Wow I have a really long neck and torso - YouLookFab Forum

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Wow I have a really long neck and torso

Anonymous

So I was looking at the thumbnails of some pictures I took of WIWs and some tops I tried on yesterday. I think it's easier to notice things like proportions in a smaller picture like the thumbnails because you can't see the details easily so you focus on the *big picture* (even though it's a little picture, lol).

It all started when I was figuring out what to wear yesterday. I decided that I don't like the bright blue Croft and Barrow embroidered neck top (too *older lady* looking on me) so I switched to the batik-y printed top. Not loving the droopy drapiness of it but oh well. I am really into navy and white and I think I need to discipline myself to add more of those colors to my wardrobe after reading Angie's capsule post. I played around the length of my bag strap because I felt like the longer strap, even though *cool* looking, was dragging me down.

I tried on some navy/white tops. Because of my long neck, I really love a bulky scarf, but I'm starting to branch out into collared shirts as an alternative. Notice what happens when my shoulder neck point is not covered. Also the really long tops make my torso look even longer. These pictures don't show the whole body, but you get the idea. I'm wondering if tying my shirts at the hip is an okay solution. I feel like I need to show as much of the bottom's waistband as possible. Semi tucking might be an idea too.

Today I'm wearing the hot pink skirt/chambray shirt outfit. I still feel like something is off. SarahA's comment about her preferring dresses over skirts because she has a long torso is ringing in my head. And Jean (Greenglove) mentioned that she liked one of my outfits over another because of the proportions has got me thinking. Maybe I need collars that stand up higher, but I'd prefer not to wear a crisp, business like shirt. This soft shirt collar won't pop.

Please help me figure this out! Remember I can't wear heels for everyday. Thanks!

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Body Type

52 replies

Latest reply was from Lyn D.

jayne

Veteran

gorgeous long neck and sporty torso! You are slimmer but I have those also!

REad Imogens post about proportions to make it all look great. Like the top might be two head lengths and the skirt 3 head lengths and that looks great. But exactly 2 to 2 would be off. Since your body is long, you have to find those lengths that work together for your body.

I think the outfit you are wearing today looks fine because it has a 2/3 ratio but if you feel it is off, you can try having the shirt tucked to decrease the top a bit. But I would rather you didn't, it looks wonderful the way you have it!

Victoria

(website)

Veteran

I think you look darling! I loved all of your outfits except maybe #6, I don't think it looks bad but its not my favorite on you
If you wanting to shorten your torso, you can try either tucking it your shirt(in #5) or wearing it out with a belt over it. I think your outfit #8 is awesome, I wish I could wear this style skirt and look as good(I would look short and stumpy). You could try wearing this shirt with a belt over it, I think that would look great too:)

Anonymous

Thanks Jayne, I've read quite a bit on Imogen's site and it's very good. I guess I'm just having to re-figure everything for summer clothes. All of the pink skirt fabric is pretty much exposed the way I have the shirt tied.

rae

(website)

Veteran

I just posted something similar on SaraA's post - I always try to make the top a little bit shorter than the bottom to move the waistline up. This simultaneously lengthens legs (my priority) and shortens torso (yours). In pics 1-3, the waist is also moved up by the placement of the button detailing and the curve of the lapels of your jacket. What do you feel is off about pic 8? I think that outfit is wonderful!

As for the shoulder neck points... hm. What about a cowl neck in a very fine linen knit? I felt some knit linen the other day and it was so light and cool, and the cowl would be like a built in scarf.

Sunita

Veteran

Hi Claire!

I also do what Rae does to lengthen my bottom half by shortening the top half. (I also make liberal use of heels, which I know you can't). If you don't want to tuck or tie your tops, cropped jackets and sweaters over longer layers might work well for you.

I quite like your long neck...it makes you look elegant. Are you interested in wearing your hair longer to cover some of it? My neck is quite thin, and when my hair is shorter it looks pretty long too.

S.

Anonymous

Sunita, I did try my hair a little longer, but it didn't work out. It got stringy and straggly looking. Maybe I just need to get used to seeing my neck exposed for summer? I just looked at pictures of Krishnidoux and Parsely and their necks looked like mine. Maybe my eyes just need to adjust.

