You are on Team Long Over Lean if you prefer wearing longer tops and toppers over slimmer bottoms. You are on Team Short Over Volume if you prefer shorter tops and toppers over wider, more voluminous bottoms. Both approaches have their place, and many of us wear a mix depending on mood, occasion, and what’s in our closet.

The Long Over Lean outfit formula combines a longer top layer with a streamlined bottom. Think tops that finish a few inches below the crotch point, tunics, dresses, long blazers, coats, and oversized shirts worn over slim straights or cigarette pants, super skinnies, leggings, bootcuts, column skirts, and pencil skirts. These proportions create a strong vertical line. Although slim straights and skinnies are no longer dominant, slim bottoms are part of the fashion landscape, and this formula remains reliable and easy to wear.

The Short Over Volume formula flips the proportions. Shorter tops and toppers are paired with roomier bottoms like wide leg trousers, barrel and horseshoe jeans, lantern pants, balloon pants, joggers, slouchy low-slung styles, flared trousers, flared skirts, A-line skirts, and relaxed cuts like boyfriend jeans and relaxed straights. Short tops can be worn untucked, or longer tops can be tucked or semi-tucked to create a short effect. The shorter top lengthens the leg line and adds structure at the waist, while the volume below creates movement and ease. For several years now, voluminous bottoms have been the dominant trend.

Both approaches are fabulous. You might strongly prefer one, or switch between them depending on the day, the setting, the weather, and what you feel like wearing.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed wearing Long Over Lean in the past. That said, I am firmly on Team Short Over Volume. I enjoy the drama and fashion-forward integrity on the bottom half of my outfits. The movement, comfort, and visual interest appeal to me, and right now, narrow bottoms feel less compelling. Because I tend to tuck or semi-tuck my tops, I naturally create a shorter top line. And I am a lifelong fan of short, cheeky jackets.

Over to you. Are you Team Long Over Lean or Team Short Over Volume? Tell us why. No batting for both teams. If you can’t pick a side, you’re Team Bench. I’m serving baked sheet pan feta with chickpeas, onions, tomatoes, lemon, chili, cumin, and honey, with farro on the side. Berries and sumo oranges for dessert.