https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-for-effect-body-type-flattery Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 08 Apr 2026 16:43:20 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-for-effect-body-type-flattery/page/2#post-1572298 Thu, 15 Oct 2015 23:07:14 +0000 DonnaF 1572298@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>FWIW, I don't dress for maximum flattery but I won't wear something if I don't feel it is JFE.&nbsp; I am most self-conscious about my short, heavy legs so I shy away from stuff that makes them look even shorter and heavier.&nbsp; I look for flattery in colors, so I would want to see your coat in gray/black/light vs. brown.&nbsp; I am also short (5' 1") with narrowish shoulders and small features, and although I am by no means delicate or fragile, I have to remember that *strong* looks can still overwhelm me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-for-effect-body-type-flattery/page/2#post-1572241 Thu, 15 Oct 2015 21:43:37 +0000 Aida 1572241@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This has been a fascinating read, thanks for starting this thread Appro. I identify most with Angie, Diana and Rachy wrote. I am <i>most </i>interested in style as a creative expression of myself, and in the idea of feeling authentic to myself in my clothes. Totally also could've written Diana's entire second paragraph:</p> <p><i>I also have a strong contrarian streak. I cannot tell you how many times I have been told that I should wear more bombshell things, or thatI look great in hourglass silhouettes, etc. All that praise/encouragement actually makes me even less likely to want to dress in those silhouettes. (I already am inclined against them because I have a pretty knee-jerk response to being thought of as conventionally"sexy".) I'm not saying that I dress to hide my hourglass shape necessarily, but I do not want to accentuate it. </i></p> <p>A big hearty AGREED to all of that! So yes, I certainly am willing to dress in a way that bucks what would be considered conventionally flattering to my shape, and more often than not do this (in particular I enjoy waist surrender).</p> <p>To a degree being IT with hourglass tendencies probably makes it <i>possible</i><br /> to actually, you know, skew my presented visual shape to something<br /> different as long as I'm willing to be less than conventionally<br /> flattering. Which might be part of the appeal to me, who knows </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-for-effect-body-type-flattery/page/2#post-1572202 Thu, 15 Oct 2015 20:28:26 +0000 approprio 1572202@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Diana</b>: that "grass is greener" thing - ain't that the truth! Like you, my tastes run to the eclectic, and all too often I find myself wanting to wear All The Clothes All The Time, which is a plainly ridiculous notion. But in the end, what we decide to put on our backs is as much a result of how we want to present ourselves as individuals, and not simply about what suits us.&nbsp;</p> <p>I really like what you say about playing down your womanly form and emphasising your contrarian streak, because I do that too. It recalled Angie's earlier comment about hiding her big eyes behind specs, which I hadn't really parsed at first but has since left me thinking. Why would you or I or Angie or anyone else make that choice to conceal something that might make us more beautiful in the eyes of the beholder? It's about&nbsp;turning down the sex appeal and dialing up on charisma.</p> <p>For me, dressing well is not simply about looking more beautiful or alluring (although it can be about those things if that's what you want), it's about making a conscious decision to present yourself to the world as you would like to be seen. People who don't take an interest in clothes seldom appreciate just how empowering it can be to take complete control of your appearance. This concept of JFE gives us the freedom to do that.&nbsp;</p> <p>Anyway, thanks for the comment on the coat. I honestly wasn't fishing for any kind of compliment, and now I know we can agree to disagree on faux fur and bracelet sleeves :)</p> <p><b>Sheila:&nbsp;</b>you've got me thinking about statement pieces now. I might come back to that later.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-for-effect-body-type-flattery/page/2#post-1572200 Thu, 15 Oct 2015 20:25:21 +0000 Anonymous 1572200@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm lucky to have a strong shoulder line, but it's not strong enough to put me in the Dramatic Kibbe category. It's strong enough for my clothes to hang well, though, and for that I'm grateful. My struggle, after 4 kids, is my abs. I've also gained a little weight lately and am trying my best to lose it. It all went to my stomach and hips. