Your Favourite Styling Techniques

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Angie is co-founder of YLF and its resident fashion stylist.

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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Your Favourite Styling Techniques

— by Angie

on July 18, 2018

I’ve noticed that there are a few styling strategies that I use frequently in my outfits. The first three pander to my personal figure-flattering priorities which are to create outfit structure, shorten my neck, and lengthen the leg line. The last panders to my need to create polish and look visually pulled together.

1. Chunky Pearl Necklace Fills the Gap

I have a long neck that looks even longer because of my narrow shoulder line and pixie haircut. I effectively shorten my neck and broaden my shoulders by wearing close-fitting, narrow, and high necklines because the coverage is visually shortening on the neck and lengthening on the shoulder. Sometimes though, crew necks and boat necklines are still too wide and I need more coverage. My pearl necklaces add coverage by filling the gap, and do the shortening trick. Bonus that they add a dressy integrity to my outfit.

2. Scrunch Long Sleeves

Showcasing skin adds structure to an outfit because it reveals the natural contour of the body. When I scrunch long sleeves to showcase my forearms, I add structure to my look, which makes proportions work better on my slight frame.

3. Semi-Tuck or Tuck Tops

I wear flats 99% of the time. I don’t want to feel dumpy, overly long in the torso, or flat-footed, so I lengthen the leg line from the hips upward by semi-tucking or fully tucking a top. This brings up the position of the hem of the top, thereby shortening the torso and lengthening my leg line. Hinting at or fully defining the waist adds structure to the outfit too.

4. Sport a Complement

I will often add a complement of footwear and accessories to my outfit to pull it together. In other words, I’ll match my bags to my shoes, or match my shoes to my belt. I can also match my bag to a scarf, or my scarf to a belt. I’ve also matched bag, belt, scarf and shoes for maximal good measure.

Wearing a tailored topper over a fluid or flowing untucked top is one favourite styling technique among my clients. The untucked fluid top camouflages muffin top, while the tailored topper tempers the volume and adds structure. Keeping a jacket or blazer open in front is another favourite. It creates a line down the centre front of the body which accentuates the vertical integrity of the outfit. Another is to add heels to an outfit to lengthen the leg line.

Over to you. What are your favourite outfit styling techniques and why? Are they similar or the opposite of mine?

Instant Style Tips · Outfit Creation

46 comments · Add a comment

lyn67

Veteran

These all make the sense. I am not a slim person, and have my curves:-), so no wonders, wearing a tailored topper over a fluid or flowing untucked top is one of my favourite styling technique, too! Then I always scrunch or roll my sleeves. But for a statement jewelry I always loved better a long pendant than some beads close around my neck, except it is a very fine chain or a simple chocker with a pendant.

July 18, 2018 at 4:12 am

Sterling

I’m all for complements! I wonder how I lived without them for so long.

July 18, 2018 at 4:36 am

Thistle

Veteran

Mine is matching shoes to my trousers. I do what I can to make my legs look longer.

As such, I have also avoided cropped and ankle pants,

July 18, 2018 at 4:37 am

Sonce

Not sure if this counts, but I insist on wearing pants and jeans that fit my shape, which is high-waisted pretty pear with large thighs. I spent so many years settling for ill-fitting bottoms, and my style as well as my comfort level suffered for it! One day I’d finally had enough. No more constant hitching up of mid-rises! No more floating waistbands resulting from sizing up to fit my thighs!
I’m taking advantage of the availability of high rise and wide leg offerings available right now. I feel terrific in these silhouettes, and find styling outfits around them to be really easy.

July 18, 2018 at 4:53 am

Aquamarine

Veteran

I feel the need to balance out my strong shoulder line (I’m a true IT) and bigger bust with something wider on the bottom. So I generally don’t wear dainty shoes or boots, and prefer straight legs to true skinnies or I wear chunky footwear with skinnies. I also have big hair no matter how I style or cut it, which makes me even more top-heavy.

