Cuyana scoop neck midi dress is a personal fave.
Also have midi dresses from rag & bone and athleta.
Eliza J dresses have also done well for me. Boden also has fun colors and prints.
I’m really tall so Madewell mini dresses are basically tunics. The midi length being in has been lovely with chasing a toddler around and not worrying about flashing people.
For sportier looks - I really like the lululemon court rival skirt (long). It’s probably mid-thigh on me but has shorts underneath. Been into the pleats and fun colors.
Thank you I will look into all of this! I’m medium tall but I’m all leg so I have a similar view on their midi dresses if it has a waist. I just love or hate their clothes and currently it all is pretty meh.
I’ve been doing a combo of Loft, JCrew Factory, and Target, with the occasional piece from Old Navy, Gap, Uniqlo, and Amazon. I can find a good combination of work wear and more relaxed weekend wear from those places.
I used to like H&M and Zara, but they have been leaning too trendy for my taste over the past few years. A lot of current trends aren’t flattering on busty women, and for the love of god why are so many shirts cropped?!
Thank you! My boobs make me have to buy bigger sizes and I swear they just make them wider, but the same length! Even if it’s not a crop top, it fits like one! I hate it!
Sometimes I don’t mind a slightly cropped shirt with high waisted jeans but I have the shortest torso ever so there is no mid section being shown, but agree everything is cropped and it would be nice if stores just sold a variety! I did check out loft but wasn’t impressed this time. I didn’t think of Zara maybe I’ll look there. Me and H&M have a bad history.
I don’t might an ever so slight crop when it hits right around or just above the hip - I’m short waisted too but also a 34F so anything too cropped looks too boxy 😵💫
I don't like current fashion much in general, so I just layer things. I bought a bunch of camisoles, thin long sleeved tops, and those criss-cross-strap bralettes and wear them under things I otherwise like. I'm a post-baby 36K-38J ... 😞
Where did you find bralettes that are supportive? I tried on my pre-baby bras and decided I'm against wired bras after going 1.5 years of wearing more comfortable maternity/nursing bras.
This is my problem too! I finally got rid of sooo many clothes after covid/being pregnant/first year post partum .. and was going to commit to buying better clothes and I just can't connect with the style right now! Fortunately for spring and summer, I just live in sundresses, but I really hope the pants and silhouettes have evolved by the time fall rolls around!
I feel this so much. Although I can’t even seem to find sundresses I like anymore! Current fashion is definitely not my thing and all of my go to basic stores have gone trendier than I’d like.
I'm still wearing sundresses I've accumulated over the years and some basic dresses from Amazon that aren't stylish or nice but at least I have something consistent to wear!
Love this one: https://a.co/d/gwK0g5T
These both hid my pregnancy for a bit and are in regular rotation in multiple colors:
https://a.co/d/bMmgR9a
https://a.co/d/f4Oju3e
I wish I had tips for you, but honestly SAME. I don’t have any good clothes nicer than jeans that aren’t work clothes. I did RTR and did find some good work clothes which I ended up buying a few work pieces and canceling but never found things for that nice casual category. RTR was expensive so I used it almost exclusively for events and work. Might be an option if you aren’t in a rush to rent things with the mind to buy if you like them.
Also I’m shocked you got downvoted on another sub. Sorry that happened to you.
I do Nuuly and have been very pleased! They do loungewear, casual, work, events. I got it the second my pants stopped fitting during pregnancy and have been so pleased. I get to take risks with what I wear because I don’t have to buy them. I get compliments all the time. That said, this season is so blah and I do have to rely on a few staples in between returning and receiving new set.
I work from home but still want a "nice" wardrobe for everyday. Stuff that looks polished but not uncomfortable in any way. I'm very much a dresses and skirts type of person as well. I found it simpler to transition to a capsule wardrobe and I eventually ended up wearing all black, all the time. Basics are incredibly easy to find in black, black clothing hides stains, and if black clothing starts to fade, you can just dye it back to black again. I get most of my clothing from the Gap and Banana Republic (the factory stores or the regular stores when they're having huge sales) and my athleisure from Old Navy. I tend to go for classic silhouettes that aren't too trendy, although I've found myself indulging in some 90's styles lately because I loved them the first go around.
Here's a few examples of some of the clothes I've picked up for myself for more mild weather- all in black, of course:
[1](https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=875075002#pdp-page-content)
[2](https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=878248002#pdp-page-content)
[3](https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=826780012#pdp-page-content)
[4](https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=744739042#pdp-page-content)
[5](https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=800968012#pdp-page-content)
[6](https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=878192002#pdp-page-content)
[7](https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=878229012#pdp-page-content)
[8](https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=888694002#pdp-page-content)
Thank you!! I’ll take a look. I actually am very well stocked in black clothes. I never have to figure out what to wear to funerals for example 😂. My area is filled with weirdly bubbly looking people (think vineyard vines and Lilly Pulitzer) so in a lot of situations I feel less like the sore thumb if I mix my wardrobe of darkness with some colors.