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-for-effect-body-type-flattery/page/2#post-1572098 Thu, 15 Oct 2015 16:30:36 +0000 Sheila 1572098@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also admit to having shoulder envy. Most models are these Kibbe FN types that can just hang clothes off their shoulders and they hang perfectly. </p> <p>I have no shoulders to speak of. Arms are too long on standard wear, the arm seams are halfway to my elbow, ugh. My mother used to say that my father's sisters grew up hungry and that is why everything had to be tailored for them- as they had low bone mass which showed up in the shoulders. Not true. I have been very well fed and I have those same shoulders- it is genetic. </p> <p>I personally feel that the coat in question would overwhelme me. It is lovely and something that two of my sisters could wear and look fantastic in. It really is a dramatic statement piece IMHO. The kind of item,&nbsp;I would&nbsp;look at, say no, look at again, say no, then try it on, yes yes yes...NO. </p> <p>I still struggle with Kibbe- I love the concept- but I just can't see myself correctly. One day, SN, then FG,then DC... drives me nuts.</p> <p></p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-for-effect-body-type-flattery/page/2#post-1572054 Thu, 15 Oct 2015 15:35:21 +0000 Diana 1572054@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a really interesting conversation!&nbsp; I think I really resonate with what Shevia said.&nbsp; Like her, I think my #1 goal with style is to be interesting (both to myself and to others).&nbsp; I don't want to look like everyone else, but on the other hand of course I still have certain figure flattery priorities and hangups that I take into account.&nbsp; For example, I always try to minimize the appearance of my extremely short waist, and I don't wear things that make my butt appear even bigger than it already is!&nbsp; On the other hand, I have a nicely defined waist but I don't really care to always define it and I'll wear waist surrendering things with aplomb.&nbsp; </p> <p>I also have a strong contrarian streak.&nbsp; I cannot tell you how many times I have been told that I should wear more bombshell things, or that I look great in hourglass silhouettes, etc.&nbsp; All that praise/encouragement actually makes me even less likely to want to dress in those silhouettes.&nbsp; (I already am inclined against them because I have a pretty knee-jerk response to being thought of as conventionally "sexy".)&nbsp; I'm not saying that I dress to hide my hourglass shape necessarily, but I do not want to accentuate it.&nbsp; </p> <p>The concept of JFE is such a freeing thing for me.&nbsp; And for the record, I'd wear your coat with two changes, both having to do more with poison eye/personal issues rather than flattery.&nbsp; (The bracelet sleeves, as you know, and the fur, because I have weird tactile issues with fur.)&nbsp; </p> <p>ETA: Also, I think we can't discount the grass-is-always-greener argument.&nbsp; I HAVE the conventional hourglass figure and I can't tell you how often I've wished for the IT, avant garde figure.&nbsp; But I think this is just a case of always wanting what you can't have, you know?&nbsp; We just have to accept that not everything will work for everyone, because people come in all sorts of shapes and sizes.&nbsp; I think at its heart JFE is about figuring out how to make the things we like work for the bodies we have.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-for-effect-body-type-flattery/page/2#post-1571943 Thu, 15 Oct 2015 12:35:18 +0000 approprio 1571943@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Style Fan</b>, totally off-topic but you reminded me of the famous industrial designer Henry Dreyfuss, who always wore a brown suit. This is inherently cool, because there really is nothing cooler than a really good signature look in my opinion. Great if you can pull it off. Unfortunately, I am far too easily bored to do it myself.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-for-effect-body-type-flattery/page/2#post-1571748 Wed, 14 Oct 2015 23:20:12 +0000 Style Fan 1571748@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are right about black being favoured by the avant guarde crowd.&nbsp; Also by the "cool" people, punks, etc.<br />Funny story.&nbsp; A co worker of mine showed up in a head to toe brown outfit.&nbsp; She came to me and said she felt like a reindeer.&nbsp; We agreed that a complete black outfit was "cool" but a complete brown outfit was for the fashion challenged. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-for-effect-body-type-flattery/page/2#post-1571508 Wed, 14 Oct 2015 15:20:28 +0000 Elizabeth P 1571508@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Why do I always start to read these awesome threads when I don't have time to finish them or comment properly?&nbsp; Gah!</p> <p>May do that later... but if not, thanks for all the wisdom and thoughts here... made for great reading, and I will at minimum come back to read more than I did. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-for-effect-body-type-flattery/page/2#post-1571435 Wed, 14 Oct 2015 13:20:52 +0000 Tania 1571435@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Coming late to this, but I think flattery can be interpreted conventionally (for example,&nbsp;hourglass figure)&nbsp;or unconventionally (personality traits like creativity, boldness).