July 18, 2018 at 5:11 am

Suz

(website)

Veteran

These strategies serve you well, Angie! Isn’t it funny how over time they can become second nature?

My favourite fallback styling strategies overlap with yours.

1). High collars, popped collars, envelope necks and *narrow* V necks. These work with my slightly long neck, pixie haircut, slight frame, putting emphasis on my face.

2). Scrunched long sleeves for structure. I have been scrunching as long as I remember.

3.) Semi-tuck or tucked tops. For the same reasons you prefer them. Lengthens the leg line, adds dimension and definition.

4). Echo colours/ patterns in an outfit. This is similar to the complement idea. I don’t always do it with accessories but sometimes with a clothing item and an accessory. (E.g. red dots in dress, red footwear.)

5). Bookend shoes to hair. This is a YLF-learned trick and I love it. Silver and grey footwear is my friend.

6). Wear a low to mid heel to lengthen leg line. For me, this is often more comfortable as well, which is a bonus. I don’t do high heels, and don’t do down-to-the-ground flats, but heels of 1 inch to 2.5 inches are great.

July 18, 2018 at 5:12 am

jussie

Veteran

Hmm well I have long hair, so if I have a plain top with a simple neckline that’s a good time to wear my hair down, it’s almost like an accessory that way. If my neckline is complex it’s better to wear hair up.
Another thing I like to do is wear a rectangle scarf just hanging down long-ish, not looped at all. I think this can be lengthening and narrowing when done right, depending on the outfit and the scarf.

July 18, 2018 at 5:22 am

Diana

Veteran

Mine is to look for items with vertical waist shaping (like princess seams) rather than horizontal (like belts) to avoid emphasizing my short waist.

I also like adding structure and juxtaposing structure with flow.

July 18, 2018 at 5:25 am

krishnidoux

Veteran

Thank you for sharing these tips, and, mostly, for explaining why they work as such. Sometimes, a special styling trick will answer a proportion need, or a function, and other times, it’s solely personal preference. It’s very interesting. You know when you go into a store and the SA will demonstrate how you’re supposed to wear the garment, and sometimes it’s contrary to how you would instinctively wear it. This is a great reflection topic!

July 18, 2018 at 5:33 am

Sigrid

Fun topic!
1.Since I’m long in the rise, I prefer not highlighting my waist when I’m wearing jeans/pants and shorter tops. With longer coats, dresses and tops worn with skirts, I feel much more comfortable accentuating my waist.

2.I have pear tendencies and often prefer light/colourful tops and darker bottoms. LIke Suz said, this is like a second nature for me!

3. Having the sholderline of clothes just at the edge of my shoulder give structure to my narrow shoulderline. More and more aware of this one.

4. The classic advise of volume on top and narrow bottoms (most ofte for me) or the other way around.

July 18, 2018 at 5:34 am

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Yes! I do #3 – semi-tuck, and #4 – complement, all the time. The complement technique is one I only recently implemented and as you say, it works like a charm. I’m going to think a bit more intentionally about how I can wear a tailored topper over a fluid or flowing untucked top. I don’t have many tailored toppers, but I can imagine that this styling technique is highly effective, so I’m going to play in my closet and see if I can come up with some options.

July 18, 2018 at 5:49 am

Ginger

Veteran

What a great discussion! It’s interesting how many of these things have become second nature to us.

1. Define the waist. I’m a pear shape with a small waist proportional to my upper body. Without fail my outfits will have waist shaping. It may be emphasized by a fit-and-flare dress, or a top tucked into a true-waisted skirt, or a snug knit. It can also be more subtle, like dresses with slight waist or Empire waist shaping, or tops that have curving seams. Either way, I want my shape to be defined.

2. Sleeves. 90% of the time I wear garments with sleeves, not because I am conscious of my arms, but because of the shoulder-widening effect. Sleeveless garments visually narrow my upper body, whereas sleeves extend the color of the garment outward and balance my hip line. The exceptions are gear and some fit-and-flare tank dresses I wear in very hot weather.

