OP again. I appreciate the suggestions! I have never been a department store shopper -- too overwhelming. but I guess that's where I'd have to look for some of the recommended brands. Can anybody recommend a personal shopper or tell me what section of Nordstrom's or Macy's to look in?

I'm 50 and was inching toward the size 14 mark, but recently gave up carbs and cut my portion size, added an exercise routine and slimmed back down to a size 10.

I really like Garnet Hill (catalogue and not cheap) and contrary to a PP, have found nice things at JJill. True, avoid the baggy, flowing things. JJill's more fitted things and a lot of their dresses are really flattering. I also recently discovered the catalogue Boden, which has really nice dresses as well.

I have bought a couple of Calvin Klein dresses lately that fit me well and don't look ridiculous. I wear a size 8.

Agree; there is no reason that a size 14 (vs. a size 22W) needs to be wearing that drapey look that instantly adds 20 pounds.

I would, however, wear the Eileen Fisher Foldover Crepe skirt 3x a week with Spanx.

http://www.eileenfisher.com/EileenFisher/Petite/ShopByItem/Skirts_And_Dresses/PRD_SBTK-S1739M/FoldOver+Short+Skirt+in+Washable+Stretch+Crepe.jsp

Anonymous wrote:Eileen fisher. Hands down, imo! There is one in montgomery mall that I know of. I am sure there are more locations elsewhere.

The flowy, draping look is very old lady and I would avoid it.

Eileen fisher. Hands down, imo! There is one in montgomery mall that I know of. I am sure there are more locations elsewhere.

IMO, it's not about where, it's about brand, quality and style. Look at the Lauren dresses - classic, sleek lines. Some of the Tahari suits and dresses are classic. Check out Rizik's in Dupont Circle. There is also a great consignment store in Old Town Alexandria called Encore.

Anonymous wrote:Now is the time to buy a few classic pieces so stay away from Coldwater Creek and Chicos. IMO, their stuff screams older and heavy and trying to hide it. Buy good quality, non-trendy items. Get a few well-made straight skirts. A few classic tops. A couple of simple dresses. Accessorize with basic, real jewelry. None of that Chicos costume stuff.

Where?

Where?

WHERE?

Cache. They have great sales.

I agree with 16:13. Now is the time to spend actual $ on well-fitted pieces with -structure- (such as precise shoulders, lining, darts, etc).

Now, with a soft body veering toward dumpy, is NOT the time to wear drapey, flowy tunics made from cheap jersey. Or wide leg palazzo pants. J Jill, Coldwater, ... not a friend to your new body.

I have had luck finding attractive, even cute, structured clothing in size 14 at Nordstrom and Bloomingdales. But be forewarned: this stuff is not cheap.

Now is the time to buy a few classic pieces so stay away from Coldwater Creek and Chicos. IMO, their stuff screams older and heavy and trying to hide it. Buy good quality, non-trendy items. Get a few well-made straight skirts. A few classic tops. A couple of simple dresses. Accessorize with basic, real jewelry. None of that Chicos costume stuff.

I am about your size and age, and have exactly the same problem, but unfortunately not many answers.

I shop some at Talbots, but I agree, it doesn't look right anymore. I like Chico's for basic tanks and sleeveless shells for underneath suits (the cut is generous and covers shoulders etc.), but their other stuff is cheap-looking and old-lady IMO.

For dresses, I've had moderate success at Travelsmith.com, of all places. Occasionally, Northstyle.com has some nice things, as does Norm Thompson. All of those places tend towards frumpy/matronly though so I try to be very selective/careful.

My sister swears by The Territory Ahead, Orvis, and White House Black Market, but I haven't found anything there.

Sometimes Macy's has some good things. Their Alfani line is good for me. Lord & Taylor is good for dresses.

I am in your boat OP. I'm trying to lose weight now. I just buy all black. I like how it looks. I order either from the Chadwick's catalog or buy designer items on sale at TJ Max. I used to be good looking and really buff. Now I'm just middle-aged and dumpy. I skipped a wedding because I had nothing that looked good on me. I have a closet full of clothes that don't fit, and I refuse to buy a whole wardrobe of fat clothes.

Coldwater Creek.

Everything looks too young for me and my new middle-aged body. I gained a lot of weight in my 40s and am now a 12-14. I don't know at all how to dress for this body type, so I run around in my exercise clothes all day (I work at home). I literally have nothing nice to wear and decline social invitations as a result. If you lare about 50 and, like me, have some weight to lose, where do you buy clothes? I was always a conservative (preppy) dresser, but even Talbots looks wrong on me now. Thanks for advice!