DEAR ABBY: I need advice on how to approach a friend, "Sarah," about a sensitive topic. She's pretty, but she dresses sloppily. Her pants are so loose they slip off her waist, her shirts are too tight and short, and she never wears makeup or jewelry.
I'd like to take her shopping for clothes that fit her better, especially as she has started looking for a new job and will need appropriate clothes for an interview. However, Sarah's a bit on the large side and sensitive about it, so she doesn't like shopping with others and refuses our offers to help. She also gets offended if someone points out that her clothes don't fit.
I don't want her wardrobe to impede her interviews, and I think she could benefit from a new look. How can I gently offer to go clothes-shopping with her so I can help her find nice clothes without offending her? -- FASHIONISTA IN NEW ENGLAND
DEAR FASHIONISTA: How is your friend doing in that job search? If she tells you it's not going well, that would be the time to offer your help. But do not approach the subject from a grooming perspective, which Sarah could regard as insulting. Instead, approach it from the job attire angle. Suggest she could make a better impression if she "dressed for success," and volunteer to help her pick out some things.