https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/curved-hem-over-curvy-thighs Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 04 Apr 2026 18:10:04 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/curved-hem-over-curvy-thighs#post-55756 Mon, 23 Mar 2009 04:44:16 +0000 anne 55756@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny - I have been away all weekend; thanks for all your thoughts!</p> <p>I am not sure how much I relate, but it was very interesting! Do you reckon anyone else is still reading this thread? I think I've always wanted to be hourglass, but have had quite different perceptions from time to time as to what I actually was - I though I had wide shoulders and big arms at one point!</p> <p>I wouldn't say my hips were bony, and I did put on some weight there while pregnant, but they are straightish rather than curvy at the hip level.</p> <p>Actually I think my hip line is looking a bit like Tanyas at the moment (although I am obviously much less skinny, as I am 2 inches shorter and at least 10 pounds heavier. I am quite deep - look thinner from the front than the side.</p> <p>Returning to the originial issue of top length - one aspect of the longer top fashion I have enjoyed is having a top that is long enough to not show my back as I bend over.<br /> Today I am having a home day and wearing a turtle neck with my old low rise jeans and am having that problem, which I solved by putting a fleece vest over the top ( Angie would not approve!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/curved-hem-over-curvy-thighs#post-55378 Fri, 20 Mar 2009 11:56:19 +0000 shiny 55378@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think we are different on top - my shoulders are broader than yours, my chest is bigger, and my arms are definetly heavier. I gain weight first on my upper body, not just my belly area. Frankly I would love to have your upper body instead of mine. :-(</p> <p>I do not have any fat on my hip - there's just hip bone there - and that doesn't really change when I gain weight. My hip measurement can go wider if I'm working out a lot, but it's because my glutes fill out. (which is not a bad thing ;-). As for thighs, I don't get saddle bags ever - instead I get flab on the inside of my thighs. (Reverse saddle bags??)</p> <p>So for me, because I do have a tendency towards inverted triangle, I do like to play clothing tricks to make my hips appear a bit more full. Like sometimes deliberately having the top hit at the widest part. And wearing skirts that are fuller in the hips. My trouser cut jeans make me feel hippier than my skinnies. Etc. </p> <p>But, there's also a psychological aspect for me. I've mentioned on the forum before that I grew up with a mother and big sister who are both much curvier than I have ever been. Both are pretty pears. As my role models for what a grown woman is supposed to look like, I have it stuck in my head that the pear shape is the ideal. You can tell me all day long the hourglass is the ideal, and I still won't quite believe it. Show me a pretty pair with delicate, narrow shoulders, teeny tiny waist, and curvy hips and thighs and I will still reactively sigh with envy and wish I had that same figure. </p> <p>So for most of my life, I've tried to look and dress like a pear, which is pretty much a losing battle, given my shape. </p> <p>I am getting a lot better about that though. I think YLF is good therapy for me in that regard. It seems hourglass is by far the most prevalent shape here. Posting my own pics helps me learn to truly see my own self, and learn to slowly love my shape just the way it is. </p> <p>It's also really helped me to watch my youngest DD grow into a woman - she is built more like me, but because she swims, the inverted triangle tendency we share is much more pronounced. And she looks amazing. She LOVES her strong shoulders, strong back, and strong arms. She has wonderful body confidence and does not suffer from the insecurities I did at that age. </p> <p>Okay now I'm rambling - do you relate to any of that? </p> <p>P.s. yes, your thighs are, indeed, tiny! Considering the length of your legs, I think the proportions are just right. (To put it in perspective, my legs measure 15-15). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/curved-hem-over-curvy-thighs#post-55363 Fri, 20 Mar 2009 06:14:28 +0000 anne 55363@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny, I am sure you did mention something about measuring from shoulder to chest (not sure where exactly) when you first brought this up on YLF. Actually I am often short there - I notice that if I pull the shoulders up a little the bust fits better (but the bottom of the shirt or blouse is often not long enough - the garment's waist is often on my ribcage)</p> <p>I'll take you a pic! Won't be able to post until next week though</p> <p>I'm not sure if my weight will fluctate much more - it always has a monthly 5 pound range but I am in that.</p> <p>Could you clarify about our similarities ? (I am so chuffed we might have some, becuase then I can learn from your experience)</p> <p>I do have some light coloured shoes<br /> <a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm234/anneinoz/245.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://i297.photobucket.com/al.....oz/245.jpg</a><br /> But they are not low vamp. I will be on the lookout for some.