YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Dang it, I never look like the model!

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Dang it, I never look like the model! https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dang-it-i-never-look-like-the-model Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 08 Apr 2026 21:58:29 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Helena on "Dang it, I never look like the model!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dang-it-i-never-look-like-the-model/page/3#post-1055920 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 21:23:01 +0000 Helena 1055920@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ comparison is a sure path to misery ... embrace yourself and forget the models peppertree on "Dang it, I never look like the model!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dang-it-i-never-look-like-the-model/page/3#post-1055879 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 20:42:04 +0000 peppertree 1055879@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I feel the same catgirl on "Dang it, I never look like the model!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dang-it-i-never-look-like-the-model/page/3#post-1055646 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 17:22:51 +0000 catgirl 1055646@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sal refers to what Janet is talking about as "style alchemy": <a href="http://www.alreadypretty.com/2013/10/style-alchemy.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.alreadypretty.com/2.....chemy.html</a> Janet on "Dang it, I never look like the model!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dang-it-i-never-look-like-the-model/page/3#post-1055346 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 12:26:37 +0000 Janet 1055346@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree wholeheartedly with Gaylene's latest comments. I think I come closest to this when I'm wearing something that fits me really well that I feel physically, emotionally and mentally comfortable in. My DVF wrap dress and the Rockstuds come to mind. Or that outfit the other day with the Amber Sun sweater and the tall Frye boots. Or my blue leather moto with just about anything (seriously, that thing makes me feel like a rock star every time). I'm learning to trust the feel of an item as well as the appearance in the mirror. Some things lie on a person's body just so and contribute to that effortless look. Some *types* of items are particularly well suited to certain people and certain body types. For me, it's structured jackets, and that's why I have so many of them. For other ladies here, it's trousers, or slim jeans, or pencil skirts, or button-front blouses, or drapey knits. When we throw on one of these magical items, it meshes with our personality and style persona and looks effortless. Very little that looks effortless is truly effortless, and pictures show only a frozen microsecond in time, and they can be endlessly manipulated. It's alllll an illuuuusion! Joyce B on "Dang it, I never look like the model!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dang-it-i-never-look-like-the-model/page/3#post-1055022 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 01:53:40 +0000 Joyce B 1055022@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Not even the models look like the models after they are done with all the photoshopping. Just enjoy what you love and feel good about yourself. Gaylene on "Dang it, I never look like the model!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dang-it-i-never-look-like-the-model/page/3#post-1055007 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 01:24:24 +0000 Gaylene 1055007@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ah, so is your question more about wearing your clothes with panache and style, IK? Because that is a much more elusive thing than wearing stylish, well-fitting clothes that suit you and your lifestyle. It's true that some women seem to be able to imbue even the most mundane items with a sense of elegance and style that goes beyond just understanding the basics of fit, proportion, and fashion. Personally, I think I come closest when what I wear seems like an extension of who I am because the items seem to be made for my body and my life. I lose that sense when I try to emulate someone else, or try too hard to get something just right, or step too far outside of my comfort zone in the name of fashion. Maybe "effortless" dressing is just another way of recognizing the importance of developing an inner style sense instead of being seduced by the plethora of images, items, and trends that would have us equate style with consumerism? Alassë on "Dang it, I never look like the model!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dang-it-i-never-look-like-the-model/page/3#post-1054875 Thu, 17 Oct 2013 23:01:53 +0000 Alassë 1054875@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I hated sewing for a long time, and still find it draining, but under the influence of Angie's blog posts about perfect fit I started looking for good hemlines, more fitted tops, etc. That updated my style in a hurry. My mother-in-law got tired of me hauling bags over to her for altering and insisted I start learning. I have to admit that taking in side seams of tops or altering hemlines on skirts is pretty easy. Now, though, I can be drained after finding a wonderful item - because I still have to tailor it! Almost every top, skirt, trouser, or dress I own has had something done to it. I just remind myself to persevere and enjoy the wardrobe-so-far of perfectly fitting items. Laura (rhubarbgirl) on "Dang it, I never look like the model!