Wardrobe Makeover/Beginning after being in the Military... can anybody offer any fashion tips, advice?

Question

After finishing up over 4 years in the military, I've noticed my wardrobe needs a complete makeover. I never had a reason to buy nice clothes before(Uniform and combat boots was all i needed) , but now that I will be going on job interviews and possibly getting a job in an office type setting, I need a complete wardrobe makeover. The brand of clothes I have now are a little to young for my age (I'm 24) . I have brands like baby phat, rocawear, eckored and lots of sweats!! LOL ..
So I need to step it up to brands like bannaa republic, JCrew stuff like that but they are quite expensive and I've noticed their cuts of fabric for the ladies on the small side (I'm 5'6 145) Are there other retailers that offer the same quality nice /business type apparel without being so expensive and ones that offer various different sizes to accomadate women over a size 4? Also I don't want to dress to to old, but professional and trendy. Maybe "What not to Wear" can help?? LOL
thanks guys/gals!

Answer 1

Thanks for serving! I was in for 11 years, so I know how you feel. My husband was in 25 and retired and bought 12!!! white shirts! He's been through remedial wardrobe training now, though.
Do you look better in WARM colors:
ivory, tomato red, peach, orange, rust, golden yellow, lime, kelly, olive green, aqua, turquoise, teal, bright purple, caramel, chocolate brown, and gold jewelry? or
COOL colors:
white, pinks, cherry red, coral, lemon, mint, jade, hunter green, baby, royal, or navy blue, lavender, eggplant, gray, black, and silver jewelry?
Buy a few pantsuits and/or skirt suits, in neutrals from 'your' group.
Add shoes that match the slacks or skirts [ black with gray, navy, or black; dark brown with brown, caramel, beige. ]
Buy tops in 'your' brights or pastels, so the pretty colors are next to your face. Consider fitted Ts [ esp. with crochet, lace, embroidery, subtle beading ], wraps, and twinsets, and turtlenecks.
Save tanks, camisoles, halters, and logo or picture Ts for weekends.
Invest in some good jewelry, and buy a nice dress for the Christmas party!
Try:
JCPenney
Chadwicks
Newport News
Spiegel...all online,
and the sales or outlet section of department stores.

Answer 2

First, thank you for your service.It is appreciated.Now, the biggest piece of advice I could give you is don't get caught up in trends.Stick with the classics.Straight leg trousers, nice mid-length skirts,button up shirts.A little more reserved.You sound very sensible so I'm sure you'll make solid choices.You want clothes that will stand the test of time.Pinstripes will always be fashionable, as will a well cut suit!Best of luck to you in your new pursuits!