Thrift Store Wardrobe

I hate it when I've gotten some new (to me) but cheap (definitely under $5) summer tops at the thrift store and after trying them on at home I think they look cute but when I am out and about and catch a look at myself in a window or something I cringe because I don't think they look that good after all.

I'm not sure what to wear in the summer here in NM because anything with even short sleeves is way too hot. I've always worn sleevless tank tops but with my general weight gain over the years (especially in the bust) and the inability to lift weights so my arms look toned I'm not sure they look very good anymore. I have been layering a loose sleeveless top over the tanks but the two thrift store goodies that I thought looked cute on me just...just don't.

Now I am feeling self-conscious. I need to lose 10 lbs and find a way to work out my arms that won't screw up my endless healing from surgeries.

I also have backed away from sleeveless for the most part. When I went to a college reunion last year I bought two sleeveless sheaths on ThredUp (great site for used stuff). I never wear dresses anymore. So when I tried on the dress, before I looked in the mirror, I imagined I'd look like I did when I used to wear dresses years ago. Surprise--my arms are definitely "old lady arms" and the a-line in the dress squeezed me in the middle. I did wear a body shaper with the dress I chose, but I also went to a local art guild store and bought a sheer shawl to cover my upper arms and any midriff bulges that remained.

So I saved money buying an online thrift store purchase, but then I bought a $50 shawl.

Bat wings are why I don’t go sleeves. I wear short or 3/4 sleeves year round.

I know this feeling so well. I just chucked some shirts because I realize they look horrid on me and just make me look heavier. And, I want sleeves. I don't want caps or tanks, I want actual sleeves, but find that women's designs seem to think we're all in our twenties and thirties. Same with necklines. I despise the dreaded scoop neckline so many shirts and blouses have. I also shop at thrift stores. The one place I do like to buy new is Costco, but I try to stay away from Costco, so....conundrum. and looking through my closet, I only have about 3 summer shirts.

I haven't worn sleeveless in forever. I recently bought a couple of cute, tunic-type tops from the brand Jess & Jane. I got them on eBay for a lot less than the retail price, although still not dirt cheap.
I'm pretty conscientious about wearing sunscreen these days (closing the barn door after the horses are out seems to be a theme for me), but there has been a lot of sun damage to my arms over the years, so I'm into more coverage rather than less. I've also never worn shorts in my adult life or capris in my entire life, and it's been my experience that loose, flowy fabrics can still be cool and comfortable.

I wear what keeps me comfortable, how it looks is not even a secondary consideration. (That is, except for special occasions/events - i.e. weddings) LOL

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Originally Posted by rosarugosa

I've also never worn shorts in my adult life or capris in my entire life, and it's been my experience that loose, flowy fabrics can still be cool and comfortable.

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I have fallen back on the old Catholic schooldays habit of wearing "skorts"--I find them to be comfortable, convenient, and a more attractive choice for people my age than shorts. I have three pair of LLBean's "camp skorts" in different colors--and I wear them every day in the summer. I did pay full price, but they're worth it. I'm on my third year.

https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/1225...m=skorts&pos=4

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Originally Posted by catherine

I have fallen back on the old Catholic schooldays habit of wearing "skorts"--I find them to be comfortable, convenient, and a more attractive choice for people my age than shorts. I have three pair of LLBean's "camp skorts" in different colors--and I wear them every day in the summer. I did pay full price, but they're worth it. I'm on my third year.

https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/1225...m=skorts&pos=4

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Those are really cute--I might try a pair.

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Originally Posted by catherine

I have fallen back on the old Catholic schooldays habit of wearing "skorts"--I find them to be comfortable, convenient, and a more attractive choice for people my age than shorts. I have three pair of LLBean's "camp skorts" in different colors--and I wear them every day in the summer. I did pay full price, but they're worth it. I'm on my third year.

https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/1225...m=skorts&pos=4

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Interesting. I used to love skorts growing up, but... not so much. Those do look comfortable, though.

“thrift stire wardrobe”

You rang? That is me all over.

Me too, Iris, lets go!!

