeah, I forgot to mention that Cindy. Didn't want her credit card to have a heart attack I guess. :D
Karen.
Hi Whitney,
I find that experimenting with dressing is an endless source of fun and fascination. I like to look at fashion magazines and other publications such as In Style, People etc. All the popular news stand mags, to see what other women are wearing and what I think looks nice. Also, there are a lot of television shows like Fashion Police etc. that I like to get ideas from. It is not an exact science and everyones taste varies which is what makes it so enjoyable to me. :) Womens catalogs are another great place to see pictures of women dressed in different styles. Like you said, shopping is fun! ;D
Jennifer
:( I knew this was going to happen. I even pointed it out in my original post. I have no problem with all that, but the real problem is I have no way of describing what they are wearing. I see a look I like and all I can say is there's some fabric thingies she's got on. I don't know what it is that goes where. The very mechanical things. For instance, what the hell is a "blouse" and what to I do with it? What is acceptable use of a Cami. What do I need to put underneath a Cardigan... and what is a Cardigan. That's why I tried to put together the whole -by-Number thing, because I'm not going to be able to copy someone until I understand what I'm trying to copy. :-\
Sorry if I confused you. I tend to forget that I have the benefit of my wife to help me with all those technical aspects of dressing as a female.
Jennifer
Quote from: Whitney on September 02, 2011, 08:29:49 AM
:( I knew this was going to happen. I even pointed it out in my original post. I have no problem with all that, but the real problem is I have no way of describing what they are wearing. I see a look I like and all I can say is there's some fabric thingies she's got on. I don't know what it is that goes where. The very mechanical things. For instance, what the hell is a "blouse" and what to I do with it? What is acceptable use of a Cami. What do I need to put underneath a Cardigan... and what is a Cardigan. That's why I tried to put together the whole -by-Number thing, because I'm not going to be able to copy someone until I understand what I'm trying to copy. :-\
In-Style and other fashion magazines are a great source of how to pair articles. I'd also suggest polyvore.com (http://www.polyvore.com/) along with youtube subscriptions. Currently I follow "Wendy's Lookbook," (http://www.youtube.com/user/wendyslookbook) she has a lot of very excellent tips not only on pairing things, but how to walk in stilettos, etc.
T-Shirt: You know what a t-shirt is, but here's a picture! http://www.geeky-gadgets.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/pacman-ghosts-t-shirts_1.jpg (http://www.geeky-gadgets.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/pacman-ghosts-t-shirts_1.jpg)
Camisole - A sleeveless, tight undergarment with thin strips. It can be used under clothes to keep you warmer (since they're tight they tend to retain heat pretty well) and also can be worn to layer fashionably. There are also camisoles that are fancier and less tight that can be worn as a top. (A top is the thing you wear up top!) http://youlookfab.com/2007/05/07/the-camisole-cure/ (http://youlookfab.com/2007/05/07/the-camisole-cure/) (That's just a little camisole article that tells you about camisoles)
You can wear them with jeans:
http://0.tqn.com/d/fashion/1/0/f/u/greencami.jpg (http://0.tqn.com/d/fashion/1/0/f/u/greencami.jpg) (They're not always tight and totally body-conforming but they do tend to always have thin strips
http://www.sunrainly.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Blake-Lively-Street-style-Camisole-+-Jeans-2.jpg (http://www.sunrainly.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Blake-Lively-Street-style-Camisole-+-Jeans-2.jpg)
Or with a skirt:
http://www.shoeperwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/pink-skirt-black-stilettos.jpg (http://www.shoeperwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/pink-skirt-black-stilettos.jpg)
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5102/5615056449_bcee1bba64.jpg (http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5102/5615056449_bcee1bba64.jpg)
Bandeau Tops: band-shaped covering specifically the breasts
http://www.shopstyle.com/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=266125173 (http://www.shopstyle.com/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=266125173) < Small picture, but I bought this one and love it! It's not very versatile, though.
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/assets/uploads/posts/4229/131-bandeau-top-07_lg.jpg (http://www.threadsmagazine.com/assets/uploads/posts/4229/131-bandeau-top-07_lg.jpg) < Notice that it covers the breasts, not the shoulders.
