We have long since discarded the old saw, "Clothes make the man." However, certain fashion expectations remain. Those expectations, in regard to women's clothing, are far different (and wider) than for men, meaning women have more clothing options than men. The basic rule, however, is simple (and the same for both sexes): Dress appropriately for the event, dress appropriately for the location, and follow the lead of your host or employer.
It is not about "the right clothing"--it's about courtesy and the group dynamic, which are important. Your style of dress will set you apart from the group or show that you want to be taken seriously within the group. This women's clothing buying guide includes some basic information to help you wade through the available options, so you'll know what will best meet your needs.
Women's clothing falls into a few basic categories: Evening wear (also called formal dresses), semi-formal, business, casual (or loungewear), sportswear and specialty items (uniforms, work clothes, sleepwear, etc.). While each category has a clear definition, the lines between them are not absolutes: Semi-formal usually means cocktail dresses, but dress suits and pants suits may be perfectly acceptable. 'Business casual' is very flexible; it can mean almost any blouse with dress pants or skirts (blazers & heels optional) and is acceptable in most workplaces. The sportswear and specialty categories are also in flux: Specific sports are using more specialized clothing. Many women now wear scrubs or hoodies and sweatpants in place of pajamas, and so on. As the customs change, women need to be flexible about how they view their clothes.
Half a century ago, clothing styles were more formal; women actually wore dresses with high-heeled shoes when doing housework and never wore pants out in the evening, because these were the accepted styles. Times have changed; casual clothing is much more acceptable, and a personal fashion style is much more encouraged. Nevertheless, certain expectations (and occasional prejudices) persist. For instance, a few restaurants will refuse to seat you if you're in low rise jeans, a cami and a sweatshirt.
On the other hand, if you're a lawyer or banker, there is a dress code, so you'll need several career dresses and women's suits, some silk blouses and a few couture-looking evening gowns. It's silly to be judged by your fashion style, but we all know it happens, so beat them at their own game--get the same style and quality at Overstock.com for a fraction of what they spend buying their clothes at other places.
Whatever your preference--vintage clothing, discount clothing, brand name clothing or casual clothing--designers and retailers are eager to stay at the forefront of fashion style, so you can choose from plenty of cheerful colors and pretty patterns. Even the most serious women's clothing can be found in attention-grabbing motifs.
Misses
Adult women sizes (also called misses sizes) are even numbers; petites usually have a P, and plus size have a W or X. The proverbial--that is, almost mythical--"perfect figure" (36-24-36) would normally wear a misses size 8; a petites size 10P or juniors size 9, in case you were wondering. Plus sizes generally start at 14W or 1X (40-31-42). [Please note: These generalizations are based on the Overstock.com sizing guide; individual manufacturers' size charts will vary, some widely.]
Petites
Petites are fashions for women 5-foot 4-inches and shorter. The designation began 20 years ago, in the era of supermodels who were all 5-foot 12-inches tall. (Yes, we know, but according to the late Margaux Hemmingway, one of those supermodels, only men are 6-foot tall, women are 5-foot-12!) Finding petite clothing can be a challenge, despite the fact that statistics say the average American woman is 5-foot-4, and there are 20,000,000 petites in the USA.
Petites are usually identical to misses merchandise, except they've been proportioned to smaller bodies: Shoulders in petite shirts are narrower. Lapels in petite blazers are slimmer. Patch pockets in petite coats and petite jackets are smaller. Lengths in petite dresses and petite pants are shorter. Petites can wear anything other women wear, though bold patterns and large designs don't get many good reviews. Wearing an outfit in one color, it is said, tends to make you look taller.
Plus sizes
Plus size clothing (also called full-figure) is for larger women. Like petites, finding a good diversity in plus sizes can be a challenge. Black is slimming, but unless you're an undertaker, you'll want more color in your closet. The cut is generally wider as the wearer is generally curvier.
When buying plus size dresses, the empire waist comes highly recommended; ruching does not. Also, don't avoid stylish dress; do not hide the fact that you have curves. In plus size jeans, the look of low-rise and boot-cut are frequently complimented. You might want to try A-line plus size skirts, which flare gently where you flare naturally. Plus size jackets or plus size suits and plus size shirts (again, V-neck is good) make a great combination.