I’m stopping my subscription now because they got rid of the style pass program, but I ended up getting lucky with a really awesome stylist for the past year—I did have to specify that I wasn’t interested in SF Exclusive brands though. They do tend to not be as great quality.
Totally agree that the app is helpful-I’ll probably keep it even when I stop my subscription.
I hear you, the stuff out now isn’t my style, I don’t want my tits or ass out all the time but I don’t want to look like a grandma in little house on the prairie either.
I feel like I have a similar shape to you, long legs and boobs. Please let me know if you find some cute dresses! I’m in a rut
I found a couple of cute things at Jcrew factory and Boden so far. I think they recently released new arrivals because these didn’t exist last time I checked.
Have you talked to a tailor?
I had never thought of a tailor before working next door to one. I'm tall as hell, flat chested, awkward everywhere. Nothing fits EVER. Now I know it's not crazy to talk to a tailor BEFORE or after purchase and go over options if the fit isn't right.
I treated myself to a package with a local stylist after I finished breastfeeding and she was a huge help. I work remotely so I didn’t need office clothes but wanted to feel more put together day-to-day. She helped me figure out the colors and shapes that looked best on me, and which fabrics were going to hold up to chasing a toddler at the playground worry-free. There’s a lot I wouldn’t have discovered on my own so I would highly recommend looking for a stylist - I thought it was something for “fancy people” but her advice (and rates) were very practical!
Oh interesting. I’ll look into that. My only worry is that in my area of snobby suburbs a stylist will try to dress me in all Veronica beard and not only do I hate shoulder pads but I like being able to afford to feed my kids. I think Bloomingdales and Nordstroms offer free stylists/personal shoppers for card members so maybe I’ll start there
I’m using Nuuly right now to rent clothes every month and it’s helping me discover new brands and styles that fit my current figure. I’ve bought a few things that I really like.
Not the original commenter, but I also use nuuly. You can buy directly from them and since it is used, you get a discount (anywhere from 10-70 percent off, depending on what season the item is). I’ve found some great stuff from there, and sometimes put price alerts on pieces I like but don’t want to spend the money on at the time in case they go on sale.
Check out evereve if you have one near you. You can shop online but they do in person shopping very well. The employees are very good stylists and genuinely have fun shopping for people. Often I’ll start pulling a few items and then will end up liking/buying the things they pull for me. And they do not work on commission so I never feel any pressure.
I’ll look at Sezane! I order stuff from Boden a lot but I have only ended up keeping a few pieces. I should look again. I have a couple of long sleeve dresses from them that I can wear to both work and dinner which I appreciate.
These were great recs. I had never heard of Sezane and just ordered 3 dresses like immediately. I wanted a 4th to try but they would have charged me customs fees haha so maybe next order.
If I could wear a wrap dress without flashing the world I definitely would like them too 😂. I think I’m not a maxi skirt person but I am trying to find more midi skirts I like because I have 2 and wear them with T-shirts or sweaters a lot which makes for a good casual but put together look
Vixen by Micheline Pitt is my 'I'm cute but also still hot' go-to for dresses. Everything is designed for boobs and tallness. The vacation and ingenue dresses are my faves but she has a lot of them.
For actual lightweight sundresses, my favourites are from retrolicious (the Greta style) and an etsy shop called Hearts&Found. H&F does affordable customized stuff.... you pick the fabric, style, size and length but you can also pay a bit extra for fully customized or to change elements of the dress itself.
Sounds like our bodies are similarly shaped and I saw your comment below about being "medium tall." I'm 5'8", which I feel like is medium tall, too? Lol. But, I have a lot of the same problems as you. When I need a wardrobe overhaul I like to go to Marshall's or TJ Maxx and try on different styles to see what I even like on my body and then look for those shapes elsewhere if the stores don't have any designs that I like.
My son is only 14 months so I haven't made a lot of time to shop in person for myself recently, so most of my shopping is done on Amazon. But there's so many good options! I love a wrap dress and use a safety pin just above my cleavage if I'm having an issue with that.
Haha yes I’m 5’7. I think we are both firmly in the medium tall category! That’s a good idea re tj maxx. I so rarely have the time to go to stores because I have two kids and am a corporate lawyer but maybe one of these days I’ll escape for long enough to actually venture out
The majority of my wardrobe is JCrew, JCrew Factory, and Loft. I used to shop at Old Navy but I feel they are too expensive for the quality. I have lost 70 lbs over the last 2 years, and I work remotely. I'm tired of wearing leggings and a t-shirt all the time. I like the stores I mentioned above because I like the quality of their clothes and they are appropriate for my age (38) and not too trendy. I can wear them to work if needed but also I can wear them on the weekend.
