New Job in New City

Hi! My problem seems to be the same as many young adults who are stepping away from college and into professional lives. Currently, I work in a casual environment where my wardrobe consists of simple trousers and polo shirts. I'm preparing to relocate from Tampa, FL to Washington, DC to pursue a professional career. I'm obviously in need of a fashion upgrade, but I'm not sure where to start. I've never worked in a professional environment before and I really don't have a lot of money to spend.
Fit is always a problem for me. I'm a typical hour-glass figure with a large chest and large hips, but I'm also short at only 5'2". My typical size seems to be a 16. I always find that I need to keep going up sizes just to fit the widest part of me, but the rest of the outfit looks too big. It's very frustrating. Any suggestions? Thank you!
Michelle


Once again, there are two very important questions here.
Building a new wardrobe, for a different city, and a different work environment, isn't a one time task, and is not likely to happen on a single shopping expedition. It's going to take a plan; and I'll show you how; this is called "The Pres Method."

Don't overdo the shopping until you actually see your new city and the folks who work there. Although you want a few outfits to get started, you don't want too many before you see what's up.

Start with one perfect outfit. Find a top or bottom, whichever is harder for you (more about the fit question later) and then find the other piece that works. For your Washington DC office, I'd suggest an A-line skirt, and its matching suit jacket, in a basic medium color, like gray, or light chocolate. Then, take the pieces with you to find some conservative pumps, with a medium heel, not too thin, nor curvy, in a neutral color like black, or chocolate. Have the skirt shortened, if needed, for the shoes. Under this suit jacket, add a button-front shirt in a conservative pastel color (like blue), or white. The collar of the shirt should be compatible with the jacket collar, and the sleeve lengths should work, too. If button fronts don't work for you, you may try a "shell," which is a shirt with a round collar, and a plain front, like a tee, but more structured, in a fabric with some crispness, like cotton, or a nice silk. Some knits work too, but it takes experience to pick them.

Then add another bottom to support the jacket/shirt combo; it could be matching, or coordinating, pants, in a fine tiny houndstooth, or menswear tweedy fabric. BTW, these pieces are available at low prices, check out Target, or Metrostyle. You can also add a few more pastel shirts.

Once you have a few ensembles, you can continue to move the pieces that work properly into more perfect outfits. A perfect outfit has components that don't interfere with each other; no piece rides up, sags down, gaps at the buttons, or otherwise malfunctions. No pockets are in the wrong place.

Don't stock up on random, orphan pieces with hopes of wearing them; this is likely to leave you with a closet full of clothes that don't work, instead of perfect outfits that you can't wait to put on.

About fit: All clothing comes in just two sizes: Too Big, and Too Small. This is true for every body type; it's because the clothing style is very fitted just now, and there's no general fit for our individual figures. I do blame manufacturers for abandoning any consistency in sizing, too. A good tip is to ignore all labels; size, price, and fabric content, and purchase clothing that looks great. Also, be absolutely certain that your bra size is correct; this may take a professional bra fitting, but will be worth it.

You will learn, after trying all sizes, that your clothing needs alterations. Shoulders are most difficult to alter (But not impossible. Sometimes, an imperceptible shoulder pad works); shoulder fit is where you should begin. Never buy an item that doesn't button completely, or gaps at the buttons. After you've found the right shoulder size, have the waist altered to fit. In pants or skirts, fit the widest part; hips, bottom or belly, and have the narrower part altered to fit perfectly.

This is the first step for you, in may ways; good luck on your new career!
Pres