</p> <p>Thanks again Shiny </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/curved-hem-over-curvy-thighs#post-55263 Thu, 19 Mar 2009 17:39:58 +0000 shiny 55263@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting, Anne! I would say, since your upper and lower leg are fairly close, that the issue is the length of the clams and the choice of the shoes, which is making your lower leg look proportionately short compared to your upper leg. If you don't like rolling, you might consider hemming them. I'd wait until next year since it sounds like your weight may still be fluctuating. But can you roll them up and take a pic without shoes, just for comparison? </p> <p>I know the shoe thing is hard, but I do suspect that if you could find a pair of COMFY lower-vamped shoes, in a lighter color, this is going to go a long way. </p> <p>You know, I think I may have goofed where you are supposed to measure for 1 and 2... it may not be to waist but just under the chest. Because I'm also just 10 inches from waist to chair too. Hmmm. I remember I found this on the web somewhere, and when I did the exercise, I was shortest from shoulder to ... wherever it was supposed to be measured. Which made perfect sense to me because this is often the biggest issue with tops - even petite tops can be too long in the straps/neckline. </p> <p>Let me go try once again to see if I can find that web page... it was very interesting. I wish I'd bookmarked it! (Esp since I have a lousy memory... ) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/curved-hem-over-curvy-thighs#post-55211 Thu, 19 Mar 2009 14:13:01 +0000 anne 55211@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny, again thanks so much for your response; I feel like the light went on!</p> <p>When you said we "were the same" did you mean about not minding a curvier looking bottom half because it makes for more of an hourglass look.<br /> I think you are right. My measurements (waist/ hip 29/37 - the waist varies a fair bit) sound like there would be a big gap, but my hips are reasonably slim, not even very curved. It is my bottom that is curvy. And I like tops that curve in at the waist, becuase it I am not careful it won't be seen I don't mind have a hem at the hips.</p> <p>Not sure about thighs though. Unlike you Shiny, I do carry weight there; they are about 22"!! So I hope you are right when you say they don't _look_ that big!</p> <p>I did the measuring thing and came up with the following<br /> 1) shoulder to waist 16<br /> 2) waist to chair 10<br /> 3) bottom to top of knee (upper leg) 20<br /> 4) top of knee to floor (lower leg). 19</p> <p>I am a bit unsure how to analyse these though. It looks like the 2 halves of the leg are pretty similar.</p> <p>As for rolling up the hem of the clams - I love the look but hate the feeling! (maybe because I have incipient varicose veins)<br /> The cardi advice with long tops is helpful to know, though difficult to always implement in Australian summers!<br /> I am really going to have to look into some lighter shoes, which is fine. But I have a terrible suspicion that no low vamp shoe is going to fit me (maybe a topic for a new thread)</p> <p>I have done a lot of clam and skirt hemming. One thing I notice though is that when I lost the last bit of preggy weight, it came off the tummy so some garments that used to fit at the waist started dropping lower. It is hard to know whether to rehem or take them in, though, as there are those bloaty times of the month and ends of the day when the bigger waist might be needed!</p> <p>Angie - thanks for answer on curved hem - I will just have to get my eye in on this. And the too long top could be scrunched - in fact it probably was - I bet I just tugged it down for the photo.</p> <p>Christine - thanks for your input on curved hems too. I think we do have some body type similarities though I suspect I am a bit straighter up and down than you. I think we both fit into the T and S category of skittle. (plus we are mothers and a similar age, and have issues with our glasses!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/curved-hem-over-curvy-thighs#post-55089 Wed, 18 Mar 2009 15:29:19 +0000 anne 55089@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny, Christine and Angie, (especially Shiny)<br /> Thanks so much I am going to respond more tomorrow (today was soo busy and now it is 12:30am ) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/curved-hem-over-curvy-thighs#post-55032 Tue, 17 Mar 2009 23:44:41 +0000 Angie 55032@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really like the length of the curved hem blouse with the clams, Anne (a couple of inches above crotch point as per the normal rule of thumb). The other top is a little too long. Can you scrunch it up a little? Hip length would be too short imo. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/curved-hem-over-curvy-thighs#post-54965 Tue, 17 Mar 2009 16:35:30 +0000 ChristineB 54965@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm by no means an expert, but I have a similar body shape to you. My upper thighs are my widest point. I like shirts with curved hems for a couple of reasons. First is practical - I don't often find (longer) shirts with straight hems that fit across my widest point. The curve allows me to wear a smaller size than I otherwise would.</p> <p>Second, I think curved hems are more flattering because they don't cut across the widest part. Especially if you are wearing dark/solid bottoms, it gives the illusion that you are slimmer because your eye is drawn to the middle of the body. Kind of like those dresses that have black on the sides &#38; white or a bright color in the middle..</p> <p>Of course, I could be way off base here. If I am, someone please correct me!!</p> <p>And thanks to Shiny - I'm definitely going to do that measurement exercise. I was wondering just this morning how to tell if my torso is long compared to the rest of my body. