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WIW (and why I rarely wear it)

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Today it was cold enough to bring out the GAP Lemming sweater from last year.

A couple of people suggested last week when I complained about a bit of boredom in the No Repeat November project, that I should vary my silhouettes more often and try some tunic sweaters or at least longer sweaters.

Here's why I rarely do that. With my short-ish legs, it cuts me right in half.

Granted, this is a "worst case" scenario -- I did this on purpose. High contrast, with a different colour again of footwear. I could extend the leg line a bit with same colour shoes. I could semi tuck the sweater (but then I'd be back to my regular silhouette) or I could wear a faded denim to tone the leg more to the top. And I have tried all of those, and they are improvements. Nonetheless, the longer sweater isn't really my best look. Much as I like it.

I've never found a longer tunic length that works on me either, and I have trouble understanding that. It might be because my calves are proportionately short? I like the look on others but far less on myself.

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56 replies

Latest reply was from Alexandra

Amy

(website)

Veteran

In this case, I think you might be your own worst critic. This outfit looks nice to me, proportions and all.

minimalist

Veteran

Well, *you* look fab, never mind the outfit. I need to peruse your past posts to find your skin-care routine. (And I mean peruse in the traditional sense of reading through thoroughly, not in the colloquial misuse of skimming.)

That sweater is nice, but looks very very rectangle on you. I suspect I'm on Team Best-Silhouette, and not on Team Change-it-Up.

Greyscale

Veteran

I think the color and the neckline look great with your face and hair. Even before I read your post, I was thinking that it would be better with denim (blue or faded black) or gray pants rather than black. The softness of the sweater is too stark against the black trousers, I think. I also wonder if you would love the length more if it were more fitted through the torso. The cables coming down from your shoulders box-ify it a bit.

But despite all that, I think it's very flattering on you. I don't think the length of the sweater is a problem at all. It might just take getting used to seeing yourself in that length.

Aleta

I think this outfit is nice, but just ordinary compared to what you normally post. It is difficult isn't it? You find a formula that flatters you, but after a while you feel in a rut, you change the formula, but you don't feel as good.

Thistle

Veteran

I think you look cozy, comfy and winter chic! I agree with Amy that you are your own worst critic

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I agree 100% with GS. Don't give up on this yet

MsMaven

Veteran

I have a hard time with tunics also unless they are a bit fitted and then flare out. Generally they make me feel blocky and dumpy or that I look pregnant. (No chance of that.) They work better for me with pants than skirts--better proportions.

I think you look pretty good, but agree with Amy and Aleta. Congratulations for being willing to try different looks.

Karie

(website)

Veteran

I do like this sweater on you, but I agree that it would look better with lighter pants and/or shoes in the same color as your pants to elongate the leg line. I think it would look great with a light wash jean and your Sam Edelman Petty's. You were thinking about possibly getting a pair of patterned pants in a different post, how about this sweater with patterned pants and cute pumps?

Marmee

Veteran

I'm confused. I had to look again at the picture, because I don't think that your legs look short at all. I see a long, cozy sweater. Perhaps you are just used to seeing your regular silhouette? I will say that I have a difficult time wearing black jeans with lighter colored tops, so perhaps that's part of your difficulty with the look?

Beth Ann

Veteran

I'm wearing a version of this now -- black skinnies and a navy cowl neck oversized sweater. I don't worry about my legs, really, just the overall mass. hee.

I think the sweater says "cozy luxe" and, if I were you, I'd wear it on those cold days in winter when cozy is called for, and pair it with a lower-contrast bottom. Legs look fine to me!

K. Period.

Veteran

Yeah. I'm with everyone else. I think it looks nice on you. You tried to make this look bad and still everyone thinks it looks nice. I think you are going to just face facts and admit that you make everything look good. Sorry.

Amy

(website)

Veteran

hahaha...K is soooo right

donnat

Veteran

Suz, i dont know... I just dont see what you are seeing. This outfit looks great. Your legs dont look short at all. Its a nice cosy outfit for a cold day.

Emily

Veteran

I like this on you, Suz! It looks cozy and easy. I agree that same colour shoes might be better, but it looks good as is.

