
You have to find your own style first. At least for me, I realized the way I like to dress is a lot diff from the norm. I sew, so I altered a lot of my clothing to match what I like more, and reused fabric to create skirts and stuff that I like. But you can’t really ask how to dress better, cause what you feel comfortable in is completely different from what someone else will feel comfortable in.
Find your style first. If going for vintage pinup works awesome. If going for modern, I find alt works better than preppy but western also works well. You can also do a combo of styles. Then go thrifting! Since you’re short on cash try to stick to 3-5 consistent colors for your wardrobe so everything matches really well with at least like 5-10 stand out clothes in a different colors you don’t normally wear but either match with your consistent colors or are a complete outfit all on their own.
Honestly I just started trying different styles, some of my friends are extremely fashionable and some of them just dress basic and cute/comfy. Im losing weight rn and it’s sooo hard to see what style is for me especially when I have body dysmorphia! I wore a tank top and leggings last week and didn’t rlly feel extremely confident but I felt more confident than when I wear jeans a a t shirt! I also started wearing sandals last week to school and it made me feel good too! Also people watching!
i’m a huge fan of french pins and hair sticks. same effect as a ponytail but looks so nice. i agree with #2 especially when it comes to finding a consistent color pattern as it makes dressing nice incredibly easy. i’m not totally bought in to the “color seasons” thing but i do think it helps to find out if you are cool, neutral, or warm toned (the easiest way to see this imo is by weather silver, gold, or both look good on you)
For example, I really dislike showing skin, it makes me feel exposed. But I know a lot of other big girls feel more confident with tight fitting clothes, or clothes that show more skin. It’s literally all about what you like. I’d start with trying to find a silhouette you like, or pictures of styles you enjoy, then pick and choose elements. Look at how they layer, how they put accessories together, etc etc.
I would to be honest. Sometimes clothes don’t fit the best in the bust area so being able to alter it so it isn’t like puckering in button makes life so much easier. Also I like taking in my waist a lot for some shirts and stuff, and it really ups my confidence. And more than that, being able to repair clothes also makes it so I can keep the same clothes for a lot longer, so it’s kinda more economical. I suggest learning how to sew to everyone, even if you don’t plan to alter clothing.
Plus I love embroidering my clothing, or beading it, so it just has a little more flair. Ever since I started really working on my style I’ve started getting actual compliments from strangers, which never ever happened to me before. It’s genuinely made my life so much better, I feel a lot better about myself and my weight.
Like rompers or dresses. You don’t have to build your whole new wardrobe right away. Especially because that will be a big change not just monetary but sensory. Try something like focusing on shirts. Get rid of like half your tees and replace them with new shirts in solid colors to easily match both solid and patterned bottoms and a few patterned ones that you really like and feel pretty in to go with jeans or solid color pants. Make sure you buy clothes that fit.
It’s tempting to size down and tell yourself “I’ll loose x amount and then I’ll wear this!” Or “but it’s just so cute! I’ll make it work!” But if the clothes don’t fit they look awkward and make you look bigger than you are. Just buy what fits. If you’re trying to loose weight you can always just focus on forgiving fabrics that will allow bodily fluctuations easier like stretchy polyester rather than cotton canvas or 100% rayon.
And yes, knowing how to alter your clothes would be great! It will mean that some outfits are hard to sell later if you want to clean out a few and get some new pieces to refresh but tailored clothes always look better when they’re worn, even when it’s just a basic tee. I’d also recommend learning some hair styles. I put my hair in a loose side braid a lot because it looks more put together than a messy bun (not that I don’t still put in in a bun sometimes but having it in a braid still has it—
when it comes to thrifting also, you have to be able to take a step back and see the potential of the item in a different context. some of the clothes i wear (especially shirts) are not things people would normally reach for but look great on me. try things on and, if you already have a staple item, wear that to the store and try things on with it
People watching helped! Because I would see what other “thicker girls” were wearing and would try it out and I would be like oh I don’t like that or oh I like that! Yk? Also there’s plus size creators on tiktok who post TONS of outfits so u can also get inspo from there!!!! I struggled so much too. But I’m not struggling that much anymore!!! It’s gonna get better!, the hardest part is to start! Sending u love queen