&nbsp; Conventional figure flattery can vary by culture, of course.&nbsp; However, even if a personality trait is a priority, I think most folks keep their body types/features in mind when determining if something is JFE.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-for-effect-body-type-flattery/page/2#post-1571422 Wed, 14 Oct 2015 12:46:21 +0000 Anonymous 1571422@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you? &nbsp;I guess? &nbsp;lol. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-for-effect-body-type-flattery#post-1571402 Wed, 14 Oct 2015 11:12:52 +0000 Astrid 1571402@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Approprio. I wasn't taking it personally, but I thought I should clarify so that I'm not misunderstood. And I think offering colors other than black is definitely a good idea. I'm personally way more likely to compromise on cut than on color, especially on the top half. I guess it comes back to what others have already mentioned - no one wants to look sick and there are colors that have just that effect next to my face. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-for-effect-body-type-flattery#post-1571391 Wed, 14 Oct 2015 10:48:51 +0000 approprio 1571391@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Suz,</b>&nbsp;you totally rock. I think I love you! You've just defined my hypothetical customer and she is - erm - me. </p> <p>But that's OK. I maybe niche but I'm not unique in my shopping habits and priorities, and that means I can target product using my own understanding of those requirements.&nbsp;Concepts like Kibbe and seasonal colour analysis add a bit of nuance to all that. I'm going to resist banging on about that at length just now though.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Lisa</b>, I'm a little rusty at this so don't take my word for it, but to save you the time I'd say soft dramatic with a touch of flamboyant gamine. You're welcome :)</p> <p><b>shevia:&nbsp;</b>excellent point! My friend at ByBrown often talks about a woman's clothes being her armour. The effect of a standout look can definitely be protection against unwanted attention.</p> <p><b>Astrid:&nbsp;</b>I certainly didn't take that meaning. One of the things I like about your style is that it's refined and considered. It's a little different but not overtly so. It's not conspicuous but it definitely merits a second glance. It suits you. It goes anywhere.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>unfrumped</b>, that's very true about functionality. Womenswear in the last 100 years has shifted from decorative (primarily flattering) clothing to a more practical approach and the visual language has changed enormously. So that concept of JFE needs to take in "what we feel comfortable with", as <b>bettycrocker</b> said upthread.</p> <p>Still a great discussion ladies! I could talk about this all day. </p> <p>ETA: <b>Style Fan:&nbsp;</b>you're right about colours. As others have pointed out, black is "the thing" among the avant-garde crowd, but it's not wearable by everyone. I'm taking the "different neutrals" message here very seriously.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-for-effect-body-type-flattery#post-1571385 Wed, 14 Oct 2015 10:08:43 +0000 Style Fan 1571385@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a very interesting discussion.&nbsp; I dress in a way that flatters my body shape (hourglass/pear).&nbsp; I love avant guarde clothing but if you put something made for the IT on me I look like a block.&nbsp; Or at least I feel like a block and that is not a fab feeling.&nbsp; I do not dress like a bombshell so pencil skirts and tight tops are out.&nbsp; Try navigating that one.&nbsp; Flattering but not bombshell.&nbsp; I also have a long neck but I don't show it off.&nbsp; I tend to feel self conscious about it.&nbsp; <br />I like to look interesting, creative, artistic and not part of the crowd.&nbsp; Clothing is a way for me to express my creativity.&nbsp;&nbsp;I would buy from small independent designers if they would break out of their black cycle and see the wisdom of brown.<br />I like what Suz said about having some basic pieces as well as statement pieces.&nbsp; It helps the customer to see how to put things together.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-for-effect-body-type-flattery#post-1571380 Wed, 14 Oct 2015 09:39:07 +0000 unfrumped 1571380@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think there's aldo a difference between figure flattery( or all aspects of flattery/ JFE) and outfits that are highly unusual in some way. It's all part of the package at some point, but different maybe in design and market terms.<br /> One aspect affects what figure types are targeted. This might be as basic as Petites, Talls, or well- proportioned extended larger sizes, Curvy. . Clothes that fit where they're supposed to fit.<br /> Then there are elements of color and texture and added details and all somehow linked to what is the environment or occasion.