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dang-it-i-never-look-like-the-model/page/3#post-1054834 Thu, 17 Oct 2013 22:29:14 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1054834@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hmmm. I've been reading this discussion trying to figure out what's aimed at. I'm not sure I know anyone who is effortlessly elegant in her clothes 100% of the time. One of my friends, a tall, willowy and gorgeous Russian expat, looks fabulous most of the time and has a great eye for what suits her, but even she has off-days where she doesn't quite get it right, and she's told me about the bags of clothes she's donated after realizing she never should have bought them. Public figures (who have stylists, usually) and folks you don't know that well may appear to always look stellar, but I am sure that even they have off days, you just don't see them. catgirl on "Dang it, I never look like the model!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dang-it-i-never-look-like-the-model/page/3#post-1054819 Thu, 17 Oct 2013 22:18:48 +0000 catgirl 1054819@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm just interested in the semantics and of course analysis of the whole concept. We all know artlessness is an art and effortlessness takes effort. I feel I achieve a certain panache by simply not bothering - but I don't know if it is the right panache or not! Mo on "Dang it, I never look like the model!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dang-it-i-never-look-like-the-model/page/3#post-1054678 Thu, 17 Oct 2013 19:57:09 +0000 Mo 1054678@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lol - I can understand wanting to look effortlessly stylish.  That makes sense to me  I still don't know how to do it, but it makes sense to me. ironkurtin on "Dang it, I never look like the model!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dang-it-i-never-look-like-the-model/page/3#post-1054657 Thu, 17 Oct 2013 19:24:02 +0000 ironkurtin 1054657@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It's more, why can't I ever capture this air of effortlessness.  And yes, yes, I know, it's not effortless, there is effort in professional photographs.  And yet... I think we all know people who look wonderful in their clothing seemingly effortlessly.  These are the women who know proportion and fit and they inhabit their clothes like a second skin.  I have yet to reach this promised land. I think by using the word "model" I'm stirring up a gut response to the word "model."  Which, as we all know, is shorthand for anorexic/fake/photoshopped/etc.  That is not what I am saying.  Clearly I am saying it badly. catgirl on "Dang it, I never look like the model!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dang-it-i-never-look-like-the-model/page/2#post-1054634 Thu, 17 Oct 2013 18:59:51 +0000 catgirl 1054634@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Okay, now I'm not sure I'm understanding you. Is your question "why don't this item look the same on me as it does on the model?" OR "why don't I look like a model in my clothes?" Or something else? I mean, an item on ME is not going to look the same on you - never mind a model! Mo on "Dang it, I never look like the model!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dang-it-i-never-look-like-the-model/page/2#post-1054624 Thu, 17 Oct 2013 18:49:12 +0000 Mo 1054624@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I guess for me, I don't understand why one would expect advertising to mirror reality.  Whether it's the model wearing the clothes or a Burger King burger on a TV ad looking way more scrumptious than it does when it's handed to you in a cardboard box out the drive thru window.  Advertising is not reality.  Never was, never will be.  Its one purpose is to get you to Buy Their Stuff.  ironkurtin on "Dang it, I never look like the model!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dang-it-i-never-look-like-the-model/page/2#post-1054615 Thu, 17 Oct 2013 18:42:04 +0000 ironkurtin 1054615@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It's interesting that so many of you are focusing on the thin part of being a model, when that's not really my issue. For me, it's more looking at a pic like this <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.barneyswarehouse.com/laveer-printed-combo-montage-jacket-502589022.html?index=18&cgid=womens-jackets">http://www.barneyswarehouse.co.....ns-jackets</a> And knowing that it will never really look like that on my frame.  Not because I'm not skinny.  But just... because. So annoying. Anonymous on "Dang it, I never look like the model!