Juniors
Juniors clothing designates mostly teens clothing; the cut is slimmer for still-developing or narrow figures. Juniors clothing sizes are usually designated by odd numbers. For more developed or not-so-narrow girls, junior plus sizes are becoming available. These are also worn by petites who want trendier fashions or tighter fitting clothes. Juniors should watch a few things: Capri pants are generally preferred over flood pants. Baggy pants sometimes add bulk where no female wants it. V-neck juniors shirts look good on most women, especially those well above or below average size. For those wanting to look slimmer, a fitted juniors blazer or juniors jacket is a winner.
Prom dresses are usually young ladies' first formals or evening dresses. These evening gowns are the ultimate in formal wear and juniors must choose carefully. Start early, be picky, get one you really like, and remember, many are tailored a bit small, so be prepared to buy a size larger and have them altered if necessary.
There are many clothing fabric and weave options; among the more popular are:
Cotton: A natural fiber which, overall, makes the best dress shirts; used for all types of clothing from underwear to robes to cargo pants.
Denim: A heavy cotton twill, traditionally indigo blue; tee shirts, denim jackets and blue jeans are the official casual uniform of many Americans--it is easy care at its best!
Flannel: A weave that is slightly napped on both sides, somewhat like suede; wool flannel makes an excellent business suit; cotton flannels (traditionally plaid) make good, sturdy work or casual shirts.
Leather (and suede): Animal skins treated to resist rot and shrinkage, leather jackets range from patriotic to rebellious; motorcycling without a leather vest is just wrong, while leather pants should be limited by law to bikers, movie stars and Overstock.com customers. "Suede" can also mean a fabric woven to imitate the real thing, sometimes called ultrasuede or microsuede. Every Overstock.com product description includes materials, so check the product description and you'll never get an unpleasant surprise.
Linen: A natural fiber from the flax plant; stronger, stiffer and more lustrous than cotton, linen is very good for light-weight business suits. Some linen clothing will require more care, however, so expect to get better acquainted with your ironing board. A similar fiber, ramie, is a stronger but stiffer Asian equivalent; the two are sometimes blended.
Microfibers: A new class of synthetics; spun thinner than silk, they approach the look and feel of natural fibers at a much lower cost.
Acrylic, Nylon, Polyester, Rayon: Synthetic fibers which are easier to clean, but lack the breathability, durability or luster of natural fibers; often blended with naturals to take advantage of the best qualities in each, particularly the synthetics' lower cost.
Silk: The finest natural fiber (spun on the looms of the gods, according to legend), nothing comes close in luster, warmth, strength or durability; nor in high price and difficulty to maintain. Silk is often blended with linen, wool or synthetics for easier care and lower cost.
Spandex: A synthetic fiber most known for its elastic quality; very popular in women's fitness clothing and superhero costumes.
Wool: The hair of certain animals, it varies in grade from great to heavenly; arguably the best overall fabric for suits. Some wools are of such quality they are never just called wool: alpaca from the South American alpaca, angora from the Angora rabbit, cashmere from the Kashmir sheep, mohair from the Angora goat and pashmina from the Tibetan goat. Though textile science continues trying, synthetic fibers have yet to equal wool in luster, durability or, for the premium wools, softness.
Women's shirts, pants, coats, pajamas, etc, are all designed for specific uses; the best care advice is to wear them to their design use, then read and follow the manufacturer's care label. Your clothes will last longer and look better. Every clothing description at Overstock.com includes basic care requirements, so you'll know exactly what you're getting before you buy.
In general, wool and silk must be professionally dry cleaned and gently pressed. Cotton and linen are usually machine washable, but will probably need ironing afterwards. Synthetics are generally wash-n-wear. Leather should be gently hand cleaned with leather cleaner or taken to a professional.
Applique: Design or pattern applied to the surface of clothing; often times it is a decorative stitch.
Balloon/Bouffant/Bubble Sleeve or Hem: Grander variation of a puff sleeve.
A balloon or bubble hem is a puffed hem that folds under creating an airy or bouncy presence.Bateau or Boat Neckline: Neckline cut from shoulder to shoulder with a shallow or square curve.
Bell Sleeves: Sleeves that flare out at the hem.
Bellow/Safari Pocket: Pocket that expands to give more space; often seen on safari jackets and shirts.
Bias Ruffle: Ruffle cut precise to the hem edge and cut wider at the bottom to create a flare effect.
Cap Sleeve: Smaller than a short sleeve; usually does not cover the entire shoulder.