Rae, I'm not sure what feels off, maybe I prefer to have a print or a third piece and I don't have either? I haven't seen any knit cowls, just the draped necks which stretch out on me. I have two of them (duh, I'm sure the whole forum knows my like, five tops). I'll try anything, but I'm leaning towards wovens for new tops.

Anonymous

Hey Rae, BTW, I really want a rubric like Shannon's! Can you give me a link to where you two discussed that?

K. Period.

Veteran

I'm neck-ally challenged, so all I can do is stare in awe at your beautiful, elegant neck. It may seem out of proportion to you, but it is what all of the rest of us are striving for!

Also, to my eye, all that 5, 6 and 8 need is to be brought up a bit. You could cinch the drawstring a little tighter to bring it up higher on the hips, and you could undo another button and knot your top a little higher. You have such a slender waist that you can pull that off easily, unlike my apple self. The higher positioning would also make your legs seem even longer. And by the way, love those blingy gold buttons.

rae

(website)

Veteran

I believe I said that here:
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....va-va-voom

It wasn't much of a discussion - Shannon listed off the elements of her outfit, and I said she should use the list as a rubric. The idea was for this to be a "style formula" in a similar way that Angie creates "outfit formulas." Instead of blazer/skinnies/tunic/flats, for example, Shannon had structure/color/vintage/ruggedness.

Jonesy

Veteran

Not to be a bozo or anything, but I really don't see anything especially long about your neck or torso :). Yes, you have a long, elegant neck, but it's certainly not abnormally or unpleasantly or unnaturally long, and your torso looks perfectly proportionate to me.

Meredith1953

Veteran

Claire,
I think you look lovely in all the outfits! The #6 pic might be a little better with a belt on top and a little higher on your torso. All the others work great because you either tie them which looks lovely or you have a blazer that with the curve hemline hits you at a higher point on your torso which shortens it. All the cropped jackets look fab on you also. You know Keira Knightly has a lovely long neck like yours and a long torso also and she does a LOT of short over long layering to break it up.

Jilly

Claire, I think u have an adorable figure! That being said, I see your point about proportions. In pics #1-3, I think the tops are a little too long, and the strap of the crossbody bag may be too long, also. I think wearing a contrasting belt would help or tucking in the top. I love the proportions on pic 4. The dolman sleeves and stripes are just right. Am not too crazy about pic #6 because I think the top is just too big for you. Pic 8 is really cute, maybe have the skirt a smidge shorter? My favorite outfit I've seen u wear was the fab dress from Goodwill! Maybe look at the proportions on that one to apply to your current outfits. I'm sure yo'll work it all out - You have super taste!

Parsley

Veteran

Claire,
Embrace your graceful swan-like neck and torso! There are tons of people who would KILL for your body build!

That's not to say that any body type doesn't have its challenges, but of all the problems to have, this is a pretty good one.

I think you look great with some neck showing. I really like that diagonal striped top on you, and the only one of the tops that really doesn't work, IMO, is #6, which just overwhelms you. Sometimes I think our eyes do have to get used to different looks.

Do you wear boat necks? I think a little bit of collarbone showing à la Audrey Hepburn would be fabulous on you, too.

But you know, sometimes I think we all waste too much time and energy trying to fool the eye into thinking we're a classic hourglass, when maybe we should be accepting and flaunting our own unique shapes.

Anonymous

Rae, thank you for that! I need to come up with one for me. It might have to include print.

Jonesy, thanks. Point taken. I think I'm just having an *off* day in general. Rain/wind had us cancel our plans and I feel like there is a fog in my sinus cavities.

Meredith and Jilly, pics 4-7 were just tops that I tried on yesterday. I only bought the white shirt and will probably return it.

Parsley, thank you. I wouldn't be opposed to a slight boatneck, as long as it didn't broaden my shoulders or show the straps! I'll try not to obsess!

