Hello Nikki,

I’m a 19-year-old who recently lost 104 pounds the old-fashioned way. As you can imagine, my clothing is all too big, baggy, and pretty ugly really. I used to cover myself up, and now I would like to branch out into a new style. However, I don’t know where to start! I’m a casual girl and still like to cover up a bit, but I’d like to look more feminine than I usually do. I want to look nice sometimes. Any suggestions you have would be great. :)

Gabby

Gabby dear, congratulations! I am so proud of you! Now if only I had your discipline and patience… But really, nothing feels better than knowing you lost all those extra pounds the old-fashioned way, like you said.

And yes, a new you requires a new style most definitely! In the same way that you don’t expect a butterfly to go back to its cocoon, you certainly shouldn’t settle for the past. However, you didn’t mention the kind of look or clothes you go for, and an idea of your new figure. So let’s play it a little on the safe side for now, shall we?

Fit is Fab!
I cannot emphasize enough how good-fitting clothes is half of what it takes to look good. Ill-fitting garments (think too-tight tees or too baggy trousers) give people the wrong notion about you. Sometimes, the more we try to “cover up”, the more we highlight our flaws.

Clothes with the right fit and cut can emphasize your assets and hide your flaws. You’ve lost a tremendous amount of weight so show off how good you look and feel!

Show off that neckline and those shoulders! I find that nothing draws attention quicker than a flattering neckline. So if your shoulders and neck are worth baring, then indulge in several V-neck and boatneck tops. Except for plunging, very revealing versions, a modest V-neckline draws the eye upward to your face. With boatnecks, they span from one shoulder to another, also framing your face. Finish with a pretty necklace.

Hit the hips instead of the waist. Instead of diving right into the realm of cropped jackets and tops, be a little more generous and go for hip-skimming cuts instead. This effectively hides any extra flab that may have “separation anxieties”. Your basic cover-ups like jackets and cardigans should adhere to this length.

Structure is your friend. Structure is an integral part of a garment’s design and synonymous to a good fit. A well-structured jacket fits across your shoulders and arms perfectly and flatters your shape. Make sure your outerwear adheres to this standard. Sleeves should reach your wrist (unless they’re three-quarter or elbow-length) while the jacket should fit right below your armpits and around your bust. Find a good tailor who can adjust sleeve and hem lengths for you, plus do a little nip and tuck there for a better fit.

Bottoms up! Since you mentioned that you still want to cover up a bit, I suggest pretty A-line skirts that skim over your hips and thighs and end right at your knee or perhaps mid-calf. For jeans and trousers, I recommend boot-cut styles since they’re leaner at the thighs and usually sit lower at your hips instead of waist. The slight flare at the bottom balances your lower torso. Don’t forget to pair with heels!

Don’t forget the eye candy! Well, actually, you are the eye candy but we want to add a little more to that, right? Tasteful accessories such as layered necklaces and chokers (for your V-necks and boatnecks), a few bangles and cuffs (for those three-quarter and elbow-length cardis and tops) and belts to cinch and shape your waist are what you need to complete your new look!

Nikki

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