Last week I scored 2 linen blouses, camp style I believe they're called. Roomy, button front, sleeves to the elbow. They were hung up, but obviously washed and never ironed---they were a mass of wrinkles. So, I snatched them up for $4 apiece, bought them home and ironed them and they're just beautiful. One was an Eddie Bauer. Solid color, pink, coral.

I had been thinking about trying my hand at garment sewing again after many years, but if I can continue finding things like this I shouldn't have to. Last winter I even got a cashmere tunic for $8 thrifting!

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Originally Posted by KayLR

Me too, Iris, lets go!!

Last week I scored 2 linen blouses, camp style I believe they're called. Roomy, button front, sleeves to the elbow. They were hung up, but obviously washed and never ironed---they were a mass of wrinkles. So, I snatched them up for $4 apiece, bought them home and ironed them and they're just beautiful. One was an Eddie Bauer. Solid color, pink, coral.

I had been thinking about trying my hand at garment sewing again after many years, but if I can continue finding things like this I shouldn't have to. Last winter I even got a cashmere tunic for $8 thrifting!

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I like linen a lot! Good score.

90% of my small wardrobe is thrifted. One issue here with thrift store clothing since Covid is that all the dressing rooms are either locked or out of service. So I have to buy and return for credit if they don't fit right. For me, how clothes fit is key and that is tricky as I am "petite." For summer tops, I look for really light weight cotton with short sleeve or ones I can roll up.

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Originally Posted by catherine

I have fallen back on the old Catholic schooldays habit of wearing "skorts"--I find them to be comfortable, convenient, and a more attractive choice for people my age than shorts. I have three pair of LLBean's "camp skorts" in different colors--and I wear them every day in the summer. I did pay full price, but they're worth it. I'm on my third year.

https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/1225...m=skorts&pos=4

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I did not realize they made Vista Camp skorts, interesting! I am all about the Vista Camp pants. I believe I have about 22 pairs, mostly black and gray, some lined and some unlined because I am insane or obsessed or something. My idea of dressing up these days is wearing one of my nicer pairs of camp pants that are not pilled. It does fit in with Simple Living though, as follows:
"What will I wear today?" "Vista Camp Pants"
"Should I buy this shirt?" "Only if it will go with my Vista Camp Pants"
"Should I wear the black ones or the gray ones?" "Doesn't much matter because what goes with black tends to go with gray, and vice-versa"
When I get a package from LL Bean, DH always asks, "More Vista Camp Pants?" :laff:

I like skorts, too. And linen capris for summer. And because my upper arms are not that pretty to look at anymore, I go for 3/4 sleeves--or gauze-y tops--even long-sleeved-- that are wonderful for hotter temps--they're loose fitting and just sort of float over the body without sticking close--cool for summer. I like the romantic look...and in a size that's not tight, they hide a multitude of sins..

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Originally Posted by rosarugosa

I did not realize they made Vista Camp skorts, interesting! I am all about the Vista Camp pants. I believe I have about 22 pairs, mostly black and gray, some lined and some unlined because I am insane or obsessed or something. My idea of dressing up these days is wearing one of my nicer pairs of camp pants that are not pilled. It does fit in with Simple Living though, as follows:
"What will I wear today?" "Vista Camp Pants"
"Should I buy this shirt?" "Only if it will go with my Vista Camp Pants"
"Should I wear the black ones or the gray ones?" "Doesn't much matter because what goes with black tends to go with gray, and vice-versa"
When I get a package from LL Bean, DH always asks, "More Vista Camp Pants?" :laff:

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LOL, rosa. As long as they make you happy!

It's funny, but my arms are probably the most toned they've ever been, since I've been lifting (small) weights consistently for almost a year now. I'm only doing 3 - 4 lbs, so no chance of looking like Arnold anytime soon.

DH and I have noticed that lawn/landscape workers in our area, mostly from Central America, wear long-sleeved shirts and hats on even the hottest of days.

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Originally Posted by happystuff

LOL, rosa. As long as they make you happy!

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Well they make me comfy, and they do have incredibly commodious pockets!

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Originally Posted by rosarugosa

Well they make me comfy, and they do have incredibly commodious pockets!

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Ooooo.... I do love pockets!