https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-there-things-we-just-cant-wear-because-of-particular-body-shape Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 04 Apr 2026 14:43:38 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-there-things-we-just-cant-wear-because-of-particular-body-shape/page/2#post-1385591 Wed, 29 Oct 2014 19:58:46 +0000 Jenava 1385591@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me?&nbsp; SIDE ENTRY POCKETS on trousers.&nbsp; they stick out, no matter what.&nbsp; I just get them sewn closed. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-there-things-we-just-cant-wear-because-of-particular-body-shape/page/2#post-1385131 Tue, 28 Oct 2014 23:00:36 +0000 Nebraskim 1385131@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Late to this but I can't wear wrap dresses or swim suits. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-there-things-we-just-cant-wear-because-of-particular-body-shape/page/2#post-1385069 Tue, 28 Oct 2014 20:19:25 +0000 Von 1385069@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The original DVF wrap dress (in any size) fits me like I need a night job involving a pole and tall shoes.... I all but gave up wrap dress hope until I tried the Banana Republic wrap dress...amazing!&nbsp; I&nbsp; can't even consider wearing a wrap without anything under it (cami), so I just work that into the wardrobe knowing I should buy wrap colors that blend with multiple camis.&nbsp; I have a rainbow collection because they are like duct tape...they fix most busty problems!</p> <p>I've tried on numerous occasions, and tucking shirts in just isn't my thing.&nbsp; I'm long waisted + curvy, and it takes a pretty long shirt to stay in all day, I spend more time with hands down my pants than I'd like to spend on a typical work day!&nbsp; Sit down...retuck. Stand up...retuck. Walk a few steps...retuck!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-there-things-we-just-cant-wear-because-of-particular-body-shape/page/2#post-1384900 Tue, 28 Oct 2014 14:47:03 +0000 ironkurtin 1384900@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Things I cannot wear:<br />- frills<br />- stripes<br />- certain pale browns with purple in them<br />- babydoll or empire cuts<br />- wrap dresses</p> <p>I don't even look at them anymore.</p> <p>Also there are certain brands that get me, so I tend to stick to them. &nbsp;Once burned, twice shy!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-there-things-we-just-cant-wear-because-of-particular-body-shape/page/2#post-1384885 Tue, 28 Oct 2014 14:22:22 +0000 Beth Ann 1384885@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So sorry your shirt dress didn't work!&nbsp; But I'm glad you tried it!&nbsp; I try to keep my best silhouettes in mind while shopping, but I also try new silhouettes regularly --- even those I suspect won't work.&nbsp; Sometimes I'm pleasantly surprised.&nbsp; Who knew that BF jeans would work so well?</p> <p>I think it's not just body type, but also personality, age, and environment that influences what we feel we can and can't wear.&nbsp; I'm realizing that, in my work environment, people respond most positively when I'm dressed in a vibrant, polished classic style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-there-things-we-just-cant-wear-because-of-particular-body-shape/page/2#post-1384754 Tue, 28 Oct 2014 06:47:53 +0000 reshet 1384754@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am a rectangle/column sort of a shape, with a tummy that seems to expand over the course of the day, so I find belts at the waist, nipped in dresses, and even tight stockings quite difficult - they become uncomfortable after a short time, or after a meal. In theory I would love to use belts to define my waist, but I buy them and never end up wearing them because they hurt. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-there-things-we-just-cant-wear-because-of-particular-body-shape/page/2#post-1381521 Thu, 23 Oct 2014 06:17:48 +0000 catgirl 1381521@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, I think you're the perfect figure for wrap dresses.&nbsp; Smaller upper body with enough real estate to fill it out, a trim waist, and long legs.&nbsp; I have neither the waist nor any hips to add balance, so I end up looking like a big-busted frumpy rectangle.&nbsp; Which makes me so sad.&nbsp; My sister wears them well for the same reasons, although she is more hourglass. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-there-things-we-just-cant-wear-because-of-particular-body-shape/page/2#post-1381437 Thu, 23 Oct 2014 03:16:08 +0000 Janet 1381437@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good point, Sveta. True, I seem to be a little unusual in my ability to wear wrap dresses. I confess, I never realized how problematic they are for many women. Now, if only they were more compatible with my casual lifestyle! I love my DVF dress but it goes unworn until I have an occasion. It's not the easiest piece to dress down. If it were a solid color, it might be easier... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-there-things-we-just-cant-wear-because-of-particular-body-shape/page/2#post-1381348 Thu, 23 Oct 2014 02:08:47 +0000 L'Abeille 1381348@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with Suz, Claire and Joy. Wrap dresses will NEVER work on me. I tried so many times, back in the 70s, with the original Diane von Furstenburg wrap dress, and finally accepted the obvious. So this time around, when I read/see the "universally flattering, suits every woman" line, I can laugh and turn away.</p> <p>Similarly, shirt dresses--they can fit, but never flatter--and raglan sleeves. It certainly simplifies shopping! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-there-things-we-just-cant-wear-because-of-particular-body-shape#post-1381340 Thu, 23 Oct 2014 01:53:14 +0000 Sveta 1381340@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, you rock &nbsp;wrap dresses - something I can never make work as they gape on top. On you they are spectacular.&nbsp;<br />I am like Suz: anything with a low neckline looks bad on me - especially now, after the weight loss. But you know what - I am OK with this and do not want to try and make them work: I will happily wear turtlenecks, boatnecks, crewnecks and other high necklines and leave V-necks and wrap dresses to Janet and other ladies who can rock the look :-)<br />However there is a different issue of what you THINK you cannot wear and what DEFINITELY does not fit your body. I always thought that I cannot wear skinnies because I am curvy on the bottom. I needed YLF and Angie to set me straight and prove that I can wear skinnies, they just have to be right skinnies (more like straight legs, not calf-sucking variety) and they have to be worn in a right combination: longer tunic top and substantial footwear to balance them out.<br />Then there were trousers. Ask Angie - she is still chuckling that 3 years ago I was lamenting that I cannot find any trousers which fit - and now I am a trouser girl. I was very sure before that I don't have a "trouser" body being curvy on the bottom and only small hipped gals can rock the trousers. Huh! It is all in the past now :-)<br />I think you can rock a shirtdress, just not this particular one. You need one cut in more fluid style, maybe with dropped shoulders or raglan sleeves which will allow you to size up to accommodate your bottom part. &nbsp;This shirtdress looks pretty tailored.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />And then there are alterations. They are a MUST if you wear different sizes in the different body parts. I was more of a pear before so I always had to size up in dresses&nbsp;to fit the hips and alter the top. I am hourglass now but still need alterations because my shoulders are wide but my back is narrow and my bust is small. It is very rare to find something in a tailored cut I can wear without alterations - hooray for the fluid fit!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-there-things-we-just-cant-wear-because-of-particular-body-shape#post-1381319 Thu, 23 Oct 2014 01:33:40 +0000 Anonymous 1381319@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, yes. I have a long list of no-nos including wrap dresses and anything with a low neckline, especially if it is wide too. Dresses and skirts with lots of swish and flare...I'll stop there. It's depressing enough. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-there-things-we-just-cant-wear-because-of-particular-body-shape#post-1381305 Thu, 23 Oct 2014 01:25:18 +0000 Janet 1381305@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I totally understand -- I look TERRIBLE in shift dresses. I also look awful in high-waisted anything -- a product of a very hourglassy shape and a short torso. </p> <p>Pretty much anything an IT wears beautifully looks bad on me, much to my chagrin. I try to appreciate that there might be something that my big-chested, big-hipped self wears well that someone else might envy, but I'm not sure what that is. Fitted tops, maybe? But they're not exactly cutting edge. My shape seems to call for more conventional figure flattery, while my preferred style persona would be more cutting edge, ideally. This is my constant style struggle, but I feel like I'm achieving some compromise lately that makes me pretty happy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-there-things-we-just-cant-wear-because-of-particular-body-shape#post-1381295 Thu, 23 Oct 2014 01:14:54 +0000 Jules 1381295@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There are definitely things I avoid basically by default. Sometimes it's so ingrained I don't even conciously realize it. I do agree there might be a version of every trend for everyone, but how much work for the reward? Tube skirts of any kind, but especially with wide horizontal stripes, were always going to be difficult, not just because of wide hips but also a quite narrow above-knee area. The stripes really circle and emphasize my unusual proportions. I tried one on because I saw so many fabbers rocking them, but quickly realized the lengths I might have to go to find the right width of stripe and pattern placement that *might* work - if it even exists; I don't have a personal tailor at my disposal to remakes a design to suit me. For fun, trendy items I'm not really interested. Why fight my body or spend that much time miserable in dressing rooms? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-there-things-we-just-cant-wear-because-of-particular-body-shape#post-1381249 Thu, 23 Oct 2014 00:25:28 +0000 DonnaF 1381249@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also appreciate the things I CAN wear that others can't so well, and celebrate the things and/or looks that look FAB on others that would at best look MEH on me.&nbsp; I am also grateful that I no longer have to wear a gym uniform and never had to wear a school uniform because I swear, those things tend to be cut to flatter nobody.&nbsp; Equal opportunity ugliness. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-there-things-we-just-cant-wear-because-of-particular-body-shape#post-1381242 Thu, 23 Oct 2014 00:21:12 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1381242@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with some of the others here, like gryffin and Kiwigal, that it seems less a matter of "can't wear" than it is finding the right iteration or perhaps finding that it just takes too much effort to wear certain styles. I think I'm too stubborn to believe there are styles I just can't wear. I'd rather believe I choose not to.