3. Color and matchiness. I love to play with color, and I love to combine colors. Most neutrals make me sad; the only neutral I can wear head-to-toe happily is white. (Even then I would have colored jewelry and/or shoes.) I like saturated pretty colors, and playing with higher contrast combinations. Burgundy and blush pink is a favorite combination in cool weather; white and emerald green is a summer favorite right now. If my lifestyle were more like Angie’s, in which I carry a handbag and wear toppers more often, you can be sure they would be all carefully coordinated!

July 18, 2018 at 5:57 am

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I like the visual effect of long toppers like the overcoat in the last picture, and want to wear them more often

It’s funny how what works well for one person can be so wrong on another. Matching accessories, for me, is one of those old-timey fashion rules to flout 90% of the time. And if I wore semi-tucked, I’d look and feel disheveled, as if half of my shirt had come out while I was running around.

July 18, 2018 at 6:16 am

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

This is so interesting! I wouldn’t have realized I had any until I started reading everyone’s list. Mine include
1. Scrunching up sleeves – my relatively narrow forearms create structure against my often shapeless clothes.
2. Pointy shoes and showing my lower leg – same reason.
3. V necks to elongate my neck.
4. Hoop earrings to add color near my face and bring out my eyes.
5. Matching my metals and/or leather to add some cohesion to my look.
Probably others that I will be reminded of reading more responses.

July 18, 2018 at 6:22 am

Cardiff girl

Veteran

Thanks Angie it’s good to know why certain styling techniques work for you.I find that I wear things in a similar way to you with the exception of having to shorten my neck!

July 18, 2018 at 6:25 am

Bijou

Veteran

My styling preferences are
1. highlight my waist, by tucking tops or wearing sheath dresses that skim my body.
2. I like to lengthen my leg line by wearing heels or shorter length skirts to lengthen my leg line – tucking in tops helps with this too.
3. I like a column of colour and for this reason love to wear dresses and even playsuits.
4. I often bookend my hair – nude, gold, tan and white all work well for me. My white boots were a wildcard that have turned into a workhorse.
5. In terms of colours, 3 is the magic number for me, I like to wear about 3 colours in an outfit. I like matching things, just not too much.

July 18, 2018 at 6:27 am

Joy

Veteran

I use all of your styling tricks learned here. I also tend to dress in columns of color, especially neutrals, in order to look visually taller and slimmer and usually can easily add pattern or texture with one piece.
Another trick is to use shiny or sparkle near my face. I like to wear sleeveless for the opposite reason as Ginger…to visually minimize a strong shoulder line. I look for tops or toppers with high armholes. That seems to help a small bust look a bit larger.
I like the trick of a long structured piece over loose and need all the muffin top camouflage I can get these days.
For structure and a less old lady look, I prefer jackets to cardigans, unless the cardigans have some structure.

July 18, 2018 at 6:31 am

Joy

Veteran

Sporting a compliment using accessories is one of my favorite styling techniques and am now seeking small waist bags that will compliment my larger bags in order to have my car key fob always on me. It is too bulky for a pocket with fobs for 2 cars, keys for two houses, and loyalty cards that are most needed regularly.

July 18, 2018 at 6:38 am

Toban

Veteran

I love reading everyone’s individual style rules. My most frequently used are:

1. Fill a scoop or v-neck with a statement necklace to fill the gap and draw the eye up.

2. Dress and skirt length just above or just below knee for figure flattering priorities. Sheath dresses and pencil skirts are my favorite silhouettes.

3. Pointy toe shoes or shoes with diagonal straps to elongate my petite height. Usually colorful or bookending my hair.

4. Modest waist definition to draw away from chest, with a body skimming top that ends at hip or any top with a tailored topper.

5. Hard pass on anything I don’t feel awesome and confident in, regardless of others opinions or current trends.

July 18, 2018 at 6:42 am

rachylou

Veteran

Off the top of my head, I wear tops untucked mainly because I’m very short-waisted. I think I like crewnecks for the same reason – v-necks feel like they shorten an already non-existent torso. I’m not sure what else might fall into the category of styling techniques.