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/curved-hem-over-curvy-thighs#post-54958 Tue, 17 Mar 2009 15:40:39 +0000 shiny 54958@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anne, I think you look great in either shirt. Your thighs are not that big at all. I personally never worry about tops hitting the widest part of me, because I like to look curvier on the bottom because I think it balances out my inverted triangle tendencies, and makes me look more hourglassy. I think you are the same!</p> <p>As for short legs, I do think photo #2 makes your lower legs look disproportionately short, especially compared to photo #1. But, I don't necessarily think this is a factor of the length of your top!! I think it would be easily solved if you 1) rolled the hem of your clams up a few inches higher and 2) wore a shoe with a low vamp. Or alternatively, wore a really high heel (which I don't think you want to do, on the playground). But I think the longer top works fine because it curves in at your waist. </p> <p>Here is a little exercise that you may find helpful. Get a tape measure and while sitting in a chair measure from 1) shoulder to waist 2) waist to chair 3) bottom to top of knee (upper leg) 4) top of knee to floor (lower leg). How do these measurements compare? Are you substantially longer or shorter in one measurement versus another? If you are, then this is where you want to be careful when you dress. </p> <p>Basically you want to use a) shortening tactics in the longer areas, and b) lengthining tactics in the shorter areas. </p> <p>For B - let's say you find out you are shortest in your lower leg. Then you want to always wear a low vamp shoe, in a light color, possibly with a heel, and you want to be sure to hem your clams and skirts higher - probably just above the knee and never below the knee. These strategies are going to be even more important, if you choose to wear a longer top. </p> <p>For A - let's say you have a proportionately long upper leg. Wearing a longer top is a valid strategy - provided you carve out a waist somehow (belt, ruching, cardi, etc). As is hemming your clams and skirts just above the knee. </p> <p>So... I am equally proportionate in all these "zones." Yet as I said in my other post, the fashion expectation is to have proportionately longer legs than one's upper body. I do not. I am perfectly proportionate. So some might look at me and say my legs "look short." Therefore I do practice leg-lengthening strategies. </p> <p>I went back and looked at summer photos of outfits I wore with clams. My clams are hemmed higher than yours. I also noticed that whenever I wore a long top, I wore a cropped cardi over it. I think this draws the eye up to the waist and defines a "zone" to balance it all out, if that makes sense? When I wore shorter tops (to hip bone; skirt-length), I didn't bother with the cardi or I wore a layer that about matched the length of the top. The shorter tops only worked if they curved in at the waist and weren't baggy. </p> <p>Hope this helps!! I do think a lot of it is just experimenting, and developing an "eye." </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/curved-hem-over-curvy-thighs#post-54948 Tue, 17 Mar 2009 14:53:32 +0000 Inge 54948@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm really no expert on this Anne, but Shiny said some interesting things in this thread:<br /> <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shirt-lengths?replies=4" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....?replies=4</a></p> <p>There are, of course, general guidelines, but I think this is a matter of trial and error, and that we each have to find our 'sweet top spot' for skirts, trousers, clamdiggers etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/curved-hem-over-curvy-thighs#post-54944 Tue, 17 Mar 2009 14:48:38 +0000 anne 54944@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am going to bump this again before I go to bed..... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/curved-hem-over-curvy-thighs#post-54821 Mon, 16 Mar 2009 22:53:17 +0000 anne 54821@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>bumping again </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/curved-hem-over-curvy-thighs#post-54670 Mon, 16 Mar 2009 05:27:15 +0000 anne 54670@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Bumping this for Angie </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/curved-hem-over-curvy-thighs#post-54614 Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:18:34 +0000 anne 54614@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just wanted to add that this whole issue of where to end tops is something that I have changed my practice following fashion advice.<br /> In the 90's I used to try to wear jackets that covered the whole area.<br /> Then I read advice similar to what Imogen's and started wearing much shorter tops. (Also fashion's changed in the late 90's and people didn't wear suit jackets very long any more)<br /> Then I read Angie and tried to wear longer ones with pants (my short tops, particularly jumpers started making me feel boxy, too)</p> <p>So now I feel torn! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/curved-hem-over-curvy-thighs#post-54510 Sun, 15 Mar 2009 08:34:17 +0000 anne 54510@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Imogen - I certainly get your reasoning re thinking of the "cropped pants as skirt".</p> <p>But I am a bit worried about the rest of it. I have only just branched out to wearing any tops that aren't tunic length (ie hiding the entire hip thigh/area) with these "clams". And I previewed the "straight across" top here to positive feedback (<a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reunion-outfit-1?replies=30" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....replies=30</a>)so now I am thinking I'll have to rethink my "eye" about all this.