Blazer: A lightweight jacket with pockets and buttons.
http://www.online-wholesale.net/img/p/m/single-grain-button-womens-blazer-womens-blazers-0101al003-0497-45236-1.jpg (http://www.online-wholesale.net/img/p/m/single-grain-button-womens-blazer-womens-blazers-0101al003-0497-45236-1.jpg)
http://www.bananarepublic.com/Asset_Archive/BRWeb/Assets/Product/583/583293/main/br583293-00p01v01.jpg (http://www.bananarepublic.com/Asset_Archive/BRWeb/Assets/Product/583/583293/main/br583293-00p01v01.jpg)
http://pocketchange.become.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/womens-blazers.jpg (http://pocketchange.become.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/womens-blazers.jpg)
Cowl neck: a piece of material attached to a garment at the neckline, usually used as a hood or draped loosely at the front neckline or back.
http://www.omiru.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/cowl-neck-knit-dress_010409.jpg (http://www.omiru.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/cowl-neck-knit-dress_010409.jpg) < Anything that has a neck like this.
http://g.nordstromimage.com/imagegallery/store/product/Gigantic/13/_5976293.jpg (http://g.nordstromimage.com/imagegallery/store/product/Gigantic/13/_5976293.jpg) < Or like this. It's extra material.
Crew neck: a round neckline that sits close to the base of the neck.
http://www.balletgifts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/crew-neck-t-shirt.jpg (http://www.balletgifts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/crew-neck-t-shirt.jpg) < Notice how high the neckline is? That's a crew neck!
Cropped top/jacket: a top or jacket where the hem is cut above the waist.
http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/7048/43668813it8.jpg (http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/7048/43668813it8.jpg) < Cropped top.
http://www.blueheavenboutique.com/sitebuilder/images/colin-284x462.jpg (http://www.blueheavenboutique.com/sitebuilder/images/colin-284x462.jpg) < Cropped leather jacket.
Double breasted: normally a jacket where one-half of the front lays over the other, and usually has a double row of buttons and a single row of buttonholes.
http://s9.thisnext.com/img/shop/828334.jpg (http://s9.thisnext.com/img/shop/828334.jpg) < Slightly confusing description, I know, but here's an example.
http://www.mlo.me/upen/v/20110527/Yellow-Sheep-Skin-Double-Breasted-Womens-Leather-Jacket-76657-1.jpg (http://www.mlo.me/upen/v/20110527/Yellow-Sheep-Skin-Double-Breasted-Womens-Leather-Jacket-76657-1.jpg) < And another one.
Double-tee top: one t-shirt over the other, giving the effect of layers.
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UBVEDoT9lNw/SymlizhS5GI/AAAAAAAADig/6xCdnVkHw8M/s320/double-tee+top.jpg (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UBVEDoT9lNw/SymlizhS5GI/AAAAAAAADig/6xCdnVkHw8M/s320/double-tee+top.jpg)
http://www.kaboodle.com/hi/img/2/0/0/21/2/AAAAAh0u2-EAAAAAACEl0A.jpg?v=1168531375000 (http://www.kaboodle.com/hi/img/2/0/0/21/2/AAAAAh0u2-EAAAAAACEl0A.jpg?v=1168531375000)
Empire waist: a waistline that begins below the bust.
http://thegloss.com/files/2008/01/tommy-hilfiger-ruched-empire-waist-top.jpg (http://thegloss.com/files/2008/01/tommy-hilfiger-ruched-empire-waist-top.jpg)
http://cn1.kaboodle.com/hi/img/2/0/0/72/4/AAAAAvCb9PAAAAAAAHJBmw.jpg?v=1190764152000 (http://cn1.kaboodle.com/hi/img/2/0/0/72/4/AAAAAvCb9PAAAAAAAHJBmw.jpg?v=1190764152000)
Halter top: a sleeveless shirt that meets on the top of the neckline creating a high choke or wrap neck and is normally backless.
http://www.shirtsnob.com/pictures/rpallydoublebowtie.jpg (http://www.shirtsnob.com/pictures/rpallydoublebowtie.jpg)
http://flypaper.bluefly.com/images/emma_watson_black_halter_top_blueflys_blog_flypaper.jpg (http://flypaper.bluefly.com/images/emma_watson_black_halter_top_blueflys_blog_flypaper.jpg)
http://www.viecouture.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/jaggerbettine-top.jpg (http://www.viecouture.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/jaggerbettine-top.jpg)
Off the shoulder neck: a neckline that displays uncovered shoulders, above the top of the bustline.