<br /> I can quote Bridgette Raes and say I can ask myself, "Where am I going in this?" Because even with JFE or fit, there are different environments. </p> <p>I once found a slim dressy fitted top with boatneck and FEATHERS on the<br /> cuffs at a consignment store, and amazingly found neutral palazzo pants elsewhere that worked with it, and I wore it to a formal/ semi formal event and felt fab. It was dramatic but proportioned for me. That would be out of place for my everyday style, so the amount of items I could use in that vein is very small.<br /> Of someone might wear very " usual" pieces but in striking color- perfectly fitting magenta sheath dress and mustard tights and purple shoes- which would be highly dramatic but not architectural at all.<br /> Another concept is how clothing works in actual use vs runway or still photo appearance. There are clothes that are dramatic and yet highly wearable or activity- friendly, and those that seem out of place or go awry easily IRL. Flap of flop or buckle or only look good standing.<br /> These are kind of random sounding ideas, but there's a point in there somewhere! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-for-effect-body-type-flattery#post-1571374 Wed, 14 Oct 2015 08:59:58 +0000 Astrid 1571374@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Because a few people have also mentioned it I just wanted to clarify that "not standing out in the crowd" is not at all the same as "preferring to fade into the background", at least to me. The second implies a lack of confidence and I don't like that. And depending on where you live "not standing out in a crowd" can mean an outfit that's quite far from the norm elsewhere. My style is definitely not risqué and I don't unduly draw attention to my self, but I get way more attention for it back at home where style is generally way less fashion conscious and very casual. In Berlin basically anything goes. I definitely think that I'm dressing in a way that might set me apart with a closer look, but no one would single me out at first glance. And that's what I want. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-for-effect-body-type-flattery#post-1571359 Wed, 14 Oct 2015 07:55:45 +0000 Jaime 1571359@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very interesting discussion and a lot of issues that the forum has raised personally for me over time. I tend not to especially dress in as flattering way as I might by some conventional standards. Meaning that I can choose to look thinner, bigger chested, younger, and so on than usual and usually don't. But it is very important for me to look interesting, to not highlight the parts I don't like and to generally suit my internal sense of how I like to look. I think I like to be admired or respected from afar but not actually seem approachable. Which, I have come to realize, is quite telling in itself. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-for-effect-body-type-flattery#post-1571353 Wed, 14 Oct 2015 07:21:25 +0000 Cococat 1571353@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I need to come back and read this because it's fascinating to me. </p> <p>I did the Kibbe questionnaire and downloaded the spreadsheet and it seems spot on for me as a dramatic classic. </p> <p>I have also been intrigued by Angie's term JFE and as I'm trying to reinvent my style, I keep coming back to it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-for-effect-body-type-flattery#post-1571203 Tue, 13 Oct 2015 22:18:42 +0000 Anonymous 1571203@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very, very interesting discussion. &nbsp;I have never made it all the way through a 50 page Kibbe questionnaire (it sure seems that long to me, anyways - lol) but that aside, flattery is important to me. I dress not to make an artistic statement , but to check off a few key boxes: &nbsp;a. professional, intelligent and highly competent; &nbsp; b. &nbsp;fashionable and current &nbsp;; and, c. approachable, confident and attractive . I DO NOT wish to highlight my body in traditionally sexually attractive ways (at least not during the work day) and usually dress to hide things rather than highlight them. &nbsp;Of course I'm going to choose the more flattering option than the lesser one - again, because making an alternative statement, or trying to disappear and blend in to the background is not my goal . If I were one to create my own look through the prism of artistic statement - then I'd wear your coat (for example) but I am not looking to present myself that way. &nbsp;Flattery, as we have all said in these interesting replies, is such a moving target and such an intangible. &nbsp;</p> <p>Lastly, I do think you are bang on with the theory of aesthetic preferences being influenced and even determined by what you already know to be flattering . &nbsp;I absolutely operate that way. I don't think there's anything wrong with that unless one's goal is to constantly reinvent, investigate and create. &nbsp;I'm not interested in always trying every new thing that &nbsp;crosses my path - who has the time? &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-for-effect-body-type-flattery#post-1571185 Tue, 13 Oct 2015 21:12:03 +0000 Suz 1571185@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't think she needs to be a long-legged IT or Kibbe dramatic (or similar) either. Maybe for <b>some</b> of the pieces. But probably not all. For example, if I walked into your atelier, I would try on that bomber jacket. It might or might not work, but I would absolutely try it. Several of the other items you've showed us as well.