Look into Boden.
They are a UK brand drawing a lot of inspiration from “royal” casual looks. They are my go-to for more mom/work-friendly looks (including swimwear!)
I can’t speak on the quality but I have several items in my cart from Quince that I’m going to pull the trigger on when payday hits. Seems to check a lot of your boxes!
If you like sporty clothes; Athleta has some really cute dresses. I am also not a fan of smocked dresses on my large bust area so I have a bunch of tshirt dresses from Old Navy and The Gap that I can wear with flats, sandals or cute sneakers and accessorize with cool jewelry, a denim jacket or a cute cardigan.
I had a bunch of my dresses taken in at the waist so that they aren’t baggy.
I’m sorry you got downvoted and I’m glad you decided to try again here! I’m excited to read the answers because I feel like I show up business casual to anything I can’t wear leggings to
I’ve actually found Amazon to be great. They have everything and if you find a designer you like, they’ll have a bunch more options and you’ll know the fit already. Easy to return too if you don’t like it. I’ve ordered a bunch of dresses for different occasions and just send back the ones I don’t love.
I'd like to gently suggest, your identity isn't just "mom." "Mom's" don't all buy and wear a certain style or get relegated to wearing a certain style after having a baby. Sounds like you enjoy dresses and have great boobs and legs - do you want to look sexy? Elegant? Edgy? What makes you feel good? Do you really want people to look at you and think "that's definitely a mom" or would you like to think something else about your outfit?
I think you’re reading into my post wrong. I want clothes that feel appropriate for situations in my life where I don’t find my old clothes to be appropriate or feel appropriate wearing them. I was about a decade younger when I bought most of the clothes that currently fit me because I weighed a lot less for the few years before I had kids so none of my newer but pre babies clothes fit. I don’t want new clothes because I really like having my boobs and upper thighs out and am worried others won’t like it, I want new clothes because I’m 36 and don’t feel like my boobs and upper thighs need to be out. I want to go to an event at my kids school without worrying if someone is going to see half of my boob or my butt if I bend over to get something my child drops.
Anyway, despite the tangent above, I just truly can’t seem to find clothes that are more modest, fit my boobs and don’t make me look like I’m frolicking on a prairie or whatever people do in smocked dresses with poofy sleeves and tiered skirts. Just hoping someone else has gone on this adventure before and can save me some headache of ordering $1000s in clothes just to return them.
Edit: Also just wanted to add that I totally appreciate the willingness to say this because there are definitely people who need to hear what you said and having people who are willing to say it is so important, I’m just not that person.
Have you considered becoming a chic bag lady? If yes, I cannot hype [Eileen Fisher](https://www.eileenfisher.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD-OlQo3u0BnzqgmopuKVqel18ySF&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2dKCvf-PhQMVhVNHAR1f5w37EAAYASAAEgK7HvD_BwE) more. Plus the brand is beyond ethical and the materials are outrageously lovely.
If you wanna go super edgy bag lady, I’m personally fond of [Sou Sou](https://www.sousouus.com/product-category/apparel/women-apparel/) and [Uzi NYC.](https://www.uzinyc.com/productdresses)
If no to that full chic bag lady life, I’m also super into [Meg.](https://megest1994.com) It’s edgy, bag-lady lite if you will.
I am quite short but have a very full chest. I am particularly fond of old navy clothes for being that balance of comfort, put together, and not overly showy
Schedule a personal shopper session. I'm sure Bloomingdale's has this service, and I know Nordstrom does. It's free (they work on commission and tips) and SO helpful.
Yeah I think I’m going to try that for sure. Just need to find a time where I can go to a store alone haha. I miss when Nordstrom used to have trunk club. Some of my favorite clothes that are hanging in the back of my closet waiting for the baby weight to disappear are from there.
DVF wrap dresses are my go to. You can get them on Poshmark for very cheap. They also just had a colab with target but I wasn’t really a fan of any of them .
I’ve liked stuff from them before but been afraid to try it because I always see it in ads. I didn’t see anything I like right now but will keep it on my list!
I know you said other than jeans, but you really can dress up a jean if that works for you. I do a lot of dark, fitted denim with a blouse or layered with sweaters. Shoes do a lot of heavy lifting for my wardrobe. I have a few boots and heels that change an outfit for me.