http://joeyeric.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/joey-eric-off-the-shoulder.jpg (http://joeyeric.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/joey-eric-off-the-shoulder.jpg)
http://s5.thisnext.com/media/largest_dimension/2228DB13.jpg (http://s5.thisnext.com/media/largest_dimension/2228DB13.jpg)
Peasant top: a romantic style top that often has a low neckline, ruffles, and is made from free flowing materials.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DYyFjDeifR0/Sfn3EYKHnAI/AAAAAAAAD9g/9JESfxmGOAw/s320/MandeeSquareNeckPeasantTopBlueEmbroidery.jpg (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DYyFjDeifR0/Sfn3EYKHnAI/AAAAAAAAD9g/9JESfxmGOAw/s320/MandeeSquareNeckPeasantTopBlueEmbroidery.jpg) < Notice that it's free-flowing, not clingy at all?
http://cn1.kaboodle.com/hi/img/2/0/0/f1/6/AAAAAuiYlEkAAAAAAPFr7w.jpg?v=1208261296000 (http://cn1.kaboodle.com/hi/img/2/0/0/f1/6/AAAAAuiYlEkAAAAAAPFr7w.jpg?v=1208261296000)
Scoop neck/round neck: a u-shaped/round neckline.
http://zooped.org/wp-content/plugins/wp-o-matic/cache/486cf_white-scoop-neck.jpg (http://zooped.org/wp-content/plugins/wp-o-matic/cache/486cf_white-scoop-neck.jpg) < See how it looks scooped out? U-shaped.
http://www.eldasclothes.ca/images/products/purple_dress_scoop_neck.jpg (http://www.eldasclothes.ca/images/products/purple_dress_scoop_neck.jpg)
Shrug: a small, waist-length (sometimes shorter) jacket.
http://forladiesbyladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/lace-shrug-0004.jpg (http://forladiesbyladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/lace-shrug-0004.jpg)
http://images.etsy.com/all_images/e/eb0/ca6/il_430xN.16982933.jpg (http://images.etsy.com/all_images/e/eb0/ca6/il_430xN.16982933.jpg)
Square neck: an open-yoke neckline shaped to form a half-square.
http://www.womansday.com/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/galleries-slideshows/20-slim-you-down-sundresses/victoria-s-secret2/50205-3-eng-US/Victoria-s-Secret_slideshow_image.jpg (http://www.womansday.com/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/galleries-slideshows/20-slim-you-down-sundresses/victoria-s-secret2/50205-3-eng-US/Victoria-s-Secret_slideshow_image.jpg)
http://cn1.kaboodle.com/hi/img/2/0/0/100/5/AAAAAhGQEYQAAAAAAQBZRA.jpg?v=1210479957000 (http://cn1.kaboodle.com/hi/img/2/0/0/100/5/AAAAAhGQEYQAAAAAAQBZRA.jpg?v=1210479957000)
Sweetheart neck: an open-yoke neckline shaped to form the top half of a heart.
http://www4.images.coolspotters.com/photos/610195/oscar-de-la-renta-sweetheart-neckline-dress-profile.jpg (http://www4.images.coolspotters.com/photos/610195/oscar-de-la-renta-sweetheart-neckline-dress-profile.jpg) < It's a heart! Sweet heart.
Tankini: a two piece bathing suit in which the top portion resembles a tank top.
http://pumpsandgloss.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/vs-faux-python-trim-push-up-halter-tankini-top1.jpg (http://pumpsandgloss.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/vs-faux-python-trim-push-up-halter-tankini-top1.jpg)
Tunic style: a simple slip on garment usually knee-length or longer worn as an under or outer garment.
http://www.spoiledchics.com/images/349_177tunic_top.jpg (http://www.spoiledchics.com/images/349_177tunic_top.jpg) < See how long it is?
http://s7ondemand7.scene7.com/is/image/NewYorkCompany/02699125_368.jpg (http://s7ondemand7.scene7.com/is/image/NewYorkCompany/02699125_368.jpg)
V-neck/v-back: an open yoke forming a "V" shape midway down the bodice.
