https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/having-trouble-dressing-for-my-shape Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 04 Apr 2026 04:18:36 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/having-trouble-dressing-for-my-shape#post-1653453 Sun, 01 May 2016 16:58:58 +0000 LilMrsNomad 1653453@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Anne. &nbsp;Ill do that </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/having-trouble-dressing-for-my-shape#post-1653395 Sun, 01 May 2016 14:29:49 +0000 anne 1653395@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gorgeous. Particularly love the jacket and the heeled Oxfordshire. And the outfit looks great on you.<br /> BTW might be worth reposting the outfit pics on a new thread for more feedback. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/having-trouble-dressing-for-my-shape#post-1653182 Sat, 30 Apr 2016 18:40:22 +0000 LilMrsNomad 1653182@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you all for the wonderful advice and direction. Also many thanks for the lovely compliments - I truthfully feel a lot more confident about my body sine I started this thread. </p> <p>I'm hyper-critical of my body. My husband and I joke about it often. He thinks I see myself as being twice the size I am and I think he sees me as being half the size I am. I don't know that I will ever look in the mirror and not see a chubby girl. I don't know that I will ever put on a dress and feel graceful or sophisticated. I fear I will forever see in my reflection, the chunky, clumsy girl who is most comfortable in jeans and an over-sized hoodie. But I want to try. Because as vain and self indulgent as it sounds, this is the best I've looked since I was a pre-teen and if not now, then when? And on that note, when I got home I rooted around in my closet looking for a more age-appropriate dress to wear with my lovely new jacket. Being vain, I took a bajillion photos so I could get your collective take on the outfit </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/having-trouble-dressing-for-my-shape#post-1653079 Sat, 30 Apr 2016 14:37:53 +0000 Liz 1653079@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>First, seeing you in these outfits confirms that you don't have a "thick" or "heavy" lower half in any way. (That may be your former body image still in your mind?)</p> <p>I think you've done a great job with fit on these items. The dress really shows off your hourglass shape. I'm not sure it's as sophisticated or grown up as you seem to be. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/having-trouble-dressing-for-my-shape#post-1653076 Sat, 30 Apr 2016 14:35:43 +0000 annabelle 1653076@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>GOOD! and not too young, imho<div><br />I'm jumping in here, as someone who also has lost 30+ pounds, and I agree with Chris987 that it's probably common to forget or overlook that you look amazing! And I have the philosophy about fashion - whether it is a trend, a look, or a shape - that if you "wear it like you mean it" you can pull off anything. i.e., it is the attitude from within. (Look at street style photos - fashion editors will wear a simple button up shirt, skinny jeans and heels and look like they stepped off a runway.) &nbsp;</p> <p>And now, with the less weight, you can feel super excited about being healthier, and that will show through in your posture and skin.</div><div><br /></div><div>I love the styling on outfits 3 and 4 the most. I like how the jacket unzipped gives your frame some additional structure on top.</div><div><br /></div><div>p.s. your photo of you in the simple top and jeans shows me that you have a shape similar to a lot of women athletes who are super muscular in the thighs. Keep an eye on athletes, too, for your style inspiration and for recommended brands.&nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/having-trouble-dressing-for-my-shape#post-1653057 Sat, 30 Apr 2016 14:16:39 +0000 LilMrsNomad 1653057@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thankyou ladies. You are all far too kind I got a few things today that I'm happy with. I *think* they look good but I'm a bit worried that the overall look is too young for a 34yr old mother of 2. </p> <p>1 H&amp;M fit and flare print dress<br /> 2, 3 &amp; 4 Karen Millen 3/4 sleeve Leather Jacket</p> <p>Good, bad or in between? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/having-trouble-dressing-for-my-shape#post-1653017 Sat, 30 Apr 2016 13:35:38 +0000 Jane 1653017@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your shape looks great. enjoy your shopping and do post lots of photos! A very welcome to a super forum all thanks to the lovely Angie and fabbers! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/having-trouble-dressing-for-my-shape#post-1653006 Sat, 30 Apr 2016 13:05:51 +0000 Momo 1653006@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is such a wonderful conversation to read. Congratulations. On the weight loss, that is a lot of hard work ! You have a fantastic body . Have fun trying things ! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/having-trouble-dressing-for-my-shape#post-1652975 Sat, 30 Apr 2016 09:43:18 +0000 Sal 1652975@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Welcome to the forum!</p> <p>I thinks cropped or shorter jacket would suit you. I am an hourglass too and find I need to wear either waist or shorter jackets or quite long ones. Hip length is harder - it can work if well tailored but can be very boxy.</p> <p>I think there are lots of shapes that will suit you. Jeans look great and I bet you can wear straight, bootleg and skinnies. I like dresses on me the best and agree tucking tops is a challenge. I choose tops that don't need tucking. I occasionally tuck if it is a very fine fabric and the waist is slightly low.</p> <p>Good luck with the shopping trip! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/having-trouble-dressing-for-my-shape#post-1652968 Sat, 30 Apr 2016 07:20:14 +0000 LilMrsNomad 1652968@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Im on the look out for a biker(?) leather (leather-look) jacket. &nbsp;What would be the best length for such a jacket? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/having-trouble-dressing-for-my-shape#post-1652920 Sat, 30 Apr 2016 03:18:40 +0000 LilMrsNomad 1652920@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ladies, you are all absolutely right! I need to be kinder to myself. My husband doesn't care what I look like in negligee, he's more interested in getting it off me. I've worked hard for this body and it's time I started having a little fun with it instead of focusing on all the things wrong with it. </p> <p>Going shopping in a few hours and I just can't wait </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/having-trouble-dressing-for-my-shape#post-1651999 Thu, 28 Apr 2016 17:16:57 +0000 Chris987 1651999@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agree with everything Liz said (and everyone else)....and wanted to add that I do not have personal experience with losing as much weight as you did, but I have read numerous times that people tend to hold on to older perceptions of their bodies when they lose weight. You might give this some thought while you are looking in the mirror trying on skirts....is your mind somehow "seeing" the older/heavier you but the new/lighter you maybe looks completely different? Something to think about.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/having-trouble-dressing-for-my-shape#post-1651922 Thu, 28 Apr 2016 14:45:20 +0000 Anonymous 1651922@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with others I see a subtle hourglass shape. you have a figure to be envious of! Fab! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/having-trouble-dressing-for-my-shape#post-1651920 Thu, 28 Apr 2016 14:43:09 +0000 Liz 1651920@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Could I suggest that instead of thinking "saddlebags" you just think, "This is how my bones are structured"?&nbsp;</p> <p>The idea that body shape wouldn't take shoulders into account has never made sense to me. Your shoulders are your frame as much as your hips are (again, that bone structure thing).</p> <p>Like you, I have a more prominent lower hip.&nbsp;I use top length and structure to skim over my hip area and smooth out the line, when I need to. And bias cuts in a silky, clingy fabric will never be our friend! (Though may I gently suggest that when you're wearing a negligee, the shape of your hip bones <i>really does not matter in the least.&nbsp;</i>: )&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/having-trouble-dressing-for-my-shape#post-1651884 Thu, 28 Apr 2016 14:14:43 +0000 LilMrsNomad 1651884@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've always been bottom heavy &amp; thick limbed. That being said, right now, my shoulders and hips are exactly the same width, but I have a tiny bust (I'm talking a-cup here). I always thought that body shape completely discounted shoulder width. </p> <p>My saddle bags aren't that prominent when I'm wearing jeans but they're really obvious when I wear anything silky or satiny - like a negligee. Or tights. I look awful in fitted tights/yoga pants! </p> <p>This wk end Im going shopping. I will pay no mind to my insecurities and try on anything that catches my eye. Thanks so much for the encouragement ladies, I truly appreciate it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/having-trouble-dressing-for-my-shape#post-1651858 Thu, 28 Apr 2016 13:29:35 +0000 Janet 1651858@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The height of the camera may be skewing the view -- I know that the higher I hold my phone for a mirror photo, the narrower it makes my lower half look. That said, if you do have a pear shape, I think it's not very pronounced and your nice shoulder line creates more of an hourglass impression. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/having-trouble-dressing-for-my-shape#post-1651849 Thu, 28 Apr 2016 13:19:00 +0000 anne 1651849@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with Chris and BC - I don't see a pear here, but an hourglass. I don't even see the thigh and saddlebag issues! (and since I have both, I'm pretty good at spotting them!:-) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/having-trouble-dressing-for-my-shape#post-1651844 Thu, 28 Apr 2016 13:12:41 +0000 Anonymous 1651844@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You look like you may have an X (hourglass) body type. Where is the widest part of your body? To me, it looks like it might be your lower hip, which would indicate an X body type. I think broad shoulders would rule out the A (pear) shape. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/having-trouble-dressing-for-my-shape#post-1651837 Thu, 28 Apr 2016 13:02:19 +0000 Chris987 1651837@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm... I'm not sure you are really a pear ....your shoulders and hip widths look pretty balanced to me......hopefully others with who are better at identifying body types will chime in......but I bet you could wear almost any type of skirt!</p> <p>They key is to try them on, that one you linked to would be a great place to start. I would suggest you try on several different shapes to get a feel for what you like. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/having-trouble-dressing-for-my-shape#post-1651820 Thu, 28 Apr 2016 12:07:41 +0000 LilMrsNomad 1651820@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yay! &nbsp;I can post pics now!!! &nbsp;So, Im pretty sure Im a pear, but I have broad shoulders. What sort of a leather skirt should I be looking for???</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/having-trouble-dressing-for-my-shape#post-1651201 Wed, 27 Apr 2016 07:42:02 +0000 LilMrsNomad 1651201@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks ladies. &nbsp;Im looking really looking forward to this process. &nbsp;One day to go before I can post pics.</p> <p>I had a read of Angies Tips and Im going shopping this wk end. Im on the look out for something similar to this:</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://brokeandbeautiful.com/2013/daily-deal-hm-faux-leather-skater-skirt/">http://brokeandbeautiful.com/2.....ter-skirt/</a></p> <p>But with a tad bit more length on it. &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/having-trouble-dressing-for-my-shape#post-1650000 Mon, 25 Apr 2016 14:35:00 +0000 Chris987 1650000@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Absolutely post lots of outfits! We&nbsp;actually all learn from others' postings and the discussions that follow, at least I know I do </p> <p>Also, huge congrats on loosing so much weight. That is a serious accomplishment and you should be extremely&nbsp;proud of it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/having-trouble-dressing-for-my-shape#post-1649945 Mon, 25 Apr 2016 12:16:05 +0000 Janet 1649945@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Definitely post some pictures for feedback! Although I'm betting that it will be kinder and more constructive than just telling you what you're "doing wrong." </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/having-trouble-dressing-for-my-shape#post-1649925 Mon, 25 Apr 2016 11:12:55 +0000 LilMrsNomad 1649925@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi ladies! &nbsp;Sorry about the delay in reply. &nbsp;Both my kids have ear infections and my husband is out of town so Im drowning in a sea of snot, eye gunk and tears! &nbsp;</p> <p>I'll have a look at Angie's dressing tips after the boys go to bed tonight. I'm keen to get a few nice pieces in my wardrobe that I feel good wearing. I don't tuck my tops in, I feel like I end up looking like a giant, wide column. &nbsp; </p> <p>Some of my issues are from being overweight for the majority of my life. Ive lost 30kgs/66lbs in the last year and I thought that shedding the extra weight would somehow translate into me looking chic in anything and everything. But obviously, it doesn't work that way. &nbsp;</p> <p>At the moment Im on the look out for a nice thick winter coat, an everyday trench coat and several date night dresses. &nbsp;I think Ill be able to post pictures in a few days - would it be okay to post me in a variety of outfits to get you ladies to point out what Im doing wrong?