https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edge-to-an-hourglass Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 11 Apr 2026 15:23:39 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edge-to-an-hourglass#post-95011 Sat, 19 Sep 2009 00:05:42 +0000 Queen Mum 95011@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie- I"m sorry... I havne't had time to get a picture and now the camera's battery is dead and I can't find the spare. I'll have to get to that when someone gets home who knows where the battery is.</p> <p>Anyhow, you all have offered some great ideas. VC, I think you have something there to look for classic cuts made from interesting textures or colors. Of course, finding both (the cut and texture) might be quite the hunt. </p> <p>Joy, your ideas are great too-- I have a summer vest, but need to now look for a fall/winter one. And, I can start looking for some accessories that might add some interest. </p> <p>Shiny- I do plan to look for a pair of premium jeans that I can wear with flats. All my nice jeans now are longer and require heels. </p> <p>I'll try to get a picture up soon and let you gals do your work on me </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edge-to-an-hourglass#post-94960 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 19:20:55 +0000 shiny 94960@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aw, Chewy, I think you're probably just at an awkward, in-between sizes stage! I know how that is, as I'm in that stage myself right now. One of the reasons I've been living in dresses all summer... better concealment of the awkward zones... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edge-to-an-hourglass#post-94953 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 19:06:39 +0000 chewyspaghetti 94953@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Shiny.<br /> The wovens just don't seem to cling to and emphasize that area as much. Yes, you can have structure in a knit, but even structured knits aren't working so well for me right now.<br /> I'm also trying to find the combination of something with sleeves that I can wear as it cools down, and something that isn't too hot that I can wear now. That teal button down with the ruching at the bust that I just got is a little bit hot for right now. I can only wear it if we are going to have cool weather, or I know that I will be in the A/C most of the day.<br /> I can't get the vests to work for this- I have tried. The denim one does not fit well when buttoned, and the white one ends above the problem area. I wear it open, and sometimes it just feels like a frame around it.<br /> I've tried on a bunch of tops that are looser, but have a waist detail. I can't seem to find any that fit. If they fit my shoulders/arms, then the bust doesn't fit. If the bust fits, then they are tight across my hips or loose in the shoulder.<br /> Sweet Pea tops are way out of my price range.<br /> I hope you're right and there is something out there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edge-to-an-hourglass#post-94935 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 18:21:30 +0000 shiny 94935@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So Chewy, I guess I may be misreading you. Are you thinking wovens will give you the necessary structure to smooth over the pudgy parts? </p> <p>Here's my thought on wovens, and I said this elsewhere awhile back on a different thread: I think they work best on certain bodies, but it's not necessarily about body shape per se. It's more about whether you are angular, or soft. You can be angular and any shape, or soft and any shape. </p> <p>To me, Angie, Greenglove, San are all examples of angular body shapes. I am much more of a soft shape. Angular types wear wovens really, really well, whereas if you have a softer shape, you wear softer fabrics better, like knits, silk and silk like pieces, and yes... wovens that have a lot of drape, like the ones you were looking at from Old Navy. These are wovens, but very different than a crisp white button down shirt, am I making sense here? </p> <p>If you wear the classic button down shirt well - and you feel comfortable in it - it's likely you are an angular body type. If these shirts make you fidget and just don't feel comfortable in them - even if they look good - that's a sign you are more of a "soft" body type. </p> <p>Structure, on the other hand, is a completely *different* topic and I agree with Angie you can have structure in a knit or silky blouse etc - not just wovens. </p> <p>As for your dilemma with the clingy knits, I know *exactly* what you mean here!! This is my constant challenge as well. My pudge is mostly a result of loose skin leftover from pregnancies, and it's there no matter what I weigh. It is very frustrating that I am thinnest just under the rib cage, and if the top fits there - defining the waist - it is apt to cling in an unflattering way in the belly. </p> <p>Solutions that can work for your climate:<br /> - the vest is a GREAT idea<br /> - Ruching!!! Look for top with ruching on the sides... a great disguiser.. you can't tell what is pudge and what is ruching... you can also buy longer tops, and scrunch them up to create a ruched effect.<br /> - Patterns!! Confuse the eye. Sweat pea tops are great because they have patterns AND many have ruching too.