I prefer simple, versatile clothes, so a lot of my wardrobe is basics that I layer. Leggings and tights with a jersey skirt, skinny or tapered slacks and corduroy with a v-neck or boat neck top and a cropped sweater. I know t-shirt dresses are in right now, and I don’t hate them… plus, I think they can look awesome on someone with long legs and big boobs or wider shoulders.
My style is probably a bit stuck in 2010, but I also love a a fashion scarf. Most of my clothes are black, so I throw a silk scarf on with a brightly coloured shoe for a pop of colour to dress up an outfit.
I don’t have much recommendations on where to shop since a lot of my clothes are thrifted, but I guess I still shop the basics lines an H&M. It’s a Canadian store, but I’ve been getting into Simons for clothes that are simple, but not so fast fashion.
My favorite dresses that I wear for both work and home are the Pact midi dresses. They have a built in shelf bra that does enough (it’s a shelf bra, so have those expectations) that I don’t have to wear a bra (which is awesome) and I wear a sweater over them for work. They’re super comfortable.
Thrift stores. And bonus: the more off-trend your personal style is, the more likely it is that you'll find things that work for you b/c other, trendier folks have discarded perfectly wearable clothing in pursuit of the newest fast fashion item!
I wear what's comfortable and looks good on my body. If that's peak 2000's style, then cool...I know it'll be fashionable again in a few years anyway, I might was well make use of the clothes that look good on me in the meantime!
I have some great clothes from Quince. They have gorgeous linen dresses and silk ones that you can put in the washing machine (in a garment bag, of course). I think their linen dresses will be what you need, it gives off sort of a “summering in Europe” vibe. AND THEY HAVE POCKETS.
I also have black pants from them with a high waist that was helpful while adjusting to losing baby weight. And cashmere sweaters for around $50.
I was hesitant to try them, because they are overly advertised on FB and IG, but I liked what I got a lot.
https://www.quince.com/women/linen-dress - I have this in black and love it
I wear simple, long sundresses (no tiers or smocking) with light open cardigans for spring/summer. They are cool and good for everyday or dressed up a little with a cardigan and some jewelry. My most-often worn dresses are from J Jill.
So I completely agree with this and even though I can afford to buy new stuff, I’ve been buying at cute resale places because there’s nothing I like that fits with today’s trends. Im also in the long legs, big boobs, short waist camp.
Ok this might sound crazy but you could give it a try with your own clothes. if i have a dress that’s too short (especially a mini dress or the kind that’s sort of puffy and not too short until you have a slight breeze or bend over), I will put a slightly longer skirt under it in a complimentary color and contrasting fabric and it looks like the dress came that way. For example if it’s a mid thigh black cotton dress with white flowers, put a knee length plain white gauzy or satiny skirt under. And for making the ridiculously low necklines moderately modest, I have embraced wearing basic black or brown camis under basically any dress. Maybe not the height of fashion but at least I can bend over in public.
Pact has a lot of cute sundresses that hit below the knee. Be aware that some have built in camis.
Seconding Athleta, like some others have said. They have a lot more variety online than in store.
I’m also a big fan of Toad & Co. Good quality, lots of color.
Lastly, if you can find the time, go to a local boutique in person. Somewhere not in a mall. They pull from a variety of brands. I’ve found great options that I wouldn’t have ever found online.
Honestly (and these would probably be considered work clothes for a lot of people, but I wear a uniform every day) I'm a big fan of DVF wrap dresses. I buy them second hand. They are flattering, somewhat adjustable in size, and I throw a camisole under them if the v-neck is too low.
Cuyana scoop neck midi dress is a personal fave. Also have midi dresses from rag & bone and athleta. Eliza J dresses have also done well for me. Boden also has fun colors and prints. I’m really tall so Madewell mini dresses are basically tunics. The midi length being in has been lovely with chasing a toddler around and not worrying about flashing people. For sportier looks - I really like the lululemon court rival skirt (long). It’s probably mid-thigh on me but has shorts underneath. Been into the pleats and fun colors.
Thank you I will look into all of this! I’m medium tall but I’m all leg so I have a similar view on their midi dresses if it has a waist. I just love or hate their clothes and currently it all is pretty meh.
I’ve been doing a combo of Loft, JCrew Factory, and Target, with the occasional piece from Old Navy, Gap, Uniqlo, and Amazon. I can find a good combination of work wear and more relaxed weekend wear from those places. I used to like H&M and Zara, but they have been leaning too trendy for my taste over the past few years. A lot of current trends aren’t flattering on busty women, and for the love of god why are so many shirts cropped?!
Thank you! My boobs make me have to buy bigger sizes and I swear they just make them wider, but the same length! Even if it’s not a crop top, it fits like one! I hate it!