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.thatsfit.com/media/2008/05/light-control-surplice-v-neck-top-$29.jpg (http://www.blogcdn.com/www.thatsfit.com/media/2008/05/light-control-surplice-v-neck-top-) < Simply v-shaped.
Tank top - A tank top is a sleeveless top with two wide straps.
http://www.jadedsun.com/wp-content/uploads/wpsc/product_images/Jaded_Sun_Red_Tank_Top.gif (http://www.jadedsun.com/wp-content/uploads/wpsc/product_images/Jaded_Sun_Red_Tank_Top.gif)
Cardigan - A cardigan is a sweater that ties or buttons. A typical sweater must be pulled over your head to be worn. A cardigan is like a jacket in the sense that it doesn't need to be put over your head, but it is knitted like a sweater.
http://www.omiru.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/double-pocket-cardigan_082008.jpg (http://www.omiru.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/double-pocket-cardigan_082008.jpg)
http://media.onsugar.com/files/ons1/244/2444143/15_2009/spread_BeppuV.jpg (http://media.onsugar.com/files/ons1/244/2444143/15_2009/spread_BeppuV.jpg) < See how cute they can be? Well, maybe you don't like any of these fashions, but they can still be cute! They can be worn with dresses, skirts, t-shirts and jeans, jeans a camisole and boots, shorts and t-shirts, etc.
That was just copied from another site. Hopefully it helps. Here are some other links to putting clothes together and stuff.
Links that I've found useful:
http://fashion.about.com/od/latesttrends/ss/9newwaysjeans.htm (http://fashion.about.com/od/latesttrends/ss/9newwaysjeans.htm) < Some different ways to wear jeans with different tops.
http://main.stylelist.com/2009/10/20/blazers-how-to-wear/ (http://main.stylelist.com/2009/10/20/blazers-how-to-wear/) < How to wear a blazer
http://www.thinkthrufashion.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/uniform-project.jpg (http://www.thinkthrufashion.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/uniform-project.jpg) < She wore the same dress every day for a year (I think). Those outfits are kind of weird, but it shows that you can dress up a piece and make it look different.
http://www.thesartorialist.com/ (http://www.thesartorialist.com/) < Very interesting street fashions. You could get ideas there.
http://www.glamour.com/fashion/2010/12/42-cute-n-cozy-winter-outfit-ideas#slide=6 (http://www.glamour.com/fashion/2010/12/42-cute-n-cozy-winter-outfit-ideas#slide=6) < A bunch of cute winter outfits. Sorry if these links are getting random.
http://www.wardrobereview.com/2010/08/18/101-outfit-ideas/ (http://www.wardrobereview.com/2010/08/18/101-outfit-ideas/) < 101 outfit ideas.
http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/wardrobe-staples-women-must-have-among-their-clot0.html (http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/wardrobe-staples-women-must-have-among-their-clot0.html) < Wardrobe basics with some cute drawn pictures.
http://www.thechicfashionista.com/wardrobe-essentials-2.html#Tops (http://www.thechicfashionista.com/wardrobe-essentials-2.html#Tops) < Wardrobe essentials. I found this link to be really useful.
There's really an infinite amount of stuff you can find online. Good luck :)
You could always go to Google Images, type in the word and see what comes up. I've done it before on other subjects I didn't have a clue about.
Karen.
Zelda, you're awesome! :D I knew most of those already but went through them all anyways!
Or just go with garanimals
http://www.garanimals.com/how.htm (http://www.garanimals.com/how.htm)
Quote from: tekla on September 09, 2011, 03:53:16 AM
Or just go with garanimals
http://www.garanimals.com/how.htm (http://www.garanimals.com/how.htm)
I'd like to see garanimals make a line clothing for Victoria's Secret! :D
Thanks Amy! Your avatar is adorable. Really, I love it!
Also, that garanimals clothing thing is one of the cutest things I've ever seen. If only picking clothes was that easy for the post-kindergarten crowd.
Wow, I really had lost hope in this thread, but then Zelda comes through and saves the day! :-*
Soo many thanks, a lot of information that's all super informative. It's kind of sad the sorts of things I can research on the internet, only to find I'm awful at trying to find information about fashion.