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dang-it-i-never-look-like-the-model/page/2#post-1054574 Thu, 17 Oct 2013 17:41:56 +0000 Anonymous 1054574@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Another useful skill to learn is how to know what can be easily altered and what can't. Since my mother was a professional, she taught me all this stuff. This knowledge has kept me from purchasing items that would have been expensive or impossible to alter. Yes, a tailor is great, but there are certain alterations that simply aren't worth doing. Also, knowing your body type and what styles look best helps minimize buyer's remorse. While I'm no model, I take comfort knowing that a stick thin model would not look good in my clothes, which are for a more shapely body. Just sayin' I've learned to be thankful for what I have--flaws and all. About sewing, my mother taught me how. My problem is that I don't have time, and that it's impossible to find good fabric these days. I know I sound like a frustrated little old lady, but the fabric just isn't the quality it used to be. Because of this, I don't think it's cost effective to make my own clothes, particularly when clothing prices have dropped so much in recent years. MsMary on "Dang it, I never look like the model!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dang-it-i-never-look-like-the-model/page/2#post-1054570 Thu, 17 Oct 2013 17:35:34 +0000 MsMary 1054570@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ LOL, I am short and was significantly overweight for most of my life.  So I am still just pathetically grateful if the clothes fit and look reasonably good.  Looking like the models is so far off my radar it would never even occur to me as a possibility!  Cory D on "Dang it, I never look like the model!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dang-it-i-never-look-like-the-model/page/2#post-1054559 Thu, 17 Oct 2013 17:19:22 +0000 Cory D 1054559@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've never seen you before but I am willing to bet you look a lot better than the model. Some of those models just look scary. I saw one the other day whose legs terrified me. They were bones wrapped in skin, no muscle. That's not sexy!  Magazines and Pinterest and fashion blogs are great for getting ideas of what we like, but nothing commercial is custom-made for individual body variance in this world. Oftentimes you may need to get your items from the mall altered to fit your body.  If I didn't have to work I would so be taking a sewing class and learning how to make my own fashion tailored precisely for MY BODY! sydney2 on "Dang it, I never look like the model!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dang-it-i-never-look-like-the-model/page/2#post-1054556 Thu, 17 Oct 2013 17:13:37 +0000 sydney2 1054556@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is why I started to try my hand at sewing.  I envisioned myself making perfectly fitting Helmut Lang type clothing.  Unfortunately, it is difficult to find nice fabric locally.  Also, I could never find a pattern for what I wanted & my pattern drafting did not go so well.  I agree with the others that I think tailoring is the key.   Anonymous on "Dang it, I never look like the model!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dang-it-i-never-look-like-the-model/page/2#post-1054534 Thu, 17 Oct 2013 16:59:55 +0000 Anonymous 1054534@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I shudder to think what custom-made clothing would cost here in the States. My mother is no longer around to sew for me. Fortunately, off-the-rack clothing usually fits. The only tailoring I have had to have done involves hemming things up, as I'm quite a stickler about PPL, sleeve length, and shirt length. Even back when my mother made my clothes, most patterns would fit except for length, so the tailoring I now pay to have done is not anything my mother used to do for free. She always remarked about how easy it was to sew for me. That said, certain brands fit me very well off the rack, as if they were custom made for me, while most brands don't. I always go on safari hunts to pick and choose what works for my body type, personal coloring, and style. I don't go into a store expecting clothing to fit me. It usually doesn't. Again, it depends on the brand; and even with a certain brand, certain things don't fit. It's a royal pain, but I somehow manage to find well-fitting garments. I think what most people don't understand (but we YLFers surely do) is that cultivating a wardobe of properly fitting, stylish garments takes a lot of time. Some people don't want to spend the time necessary to look as good as they could. Thank goodness we have Angie to help us! She makes things a lot easier. Sona on "Dang it, I never look like the model!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dang-it-i-never-look-like-the-model/page/2#post-1054524 Thu, 17 Oct 2013 16:53:40 +0000 Sona 1054524@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree with all the bespoke comments.  Growing up in India and even now I have all my Indian clothes custom made : and they fit me perfectly and the clothes look gorgeous on me as opposed to me looking gorgeous in the clothes. And I take my true religions jeans to my tailor in India as well and with a nip and tuck in the right spot it hitches my butt up just so and makes the loose baggy upper thigh just perfecto.  It really is the only way to 'fit' like a model. Anonymous on "Dang it, I never look like the model!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dang-it-i-never-look-like-the-model/page/2#post-1054500 Thu, 17 Oct 2013 16:33:18 +0000 Anonymous 1054500@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree with everyone on the tailoring comments.  I tailor a lot of my clothing, thankfully I know how to sew well enough to do my own.  My husband has always had his shirts and work trousers tailored.  It's very normal for men to have their work clothes tailored but women expect to wear right off the rack.  gryffin on "Dang it, I never look like the model!