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/having-trouble-dressing-for-my-shape#post-1649760 Sun, 24 Apr 2016 22:59:11 +0000 Janet 1649760@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't like to tuck my tops either because that emphasizes my short-waistedness, but a semi-tuck can be really great for creating a diagonal line at the hem rather than a straight-across horizontal line -- the diagonal lines tend to be more flattering as they don't chop you visually across what may be a wider part of the body. </p> <p>I do sometimes do a full tuck with lower-waisted pants. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/having-trouble-dressing-for-my-shape#post-1649755 Sun, 24 Apr 2016 22:51:22 +0000 Chris987 1649755@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think my body type is similar to yours&nbsp;(and Janet's) but I'm only 5'1"..and I share the same issues. </p> <p></p> <p>Janet's advice is spot-on. </p> <p>I don't do tucked tops because it over emphasis&nbsp;my short-waistedness, I'm better off with tops that&nbsp;hit below the waist...&nbsp;but&nbsp;having&nbsp;some sort of structure/shape&nbsp;through the torso is really important for me. Also&nbsp;I don't think the "wear a belt to emphasize a small waist" advice always works...for me it seems to make the wider areas look wider.&nbsp; One's height also makes a huge difference, some of my fit issues are because I'm so short. </p> <p>I'd recommend you try on some different things, take a friend who will be honest if you can (SA's rarely are good at that or willing to do it)...and post some pictures here on YLF an you'll get all kinds of great advice to help you figure out what's right for you.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/having-trouble-dressing-for-my-shape#post-1649572 Sun, 24 Apr 2016 14:57:49 +0000 rachylou 1649572@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Do you like to tuck your tops? I ask, because I think the shape and length of the hemlines of tops play an important role... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/having-trouble-dressing-for-my-shape#post-1649499 Sun, 24 Apr 2016 11:48:18 +0000 Janet 1649499@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Welcome, Tanya! Well, it sounds like we share some dressing challenges -- we are the same height and within a couple of inches in our measurements. I definitely have the saddlebag issues!</p> <p>I would recommend getting started by looking up Angie's dressing hints and tips for the pear shape (and hourglass as well).</p> <p>First off for me, fit is a big key. I often have to size up in order to get pants fitting the thighs and then take in the waist (sometimes even a little in the seat as I don't have much of a booty). </p> <p>I wear all styles of jeans, but bootcuts and flares are usually the most conventionally flattering -- they lengthen the leg line and balance out my hips. But I wear skinnies, crops, boyfriends too. I usually stick with darker or more neutral colors on my bottom half, and I'm a big fan of low- contrast outfits for creating a long, lean line. </p> <p>I am finding dress shopping particularly tough these days, but I am also quite short-waisted (all my height is in my legs), and I'm pretty busty, so fitting a dress from top to bottom is tough unless it either has some stretch or is quite unstructured. Deepening on your style, fit-and-flare dresses may work really well for you -- that was my go-to dress silhouette when I was younger, but it doesn't feel right for my style now. </p> <p>Everyone here is very helpful, so I'm sure you'll get lots of good advice and feedback! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/having-trouble-dressing-for-my-shape#post-1649466 Sun, 24 Apr 2016 08:48:44 +0000 LilMrsNomad 1649466@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi everyone,</p> <p>Im having a lot of trouble dressing for my shape. &nbsp;Im 5'7 (171cms) and my measurements are as follows:</p> <p>Shoulders:  42"<br />Bust:    &nbsp; 34"<br />Waist:    29"<br />Hips:    &nbsp;42"</p> <p>The thing I struggle with most are my hips/saddle bags and thighs. &nbsp;I would like to feel sexy, but because Im so bottom heavy, I almost always end up feeling thick and frumpy. What would be the best way to minimise my rather pointed saddle bags? &nbsp;Im generally a jeans and a button-down kinda girl, but Im not averse to getting in a dress every now and again.</p> <p>Many thanks in advance,<br />Tanya </p>