July 18, 2018 at 6:56 am

Kim M

(website)

Active Member

Yes, styling techniques are a woman’s best friend! I didn’t realize, as Suz mentioned, above, that you had noted matching shoes to hair–a Fabulous idea–one I will be implementing ASAP. I am a front-tucker b/c I don’t have a waist and sleeve pusher-upper b/c I feel like it adds thought-out styling (plus it works for me). That is why I’m still missing shoulder pads from the 80s (not outrageous ones) b/c they help to balance out my figure.

July 18, 2018 at 6:57 am

rachylou

Veteran

I have just had another thought… maybe I like suits and dresses because with all the same fabric, that also helps elongate my torso…

July 18, 2018 at 6:59 am

Eliza

Veteran

Yes to scrunching sleeves (and sometimes shortening them to bracelet length in a topper). I have a short neck and have learned the value of elongating earring shapes and narrow V necks. I am all about fluid, but not usually oversized tops, and hip length or longer toppers. I happily wear complimentary accessories. My pants are usually a narrower cut for styling and a bit more flattering look.

Interesting topic and helpful to read what people finds works for them; thanks, Angie.

July 18, 2018 at 7:01 am

cjh

(website)

Veteran

Off the top of my head:
Color non-matchiness, such as navy top with gray or blue jeans, turquoise or yellow-gold cardigan, or using pink and red together, or purple and orange.
Casual quirkiness, such as colorful chunky necklace, sandals or Converse tennis shoes.
Layered tops when it’s cool enough, either a cardigan, pullover or casual jacket over knit top or button shirt.
Adding third layer with rolled sleeves (to show under-layers) and colorful scarf when even cooler.

Summary: carefully chosen layers of interesting color, texture, and accessories make me feel put together, fun and artistic.

July 18, 2018 at 7:08 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

WOW. A great read, ladies. Thanks for sharing. Lots of difference as well as similarity. Sorry I can’t respond to you in more detail – I’m still NASing……

Suz, YES. I bookend my hair a lot. Forgot to mention that……good grief. *SIGH*. I need a holiday

Ginger, YES. I love sleeves for their widening effect. Same reason I don’t wear cardigans because they make me look too narrow.

Laura, Joy & Sterling, welcome to Team Complement. It’s an effective strategy.

Shevia, good one with matching metals. I’m a purist that way too.

Cardiff girl, high five.

Rachy, yup. Those techniques elongate a torso well.

July 18, 2018 at 7:16 am

Fascinating discussion. Revealing the why behind the how helps me make better choices. I think it is easy to fall into copy-cating so when an item arrives that looked absolutely great on someone else on YLF and is so totally wrong or ‘off’ on me, I know that I it is time to pause and reflect. Even those items, however, that may not fit my body can be ‘adjusted’ to work for me. The facts: 5’7″, 135-138 lbs, 36D, rectangle-shaped–straight up and down without a defined waist, used-to be long neck which is now drooping a bit, long narrow feet, age 71.
—Greying hair and bookending: I’m learning to adjust choices in footwear since I stopped highlighting. Bookending differently now.
—Long torso: long waist, long legs. I semi-tuck because I embrace the lengthening and need to define A waist. I am a rectangle, straight up and straight down. I like fitted bottoms as I have narrow hips that get lost in too much fabric. I finally found some cropped/ankle fitted pants that lengthen. I like high-waisted jeans or ones that hit just below the naval as it feels like I have a waist. Lower rises create a muffin top on me.
—Shoes: I prefer a slight heel to lengthen body line but fussy feet are more and more demanding flat or only1-2 inch heeled shoes. AA, narrow heel and long toes. I opt for comfort over style and I generally can get both after a long search and willingness to buy the better brands.
—Broad shoulders: boatneck tops generally don’t work for me but V neck tops do. I can do a slight boatneck, however. And I can do a more fitted top with V-neck and a scarf to fill in the gap which brings the eye to center, thus narrowing the shoulders. v-necks also are better on a drooping neck than, say, turtlenecks which emphasize the aging process, plus I’m claustrophobic and cannot stand anything that fits tight on the neck
—Greying red hair: I embrace color–saturated not pastel; fresh/clear colors. Neutrals: navy, some greys, some black. Caramel or tan can be good too. Grey used to be a wash-out color for me, near my face. But the changing hair color has changed that some. Still, I will add color in a scarf or in bottoms/shoes.
—Tailoring: after a long career in college teaching and dressing in a more classic/modern way, I still prefer a put-together look, even for at-home wear. I like my jackets, slim-lined cardi’s. I do have my fave comfort-pieces and I write better in them! But I like those to be fun pieces too.
—Complements: I choose simple jewelry as chunky necklaces can broaden the upper body. I like watches on my long arms. I have never loved handbags so I have a simple array–preferring saturated purple, cognac, rich green, deep turquoise, navy over other colors or neutrals like black.