</p> <p>It would be easier for me to just wear dresses and skirts all the time but it isn't really practical! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/curved-hem-over-curvy-thighs#post-54435 Sun, 15 Mar 2009 01:18:23 +0000 ImogenL 54435@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anne - You have to think of cropped pants as a skirt - as they are shorter in length than full length pants (it's about the overall proportion), which is why you want a shorter top to go with them.</p> <p>Also, the tops of your thighs is often the widest part of most women, so drawing a horiztonal line across it with a shirt or top is generally unflattering, unless you want to look like you have curvier thighs. I shorter top will actually draw the eye up and away from your thighs and make you look taller and slimmer.</p> <p>Does this make sense? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/curved-hem-over-curvy-thighs#post-54351 Sat, 14 Mar 2009 15:53:57 +0000 anne 54351@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Ana - thanks!<br /> I totally agree you have to work out what is best for each individual and it is great hearing from you, because as you said you are similarly proportioned in terms of being long waisted and you have thought it through already!</p> <p>I don't really know where the widest part of my hips is - the widest part of my leg is about an inch below my crotch - really in my thighs.</p> <p>Thanks again for replying - I know you are very busy and so we haven't heard much from you </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/curved-hem-over-curvy-thighs#post-54350 Sat, 14 Mar 2009 15:42:16 +0000 Ana 54350@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Anne!</p> <p>In this regard, I actually agree with Imogen. I think you and I have similar proportions, and I find that if I am wearing cropped clamdiggers, a slightly shorter top looks best, because my torso is long in comparison with my legs. If I am wearing full length jeans, I can wear a slightly longer top. I try to find tops that hit about an inch above the widest part of my hips, which ends up being about 2-3 inches above the crotch of my pants (closer to 3 in most instances). I have found that if I want to wear a longer length top with clamdiggers, I look best if I am also wearing a slight heel, to lengthen my leg line. "Ideal" length of tops and lengths of skirts are unique to the individual. I think Angie and Imogen give general guidelines, but then you have to try it out and find what works best for you. Does that make sense? </p> <p>I think curved hems are almost always more flattering if you want to leave a shirt untucked. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/curved-hem-over-curvy-thighs#post-54346 Sat, 14 Mar 2009 14:00:27 +0000 anne 54346@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hello Imogen<br /> Nice to hear from an Aussie in the otherwise quiet hours on YLF.<br /> Firstly just wanted to say that I have been reading your own blog with great interest since you started posting here. Loved your polyvores.</p> <p>Secondly, I may have got this wrong, but it seems that this particular issue (length of top) is one where you and Angie appear to disagree, as you fashion professionals do from time to time.</p> <p>I have been trying to follow Angie's advice re length of tops to go with pants!<br /> <a href="http://youlookfab.com/2008/04/23/different-tops-for-skirts-and-pants/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/2008/04/.....and-pants/</a></p> <p>I think both tops in this thread fit into those guidelines.</p> <p>I have been very comfortable wearing tops straight across as in the reunion picture because the fabric there pads my hips slightly and fills the area where otherwise my thighs would stick out. I don't know if I am making sense here, but the thing is that I am not particularly wide hipped. (If I am a pear, and on last YLF count there were a few votes for hourglass, it is because of my thighs and bottom, not my hips). The ruffly top did not do this, and that is why I felt it revealed the thighs.</p> <p>Perhaps the issue is what needs to be addressed most, the curviness of the bottom half or the shortness of the legs!</p> <p>Thirdly, in terms of my original post about Angie's preference for curved hems, I am now wondering if this only applied to button down shirts under knits... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/curved-hem-over-curvy-thighs#post-54337 Sat, 14 Mar 2009 07:43:57 +0000 ImogenL 54337@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You need to shorten the length of these shirts, you have a proportionally longer body than your legs, and by wearing cropped pants and a longer length shirt you are making yourself appear all body and no legs, try taking the shirts up to around hip bone length. </p> <p>A curved hem is more flattering as horizontals are not very flattering as they shorten and widen you where they hit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/curved-hem-over-curvy-thighs#post-54328 Sat, 14 Mar 2009 04:17:42 +0000 anne 54328@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yesterday I wore this (with different shoes) which I have shown before.<br /> <a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm234/anneinoz/251-1.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://i297.photobucket.com/al...../251-1.jpg</a></p> <p>I feel that the curved hems reveals my thighs. I prefer a straighter hem like this<br /> <a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm234/anneinoz/anneatreunion.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://i297.photobucket.com/al.....eunion.jpg</a></p> <p>Angie, I think you have said that you preferred curved to straight hems. Would that apply to me with these tops? </p>