Parsley

Veteran

Claire, Oh! I'm not preaching at you or saying you're obsessing too much! I just mean that maybe all of us worry too much about trying to fit into one mold! Obviously we're all here to try to learn how to look good, but I'm just saying I think a little bit of self-acceptance is good, too.

christieanne

Veteran

I'm not terribly good or educated on the proportion conversation so won't chime in on that but I did like striped tee on you. It seems kind of different than other tops you have been wearing and is also in "your" colors. The chambray shirt does go with that pink skirt so nicely.
As for the soft collar thing, could you try some old fashioned spray starch on it when you get home? On cuffs and collars it does bring them nicely into line. Plus it washes out if you hate it
Sorry about the bummer weather.

Beth Ann

Veteran

You've gotten excellent counsel, Claire, no need for me to chime in there, but I wanted to say that I adore the pink skirt combo! How fresh and fun you look! Enjoy your time in HI!

Ana

(website)

Veteran

I don't know, I think you look fabulous in all the outfits you put together! I really like the striped dolman top, actually. I also see what you mean about the items in #6 and #7. But I really, really love #8 (the skirt and chambray shirt)!

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Claire - I am in no way an expert regarding proportions so will defer to others here who have offered excellent advice.

As for "Shannon's Rubric", I was thinking quite a bit about my outfit the previous day and wondering why I felt good in it but not great and what was it about certain outfits that made me feel fab (which is how we want to feel everyday, right?). So I went back and looked through a bunch of WIW posts to see what I was wearing, what my own comments were about my outfit, and what the members' responses were to the outfit and found out there were some very obvious commonalities.

The first thing I noticed was "structure" - either a more fitted silhouette (black midi pencil skirt) or a strong shoulder line (blazer) or a wide belt (giving me a waistline). Next I noticed colour - although I'm a HUGE fan of black either alone, or black/white together, I need to have a pop of colour somewhere in an outfit (blazer, belt, handbag, shoes, etc.). Vintage is my next happy composition item - I want to have either a genuine vintage item or a vintage-inspired item in every outfit; it makes me feel unique and a wee bit funky/whimsical. Finally, I need to have an element of ruggedness in an outfit to balance out any sweetness that may come through via the vintage element - things my Docs, a leather jacket, etc.

I found this exercise to be extremely useful - breaking down the components of my outfits has given me some insight as to why I feel great in some things and not in others.

Just my thoughts FWIW.

rae

(website)

Veteran

Hm, I came back to give a list of suggested rubric elements, but now I'm finding it harder than I thought. You have such a focused style; it's not like you need to remember to add a "warrior" or "princess" element when you dress. Maybe:

- relaxation (e.g. a casual top or jeans)
- waist definition (e.g. the blazer or the natural waist of the pink skirt)
- pattern (often added via your scarves or shoes)
- collar (either a literal collar on a shirt or a makeshift "collar" created by a scarf... have you tried chunky necklaces for this?)

Jilly

It's funny, Claire, I re-looked at your pics on my regular computer instead of on my phone, and I couldn't really see any proportion issues, then.

Jjsloane

Veteran

Claire I think you look lovely. The only top I'm not loving on you is the one in #6. Maybe it's the top or just the length. Regardless, you are gorgeous and in paradise. Enjoy it!!!

Sarah A

Veteran

Claire, this is a fabulous post and a fabulous analysis. From outfit posted I really like 3, 5 and 8. I think even tying higher above hip in 5 could help... Audry Hepburn photos do provide great inspiration for how to tie! I about despise low rise pants for the torso elongating effects among other issues so a mid to high rise with a tucked or partial tucked shirt works for me. I find woven shirts just work better for me most of the time in the winter and I do starch just the collars which is great because the rest of the shirt is still soft. Perhaps I am strange but I enjoy ironing so doing this isn't a big deal. Sta-flo is my favorite starch. I wore a uniform for years though so I don't associate wovens with being restrictive. If you do decide to wear more button ups, look for shirts with a decent amount of interfacing in the collar... That makes it easier. Or those that take or have built in collar tabs (I have seen exactly two ladies shirts that have ever had these features... But one was at goodwill!) Dresses have been my summer staple, will see how my collections hold up to my being refined by YLF eye! Okay, you are totally beautiful and have a great classic sense so relax, smile, and have a great afternoon!