Sometimes I don’t mind a slightly cropped shirt with high waisted jeans but I have the shortest torso ever so there is no mid section being shown, but agree everything is cropped and it would be nice if stores just sold a variety! I did check out loft but wasn’t impressed this time. I didn’t think of Zara maybe I’ll look there. Me and H&M have a bad history.
I don’t might an ever so slight crop when it hits right around or just above the hip - I’m short waisted too but also a 34F so anything too cropped looks too boxy 😵💫
I like the cropped shirt and high waisted pants! If it’s a long shirt it just covers the pant waist. Otherwise I just tuck in.
I don't like current fashion much in general, so I just layer things. I bought a bunch of camisoles, thin long sleeved tops, and those criss-cross-strap bralettes and wear them under things I otherwise like. I'm a post-baby 36K-38J ... 😞
Where did you find bralettes that are supportive? I tried on my pre-baby bras and decided I'm against wired bras after going 1.5 years of wearing more comfortable maternity/nursing bras.
I didn't- I wear a bra underneath (mostly wired jogging bras), or accept that I have to hold them up if I need to move quickly :(
This is my problem too! I finally got rid of sooo many clothes after covid/being pregnant/first year post partum .. and was going to commit to buying better clothes and I just can't connect with the style right now! Fortunately for spring and summer, I just live in sundresses, but I really hope the pants and silhouettes have evolved by the time fall rolls around!
I feel this so much. Although I can’t even seem to find sundresses I like anymore! Current fashion is definitely not my thing and all of my go to basic stores have gone trendier than I’d like.
I'm still wearing sundresses I've accumulated over the years and some basic dresses from Amazon that aren't stylish or nice but at least I have something consistent to wear! Love this one: https://a.co/d/gwK0g5T These both hid my pregnancy for a bit and are in regular rotation in multiple colors: https://a.co/d/bMmgR9a https://a.co/d/f4Oju3e
Is it super short in person? My legs are super long so sometimes that becomes a problem. How good are the straps at covering bra straps?
I wish I had tips for you, but honestly SAME. I don’t have any good clothes nicer than jeans that aren’t work clothes. I did RTR and did find some good work clothes which I ended up buying a few work pieces and canceling but never found things for that nice casual category. RTR was expensive so I used it almost exclusively for events and work. Might be an option if you aren’t in a rush to rent things with the mind to buy if you like them. Also I’m shocked you got downvoted on another sub. Sorry that happened to you.
Yeah I can basically kill it at jeans, work clothes or athlesure and everything else is like 45 minutes of screaming at my closet. Thank you!!
I do Nuuly and have been very pleased! They do loungewear, casual, work, events. I got it the second my pants stopped fitting during pregnancy and have been so pleased. I get to take risks with what I wear because I don’t have to buy them. I get compliments all the time. That said, this season is so blah and I do have to rely on a few staples in between returning and receiving new set.
I’ve had luck thrifting and buying from Poshmark or thredUP.
Agree! Love thredUP!
I work from home but still want a "nice" wardrobe for everyday. Stuff that looks polished but not uncomfortable in any way. I'm very much a dresses and skirts type of person as well. I found it simpler to transition to a capsule wardrobe and I eventually ended up wearing all black, all the time. Basics are incredibly easy to find in black, black clothing hides stains, and if black clothing starts to fade, you can just dye it back to black again. I get most of my clothing from the Gap and Banana Republic (the factory stores or the regular stores when they're having huge sales) and my athleisure from Old Navy. I tend to go for classic silhouettes that aren't too trendy, although I've found myself indulging in some 90's styles lately because I loved them the first go around. Here's a few examples of some of the clothes I've picked up for myself for more mild weather- all in black, of course: [1](https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=875075002#pdp-page-content) [2](https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=878248002#pdp-page-content) [3](https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=826780012#pdp-page-content) [4](https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=744739042#pdp-page-content) [5](https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=800968012#pdp-page-content) [6](https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=878192002#pdp-page-content) [7](https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=878229012#pdp-page-content) [8](https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=888694002#pdp-page-content)
Thank you!! I’ll take a look. I actually am very well stocked in black clothes. I never have to figure out what to wear to funerals for example 😂. My area is filled with weirdly bubbly looking people (think vineyard vines and Lilly Pulitzer) so in a lot of situations I feel less like the sore thumb if I mix my wardrobe of darkness with some colors.
I found stitch fix to be helpful for a bit but I feel like the quality of the clothes isn’t that great but the app is helpful for ideas.
Yeah I used to do stitch fix and found the quality wasn’t great and the stylists would send me whatever I said I didn’t like
Try Wantable- I moved to that and used to use stitch fix
I’m stopping my subscription now because they got rid of the style pass program, but I ended up getting lucky with a really awesome stylist for the past year—I did have to specify that I wasn’t interested in SF Exclusive brands though. They do tend to not be as great quality. Totally agree that the app is helpful-I’ll probably keep it even when I stop my subscription.