Runcarla

Veteran

I don't see what you're seeing Suz (like just about everyone else). I even measured out the proportions per the pic, and your legs, NOT including the booties, are longer than the top expanse of grey.

Yup, the sweater is a little boxy, and a visually lighter jean might make it more a column of mid-tones, but all in all, this looks fine.

Anonymous

I'm so glad you've brought this subject up Suz! I've been wanting to discuss it for a while.

First, for your outfit. I don't think this is terribly leg shortening, because your crotch point isn't covered up (I don't think, it's kind of hard to tell). I love that sweater, and of course with faded jeans, it would be more elongating. I'd like the maroon booties with the faded jeans combo, and I might try some booties that read "mainly dark" with this one--black or patterned dark--I can't remember what you have. This outfit looks super cozy and fashionable, even if it might surrender the leg line just a bit. I think a LOT of it depends on where your critical eye goes first. An average bystander might not zero in on leg length at all (and that's what I pray for in my case), but would check in that you're wearing an on trend, oversized sweater, then their eye would travel down your lean legs to your pop-of-color booties, and the very pleasing color scheme you've created. I tend to check out on others what I feel is lacking with my own figure, and I think most people do the same.

Okay, now! I was reading Lisa Pippus over the weekend, and she mentioned several times how much more leg lengthening tunics are, because they hide the crotch point, and you can't tell where the legs start! I'm still trying to wrap my head around that. Not sure if I agree, because I've drunk the Stacy and Clinton Kool-Aide and they always say, "shorten the top to the hip" to lengthen the leg line. I'd love to hear what you and others think about this optical illusion!

Anonymous

Ha, what K said

gryffin

Veteran

Suz - would you consider styling with with a shortish black skirt and black tights with a black bootie, preferable with a little heel? You could also add a long black and gray scarf which would draw the eye vertically. I love the color and style on you. You do make everything look good!!! HOW DO YOU DO IT!!!

Sarah A

Veteran

I think it looks lovely, not as long legged as your partial tuck looks but not stumpyfying by any means. I am reading and re-reading Claire's comment. Brilliant! On so many levels...

The sweet spot for shirt lengths esp approaching tunics is a tricky one. Covering the crotch point without skipping down to midthigh is hard hem length for me to not feel very short legged. I cant tell if this sweater is just above or just below the crotch point. I'll be interested to see what you think in a lower contrast pairing. Still, I think you look fab cozy and warm for a day at home in the winter

deb

Veteran

I am going to differ with you and say this makes your legs look long.

Jjsloane

Veteran

I think it looks lovely and the slim dark pants keep the legs looking long and slim. It could just be that sweater is not so drapey and maybe another drapey one in that same length would feel better to you or a high low?

Shirley

It looked fine until I read your post. But I am still not convinced there is anything major with it. Maybe a longish, interesting necklace?

merwoman

Veteran

Nodding my head with everyone's comments, particularly Jjsloane - the draping is rather stiff with this chunkier knit. Difficult to give some waist line definition with this thickness with a little semi tuck.You'd probably feel more comfortable with more fluid drapey topper.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

What Amy said. And I love what K said too.

Suz. I wear this length pullover quite a bit, and I don't have long legs. Plus I'll wear it with flat booties to boot. Yes - you know what to do to lengthen the leg line with low contrast support acts. But this is a modern combination and definitely "flattering enough".

Peri

Veteran

Well, I don't think it looks bad at all...and that would be good enough for me! I think you are too tough on yourself but also I think your standards are high and you have many things that meet them...you are less willing to put with up with less than 10. It's probably an 8 or 9, and I'd be happy with that but you want the 10!

sarah

Veteran

Hmmm...I just don't see what you're seeing! I think you look great in this simple yet stylish outfit.

karymk

Veteran

Suz, you look really good in this. Not everyday can be a super duper outfit day. Some days you just need comfort. Nothing is wrong with this silhoutte for you in my mind.

Ariadne

Veteran

What K and Angie said. So there.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I have to join the choir. I don't know what I was expecting based on your description but your picture did not match it at all! This is a very good outfit and even when I try and focus on your legs I see shapely not short!

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