Cadet/Chinese/Mandarin Collar: 1-inch collar that stands straight up from neckline.
Decollete/Plunging: Clothing cut with a very low neck and/or backline.
Dolman Sleeve: Wide cut sleeve that gently tapers toward the cuff.
Drop Sleeve: Sleeve that has a shoulder seam 2-4 inches lower than usual.
Embroidery: Decorative stitching usually of contrasting thread.
Empire waist: A dress that gathers just under the bust, rather than at your natural waist.
Epaulet: Flap/tab of fabric located at the shoulder top seam.
Flounce: Similar to the bias ruffle, cut from two circular pieces of fabric and usually found at the hem of a dress or skirt.
French Cuff: Doubled cuff that is folded over and fastened only with cuff links.
French Sleeve: Sleeve that attaches slightly lower to the body part of a shirt, creating a slight wing look.
Gusset: Triangular or square piece of fabric created to act as a stretching insert to give more room or expandability.
Halter: Band, strap or tie of fabric that wraps around the neck.
Hemline: The bottom seam of any clothing item.
Inseam: the length of the inside seam of a pant.
Juliette Sleeve: Long sleeve with a tapered cuff and a slight puff at the shoulder.
Keyhole: Small teardrop hole fastened together by a button or clasp usually at the neckline.
Kimono Sleeve: Shirt sleeve (either short or long) cut from one piece of fabric that hangs in a drape-like fashion.
Mock Pocket: Flap sewn to the outside of clothing to resemble a pocket.
Peplum: Separate section of a shirt or jacket between the waist and hip; the bottom part can be ruffled or pleated to create a flare effect.
Picot: Series of loops found along an edge, usually seen on lingerie.
Piping: Small piece of piping or fabric stitched between seams, usually in a contrasting color.
Pleats: Decorative folds; box pleats face outward; inverted pleats faces inward.
Raglan: Sleeve and shoulder are cut from one piece of fabric and attached to garment with an angular seam.
Rise: Measurement from the front waistline of pants to where the inseam begins.
Scallops: Series of semi-circular cuts, usually at the hem.
Know your size before you make any purchases. Any good clothing store will measure you, even if you don't buy from them. Overstock's women's sizing guide will then help you determine your shirts, pants and blazer sizes, so you can buy with confidence. Since very few people are 'average,' you may need alterations with some pieces due to your individual body measurements. Any tailor will alter your clothing for a small fee.
That depends on taste. Black, white and gray match everything. Some women won't wear suits at all unless they are black, gray or dark blue, while others choose bright, bold colors and patterns. Some people won't wear browns and blues together. The more casual the style, the more freedom you have with colors.
Clothes that don't fit right--too tight, too baggy, too big or too small
Colors that don't match (including some shades of the same color).
If you have graduated from college, anything you wore in high school.
In other words, people needlessly stress over the great fashion question: "Does it go together?" If you buy your clothing all at the same time, it's a lot easier to say, "Absolutely!" You are going to buy it anyway, so you might as well buy it all from Overstock.com and save more money.
The word is accessories: The age-old advice "less is more" is still true, so make your clothing accessories count! Shoes--you don't need more shoes, but who said that had anything to do with it? You want more shoes, you deserve more shoes, and at Overstock.com, you can afford more shoes. Scarves and shawls can make an ordinary outfit shine (and keep you warmer in cool weather). Everybody needs some belts, a few hats and a pair of sunglasses or two or three (for practical as well as fashion reasons). A great selection of watches can be found in Overstock.com's jewelry store. You'll need new wallets to hold all the money you're saving. By the way, clothing accessories make great gifts as well as great fashion statements.
There are times when every woman needs a commanding image; for that, she needs a suit or two, perhaps from the women's designer clothing department. Evening dresses and cocktail dresses are for a wedding or other fashion-conscious event; suits are for funerals, executive interviews, court appearances, IRS audits and other serious occasions. Wear it, get it professionally cleaned, then put in a garment bag until the next event. This is the time when you get the best to look your best and don't worry about price. Of course, at Overstock.com, you never really have to worry about the price.
Sooner or later, you are going somewhere, so why not get new luggage? Overstock has a great selection, from single carry-ons for short trips to complete luggage sets for that 'round-the-world cruise plus other travel accessories. By the way, if a friend or relative just got a promotion, a new business case will be a gift she (or he) will remember every single day of that new job.