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dang-it-i-never-look-like-the-model/page/2#post-1054489 Thu, 17 Oct 2013 16:17:31 +0000 gryffin 1054489@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think we all share your frustration.  Did you ever read the "WhoWhatWear" books?  I thought they had a really terrific idea to try and identify a celebrity "doppelganger"  They picked a group of celebrities with totally different body types.  Since these women can afford the finest stylists to help them translate current trends onto their different body types, they suggested using them as as a guide make that trend work for a similiar figure.  It's not a perfect world since you need to find someone who has a similiar aesthetic as well as body type but I thought that the advice was very astute and it has helped me adapt some ideas to a 5'3" slim rectangle frame.    Gaylene on "Dang it, I never look like the model!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dang-it-i-never-look-like-the-model/page/2#post-1054448 Thu, 17 Oct 2013 15:44:22 +0000 Gaylene 1054448@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great link, Janet! It's almost laughable how so many of us know what goes on behind the scenes to create those images but still succumb the illusion of, to use IK's words, "an effortless combination of posture, cut and proportion". We all know that there is nothing effortless in those pictures. Those images are the end product of long hours; talented tailors, stylists and photographers; and a serious dedication to creating and upholding a desired image. It's fun to look at beautiful pictures of food, locations, and fashion, but when illusions become so strong that the reality of eating the food, seeing the scene with my own eyes, or wearing the item in question seems second-best, I get worried. I want to live, and be happy, in the real world--and not spend my time and money chasing a marketing illusion. rachylou on "Dang it, I never look like the model!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dang-it-i-never-look-like-the-model/page/2#post-1054415 Thu, 17 Oct 2013 15:22:32 +0000 rachylou 1054415@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Girl, have you ever seen what the model looks like from the backside? All duct tape and clips. She can't go outside either. K. Period. on "Dang it, I never look like the model!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dang-it-i-never-look-like-the-model/page/2#post-1054394 Thu, 17 Oct 2013 15:07:36 +0000 K. Period. 1054394@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ (Traci, I'm with you.  If we are delusional, let's be delusional together. I can't imagine a better place to be.)  ETA: One of the things I love about the forum is seeing real women of all body types, which run the gamut and include "model" body types too, working with real clothing and real clothing issues for their everyday lives.  Our posts aren't about a fantasy life and body and clothes, they are about us, which is so much more interesting!  Anonymous on "Dang it, I never look like the model!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dang-it-i-never-look-like-the-model/page/2#post-1054291 Thu, 17 Oct 2013 13:47:27 +0000 Anonymous 1054291@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What Rute said is so true. I look so much better in professional photos than I do in home shap shots. Now that my DH has a really good camera, I look a lot better in family pics. I'm sure I'd look even better if my photos were airbrushed like they do in the fashion magazines. It would be nice to make people think my face doesn't have any pores, lol. lyn67 on "Dang it, I never look like the model!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dang-it-i-never-look-like-the-model/page/2#post-1054171 Thu, 17 Oct 2013 11:13:49 +0000 lyn67 1054171@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes for all the constructive comments, BUT then it's not only about height/weight/shape/age or pins at the back, there is a certain careless but chic posture I  can never ever get for myself:-) Neel on "Dang it, I never look like the model!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dang-it-i-never-look-like-the-model/page/2#post-1054127 Thu, 17 Oct 2013 08:35:20 +0000 Neel 1054127@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ LOL!  Love the question!  :D rute on "Dang it, I never look like the model!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dang-it-i-never-look-like-the-model/page/2#post-1054122 Thu, 17 Oct 2013 07:57:14 +0000 rute 1054122@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I bet that with a good photograph you would look like one! It's not always about a certain type of body shape! I know we all look strange in our home made photos, with the wrong light! unfrumped on "Dang it, I never look like the model!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dang-it-i-never-look-like-the-model/page/2#post-1054026 Thu, 17 Oct 2013 04:26:10 +0000 unfrumped 1054026@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I hear you! And if I understand, then....what Elsa said. How to translate. Better if you are seeing a kind of general appeal since then you are aiming to " evoke" the look. To get the look of jacket A , I might have to buy jacket B. jacket B might not look like it will look like jacket A when on me unless I try it on. Hence the need to experiment and not assume how something will look. Confused now?