<br /> - A top that's basically loose, but has details at the waist. Not *necessarily* an empire... I have one favorite knit top from BR that is a good example, I can dig it up if you are interested.<br /> - The right fit. Example here is a basic scoop neck tee shirts from the Gap. I know Angie hates these, but I'm just making a point here. ;-)... these shirts for some reason work well on me - there is something about how they are cut, they swoop in at the waist just right, but aren't too clingy in the mid-section. Tops like this ARE out there. You just have to find them! And when you do, you realize "it's not your body, it's the clothes." ... which is always a great feeling. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edge-to-an-hourglass#post-94902 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:03:03 +0000 Kristen 94902@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Khris, I had the same thing happen, and it's still happening. For me, part of it is muffin top from my new jeans, part is not exercising my core and it getting flabby, and part is because I am up 10 pounds and it all sits at my waist and belly. But when I was down, so were the lumps. That's how I know I am not at my personal optimal weight. </p> <p>To resolve, I put the clingiest of my knit tops away and now wear more of my volume or cotton tees and tops. It's getting cooler here but we're not quite a sweater weather yet either. You could also use your vests to help conceal the roll. Dresses are a great help too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edge-to-an-hourglass#post-94898 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:30:45 +0000 Anonymous 94898@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Without reading all the comments, I've learned on this site to add layers to that everyday jeans and tee (or wear a different top than a tee). Denim always dresses down as does moto styling. For cool weather you might add edge to everyday with flat boots (so many styles!), waistcoats over those tees, zipper leggings or skinny jeans with tunics, cord jean jackets or skirts, leather bracelet/cuff, chains, leather cord necklace with pendant and a denim or leather jacket. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edge-to-an-hourglass#post-94893 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:14:16 +0000 chewyspaghetti 94893@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>vc- I live in the desert. There is no such thing as a summer weight cardigan for me. We're still hitting triple digits some days. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edge-to-an-hourglass#post-94889 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:11:35 +0000 velvetychocolate 94889@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hope I'm not taking this post too off topic, but wanted to say that I can relate to what you're saying Khris - I have the same sort of issue. Recently, I've noticed that buttoning up a cardigan (cropped, regular, long - doesn't matter) just under the bust really helps with that pudge-spot. I don't have any winter weight cardigans right now, but have noticed this little trick works with the summer-weight cardi's I still have kicking around. Any knit top that's 'showing' the flab? Pop on a cardigan and button under the bust, and voila - you can't see that little roll anymore. You can button just a few buttons, or button the whole way down, but don't button above the bust. This seems to highlight that 'smallest' part just under the ribcage. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edge-to-an-hourglass#post-94886 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:00:47 +0000 chewyspaghetti 94886@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie- I think it's because my ribcage area has gotten suddenly smaller. This is causing the fabrics to cling to the area just above my navel. It might not even be noticible to others, but I feel liek there is a visible outline of my "pudge". Every single knit top that I have tried on recently does this. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edge-to-an-hourglass#post-94882 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:51:53 +0000 velvetychocolate 94882@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great thread - and while I don't have a whole lot of advice (newbie here), I'm interested in Angie's comment: "structure needn't be dressed up."</p> <p>Meawnhile, pre-YLF - I always got comments whenever I wore a very soft, sheer-ish animal print scarf with my rather severe looking plain black coat. </p> <p>Last year, I bought a very interesting textured winter jacket - it looked like boiled wool or something, but it had a slight sheen to it, not much, and it was in a rich chocolate brown. It was the combination of texture and colour that had people coming up to me and saying, "I love that coat..." and so on. The jacket itself was a traditional shape, nothing special. The colour and texture were very unusual. </p> <p>So, in light of this - I'd suggest accessories in terms of bringing in a bit more 'edge' to your outfits, and furthermore - perhaps next time you're shopping for hourglass-appropriate tops/bottoms/jackets - go for unusual textures and colours. Maybe it's a matter of getting the shapes right, and then going for something unusual in terms of colour/texture?? (once again, a real newbie here, so I'm really just guessing). </p> <p>I'm still intrigued by the idea of 'non-dressy' hourglass outfits. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edge-to-an-hourglass#post-94881 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:49:05 +0000 Angie 94881@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Don’t worry, Khris! Casual woven tops are a plenty – but it will take a little longer to find them at the price you want. But it’s true that in the US, knits rule the roost because there is a bigger demand for the product. American people prefer to wear knits on top. I guess there is a missing piece to the puzzle. I’m unsure as to why your existing knit tops suddenly don’t work anymore. Too big? </p> <p>That first Next picture is excellent, Rute. </p> <p>Queenie, I am blind without pictures! I need to get a sense of what you would wear on a day IN before I can offer suggestions on how to get to what you envision. </p> <p>Maya, edge can be interpreted in many different ways :0) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edge-to-an-hourglass#post-94879 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:31:49 +0000 chewyspaghetti 94879@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it's pretty obvious that I'm not a boxy tee and capri kind of a gal. I don't mind being one of the the most dressed up people everywhere I go, but now feeling like I have to take it up another notch is just depressing. I don't really want to be vacumming and folding laundry in a waist cinching dress, you know?<br /> This is more like what I would wear:<br /> <a href="http://www.budgetfashionreport.com/?tag=/hourglass+figure" rel="nofollow">http://www.budgetfashionreport.....ass+figure</a><br /> Actually, I tried on a similar outfit yesterday, but it looked horrible.<br /> But even that, being woven- doesn't look particularly comfy.<br /> I kow that there is some happy middle ground somewhere. It will just take me a while to find it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edge-to-an-hourglass#post-94875 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:11:27 +0000 shiny 94875@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maya - that makes perfect sense and is a sound strategy. You do have very nice arms, shoulders, neck and legs to show off. Unfortunately, my arms and shoulders aren't all that great, and my neck is short too, so a lot of volume tops that accentuate these details just don't do as much for me!</p> <p>Chewy, it's a damned if you do, damned if you don't proposition, isn't it? If you dress to be appropriate and fit in with everyone else, you feel like crap because it's schlumpy and not your best look. I've been through that myself - not so much now, now that I live in a city, but before, when I lived in the 'burbs. You just have to decide which makes you more confident. If fitting in makes you more confident, then there you go. I got to the point where I felt much more confident wearing what makes me look and feel great, even if I was overdressed. That didn't happen overnight though. </p> <p>Queenie - you can do this. I would recommend focusing on finding the best jeans you can find and afford. Go premium if you can. And there are a lot of choices for stylish knit tops that have something different. Then add on accessories - just one or two - whether it's stylish ballet flats or a scarf or statement necklace, or purse. Last night, for example, my girlfriend was wearing a simple gray tee shirt from Jcrew, that had a rosette or two detail at the neckline, with nice Lucky bootcut jeans, red shoes, and an amazing bib necklace. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edge-to-an-hourglass#post-94871 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:59:19 +0000 Queen Mum 94871@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rute-<br /> Thanks for "shopping" on line for me ;-)<br /> I really like the look of those first 2 outfits. That's what I'm talking about when I say I want a bit of edge. Shirt #3 is cute, but those gathers would add weight to my upper half. I love the turtle neck, but again, high neck = bigger chest.<br /> I think the reason I have such a hard time dressing down, is that if I try too much embelleshement it adds the appearance of weight. And, I'm not heavy- I wear a size 6, but the minute I put on a top with gathering above the chest line I look like a balloon. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edge-to-an-hourglass#post-94866 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:48:35 +0000 rute 94866@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>quennie,</p> <p>Ideias for unboring outfit with jeans and tops:</p> <p><a href="http://www.next.co.uk/shopping/women/casualwear/2/15" rel="nofollow">http://www.next.co.uk/shopping.....lwear/2/15</a></p> <p><a href="http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=414352&#038;CategoryID=43836" rel="nofollow">http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....ryID=43836</a></p> <p><a href="http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=409294&#038;CategoryID=43836" rel="nofollow">http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....ryID=43836</a></p> <p><a href="http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=408825&#038;CategoryID=43836" rel="nofollow">http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....ryID=43836</a></p> <p><a href="http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=408811&#038;CategoryID=43836" rel="nofollow">http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....ryID=43836</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edge-to-an-hourglass#post-94855 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:10:51 +0000 Queen Mum 94855@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I see that I'm in good company here-- you're all expressng my sentiments.