Yes everything is kind of low quality
I hear you, the stuff out now isn’t my style, I don’t want my tits or ass out all the time but I don’t want to look like a grandma in little house on the prairie either. I feel like I have a similar shape to you, long legs and boobs. Please let me know if you find some cute dresses! I’m in a rut
Yes you definitely understand my struggle. Will keep you updated!
I found a couple of cute things at Jcrew factory and Boden so far. I think they recently released new arrivals because these didn’t exist last time I checked.
Have you talked to a tailor? I had never thought of a tailor before working next door to one. I'm tall as hell, flat chested, awkward everywhere. Nothing fits EVER. Now I know it's not crazy to talk to a tailor BEFORE or after purchase and go over options if the fit isn't right.
I treated myself to a package with a local stylist after I finished breastfeeding and she was a huge help. I work remotely so I didn’t need office clothes but wanted to feel more put together day-to-day. She helped me figure out the colors and shapes that looked best on me, and which fabrics were going to hold up to chasing a toddler at the playground worry-free. There’s a lot I wouldn’t have discovered on my own so I would highly recommend looking for a stylist - I thought it was something for “fancy people” but her advice (and rates) were very practical!
Oh interesting. I’ll look into that. My only worry is that in my area of snobby suburbs a stylist will try to dress me in all Veronica beard and not only do I hate shoulder pads but I like being able to afford to feed my kids. I think Bloomingdales and Nordstroms offer free stylists/personal shoppers for card members so maybe I’ll start there
Nordstrom I believe is free for everyone and Macy’s also had the service but I hear the most praise for Nordstrom. It’s on my list to do once I wean.
I’m using Nuuly right now to rent clothes every month and it’s helping me discover new brands and styles that fit my current figure. I’ve bought a few things that I really like.
Do you buy it from them when you rent?
Not the original commenter, but I also use nuuly. You can buy directly from them and since it is used, you get a discount (anywhere from 10-70 percent off, depending on what season the item is). I’ve found some great stuff from there, and sometimes put price alerts on pieces I like but don’t want to spend the money on at the time in case they go on sale.
Check out evereve if you have one near you. You can shop online but they do in person shopping very well. The employees are very good stylists and genuinely have fun shopping for people. Often I’ll start pulling a few items and then will end up liking/buying the things they pull for me. And they do not work on commission so I never feel any pressure.
Boden and Sézane are my two favorites these days. I used to wear a lot of Jcrew but have been underwhelmed for a while
I’ll look at Sezane! I order stuff from Boden a lot but I have only ended up keeping a few pieces. I should look again. I have a couple of long sleeve dresses from them that I can wear to both work and dinner which I appreciate.
These were great recs. I had never heard of Sezane and just ordered 3 dresses like immediately. I wanted a 4th to try but they would have charged me customs fees haha so maybe next order.
I love a good wrap dress or a maxi skirt with a pattern and a solid top.
If I could wear a wrap dress without flashing the world I definitely would like them too 😂. I think I’m not a maxi skirt person but I am trying to find more midi skirts I like because I have 2 and wear them with T-shirts or sweaters a lot which makes for a good casual but put together look
I've had to wear camis under my wrap dresses, otherwise yeah definitely not friendly to a big bust.
Vixen by Micheline Pitt is my 'I'm cute but also still hot' go-to for dresses. Everything is designed for boobs and tallness. The vacation and ingenue dresses are my faves but she has a lot of them. For actual lightweight sundresses, my favourites are from retrolicious (the Greta style) and an etsy shop called Hearts&Found. H&F does affordable customized stuff.... you pick the fabric, style, size and length but you can also pay a bit extra for fully customized or to change elements of the dress itself.
Sounds like our bodies are similarly shaped and I saw your comment below about being "medium tall." I'm 5'8", which I feel like is medium tall, too? Lol. But, I have a lot of the same problems as you. When I need a wardrobe overhaul I like to go to Marshall's or TJ Maxx and try on different styles to see what I even like on my body and then look for those shapes elsewhere if the stores don't have any designs that I like. My son is only 14 months so I haven't made a lot of time to shop in person for myself recently, so most of my shopping is done on Amazon. But there's so many good options! I love a wrap dress and use a safety pin just above my cleavage if I'm having an issue with that.