&nbsp;</p> <p>What might help is including some kind of core of simple items that could be worn with many of the more statement pieces. It might allow people to test the waters a bit and see how even with their body type or style persona they could "carry off" one or more of the more dramatic pieces.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think the customer is pretty much any age after 20 and up to 75 or 80 -- but most will be in their 30s and 40s. She is urban. She has some money, but isn't necessarily rich. She's interested in fashion and/or art. She works in a creative field. She is not shy and does not want to fade into the background, as a few members mentioned they prefer to do. She is happy to stand out or to be different. She cares about supporting local designers and is interested in the fabric saving methodology you have chosen.&nbsp;</p> <p>She probably doesn't have a lush pear or hourglass shape -- simply for the reason Ginger states. She might be an IT, a rectangle, a taller apple, even a shorter one with an adventuresome personality, like your friend. She could also be a relatively but not too slim hourglass. In Kibbe types she might be a dramatic or one of the gamines, esp. flamboyant. Maybe one of the naturals but only for specific items.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-for-effect-body-type-flattery#post-1571178 Tue, 13 Oct 2015 20:49:31 +0000 approprio 1571178@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So interesting! And deeply personal. Hmm...</p> <p><b>Ginger</b>: that's a very interesting point about vintage clothing. I've sewn a few vintage dresses in my time and I think you're right that pre 1960's and Twiggy, clothing was more sympathetic to a womanly figure. I don’t think even body type matters - I’ve found some of those dresses to be far more conventionally flattering than contemporary designs (yes, even with my fashion-friendly IT frame!) In fact, if figure flattery were my only concern, I would probably wear nothing but tailored 1940’s dresses every day for the rest of my life. </p> <p>But I won’t, because <b>skylurker</b>, you’re right, that’s all just smoke and mirrors anyway. Our clothes say so much more about us than what shape we are. I like your idea that the concept is context dependent, depending on the message we’re trying to communicate. A faux fur coat is a fun example of that - what does it mean and to whom? </p> <p><b>Angie</b>, the concept of JFE is key here. Enough structure, enough fit, enough flattery. Who can reject the flaws when faced with the transformative power of a great outfit? It does surprise me slightly that nobody ever wants to look much bigger than they are, because if that were 100% true not one fur coat would ever have been sold to to anyone anywhere. But I take the point.</p> <p>(and thanks for such a detailed response! hope you’re arms are feeling better)</p> <p>I know I’m lucky when it comes to clothes, being a tallish slimmish IT with long legs, and it’s true that I dress the way I do is because I can. I do have certain criteria, although perhaps not so well defined. I wish I could say it was as simple as not wanting to look too bulky or top heavy, but then I’ll play up my broad shoulders or large bust from time to time if I feel like it. I agree with <b>SaraL</b>: sometimes things just feel all wrong, but I couldn’t tell you exactly why that happens.</p> <p>I don’t think it’s all about body shape though. One of the most adventurous fashionistas I know is an apple shape of about 5’4”, who plays brilliantly with her own proportions and has the most wonderful collection of avant-garde sportswear and chunky shoes. She’s clearly not concerned with figure flattery in the conventional sense but she always looks fantastic - sharp and urban, a force to be reckoned with. I had a coat of hers in mind when I was putting the fur together - a huge quilted wrap which all but engulfs her. It looks amazing. <b>Sally</b> echoes this with her cosy dramatic coats, which probably have a similar effect.</p> <p>To circle round to what <b>UmmLila</b> and <b>plonkee</b> say about the hypothetical customer - well, that’s the $1000000 question, isn’t it? &nbsp;<b>Suz,&nbsp;</b>you're right, she's not a classic dresser, not by any means. But neither is she a long legged IT. I'm not convinced she needs to be.&nbsp;</p> <p>And as an aside, <b>CocoLion</b>, I’ve already decided that the fur needs to be less bulky. We live and learn, we make prototypes and hopefully improve on them next time.&nbsp;</p> <p>What a fascinating discussion this has turned out to be. :)</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-for-effect-body-type-flattery#post-1571159 Tue, 13 Oct 2015 20:11:02 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1571159@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think everyone can find a look that complements (notice how I did not say "flatters") their individual appearance, whether they choose to wear it or not. However, I don't think there is any one garment (even in different sizes) that offers a conventionally flattering look for every different shape of person.