</p> <p>For your shirtdress, Von, I do think it would be possible for you to wear the style. As a seamstress, I think a custom tailor could alter a pattern to fit your upper and lower torso so that you could wear the style. And then you might like it! Or you might not. When I sew, I like to try on styles in the stores to see if it's worth my effort trying to make a version of something. If it's one of those problematic styles that I can't find to fit decently on my body, then it can be a lot of work (making a trial version) to find out that I don't like the style on me after all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-there-things-we-just-cant-wear-because-of-particular-body-shape#post-1381236 Thu, 23 Oct 2014 00:09:49 +0000 Caro in Oz 1381236@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me it is more to do with personality - if I love something I can usually find a way to wear (a version) of it :)&nbsp;</p> <p>Some things will never <b>feel right </b>on my body though. How I feel trumps how I look (not that I want to look bad).</p> <p>The look below is one I love seeing on others but would feel so un-me I would feel totally odd. Granted,&nbsp;physically it would emphasis all the areas I don't want to emphasise but emotionally I would feel completely obliterated - I wouldn't know who I was. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-there-things-we-just-cant-wear-because-of-particular-body-shape#post-1381198 Wed, 22 Oct 2014 23:02:16 +0000 Deborah 1381198@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not having read the other replies, I would say that anyone can wear anything they want :)&nbsp; But it all comes down to what we are aiming for in our dressing.&nbsp; I adore a certain style of skirt.&nbsp; It does not flatter my figure.&nbsp; It would add to my frame and make me look larger than I like to look.&nbsp; I am confident I could wear it and style it and look 'nice' but it wouldn't make me happy because the image projected would not be what I am going for.. does that make sense.&nbsp; So yes there are certain things I don't even look at because I know they are a not a flattering option to my eye on my body. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-there-things-we-just-cant-wear-because-of-particular-body-shape#post-1381163 Wed, 22 Oct 2014 22:11:21 +0000 Sal 1381163@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There are two categories for me:</p> <p>1) Things that just never fit me.</p> <p>2) Things that fit but just don't work, or I have to try too hard to make them work.</p> <p>In category 1 would be the shirt dress, the tie never sits at the right place. &nbsp; I quite fancied the look this summer but have tried on about six of which all were the wrong shape!</p> <p>In category 2- true skinny jeans, boxy sheath dresses, denim shorts, trench coats.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-there-things-we-just-cant-wear-because-of-particular-body-shape#post-1381158 Wed, 22 Oct 2014 22:01:57 +0000 Meow 1381158@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good question.&nbsp; Yes, I think there are things you can't wear if you want to look your best.&nbsp; Of course, you can wear anything you want and not get arrested - lol.&nbsp; I just discovered that I have wide shoulders - geez, you think I would realize that before 50! I didn't really "see" it until I started taking photos of myself and tried to figure out what was wrong.&nbsp; I look horrible in boat neck tops.&nbsp; So rather than fussing about it, I find it almost freeing because now I can go shopping and flit around the store quickly eliminating most items - wrong color, wrong style, wrong size....it helps me focus.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-there-things-we-just-cant-wear-because-of-particular-body-shape#post-1381154 Wed, 22 Oct 2014 21:49:11 +0000 gryffin 1381154@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Von - I actually disagree. Did you ever read "who, what, wear's" book? They make a good case that there is usually an iteration of every style which can be worn be a figure and they show examples by assigning celebrity. "Doppelgängers" for figure types. Example, I'm a slim rectangle ruching looks dreadful on me it gives me a pseudo pooch. But I can wear sewn down pleats for a similar effect or I can wear tiny ruching but only on the sides. I truly believe if you love something you can adapt it to flatter your figure. Just my two cents but I sm the eternal optimist! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-there-things-we-just-cant-wear-because-of-particular-body-shape#post-1381112 Wed, 22 Oct 2014 20:13:16 +0000 Anonymous 1381112@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Von, yes, too many to count. There is probably a way to have any style of garment custom-made for us, but it we want to wear things that fit easily off the rack, I find they are the very things Angie suggests in the (new and improved!) body type guidelines. I will never fill out wrap dresses or boot cut jeans. Eileen Fisher-esque drape does not work on my body at all. Sheath dresses always cave in at the bust and require major alterations to fit, and even then they're not all that flattering, as well as Chanel style jackets. You are not alone! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-there-things-we-just-cant-wear-because-of-particular-body-shape#post-1381103 Wed, 22 Oct 2014 20:04:40 +0000 Style Fan 1381103@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Absolutely!&nbsp; I can not wear clothes made for straight up and down women.