DeniseP

Is there a link to Imogene's site that you and Jayne referred to about proportions?
I need help, too!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Claire, I'm loving this conversation! So much richness here; thank you for beginning with your own oh-so-careful analysis.

As someone who shares some similar body type issues with you, I understand what you are saying about wide expanses of visible chest and neck. Truth be told, I think you look terrific in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 8. But I know for myself that if a neckline is too wide or bare for my own taste I feel a certain...I don't know...gawkishness, maybe? This problem, if it is a problem, is new to me since my weight loss and I am still adjusting to it. Like you, I had fun this winter with scarves and turtlenecks. That was great! But summer is another matter and I'm not so happy with my options. I'm discovering that on the whole, wovens with collars, narrow Vs, crew necks, slash necks, or boat necks are my friend .

I know you worry that you are an IT. But honestly, my dear, you are NOT! We went over that, didn't we, and learned you are a slim hourglass! You DO have wide shoulders, but your hips more or less balance them. And in any case, your bone structure is delicate. So there isn't any worry about trying a modest boat neck; just make sure the top is fitted enough (a snug little schooner vs. an aircraft carrier!). I honestly think this could work on you.

Maybe I'm more willing to try this because in former days I used to be a pear, so I was all about balancing the hips. Now I'm no longer pearish (so much) but I still like a gentle boat neck for its balancing effects. I also think that one problem for you, in your hot climate, is that wovens will quickly feel sticky and hot and they might wilt (although in the dry air of Arizona perhaps not as much as they would in Hawaii). So while collared shirts look great on you (and you should definitely get some more of them) you may also want a breezier alternative.

Now that the neck issue is taken care of, let's move on to the rest. First, I do not think your torso is unnaturally long. LongISH is what I say to myself about myself, and it's what I'll say to you, too! I actually think this is another case where photo angle may be making you think your proportions are more peculiar than they are. Have you done Imogen's measurements test? I found it enlightening.

Anyway, long and slender actually reads "willowy." So this is a plus! The trick is playing it up in ways that highlight what's great. I agree with Rae's suggestions. Move the waist up where you can. Belt sometimes (if it's not too hot). All this will make a difference. But honestly, you look terrific already, and in my opinion, it's more a question of slowly building your wardrobe so it contains enough pieces for you to work with than it is of anything else!

Kyle

Veteran

Seriously, you are model gorgeous. I have a hard time getting past that. Please, let's go shopping so you can model everything! I suspect you will find that structured pieces do look better on you...I don't do well with raglan or dolman sleeves, for example, and I think we have some things in common. And I believe that tall slender people with long necks are advised to stay away from things that exposé too much of the upper chest area, like V necks, drapey cowl necks, etc. I like you best in tailored pieces that are simple, but still modern. There is a wonderful elegance to your look. I do see that your torso looks longer in some of these shots, but if it bothers you there are lots of ways to trick the eye.

Diana

Veteran

Claire, I have the exact opposite problem as you - short neck and short torso. I am forever looking at my photos and thinking I look like I have no neck and a giant head! I am quite jealous of your long neck actually...

Have you checked out Imogen's post on neckline balance points?
http://www.insideoutstyleblog......llery.html
I found this really enlightening... basically, you use the proportions of your face/neck to determine where your necklines (high and low) or necklaces should go for ultimate flattery. On me, the "high" neckline is like halfway down my upper chest and the "low" one is borderline indecent. It really helped explain to me why I can't wear things like boat necks and chokers. I bet on you they will be much higher!

PS: I really like #4 on you!

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

You have received some wonderful advice here and I am afraid I have nothing to add. I am sort of with Jonesy - I don't see the problem in the first place. So I will just remark that you look gorgeous in white and blue, I love your wiw with the pink skirt too.

Anonymous

You are all so awesome, I wish I could hit more than one button for your help. Most of you have simultaneously boosted, solved, helped, given me wisdom and therapy all while making me laugh. As it ended up, I spent the day in a bikini on a paddle board and none of this body dismorphia spoiled the fun. Yay.

I need to shower and get ready for dinner, but I'll get back to reply to your individual, wonderful advice later. Thank you SO much.

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