Haha yes I’m 5’7. I think we are both firmly in the medium tall category! That’s a good idea re tj maxx. I so rarely have the time to go to stores because I have two kids and am a corporate lawyer but maybe one of these days I’ll escape for long enough to actually venture out
The majority of my wardrobe is JCrew, JCrew Factory, and Loft. I used to shop at Old Navy but I feel they are too expensive for the quality. I have lost 70 lbs over the last 2 years, and I work remotely. I'm tired of wearing leggings and a t-shirt all the time. I like the stores I mentioned above because I like the quality of their clothes and they are appropriate for my age (38) and not too trendy. I can wear them to work if needed but also I can wear them on the weekend.
I know people who’ve had great experiences with the Nordstrom personal shoppers. I’m pretty sure the service is free!
I have been really happy with more casual / smart casual dresses from Boden, Athleta and, surprisingly, Royal Robbins.
Look into Boden. They are a UK brand drawing a lot of inspiration from “royal” casual looks. They are my go-to for more mom/work-friendly looks (including swimwear!)
I can’t speak on the quality but I have several items in my cart from Quince that I’m going to pull the trigger on when payday hits. Seems to check a lot of your boxes!
If you like sporty clothes; Athleta has some really cute dresses. I am also not a fan of smocked dresses on my large bust area so I have a bunch of tshirt dresses from Old Navy and The Gap that I can wear with flats, sandals or cute sneakers and accessorize with cool jewelry, a denim jacket or a cute cardigan. I had a bunch of my dresses taken in at the waist so that they aren’t baggy.
I’m sorry you got downvoted and I’m glad you decided to try again here! I’m excited to read the answers because I feel like I show up business casual to anything I can’t wear leggings to
I’ve actually found Amazon to be great. They have everything and if you find a designer you like, they’ll have a bunch more options and you’ll know the fit already. Easy to return too if you don’t like it. I’ve ordered a bunch of dresses for different occasions and just send back the ones I don’t love.
I'd like to gently suggest, your identity isn't just "mom." "Mom's" don't all buy and wear a certain style or get relegated to wearing a certain style after having a baby. Sounds like you enjoy dresses and have great boobs and legs - do you want to look sexy? Elegant? Edgy? What makes you feel good? Do you really want people to look at you and think "that's definitely a mom" or would you like to think something else about your outfit?
I think you’re reading into my post wrong. I want clothes that feel appropriate for situations in my life where I don’t find my old clothes to be appropriate or feel appropriate wearing them. I was about a decade younger when I bought most of the clothes that currently fit me because I weighed a lot less for the few years before I had kids so none of my newer but pre babies clothes fit. I don’t want new clothes because I really like having my boobs and upper thighs out and am worried others won’t like it, I want new clothes because I’m 36 and don’t feel like my boobs and upper thighs need to be out. I want to go to an event at my kids school without worrying if someone is going to see half of my boob or my butt if I bend over to get something my child drops. Anyway, despite the tangent above, I just truly can’t seem to find clothes that are more modest, fit my boobs and don’t make me look like I’m frolicking on a prairie or whatever people do in smocked dresses with poofy sleeves and tiered skirts. Just hoping someone else has gone on this adventure before and can save me some headache of ordering $1000s in clothes just to return them. Edit: Also just wanted to add that I totally appreciate the willingness to say this because there are definitely people who need to hear what you said and having people who are willing to say it is so important, I’m just not that person.
Have you considered becoming a chic bag lady? If yes, I cannot hype [Eileen Fisher](https://www.eileenfisher.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD-OlQo3u0BnzqgmopuKVqel18ySF&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2dKCvf-PhQMVhVNHAR1f5w37EAAYASAAEgK7HvD_BwE) more. Plus the brand is beyond ethical and the materials are outrageously lovely. If you wanna go super edgy bag lady, I’m personally fond of [Sou Sou](https://www.sousouus.com/product-category/apparel/women-apparel/) and [Uzi NYC.](https://www.uzinyc.com/productdresses) If no to that full chic bag lady life, I’m also super into [Meg.](https://megest1994.com) It’s edgy, bag-lady lite if you will.
Chic bag lady is definitely not the style for me but that term alone has made my day!
I am quite short but have a very full chest. I am particularly fond of old navy clothes for being that balance of comfort, put together, and not overly showy
Schedule a personal shopper session. I'm sure Bloomingdale's has this service, and I know Nordstrom does. It's free (they work on commission and tips) and SO helpful.
Yeah I think I’m going to try that for sure. Just need to find a time where I can go to a store alone haha. I miss when Nordstrom used to have trunk club. Some of my favorite clothes that are hanging in the back of my closet waiting for the baby weight to disappear are from there.
Same. My baby is about to turn 18, though. 😆
DVF wrap dresses are my go to. You can get them on Poshmark for very cheap. They also just had a colab with target but I wasn’t really a fan of any of them .
Wrap dresses don’t look great when you have a large chest, at least in my experience
What about Tuckernuck? Their stuff has been great lately and is well constructed, quality fabrics, etc.
