https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-pictures-worth-a-thousand-words Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 03 May 2026 12:58:07 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-pictures-worth-a-thousand-words/page/2#post-990180 Thu, 25 Jul 2013 15:03:03 +0000 Angie 990180@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>(Haven't read the comments). </p> <p>TOTALLY think you rock fluid full skirts and do not need to stop wearing them. You look sensational in a pencil Shannon, and the proportions are very flattering. But the full skirt has it's own standout retro and elegant charm. Love #1. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-pictures-worth-a-thousand-words/page/2#post-990041 Thu, 25 Jul 2013 13:18:01 +0000 Transcona Shannon 990041@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just FYI for those who have suggested a body con top - that is not something I am comfortable with wearing so unfortunately that's out as an option.</p> <p>I did try the skirt on last night quick with a black tank and then my black short sleeved fairly tailored blazer and my Doc Marcie boots. Definitely felt more like me and it did look better. Something to think about.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-pictures-worth-a-thousand-words/page/2#post-990034 Thu, 25 Jul 2013 13:13:55 +0000 Lisa 990034@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Funny at first I liked the fuller skirt, just maybe with a tucked in top to see more waist definition.&nbsp; But after seeing the pencil skirts, I vote pencil all the way.&nbsp; I am jealous of your pencil wearing prowess, I cannot wear them, they just never fit me right. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-pictures-worth-a-thousand-words/page/2#post-989961 Thu, 25 Jul 2013 10:38:46 +0000 Jaime 989961@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just to confuse you more I also love the first skirt on you and don't see the unflattering aspect. Ok, you know how I dress and clearly I don't prioritize certain aspects of figure flattery (although of course I have my own issues with my mid-section), so take this as you like. I absolutely agree there is no need to wear it if you don't feel fab! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-pictures-worth-a-thousand-words/page/2#post-989926 Thu, 25 Jul 2013 08:36:30 +0000 lyn67 989926@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Late for &nbsp;my 2 cents, but here they are-can you pair the flowy skirt with a&nbsp;body con cami(top) and then a short sleeved tailored jacket of a summery kind? I think that added&nbsp;structure&nbsp;will make it look more Shannon like! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-pictures-worth-a-thousand-words#post-989790 Thu, 25 Jul 2013 02:40:56 +0000 Beth Ann 989790@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love it Vildy, "hips, schimps."&nbsp; FWIW, I don't think a skirt like this photographs particularly well.&nbsp; It's all about the movement, the depth, the texture!&nbsp; As for structure, I think a widish belt, or a jacket&nbsp; would stand in nicely.&nbsp; Elastic waist you say?&nbsp; If you had belt loops put onto it, would a belt take care of the look?&nbsp; Of course, you might not want to invest further in something that makes you feel like less than your best self.&nbsp; </p> <p>I think you look ladylike, and tall and elegant.&nbsp; While your pencil skirts present a narrow silhouette, they don't make my eye think you're skinnier.&nbsp; It's fabric I'm seeing, not your form.&nbsp; Still, we dress as a way of boosting our confidence as we go into the world, and you need and deserve to feel your best.&nbsp; Just don't right off all full skirts forever! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-pictures-worth-a-thousand-words#post-989772 Thu, 25 Jul 2013 02:08:32 +0000 Transcona Shannon 989772@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Deborah - I could just HUG you right now! That's exactly it. Even if technically something does or can work, it doesn't mean I&nbsp;<i>FEEL</i> right&nbsp;in it.&nbsp;</p> <p>I want to thank all of you for your wonderful suggestions, wisdom and in some instances, commiseration. I truly appreciate the feedback :)</p> <p>I think I'm learning in this leg of my style journey, that although I thoroughly enjoy experimenting and will always do so, I don't want to stray too far from my original rubric (structure, colour, retro, classic, urban). IMHO the outfits with the full skirt are missing the structure component - which maybe I can rectify with a blazer. Will see about that.</p> <p>I'm also realizing that maybe conventional figure flattery is more important to me than I thought.</p> <p>Today's outfit (both versions) and your insights helped me reach a few style conclusions so thanks again! