WIW: Volume on Volume on a Petite Apple

Everything in me says I shouldn't be wearing this when I'm only 5'1" - wide leg trousers and a voluminous drop shoulder horizontal striped sweater. And yet I love the combination and think it works. Previously I've paired this sweater with slouchy and slimmer bottoms but I like the pairing with the trousers because it's all in the same colour and the Glen plaid trousers have a fine navy stripe in them which matches the navy stripe in my sweater.

I've added my navy vintage leather handbag for some structure to this drapey outfit (and for another bit of navy!) and my trusty black Clarks pumps for footwear.

So what do you think? Can a petite apple pull off this much volume or should I stick with pairing the sweater with sleeker bottoms and pencil skirts? As always, all suggestions/comments welcome.

Sweater: Lord & Taylor
Trousers: Ricki's (thrifted)
Shoes: Clarks
Handbag: vintage (thrifted)

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11 years ago

Anonymous

I think it works! I think the fabrics are key. These look drapey so when you move it shows your shape underneath. It isn't stiff and tent like.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

For me this works terrifically. Maybe the bookending, matching greys create a long line somehow? Also the way the sweater drapes creates slightly diagonal rather than strictly horizontal lines? This is definitely a case of reasoning backwards - first I admire than I ask why!

Thistle

What Ceit said! I like the combo on you, and it inspires me to checkout some wide leg trousers for myself!

Sarah A

Yes, drape and movement is totally what makes volume on volume work. How the horizontal sweater lines drape is lovely (something TinaB pointed out to me so I cant take the credit for noticing how cool it is when the lines dip like that) but I can like it!

Suz

Shannon, this TOTALLY works. This sweater is a dream. I SO wish they'd had one in my size at my store. But they did not.

The drape and ease of the fabrics is one reason. Another reason it works, I think, is your short hair. We see an elegant neck and a lovely oval face shining above, and your features are delicate -- so the ultimate effect is graceful.

This might not work as well on a woman who was your height etc. who also had long neck-concealing hair.

As usual, Angie is right. Our hair is an integral part of our style!

cheryle (Dianthus)

Have you ever noticed that in pictures you can't tell how tall a person is? If you get the proportions right, then it works regardless of height. I think you got it right and your volume on volume works. I also think the wider deep blue stripe that curves down on the outer edges add definition to the waist.

Thumbs up here.

Beth Ann

I bet this looks even better IRL, where movement in fabric is visible. Drape and texture are underutilized elements in fashion. You've got them right here.

Suz is right, too, that your hair and open neck make a difference.

And you're going to be so comfy today!

pil

Shannon, you have such great instincts for interesting combinations/looks. I love this sweater on you.

Totally works, Shannon! Nicely styled.

Sara L.

It works for me. That sweater is one of my favorite pieces from your closet. I can never tell your height in any of your photos. You always look proportional to me.

kellygirl

Great! I think it works because the tapering of the trousers at the knee. They fit you so well and you look SO sleek, Shannon!

Agreed! this really works. The proportions, your hair and the drapey fabrics, all work in harmony. Fab.

rae

You have on a heel, a column of color, and the fabrics drape to reveal your shape. Awesome! This could be in a fashion textbook for petities somewhere.

annagybe

Sorry I'm an outlier. Eh, I'm having problems with the pants. If they were tapered at the ankle I think it would look more modern. I do like how the greys match though.

Transcona Shannon

Suz - interesting observation about how the short hair helps in this scenario. I hadn't thought of that.

Dianthus - I absolutely love where the wider blue stripe on the sweater hits my body. It's one of the reasons I really like this sweater and I'm sure it's no accident that it's placed in that spot.

Anna - I totally hear and respect your opinion and I do agree that the sweater probably suits narrower trousers better, but it's nice to try other options.

Thank you for your feedback and observations Ceit, Shevia, Thistle, Sarah, Beth Ann, pil, AJ, Sara, Kelly, Diane, and Rae!

unfrumped

I think it works, though I might like slimmer trousers. I don't think it has to be skinnies though. But the color combo really helps.

What about your handbag that has cobalt and some kind of greeny-yellow in it? Would that be too much ? ( I love that bag.)

Lyn D.

Yes, I like this Shannon!
The cobalt in the sweater is at just the right spot to create shape where it needs to be, then a flowy column is created with the grey.
Lovely!

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