</p> <p>So perhaps the question for Liz is: Who is your hypothetical customer, and how many like her do you hope to reach with your designs? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-for-effect-body-type-flattery#post-1571157 Tue, 13 Oct 2015 20:05:31 +0000 Sal 1571157@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very interesting topic with so many variations based on personality, figure type, confidence, colouring, workplace, nationality.</p> <p>I have come to appreciate different ways of dressing for different objectives, and what I see as a wonderful look on Sofia Vergara may be an insincere look on Emma Stone - they are both gorgeous women but dress totally differently and have quite a different persona. &nbsp;</p> <p>To me for a look to be genuinely wonderful it takes into account the body type, colouring and personality of the wearer...so I guess this is where Kibbe does come into the picture. &nbsp;</p> <p>I am self conscious about my short waist and will not wear anything that makes me look more shortwaisted. &nbsp;So figure flattery rules fashion here. &nbsp; But I am happy to wear bulky coats and knitwear that look cosy and dramatic all at once - despite them not being the most flattering shape on me. &nbsp;And there are colours I will not wear near my face - camel, optic white, acidic yellows. &nbsp;I love optic white but I will not wear it any more.</p> <p>I think different cultures view flattery differently. &nbsp;A few years ago I went to a baby shower for a Zimbabwean friend. &nbsp;I wore coated jeans, a mustard top and wine coloured shoes - it was a smart and not dull combination but in comparison to the others I was quite drab. &nbsp;The other women were in bright dresses, with braided hair, all very figure enhancing to show off bottoms and hips. &nbsp;They looked stunning!!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-for-effect-body-type-flattery#post-1571155 Tue, 13 Oct 2015 19:50:03 +0000 catgirl 1571155@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>&nbsp;So, conventionally "flattering" items (say, sheath dresses, fitted pencil skirts, tailored button-downs, body-con tees) do not flatter ME, and are in fact a horrible struggle. Probably why I don't like them for myself and am no longer drawn to them.&nbsp; Meanwhile being an IT,&nbsp;I can rock a shapeless sack or a baggy sweater, even though I'm short and petite.&nbsp;&nbsp;Do they flatter the way a fitted item might in some alternate universe? Highly doubtful.&nbsp; But do they suit me?&nbsp; I like to think so. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-for-effect-body-type-flattery#post-1571148 Tue, 13 Oct 2015 19:41:07 +0000 plonkee 1571148@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't wear clothes that I feel are unflattering, and I think that's commonplace. I'm apple shaped and very short. I don't want to wear things that make me look even fatter, or like I'm wearing a giant's clothes. I have features that other people might want to hide but I quite like (such as my wide calves and slim ankles combination). I think if you want to sell clothes you do need to make sure that enough people will find them flattering enough. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-for-effect-body-type-flattery#post-1571128 Tue, 13 Oct 2015 18:38:28 +0000 skylurker 1571128@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Dictionary says "flattering" means making someone look more attractive than usual.<br />I don't think it's restricted to sexual attraction, you can also try to look more worthwhile (more competent-professional, richer or higher status) to gain respect from others.<br />That's what flattering means to me, trying to look more worthy, not more sexually attractive (a hopeless cause anyway :)</p> <p>There is a negative connotation to the word, isn't it ? "flattery" is insincere and overblown (in my language). Seems to be some cheating involved. It's a very complicated con act, because what you are, what you're pressured to be and what you want to be get all entangled.</p> <p>I don't know about Kibbe, but I see body-type guidelines simply as conventional fit guidelines. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-for-effect-body-type-flattery#post-1571126 Tue, 13 Oct 2015 18:35:54 +0000 kerlyn 1571126@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Such an interesting topic! &nbsp;I used to stick to a pretty consistent formula of bootcut jeans and trousers with a fitted top, because I felt that was most flattering to my shape. &nbsp;I'm fairly athletic, slim on top, muscular legs. &nbsp;But over the last couple of years, that formula hasn't felt modern and stylish to me. &nbsp;I've shifted over to more of a long-over-lean formula, longer, drapey tops over skinny bottoms. &nbsp;I'm not sure it's the most flattering for my shape because the drapey tops bring a lot of volume to the smallest part of my body. &nbsp;But I think feeling current and somewhat stylish has become more important to me.