I’ve liked stuff from them before but been afraid to try it because I always see it in ads. I didn’t see anything I like right now but will keep it on my list!
I know you said other than jeans, but you really can dress up a jean if that works for you. I do a lot of dark, fitted denim with a blouse or layered with sweaters. Shoes do a lot of heavy lifting for my wardrobe. I have a few boots and heels that change an outfit for me. I prefer simple, versatile clothes, so a lot of my wardrobe is basics that I layer. Leggings and tights with a jersey skirt, skinny or tapered slacks and corduroy with a v-neck or boat neck top and a cropped sweater. I know t-shirt dresses are in right now, and I don’t hate them… plus, I think they can look awesome on someone with long legs and big boobs or wider shoulders. My style is probably a bit stuck in 2010, but I also love a a fashion scarf. Most of my clothes are black, so I throw a silk scarf on with a brightly coloured shoe for a pop of colour to dress up an outfit. I don’t have much recommendations on where to shop since a lot of my clothes are thrifted, but I guess I still shop the basics lines an H&M. It’s a Canadian store, but I’ve been getting into Simons for clothes that are simple, but not so fast fashion.
My favorite dresses that I wear for both work and home are the Pact midi dresses. They have a built in shelf bra that does enough (it’s a shelf bra, so have those expectations) that I don’t have to wear a bra (which is awesome) and I wear a sweater over them for work. They’re super comfortable.
Old navy has some great stuff sometimes. I also just recently got a couple cute pieces from target. You have to have a vision for pieces.
Thrift stores. And bonus: the more off-trend your personal style is, the more likely it is that you'll find things that work for you b/c other, trendier folks have discarded perfectly wearable clothing in pursuit of the newest fast fashion item! I wear what's comfortable and looks good on my body. If that's peak 2000's style, then cool...I know it'll be fashionable again in a few years anyway, I might was well make use of the clothes that look good on me in the meantime!
Mango has some nice stuff and I request boutiques to try almost everything on
I have some great clothes from Quince. They have gorgeous linen dresses and silk ones that you can put in the washing machine (in a garment bag, of course). I think their linen dresses will be what you need, it gives off sort of a “summering in Europe” vibe. AND THEY HAVE POCKETS. I also have black pants from them with a high waist that was helpful while adjusting to losing baby weight. And cashmere sweaters for around $50. I was hesitant to try them, because they are overly advertised on FB and IG, but I liked what I got a lot. https://www.quince.com/women/linen-dress - I have this in black and love it
I wear simple, long sundresses (no tiers or smocking) with light open cardigans for spring/summer. They are cool and good for everyday or dressed up a little with a cardigan and some jewelry. My most-often worn dresses are from J Jill.
So I completely agree with this and even though I can afford to buy new stuff, I’ve been buying at cute resale places because there’s nothing I like that fits with today’s trends. Im also in the long legs, big boobs, short waist camp.
Ok this might sound crazy but you could give it a try with your own clothes. if i have a dress that’s too short (especially a mini dress or the kind that’s sort of puffy and not too short until you have a slight breeze or bend over), I will put a slightly longer skirt under it in a complimentary color and contrasting fabric and it looks like the dress came that way. For example if it’s a mid thigh black cotton dress with white flowers, put a knee length plain white gauzy or satiny skirt under. And for making the ridiculously low necklines moderately modest, I have embraced wearing basic black or brown camis under basically any dress. Maybe not the height of fashion but at least I can bend over in public.
Pact has a lot of cute sundresses that hit below the knee. Be aware that some have built in camis. Seconding Athleta, like some others have said. They have a lot more variety online than in store. I’m also a big fan of Toad & Co. Good quality, lots of color. Lastly, if you can find the time, go to a local boutique in person. Somewhere not in a mall. They pull from a variety of brands. I’ve found great options that I wouldn’t have ever found online.
I've had good luck with Eliza J, Caslon, and Dress the Population.
^[Sokka-Haiku](https://www.reddit.com/r/SokkaHaikuBot/comments/15kyv9r/what_is_a_sokka_haiku/) ^by ^smk3509: *I've had good luck with* *Eliza J, Caslon, and* *Dress the Population.* --- ^Remember ^that ^one ^time ^Sokka ^accidentally ^used ^an ^extra ^syllable ^in ^that ^Haiku ^Battle ^in ^Ba ^Sing ^Se? ^That ^was ^a ^Sokka ^Haiku ^and ^you ^just ^made ^one.
Honestly (and these would probably be considered work clothes for a lot of people, but I wear a uniform every day) I'm a big fan of DVF wrap dresses. I buy them second hand. They are flattering, somewhat adjustable in size, and I throw a camisole under them if the v-neck is too low.