Thrift Store Wardrobe

[SiouzQ.]

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.

[catherine]

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.

[Tradd]

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

[Tiam]

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.

[rosarugosa]

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.

[happystuff]

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

[catherine]

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 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

[Tybee]

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

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

[happystuff]

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

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

[iris lilies]

“thrift stire wardrobe”

You rang? That is me all over.