&nbsp; I am very curvy.&nbsp; Even when I weighed 20 pounds less in my 40s (premenopausal) I was still curvy.&nbsp; Skinny jeans are out.&nbsp; &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-there-things-we-just-cant-wear-because-of-particular-body-shape#post-1381091 Wed, 22 Oct 2014 19:42:32 +0000 Carole 1381091@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, I've learned over time what is best to avoid for my body shape! I almost ordered that dress, Von, during the crazy AT sale. I wish I would have but instead ordered one that is likely to be returned, too short and it has a waist which I usually steer clear from because I have a very high waist and it feels odd. I do much better with shift type dresses like you posted. Any details that add focus to shoulders I steel clear from. Very broad shoulders here! Once I figured out the figure flattering priorities to look for, shopping became so much more enjoyable. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-there-things-we-just-cant-wear-because-of-particular-body-shape#post-1381086 Wed, 22 Oct 2014 19:33:19 +0000 DonnaF 1381086@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I gotta add:&nbsp; It would be pretty rare that I could/should wear what alaskagirl rocks, although we have overlapping tastes and are both height challenged.&nbsp; Same with Transcona Shannon.&nbsp; Very different body shapes and proportions plus their legs are much longer.&nbsp; :(&nbsp; I have also learned to shy away from YLF lemmingwear. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-there-things-we-just-cant-wear-because-of-particular-body-shape#post-1381080 Wed, 22 Oct 2014 19:23:06 +0000 catgirl 1381080@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>High collared button downs, any top shaped like a triangle, shoulder pads or puffiness, really high crew necks.&nbsp; Classic IT issues with how things fit on top.&nbsp; I mean, I COULD wear them but it would be a travesty. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-there-things-we-just-cant-wear-because-of-particular-body-shape#post-1381073 Wed, 22 Oct 2014 19:10:50 +0000 Von 1381073@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, I feel like the older I get, the more apt I am to try different styles and try to banish the "You shouldn't wear X if Y" thoughts...but it's hard.&nbsp; I think the main deciding factor has changed from "does it come in my size?" to "does this look good on me?"&nbsp; Because my closet is continually being purged of unworn items I bought simply because I found it in my size.&nbsp; I can't use that as a justification because though it's my size, but it's still not "my fit".&nbsp; </p> <p>Right up until the moment I took that dress back, I was reconsidering if I should try it on one more time to see if I could work it.&nbsp; In my head I had to say "NO, you and your butt and your thighs can NEVER work it...this is not your dress." LOL!!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-there-things-we-just-cant-wear-because-of-particular-body-shape#post-1381070 Wed, 22 Oct 2014 19:09:01 +0000 Anonymous 1381070@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anything that's straight up and down. My shoulders, but and&nbsp;hips are larger than my waist, so trying to wear that silhouette is&nbsp;like trying to fit a round peg into a square hole.</p> <p>Shift dresses look comfy but look hideous on me. Don't get me started.</p> <p>Pant rises that are too short or too long.</p> <p>Drop waist dresses and tops.</p> <p>Blouson tops.</p> <p>Tops or sweaters with banded bottoms. Ugh!</p> <p>I could go on, but these are the worst offenders.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-there-things-we-just-cant-wear-because-of-particular-body-shape#post-1381034 Wed, 22 Oct 2014 18:18:58 +0000 DonnaF 1381034@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Most regular clothing, esp. at the neckline, because I am 5' 1" and a Petite.&nbsp; But I still sometimes try, esp. where the hemline would be indecent on a taller gal or peplums w/o long sleeves since I have a long waist.&nbsp; </p> <p>Shift dresses.&nbsp; They LOOK so comfy!&nbsp; Even if I can get a reasonable fit, they are so unflattering on my body and emphasize all the wrong things like my heavy arms, narrowish sloping shoulders, short neck, full and low bustline, and not great legs.&nbsp; I keep hoping I will find one with a low boatneck and maybe that will work. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-there-things-we-just-cant-wear-because-of-particular-body-shape#post-1380977 Wed, 22 Oct 2014 16:39:13 +0000 Kim 1380977@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Peplum tops including peplum dresses! &nbsp;I have tried on more than I can count, and can never find one that fits my natural waist because I have a long torso. Too bad, because I adore the look! &nbsp;I may have to find a sewing pattern and alter it to make the elusive thing. LOL </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-there-things-we-just-cant-wear-because-of-particular-body-shape#post-1380947 Wed, 22 Oct 2014 16:14:24 +0000 Aziraphale 1380947@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, yes, absolutely. Any of those oversized boxy tops simply do not work. They &nbsp;make me look like a brick. So sad. I wish I could wear them.</p> <p>However, on the topic of getting thing tailored: I do it all the time.&nbsp;I factor it into the cost of the garment.&nbsp;Usually it's no big deal -- I just buy the size that fits me at my widest part, and get the rest tailored down. However, I've got to know which alterations will be complicated and thus costly. (Taking things up at the shoulder, for example, is never cheap).&nbsp; </p>