<br /> I'll get a picture up later today, but my problem isn't necessarily when I'm dressing for a day out, its when I'm dressing for a day IN that I need some ideas. If the only thing on my agenda for the day is the grocery store, I want to throw on jeans and a knit top, but I don't want it to just be boring jeans and a knit top. I want something with a little edge or pop to it.<br /> I don't have time to elaborate right now-- I'll get back to it this afternoon.<br /> Thanks for all your input and responses. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edge-to-an-hourglass#post-94843 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 10:47:11 +0000 rute 94843@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rose and Joan, has already post one amazing exemple of how to add an edge!</p> <p>But there are other:<br /> - use denin pencil skirts (flattering but the denin always tones down);<br /> - add to a LBD animal print or red flats;<br /> - scarfs;<br /> - Jeans with a more structured blouse and flats;<br /> - textured hoose;</p> <p>Exemples:</p> <p><a href="http://www.next.co.uk/shopping/women/casualwear/1/8" rel="nofollow">http://www.next.co.uk/shopping.....alwear/1/8</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.next.co.uk/shopping/women/casualwear/31/5" rel="nofollow">http://www.next.co.uk/shopping.....lwear/31/5</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.next.co.uk/shopping/women/daywear/3/6" rel="nofollow">http://www.next.co.uk/shopping/women/daywear/3/6</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.next.co.uk/shopping/women/daywear/3/5" rel="nofollow">http://www.next.co.uk/shopping/women/daywear/3/5</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.next.co.uk/shopping/women/daywear/6/9" rel="nofollow">http://www.next.co.uk/shopping/women/daywear/6/9</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edge-to-an-hourglass#post-94840 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 10:28:37 +0000 rute 94840@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Queenie.. it's amazing, but I feel the same as you do.. everytime I try to dress down I feel sloppy and huge!</p> <p>I think that's because (and I speake for my self, an hourglass who dresse an 8) we have so many curves that when we don't wear fitted clothes that accentuate the waist we feel huge.</p> <p>What I try to do is, for exemple, when I use skinnies and a larger tunic, I try to compensate that with a fitted jacket.<br /> Or when using a pencil skirt, add edgy accessories like a scarf or high plataform shoes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edge-to-an-hourglass#post-94831 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 06:46:55 +0000 Maya 94831@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have to agree with Khris on this. I don't even know that I find that outfit especially edgy. It seems fairly restrained to me, and not at all my style. It's a perfectly fabulous and pretty outfit, but it's not really what I have in mind when I think of my personal style, or when I think of an edgy ensemble. Maybe spending so much time living in NYC and going to two schools with prominent fashion programs has given me unreasonable standards of what edginess is. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edge-to-an-hourglass#post-94829 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 06:08:28 +0000 chewyspaghetti 94829@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am strugling with this at the moment (obviously). To me, RoseandJoan's picture is the epitomy of what I am talking about. Yes, it's modern, edgy and fun, but the pieces are still very classic and not at all what I am drawn to. Where I live, anything but a boxy t-shirt and capri's is considered "dressed up". Angie's idea of "casual" is nicer than what gets worn to the company Christmas party. I'm finding that my new curvier shape requires woven in order to smooth it out, and that certainly feels dressier than knits to me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edge-to-an-hourglass#post-94789 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 04:11:09 +0000 Angie 94789@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Bless you Julie, fab link! I missed Khris’s comment on the “hourglasses” and “dress up” part. Actually I disagree. Structure needn’t be dressed up. </p> <p>Queenie, have you posted a picture yet? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edge-to-an-hourglass#post-94716 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 01:26:41 +0000 Maya 94716@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Shiny! I am pretty picky about fit, but I also just focus on different parts of my body. Hourglasses especially tend to get hung up on the bust-waist-hips. I try to find other parts of my body to focus on, like shoulders and legs. I think the reason so many hourglasses don't like volume is because they see their waist as their only feature. Being fairly waistless myself made it a little easier for me to embrace volume and learn what other parts of my body I should learn to emphasize. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edge-to-an-hourglass#post-94655 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 20:39:43 +0000 shiny 94655@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What kind of styles do you want to wear, that you think you can't, Queenie?</p> <p>And Maya - I think you do a *wonderful* job adding edge into your style! I know you have a lot of limitations, but you constantly amaze me how you get things to work for you and to reflect your artistic, youthful style. I suspect the secret is in being super-picky about fit and flattery. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edge-to-an-hourglass#post-94650 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 20:27:08 +0000 malcontent 94650@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have the same issue. I look best in tailored clothing and I often feel overdressed because I can't wear casual unstructured looks without looking like a slob. As well, something about my very fair skin, dark hair, delicate facial features tends to make me look very porcelain and made-up even with just a little lipstick and blush. So, often, I think I look nice but as if I spent too much time primping, when that was not the case. But there are really only two ways that I can look, it seems. I can look made-up and slightly overdressed, but nice, or I can look scruffy, tired, and of hulking proportions when I try to pull off the super-casual clothes with no makeup look. The latter look isn't anything I'm aiming for. I just get tired of being the one "dressed-up" person in a roomful of people wearing oversized t-shirts and elastic-waisted shorts. </p> <p>I do try to break away from classic looks sometimes, but the result is invariably that I look fat. Without a defined waist, the eye assumes I'm as big in the middle as I am in the bust and hips. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edge-to-an-hourglass#post-94641 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 19:44:20 +0000 RoseandJoan 94641@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>and......I have posted this link before on Maya's 'let's talk loafers thread' but I think it illustrates how classic dressing can be modern, fun and edgy.<br /> <a href="http://s575.photobucket.com/albums/ss194/RoseandJoan/?action=view&#038;current=DSC02324.jpg&#038;newest=1" rel="nofollow">http://s575.photobucket.com/al.....8;newest=1</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edge-to-an-hourglass#post-94623 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 18:34:37 +0000 RoseandJoan 94623@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Queenie, could you use accessories to give you an edge? Studded belts, quirky bag etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edge-to-an-hourglass#post-94619 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 18:15:05 +0000 Maya 94619@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Queenie, I relate very much to this post. I think it's less about being spiffy and dressed up and more about being very classic and polished. Let's face it-most edgy and avant garde looks are for one body type: tall and thin. And I can see why. An hourglass frame is a very classically appealing body shape that is suited to classically fitting clothes. </p> <p>Honestly, my style couldn't be further from modern classic so this is a constant challenge. I know I will always look best in structured clothes and tailored, 50s-ish silhouettes. And I do willingly go that route sometimes (see interview outfit). But I'm young and creative and I hate having lots of limitations placed on me. I want to experiment and be daring while I'm still the right age for it. So I guess um willing to wear certain pieces and outfits even if they are not THE most flattering thing in the world for me. Don't get me wrong--I won't wear something that looks ill-fitting or sloppy, but I might go with something that looks good and expresses who I am over something that looks killer but has nothing to do with me. </p> <p>I'll be more specific when I'm at home and have some visuals to share. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edge-to-an-hourglass#post-94580 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:58:38 +0000 Queen Mum 94580@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The other day, in Chewy's thread about dressing for an hourglass figure, she said<br /> "the recomendations for hourglasses always seem to be to dress "up"<br /> I had just been pondering this the other day. Most often, I feel too "prim" and when I try to add edge to my outfit, it gets sloppy and unflattering. Just this morning I had the cutest outfit laying out on my bed, but when I put it on it did not translate to my body well.<br /> As a SAHM, I really want to develop a slightly edgy and effortless look to my every day wardrobe. But each season, I fall back into my "neat and tidy, put together" look. Is it possible, or do I just need to accept my lot in life?<br /> I'd love to get some fab ideas from all of you (and see pics) to help me create a new look this season.</p> <p>Thanks in advance! </p>