July 18, 2018 at 7:26 am

Dana

(website)

Veteran

Ha! This reminds me that I usually wear the blouse I have on semi-tucked. Must untuck half of it! Thank goodness I haven’t gone out the door yet, lol! (And hopefully my blouse isn’t wrinkled.)

July 18, 2018 at 7:50 am

lisa p

Interesting discussion. I know you are tied right up with NAS and aren’t on the blog or forum much, so I won’t bother with a long response, but I’d love to get a better handle on some of this. I am an intuitive dresser, and still don’t have a grip on some of the techniques and wonder if I couldn’t be dressing in a more flattering way for my body type. I’m not disproportioned , just carrying a ton of extra weight . All I know is long-over-lean. Accessorizing and exposing arms and legs are a no-brainer, but some of the other stuff never seems to work for me. Great reading everyone’s replies here though.

July 18, 2018 at 8:01 am

RobinF

Veteran

Great info here!

Complements for sure! For me that also means gold and bronze tones with warmer colors and silver tones with cooler colors.

I don’t tuck because I have no waist. Tucking just emphasizes that and makes me look wider.

Also, if I’m wearing something wide or shapeless (usually is n top), I need slimmer for the opposite piece. Otherwise it just looks too big and sloppy.

July 18, 2018 at 8:34 am

renee

Statement sleeves – bell sleeves, flutter sleeves, ruffle sleeves.
Ballet flats – I long ago gave up on heels and have now found that investing in a great pair of ballet flats makes a world of difference in how confident I feel.
Well defined color palette – I have spent the last few years figuring out what I like and what looks best on me (which is generally the same thing). I actually developed a wardrobe color swatch that I carry in my handbag. This keeps me from buying things that will be orphaned in my closet and has allowed me to keep my wardrobe relatively small.
Floral prints – Small, feminine floral prints. Maybe an ikat, chevron or polka dots once in a while.

Overall, my look seems not to vary much from day to day. Trousers or skirt, blouse and a cardigan, jacket or scarf. 2 of them are usually solids (but almost never matching) and one is a print. Once I developed my “formula” for dressing it became much easier to get dressed in the morning. And, I always lay out my clothes the night before so everything is ironed and ready to go.

July 18, 2018 at 9:05 am

kkards

Veteran

love the idea of personal styling techniques, obviously I have some, but until you wrote this, I hadn’t really stopped to think about them…and to think that each of us has our own bag of tricks that we fall back on.
here’s mine
1. interesting shoes
2. belt (if one is wore) matching back to shoes
3.semi or faux tuck
4. column of color

July 18, 2018 at 9:37 am

Lesley

Veteran

*Wow.* This explains why the chunky necklaces I loved in my 20s, I have lately felt like don’t love me back (slinking off with my short-necked self).

Although I do still occasionally wear chunky, but they now have to drape a lot lower!

July 18, 2018 at 11:27 am

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I think some of my tricks are so instinctive and ingrained into me at this point, I almost don’t think about it.