</p> <p>You mentioned fit and flare dresses, and in theory, they should be perfect for my figure. &nbsp;And yet, I don't like them! &nbsp;I'm hugely attracted to short swing dresses and shifts that surrender the waist. &nbsp;My favorite recent dress purchase is a fairly short swing dress that shows quite a bit of leg (so far only worn with knee-length leggings!) &nbsp;I definitely think I'm striving for JFE now with more of my outfits.</p> <p>I'm not sure I'll ever get to a point where I don't care at all about figure-flattery. &nbsp;I admire dramatic, very edgy, or avant-garde on others, but I think I would most likely always come back to JFE for myself. &nbsp;</p> <p>I like what Suz said, too. &nbsp;If one element of a garment is flattering, then maybe some of the others don't have to be. ( Maybe the neckline isn't the most flattering, but the color is lovely and the overall shape interesting.) &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-for-effect-body-type-flattery#post-1571117 Tue, 13 Oct 2015 18:05:06 +0000 Ginger 1571117@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>An interesting topic, and wide open for all kinds of discussion. I'm suddenly assailed by a huge amount of frustration. As Angie said, conventional figure flattery is <i>a very hourglass silhouette.</i></p> <p>The thing is, I HAVE that silhouette, in a slightly lush pear version - quite small waist, not small (and not huge) bust, and I look bombshell in items that fit. But that is the irony. Prevailing fashion does NOT fit me. Not since Twiggy have modern clothes been designed on a sloper that allows for full hips.&nbsp; I'm not talking about subtleties of shape and proportion - this is pure measurement. At one point in college I had a two-piece bathing suit with size 6 top and size 14 bottom. So it's a really unfair irony that clothes are designed for awesome ITs, and have been for almost 50 years, and yet the hourglass is still somehow expected without the proper items available.</p> <p>/rant</p> <p>So I'm not really sure how to answer <b>approprio</b>'s question. I don't have to make peace with conventional figure flattery; it works for me. But all my life I've rejected 2/3s of what's in stores because of how it won't fit (much less flatter) my hips without sizing up to a ridiculous extent. I've managed that, and I think I manage well. Eventually I get around to making certain building blocks (like skirts that fit) because they are never available in the store. And I pick and choose other items. I thought I'd made my peace with that; but boy, I got frustrated when thinking this through!</p> <p>My "style journey" really started about ten years ago. I pretty much rejected modern fashion and went 30s and 40s vintage. I could buy things off ebay, based on measurements, and they actually worked. I could use vintage sewing patterns that needed no alterations. It was <i>amazing.<b> </b></i>Along the way, I made peace with being the "different" one, "that vintage girl," who dressed in a non-fashionable way. I'm used to being looked at, at being slightly unusual. And I learned how to fit my body, and what cuts work, and which don't, and why.</p> <p>As fashion has changed - particularly the big shift back to skirts and dresses - I've gotten back into it. I wear very little vintage or repro these days. And yet my aesthetic is always termed "retro."&nbsp; I think it's in the eye of the beholder. You have to go back 60+ years to find a silhouette that's hourglass/pear-friendly; so one who wears the hourglass/pear dress is immediately "I Love Lucy." </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-for-effect-body-type-flattery#post-1571113 Tue, 13 Oct 2015 17:59:57 +0000 CocoLion 1571113@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like JFE looks and I like your edgy coat. &nbsp;I also liked Firecraker's suggestion to use a lighter, cheaper faux fur called minky. &nbsp;Since the coat doesn't button and has shorter sleeves it's more of a transitional jacket coat anyways.</p> <p>My biggest concerns are my lack of height, short neck and curvy figure. &nbsp;Even though I am on the slim side of curvy, I would have trouble pulling off your coat because I am just under 5'4". &nbsp;Also the short neck means I prefer open scoop necklines. &nbsp;I LOVE your shorter sleeves on this coat!</p> <p>I realize I have just commented on your coat not so much the topic of your thread. &nbsp;So to bring it back to the thread, I think figure flattery is very important. &nbsp; Even if it's now just a tiny bit of flattery that's required, that tiny bit still makes the outfit work or not.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-for-effect-body-type-flattery#post-1571112 Tue, 13 Oct 2015 17:48:54 +0000 Suz 1571112@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>ETA just noticed that Rachylou mentioned colour, too. ;)&nbsp;</p> <p>Also, I love what she said about wanting to be thought of as stylish but not "hot." Ditto here. JFE is stylish.&nbsp; </p>