Question for the ladies....

[boston_bbw]

I tend to wear dark colored clothes, blacks, burgandy, olive, navy etc.. Not white but lighter pants are ok tans, light blue denim etc Now that warm weather is here I would like to lighten up just a little as far as tops. I am not sure if it's because I am a BBW or just female but everything I have tried on you can see either bra seams, nipple outline etc and just can't get a smooth look on the top. I am careful about what I wear anyway to work, no V necks, no see thru, no sleeveless etc as I work with juvenile sex offenders.. so bra lines, seams and nipples would not be ideal. Any suggestions how to smooth things out a little in ligh colored tops?

 

[Willing and Unsure]

One option you can go for is to layer some of the tops you wear. Like maybe wear a short sleeve or tank top with a 3/4 length sleeved sweater over it. Then you can button the sweater and hide all of those things you described or leave it unbuttoned and still look nice.

I tend to have some problems in that respect on occasion. The last couple of years, I have been buying clothes at Sears (I'm a bbw too, in case you weren't aware). If you go to a larger store, they will more likely have a larger selection of things to go through. I'm starting a new job in 2 weeks and have had to go shopping for nicer things and bought about 8 new tops there yesterday for less than $100. I think one of those tops showed a bra line through it. If you go to some of the clothing stores that are geared more for a plus-sized woman, like Lane Bryant, the Avenue, or even Torrid, you can probably find a lot of different things there that are lighter colored, but won't cling to your upper body. The only thing with those stores is that they can be a little more expensive than a department store, although they do have a lot of selection of things to pick from (lots of colors too).

Hope this helps.

 

[MrBates]

*grinz*
Ok, so I was just about to reply that as far as I was concerned, there wasn't any problem with bra lines, nipples that protruded or visible cleavage in v-necks; but then I got to the part where you say you work with juvenile sex offenders. So I will have to agree with you that those things would NOT be appropriate for work.

Try a camisole under your blouse. Light colors or prints should still be ok. Silk seems to be a good fabric that isn't very transluscent. Believe me, as a guy, I tend to check out things like that.

 

[LadyJeanne]

I'm not a BBW, but I have the same problem with work clothes. The combination of a tank top or t-shirt under a lightweight, looser, short-sleeved blouse that you can button or unbutton depending on where you are, can keep you cool, and will look professional. You can also layer with a gauzy long sleeved top over the tank. Thicker fabrics obviously will cover more, so look for heavier t-shirts.

One of my friends swears by J. Jill and Chicos. Their clothes are generally designed for larger women and they cover well. They have stores in malls, and you can also order online or through their catalog.

 

[princess4u]

*grinz*
Try a camisole under your blouse. Light colors or prints should still be ok. Silk seems to be a good fabric that isn't very transluscent. Believe me, as a guy, I tend to check out things like that.

you never fail to amaze me

 

[Bacteriophage68]

美牛肉工業重挫。

在美國政府證實美國發現第二例狂牛症病例後，美國的牛肉工業界迅速採取行動，對社會大眾保證美國的牛肉安全仍然安全可靠。 芝加哥期貨市場的期貨經紀指出，下週一期貨市場恢復交易後

 

[MrBates]

you never fail to amaze me

*grinz* . . . and *blushes* a bit . . . .

 

[Lynxie]

Interesting that I should stumble upon this thread... I came here with the intention of posting something quite similar. I suppose I'll wiggle my way in and make use of Cate's space

I'm a bbw myself, and am currently looking for jobs. My wardrobe, on the other hand, isn't quite as ready to enter the working world as I am. I was wondering if anyone knew of a good store (I live in Massachusetts) where I might be able to find interview-worthy, yet fashionable suits in plus sizes. A lot of what I've seen in stores in my size have been designed for older women. I'm 25, and would really like something somewhat fashionable/flattering. If anyone can help, I'd greatly appreciate it!

 

[princess4u]

I'm a bbw myself, and am currently looking for jobs. My wardrobe, on the other hand, isn't quite as ready to enter the working world as I am. I was wondering if anyone knew of a good store (I live in Massachusetts) where I might be able to find interview-worthy, yet fashionable suits in plus sizes. A lot of what I've seen in stores in my size have been designed for older women. I'm 25, and would really like something somewhat fashionable/flattering. If anyone can help, I'd greatly appreciate it!

i know of two on-line shops that offer younger styles for larger women - jessica london and chadwick's (of boston) - you might find something there that you like - you can ask them to send a catalog too - i think it's easier to look at a paper catalog and then check it out online - happy shopping!

 

[boston_bbw]

I am also a bbw in MA and the places mentioned previous is a good start. Lane Bryant - although I personally find their quality has gone down hill, Fashion Bug has some professional looking stuff but again quality not the best. The Avenue is a good possability as is Dress Barn for Women. Torrid is a fun little store but may have less in the way of proffessional. As a back up there is always Sears & JC Penny's which can be fairly reasonable in price and more of a plus size selection then say a Filenes or Lord & Taylor but maybe hit or miss as far as making you look too old ladyish. I have heard Old Navy has started carrying Plus sizes but I have yet to see them in the store and personally I don't think they would have much in the way of proffessional or quality. Burlington Coat Factory can be hit or miss but do carry quite a bit in plus sizes. Naturally this is all just my opinion

 

[Lynxie]

Thanks ladies, I'd actually forgotten about Avenue. I've seen them but haven't been into them. I'll check them out this week.

Old Navy does carry plus sizes, but you can really only find 'em on their website. I've found their stuff to fit awkwardly for the most part, though.

Shopping for decent looking plus size clothing can really be a pain in the butt. Why do designers seem to think we have different tastes in style from skinnier women? I just don't get it.

 

[Willing and Unsure]

Marshall Field's is starting to carry a larger selection of plus-size clothes lately, the only thing is they are rather expensive on some things. They do carry some suits and a lot of other wider variety things made by some of the designer names (Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, etc.)

 

[Willing and Unsure]

Shopping for decent looking plus size clothing can really be a pain in the butt. Why do designers seem to think we have different tastes in style from skinnier women? I just don't get it.

I have no idea the answer to your question, but I do get a kick out of picking up a lot of the hideous things and laughing at them.

 

[revolution724]

Brights?

I see that you said you have a problem with light colors showing bra straps or nipple outlines... have you tried brights, like red, pink, green? Those can be very summery shades, yet still offer more coverage than a pastel.