I'm 39 and just started a hybrid role after being remote since 2020. I hate the new trends. I'm a skinny pant/straight leg girl and everything is baggy and it looks outrageous on me as I'm slim athletic shape. Target has helped me a bit and Old Navy/Gap/BR. I'm not in office that much, maybe 1-2x monthly so I don't want to spend a crazy amount for a wardrobe.

Anonymous wrote:So many of the 20s - early 30s women I work with struggle to dress professionally , even the ones who are conventionally pretty and stylish. And most of that boils down to clothes looking plastic and lack of tailoring

+1 is because the common default styles of what is being sold are awful, compared to basics from 20 years ago like the Express "editor pant," stuff that was affordable and fit in just a normal flattering progressional way without having to be "styled" after watching some influencer.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lots of places, but you are going to spend some money. I wear a lot of Scanlon Theodore.

Darn it! I just looked at their site and I love their dresses. They'd be perfect for my office.

But $850.

I need to find them on the resale sites, I guess. Any comments on their sizing?

The Real Real site sells them. I know they are expensive but worth every penny. Especially if you get a black pant, dress and skirt. So many uses.

Anonymous wrote:Lots of places, but you are going to spend some money. I wear a lot of Scanlon Theodore.

Darn it! I just looked at their site and I love their dresses. They'd be perfect for my office.

But $850.

I need to find them on the resale sites, I guess. Any comments on their sizing?

Aim for “elegant” feminine, not “girly” feminine. Look for softer silhouettes that drape on your body (as opposed to button downs and blazers), and waist definition. This will look feminine but will accommodate your larger frame.

Try wrap tops, belted hip-length wrap blazers or cardigans, wide legged trousers, and shoes with pointed toes. V-necks are probably really flattering on you. If you like skirts, try double-knit pencil skirts with a high waist (definitely have this tailored), or a-lines.

Look for wool, silk, or jersey knit fabrics.

Your jewelry also needs to be larger.

I would shop in a department store so that you have a lot of options. Also look at second-hand/consignment. New clothes today are garbage.

What is your body type and what is your definition of feminine?

You may be trying to wear styles that aren’t appropriate for your body regardless of tailoring. The clothes will technically “fit” but they won’t be flattering.

Alex Marie at Dillard's has some really beautiful, classic outfits. They are best if not petite.

Dresses and skirts will fit OP far better than trousers will. The trousers will have to be wide legged, and fit through the tight will be predominant to the fit of the waist. A larger waist can always be taken in and darts added in the back. OP is going to need a tailor. I am not convinced of OP's original gender either. If they had this body since puberty, they would have learnt all this information growing up.

OP are you more frustrated by not finding feminine clothes to fit your athletic thighs or height just not finding feminine clothes in general?

If its thighs you can easily get into the barrel pant shape that's really trendy right now, the wide leg as well.

You can pair with more feminine shoes, kitten heel, and blouse. Something drapey with soft pastels or jewel tones.

A line dresses that are flowy also work - not stiff shift dresses.

Tell more and I can make more specific recs.