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-pictures-worth-a-thousand-words#post-989755 Thu, 25 Jul 2013 01:40:28 +0000 Mia 989755@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel that how you feel is paramount but wouldn't be letting the full one go just yet. As others have commented it looks great and gives another look and feel. So cool and comfy to wear.</p> <p>What about the length? I could see it shorter. You have lovely, shapely calves. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-pictures-worth-a-thousand-words#post-989741 Thu, 25 Jul 2013 01:18:46 +0000 MsMaven 989741@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh I like #1. &nbsp;Much better than the way it is styled in&nbsp;#2. &nbsp;For me, having an alternate silhouette--especially in summer--is kind of fun. &nbsp;You can relax and enjoy in this skirt, not worry about showing too much leg and so on. &nbsp;I like a floaty full skirt in summer. &nbsp;It feels cooler. &nbsp;Also, the shape is still fairly straight and doesn't poof out from the body. &nbsp;</p> <p>But, just as the others have said, if you don't feel right in it and won't wear it, why let it bog down your wardrobe? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-pictures-worth-a-thousand-words#post-989716 Thu, 25 Jul 2013 00:59:04 +0000 Vildy 989716@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>oh hips, schmips. :D&nbsp; Love the skirt and there's a lot to be said for light as air flippy movement. Just toss that thing around with your hips. Make your hips your secret weapon. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-pictures-worth-a-thousand-words#post-989690 Thu, 25 Jul 2013 00:30:25 +0000 Mo 989690@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also don't care for fuller skirts on my shape vs straight or pencil styles. &nbsp;But I can logically see that the issue might indeed be the right shirt to pair with the skirt. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-pictures-worth-a-thousand-words#post-989685 Thu, 25 Jul 2013 00:27:32 +0000 CocoLion 989685@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree the pencil skirt looks better straight on. &nbsp;But I still think you can make the green skirt work. &nbsp;I like it in #1 but would argue for a like-colored sweater, the high color contrast cuts you in half. &nbsp;I do think that green skirt will look great in motion, with the right top. &nbsp;Have you tried belting with this type of skirt to emphasize the waist? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-pictures-worth-a-thousand-words#post-989628 Wed, 24 Jul 2013 23:53:23 +0000 Deborah 989628@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Without reading the comments (cos I dont want to be swayed lol) I have to say that the citron skirts looks gorgeous on you.&nbsp; I particularly liked the way you wore it in #1 and even if that was the only combination you wore of it occasionally I think it is worth it :)&nbsp; <b>However</b> as one who <i><b>absolutely does not</b></i><b></b> wear full skirts I hear you :)&nbsp;&nbsp;For example,&nbsp;I have received lovely comments in the past when I experiemented with more colour but when I look at the photos, I don't feel i am looking at <b>'me'!</b>&nbsp; And the truth is it wasn't '<b>comfortable' </b>either, so not only did i not look like me, i didn't feel like me, and I think that is a huge part of knowing our style.&nbsp; I don't want to just look good, I want to feel good.</p> <p><span>I really appreciate this quote from une femme d'un certain age<b> </b><i><b>"I may not be able to define precisely my own authentic style, but I know it when I slip it on. It feels like a powerful second skin. I enjoy experimenting and trying new looks, and in that process have learned that I’ve hit my authentic zone when it never feels like trying too hard"<br /></b></i></span><br />For me, I know I have strayed from my true 'style persona' when I feel uncomfortable and/or conspicuous. &nbsp;I actually feel like I am playing dress ups, just like when as a child I would dress up and in my mum's clothes. </p> <p>So what I am saying is you have to be happy!&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-pictures-worth-a-thousand-words#post-989613 Wed, 24 Jul 2013 23:37:07 +0000 DonnaF 989613@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shannon; I'm not seeing what you're seeing.&nbsp; I guess you are self-conscious about your hips?&nbsp; My eye doesn't go there at all with your green skirt!&nbsp; I sympathize with your frustration re its waistband.&nbsp; Is it something you can fold down so that a belt would cover it?&nbsp; Or would it end up being too bulky.</p> <p>In short, don't be too quick to get rid of this skirt.&nbsp; Play around with it a bit with different tops.&nbsp; Maybe it's partly your frame of mind today IYKWIM? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-pictures-worth-a-thousand-words#post-989597 Wed, 24 Jul 2013 23:26:04 +0000 Caro in Oz 989597@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with Gaylene - it isn't always about how we look. How we feel in something is just as important. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-pictures-worth-a-thousand-words#post-989585 Wed, 24 Jul 2013 23:12:34 +0000 Transcona Shannon 989585@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is fascinating, reading what you all think. First of all, it is very true indeed that I don't need to wear anything that doesn't make me feel fab. But as many of you know (especially Una - lol!) I don't give up easily. Remember the BF trials and tribulations? I had such a love-hate relationship with boyfriend jeans that it bordered on obsessive. But once I figured out that it was the leg width that was the issue for me and could then find the pair that fit my leg fit criteria, I embraced the trend whole heartedly.</p> <p>So saying that, I like these things about the green skirt: 1) the colour; 2) the movement; 3) the lightness; 4) the elegance of the shape. The things I don't like: 1) how it makes my hips look; 2) the difficult waistband which negates any tucking and/or tucking with a belt.</p> <p>Looking at the pros vs the cons, I'm hanging the skirt back up in my closet for now and thinking on it. Maybe play around with it a bit on a weekend to see what I can come up with. But if it doesn't sing to me then, out she goes!</p> <p>Thank you all SOOOOOO much for your input - it's been extremely helpful </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-pictures-worth-a-thousand-words#post-989584 Wed, 24 Jul 2013 23:11:44 +0000 Anonymous 989584@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You need a different choice of tops with the skirt. Volume on volume is unlikely to work in this case. What about a fitted cotton round neck top with rouched seams? Invert your formula. On the fitted skirts, you have a flowy top, on the flowy skirt, you need a fitted ( read body con) top. Also, you need a short sleeve or sleveless, to neutralize all of the fabric at the bottom. I would also forget about belting, knotting etc, let the skirt speak for itself. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-pictures-worth-a-thousand-words#post-989509 Wed, 24 Jul 2013 21:20:19 +0000 Inge 989509@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also politely beg to differ, Shannon. You absolutely rock a pencil skirt, no doubt about that:-) But I think this full skirt, with its soft material and drape, also looks incredibly elegant and wonderful on you. I LOVED the outfit with the orange jumper. And I also love the recent one with the white button-down (I am a fan of the contrast between the strict white shirt and the softness of the skirt). (really like Ceit's and Rae's suggestions).</p> <p>Of course, at the end of the day, <i>you</i> have to feel good in what you wear, and you don't have to wear anything you don't like:-) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-pictures-worth-a-thousand-words#post-989393 Wed, 24 Jul 2013 19:40:05 +0000 Ornella 989393@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not reading anything. And I'm here almost straight&nbsp;from your other thread.</p> <p>Yes, you rock pencils. But,&nbsp;I love that skirt from 1/2 on you. I said in the other&nbsp;comment I liked the silhouette. I think you just need to make the upper body contours visible when you wear it&nbsp;and you're sorted.</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-pictures-worth-a-thousand-words#post-989368 Wed, 24 Jul 2013 18:45:42 +0000 Irene 989368@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think those are wrong tops for that skirt. Have you tried tucking in/shorter tops? Or a tighter top. I think you could look great in both styles! Maybe most of your tops are on the 'baggy' spectrum since you like to taper at the bottom? Over sized + over sized can look cool but also can feel a bit sloppy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-pictures-worth-a-thousand-words#post-989349 Wed, 24 Jul 2013 18:19:08 +0000 Gaylene 989349@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It looks like this is a case of "Let's agree to disagree" because, while I think you rock your pencil skirts, I also really like you in that green skirt. And I'm respectfully disagreeing with the <i>need</i> to "toughen" it up or wear a shorter top--although both ideas would definitely be worth exploring.</p> <p>The real issue, though, is what you see when you look in the mirror and how you feel in the skirt. You mentioned in your other thread that you felt increasingly less than fabulous in the skirt as the day wore on; that feeling, in my books, is the deal breaker. Send the skirt to where it makes someone happy to twirl around in it all day. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-pictures-worth-a-thousand-words#post-989333 Wed, 24 Jul 2013 18:01:40 +0000 rae 989333@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well. I still like #2. But I know you're off crisp shirts, too.&nbsp;</p> <p>Ceit is going where I was going with the edgy/HL comment on your other thread. Try an edgy top that really highlights your waist (e.g. leather jacket or other) and keep the shoe refined to show your slim legs/ankles. I am also curious if shortening this skirt a smidge would help. Your taupe pencil is right at the top of your knee, yes? It might give the skirt a more youthful spin and also show of those gams of yours that get the spotlight in your pencils. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-pictures-worth-a-thousand-words#post-989324 Wed, 24 Jul 2013 17:53:36 +0000 Anonymous 989324@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shannon, I think your black leather blazer and Marcies would look excellent with this come cooler weather -- kind of a riff on the tutu + combat boots look. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-pictures-worth-a-thousand-words#post-989322 Wed, 24 Jul 2013 17:50:45 +0000 Transcona Shannon 989322@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well this has been a very interesting read ladies - lots of food for thought and some surprising (to me) support of the fuller skirt. I need to think on this some more before I can reply fully.</p> <p>It is definitely swishy and fun when I walk and feels light as a feather, very comfy.</p> <p>Christieanne - I've tried some fitted blazers but I feel like they accentuate my hips even more. </p> <p></p> <p>Just saw your comment Rachy - I could add my Doc Marcie's?</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-pictures-worth-a-thousand-words#post-989320 Wed, 24 Jul 2013 17:49:41 +0000 rachylou 989320@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well you look more than fine, esp. in #1. But I have to agree, for some reason, I don't feel the same wattage or power. It's sorta head pats and "don't you worry your little self, little lady."</p> <p>I'd suggest combat boots but that would then be lacking in polish.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-pictures-worth-a-thousand-words#post-989311 Wed, 24 Jul 2013 17:42:17 +0000 christieanne 989311@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I quite like the flowy skirt. Open for a suggestion ? You have probably (if you are like me) tried this with every top you have but I am wondering if the orange top isn't too long for the skirt? Do you have a fitted blazer or something that gives a little more waist definition? Maybe a wrap style blouse that ends a little higher than the orange one? <br />Flowy full skirts just feel so nice to wear. And great with boots (my favorite to ear them- cooler weather with boots to balance everything out). <br />I agree that the pencils are knock your socks off but with your savvy, you can work them both! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-pictures-worth-a-thousand-words#post-989303 Wed, 24 Jul 2013 17:35:31 +0000 HelenInCanada 989303@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shannon, you are rocking those pencil skirts. &nbsp;I especially love you in #3 and #5. &nbsp;Good on you for recognizing the winners in your life. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-pictures-worth-a-thousand-words#post-989284 Wed, 24 Jul 2013 17:07:46 +0000 Suz 989284@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shannon, you can stop wearing full skirts if you like. You should never wear something that makes you feel less than your fab self!&nbsp;</p> <p>But I still think this skirt is flattering to you.&nbsp;It is <b>different </b>from the pencil silhouette. But different does not equal bad.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-pictures-worth-a-thousand-words#post-989282 Wed, 24 Jul 2013 17:07:11 +0000 Anonymous 989282@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't know, you do look amazing in a pencil skirt.&nbsp; I still like full skirts on you.&nbsp; Maybe you can do the full skirt look with dresses where there is a column of color instead of the blocked look of the top/skirt.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-pictures-worth-a-thousand-words#post-989269 Wed, 24 Jul 2013 16:57:03 +0000 Diana 989269@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You know how Angie says something doesn't have to be the most flattering it can be, it just has to be <i>flattering enough</i>?&nbsp; There is room for both of these silhouettes in your closet!</p> <p>FWIW, I agree that the pencil makes you look slimmer but I think the pleated skirt makes you look taller.&nbsp; And it's so elegant with the swish.&nbsp; </p>