I do often like to do certain things mainly for the sake of conventional flattery:

– keeping top and bottom fairly low-contrast, or if high contrast, I generally wear lighter colors on top and darker colors on bottom, to draw attention upwards.

– use of diagonal and vertical lines to lengthen and slim — not only stripes and seaming, but also angled or asymmetrical hemlines, slits in skirts, v necks, and wrap styles. Open jackets and long toppers also work for this.

– substantial or distinctive shoes to balance out the visual weight of my legs and hips, and add edge or a unique twist on an outfit which might be otherwise pretty conventional.

– structured shoulder lines to even out my uneven shoulders and balance my lower half.

– use of fun accessories like statement jewelry, scarves and bags to up the style factor in a basic ensemble.

July 18, 2018 at 11:33 am

Barbara Diane

Veteran

Most of my clothing skims my body. Nothing really oversized and nothing body con.

No tucking.

Mid rise pants that hit my waist and the pants crotch must align with mine.

Medium or more color saturation in cool tones.

Often if my pants or skirts are black and my tops are lighter, some black in my necklace to tie the outfit together. My pre-gray quite dark brown hair used to serve the same purpose.

Shoes must be comfortable except one pair I mostly just sit in and most likely wouldn’t buy today.

Usually color, often a print, occasionally monochromatic navy or black.

Nothing too “out there” but occasionally just on the edge. My“out there” would be quite tame to others.

July 18, 2018 at 11:35 am

Style Fan

Veteran

I find it interesting to read everyone’s responses. I was always an intuitive dresser until YLF. I have learned so much!

1/ I have a long neck and I worry that my head will look like a lollipop on top of my body so I wear my hair longish. I also prefer longer hair.
2/ I much prefer open necklines (scoop and v) for some reason. Perhaps it has to do with showcasing the skin and creating structure.
3/ I also like to scrunch my sleeves but they unscrunch themselves. So I wear 3/4 sleeves. Again this creates structure. I also find this emphasizes the waist which to #4.
4/ I tend to emphasize my waist. This lengthens my legs, shortens my torso and draws the eye away from my hips.
5/ Bookend my hair. Eye-opening.

July 18, 2018 at 11:40 am

whidbeygirl

Active Member

As lisa p said, I am also more intuitive in my style choices. I don’t yet have the style ‘language’ for analyzing what I choose to wear. I’m sure I could do better in creating a flattering silhouette. Does anyone else have trouble making the semi-tuck thing work for them? I’m 5’ 4” and have a bit more at the waist than I’d like..and I’m thinking that may be why it doesn’t look right on me. I love the look on others but struggle to make it work for me. I always wear a jackets or sweaters always open. It seems to obscure the extra middle weight.

July 18, 2018 at 12:49 pm

The Cat

Veteran

Interesting topic, Angie! I guess many of us can pick up styling tips from your post and others’ comments.
These are some of my styling techniques:
– I wear turtlenecks, high round-necks and slash-necks–to harmonize with my face (esp. jaw) lines.
– Try to avoid V-necks and deep U-necks, but when I occasionally wear one of these lines (say, in a dress or blouse), I make sure the fabric is soft, and fill the gap with a necklace or scarf.
– Necklace/scarf/shawl/earrings/brooch (1 or 2 of these items) to draw attention upwards, to my face.
– Echo colours in my outfit because I like some cohesion in an outfit. A non-neutral colour worn on the lower part of my body will be repeated somewhere near my face, to draw attention upwards. And the colour of non-neutral reading glasses (I have several pairs) will be repeated somewhere else in my outfit.
– Wear tops untucked, as my upper body is slightly shorter than my lower body.
– Wear toppers, to increase the volume of my upper body.
– Toppers like blazers, cardigans and long button-front shirt jackets are worn open, for a relaxed look and feel. I feel very “restricted” by closed toppers, unless they are outerwear.

