Is there such a thing as a universally flattering outfit?

Plushpenguin

Does this mythical creature even exist? Very often you'll here that a general type of clothing, such as shirtdresses, suit everyone, but it's implied (or at least it should be implied) that everyone will need a slightly different kind. Is there a specific outfit (or several) that, in different sizes, will suit anyone's body shape? Not an idea for an outfit, like a v-neck shirt with an a-line skirt, but an actual complete outfit without any variations made for body shape other than size. I've been wondering if such a thing is possible. I guess this question is more of a challenge than a question Of course the easy answer would just be "no". I have to admit, that's the answer I'm leaning towards, but I hope someone will try to meet the challenge.

18 years ago

Dressing

7 replies

Latest reply was from metamelomai

Josie

(website)

Active Member

I think a wrap dress comes closest to being universally flattering. It defines your waist with the tie and generally skims over your lower half to disguise problem areas. They generally come in a v neckline which is also flattering.

I rely heavily on a wrap dress, I always feel really good in them. I have several in different patterns and the pattern further helps disguise problem areas.

I think when paired with a pair of heels or heeled knee length boots you have an outfit that can take you from day to evening. Maybe a wedge heel during the day to keep the look more "day".

I think a jacket or blazer can further disguise and flatter. Throw on a necklace and you're done.

18 years ago

Marianna

Active Member

According to MyShape.com this dress fits all shapes. But I have my doubts.

http://www.myshape.com/product.....peze+Dress

18 years ago

Nicole

Veteran

I would look 6 months pregnant in that dress...and I wouldn't be able to wear a properly supportive bra either.

18 years ago

mayapple

Active Member

I'm increasingly skeptical of myshape. The pants they recommended me are horrendous and there are a lot of crew necks and flared/bootcut jeans...bad combo for a busty petite girl.

I agree with Josie about jackets though. A fitted jacket is pretty much a must for any wardrobe for any woman of any size and shape. A 3-button jacket with the stance that comes just below the bust seems to work pretty well for all body types. Wrap dresses are a bit more sketchy. It depends where they hit you. I have a hard time with wraps because they often hit below my natural waist, where I'm slightly wider, and aren't very flattering.

18 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Oh boy. Myshape’s suggestion is frightening. This is not a dress which every body type can wear. In fact, few can wear that and look good in my experience. I’ve browsed through this site for a good length of time and am a little startled at their suggestions. Sorry that your clothes did not work out Mayapple.

I’d take the concept of the dress and jacket a little further. I’d say “a fit-and-flare” dress with some sort of heel; and a tailored three button long sleeves jacket with princess lines and a stance that locks just below the bust and a length that ends a little past the hip bone. This is “uniform” for What Not To Wear candidates and it works every time. A structured, and paneled knee-length A-line skirt is another item I’d throw in.

18 years ago

Plushpenguin

Active Member

Wow, that myshape dress would look terrible on me. I remember being excited about myshape when I first heard about it a few years ago. The idea behind the site is really great, and so is there list of body shapes and seasons, but their suggestions are really bad. I looked at the site one more time and everything seems to be overpriced and extremely dowdy.

18 years ago

metamelomai

Active Member

Josie, I also have heard people say that wrap dresses are flattering on everyone, but I have to say they don't work for me at all! I believe I'm a weird variation of the apple shape--my neck, arms and legs are long and thin, I have wide shoulders, a large waist and hips, but am also flat chested. I've tried on several knee length wrap dresses and they all make me look 20 lbs heavier. It's too bad because I think wrap dresses are a very elegant style and some of my friends look fantastic in them. Maybe after I lose some weight....

18 years ago

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