Rules in Reverse

Nicole

I was wondering if I should look for pants and skirts with a double row of button detailing (like a double breasted jacket). I definately can not wear double buttons on my top half--I have known that since the boob fairy visted me. But since my hips are so much more narrow than my shoulder and bustline, would wearing sailor pants, or a skirt with two rows of buttons make my bottom half look more in proportion to my top?

Until reading Angie's blog, I always thought the goal was to make EVERY part of my body look as small as possible. I now realize taht making my hips and bum look small makes my upper body look even bigger.

I saw this skirt at BR and it fits my theory...
http://www.bananarepublic.com/.....pid=547487

What do you guys think?
(Can I just tell you all how nice it is to have several people to bounce ideas off of, and know I'm going to get an honest answer!)

18 years ago

Dressing

13 replies

Latest reply was from AnaElizabeth

Becky

Veteran

I saw a skirt similar to this and was attracted to it, but since I'm a pear, I knew it wouldn't work for me! It stands to reason that the double buttons would create a horizontal "line" to widen your lower half. I have considered a double-breasted coat for myself to widen my top half, but since I'm petite, I'm not sure if I should or not.

18 years ago

Nicole

Veteran

Becky, I think you could wear a double breasted jacket if it's at or above your hip.

18 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Your reverse thinking is correct Nicole. I would absolutely encourage bells and whistles on your bottom half. Before I advise you further on this skirt, can you tuck your tailored tops in and wear a belt?

You’ll need an A-line skirt Becky and preferably with vertical seaming.

18 years ago

Nicole

Veteran

Yes, I do have tuckable shirts, and I can wear belts at the top of the pant or skirt or low slung on the hips. I don't do so well with belts that adorn tops and cinch at the waist. (Does that make sense?) My natural waist seems too close to my bosom, so belting there just draws attention to my boobs. Should I post a photo to give you a better idea of my needs?

So, if bells and whistles on my bottom half are a good thing for me....what about tunics with a design that is only on the hip area of the shirt? I've seen some that have a smaller pattern on the top 3/4 of the shirt, (or solid on teh top 3/4) and a larger bolder design along the bottom 1/4. Would that be the same effect.

18 years ago

mayapple

Active Member

I would think that would work. I had some sailor pants that were terrible on me because they gave my thighs and hips way too much prominence. I think the tunic idea sounds good too...more subtle, perhaps. You can also wear lighter washes and colors on the bottom and keep the tops darker and less fussy, since dark colors recede and light colors pop. Maybe even add a hip belt.

18 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

By all means post a picture Nicole because it always helps. Your thinking about “bottom heavy” tunics is on target and you’d look great in sailor pants as long you can tuck in your tops. How tall are you? Maya makes super suggestions.

18 years ago

Nicole

Veteran

I am 5'4". I remember trying on a pair of sailor pants a few weeks ago and liking the way they fit from the knee up. But they were too wide. I ordered that skirt (in black of course) from BR, and the blue buttonless cardi. I hope their sizes run true because I ordered a 10 in the skirt and a L in the sweater. Oh well, we'll see what happens.

I wore a new tee shirt to the gym today--it's the Rock and Roses one at Esprit. I always wear double bras and a ribbed tank under my tees at the gym...but I was still amazed how long that shirt made my torso look. It's too Tee Shirt-y to wear out in public--but I like to look stylish at the gym too.

I'll try to get someone to take a picture of me and post it.

18 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Okay. So, do you ever shop petites Nicole? You are right on the cusp. You are right to leave the extra wide sailor pants for your height. Hopefully they’ll be a pair that’s less wide for you at some point. The cardigans at Banana Republic (with the hooks and eyes) will work really well for your body type too. And they are all on sale. The light blue aqua would be beautiful for your colouring. SO happy to hear that you are super stylish at the gym!

18 years ago

Nicole

Veteran

I've tried petites...but they don't fit quite right. Just a smidge too short in the leg and sometimes they will ride up in the seat.

18 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Yes that makes sense. I have a 5 ft 2 client who cannot wear petites because she is long limbed. And I have a 5 ft 5 client who is petite on top. It can vary.

18 years ago

Nicole

Veteran

Update: The buttonless cardi---love it. The skirt--notsomuch! I don't think I wear A line skirts very wel. The buttons were distracting and the pockets were at an angle and had buttons and it was just too much button! And I looked like Alice from Brady Bunch in it. I also wasn't crazy about the fabric. It was a thick and somewhat shiny cotton that had no drape. It just stuck out in all the wrong places...oh and the waist was very high.

18 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

That cardi is killer. So flattering on so many body types.

18 years ago

AnaElizabeth

Active Member

I remember that cardi, I think it's very chic.

18 years ago

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