July 18, 2018 at 2:04 pm

Brooklyn

Veteran

Long, long necklaces (and sometimes scarves) to create a strong vertical line. That’s my favourite.
Long (mid thigh rather than hip length) tunics to disguise my widest part.
Structured jackets over loose, untucked tops (as you mentioned)
Knee high boots (rather than booties or sneakers) with skinny jeans to balance out my thighs.
And twist slightly sideways to the camera when taking photos. He he.

July 18, 2018 at 2:31 pm

Sal

Veteran

Interesting – I need to read again to get some hints….

For me
– open necklines are more flattering on my short neck and broadish shoulders
– avoid short sleeves to my bust
– low contrast between top and bottom
– balancing the weight of my shoes against my outfit – skinny jeans need a bulkier shoe, wider leg pants a more refined shoe
– I don’t wear a light top with dark pants and dark shoes or vice versa. I like some balance between my top and bottom half

July 18, 2018 at 5:35 pm

elaine

Active Member

The half tuck and side tuck help me tweak the proportions of an outfit to flatter my petite inverted triangle shape. I look best in structured pieces and classic lines.

July 18, 2018 at 7:37 pm

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

The semi-tuck is my most common one. I think I also use complements much as you do, Angie. Often it’s the bag and shoe that go together, sometimes also a belt. And I feel I often use a topper of some sort (a cardigan, vest, or jacket), to help finish an outfit and keep me warm.

July 18, 2018 at 9:06 pm

londonkiwi (now back in NZ)

Veteran

About 18 months ago I lost a lot of weight due to poor health. I went from curvy to slight very quickly. I’ve put some weight back on but I’m still about 2 sizes smaller than I was. My bust size has also shrunk.

This has meant that I’ve had to reconsider my styling techniques.

I have to be careful of big patterns and flowing shapes because the feel like they overwhelm me.

I need to draw attention to my waist now. I’ve had to learn how to tuck and wear belts.

July 19, 2018 at 1:07 am

The Cat

Veteran

Also, I let my belts hang a little low to make my upper body look longer.

July 19, 2018 at 3:39 am

meibaola

Active Member

Beside sharing many of your styling techniques, I’ll add these two:
– matching belt to top to elongate my short waist
– if shoes don’t bookend my hair, skin or third piece (jacket/cardigan), I repeat the color next to my face in a scarf, necklace or (mostly) pair of earrings.

July 19, 2018 at 7:48 am

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Enjoyed reading these. Late to the post but I’ll still add a few.
1. V-necks are my favorite neckline to showcase a necklace and add some visual length and structure since my long hair covers my neck so much.
2. Complements in color – especially when I can echo hair color in my clothing and accessories. I love tan, champagne, light gold/blush, and gold tones in particular for handbags, belts and shoes.
3. Contrast – I like playing with contrast levels in my outfit to choose where to draw focus. Darker tops draw the eye up to my light hair for example and help bring out my eyes.
4. Belts – matching belt to top on some pants/shorts and matching belt to shoes/handbag on others.
5. Almost always sleeveless, short sleeve or 3/4 sleeve (or rolled or scrunched) as opposed to long sleeved tops to keep structure at the arms – even with jackets unless it’s just too cold.
6. New to me – vertical stripes – as long as they aren’t high contrast I enjoy vertical stripes as they echo the stripes of various colors in my hair.

July 20, 2018 at 1:01 pm

suntiger

Im a short waisted 8 shape, so tucking is a nonstarter, but curved and diagonal hems are my friend.
My color rule is “full house +1”: meaning I repeat 1 color 3x, 1 twice and then have one singleton (maybe 2). It does not have to be a big area to count, but when I don’t follow the formula I feel chaotic.

July 25, 2018 at 2:22 pm

About the Author

Your Favourite Styling Techniques

1. Chunky Pearl Necklace Fills the Gap

2. Scrunch Long Sleeves

3. Semi-Tuck or Tuck Tops

4. Sport a Complement

Recent Ensembles

Recent Trends

About the Author

1. Chunky Pearl Necklace Fills the Gap

2. Scrunch Long Sleeves

3. Semi-Tuck or Tuck Tops

4. Sport a Complement

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