https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-create-a-balanced-outfit-with-the-rule-of-third-and-a-belt Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 14 May 2026 06:19:47 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-create-a-balanced-outfit-with-the-rule-of-third-and-a-belt#post-2081122 Sat, 30 Nov 2019 23:36:58 +0000 taylor 2081122@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Jess,<br />I for one never ignore posts. &nbsp;I don’t respond if I don’t think I have anything new , &nbsp;or of value to add.<br />&nbsp; Also, &nbsp;I liked your video , &nbsp;and as others have mentioned, &nbsp;most of us old timers are familiar.... but I love how you have tried to put out -new to you- info, &nbsp;because it could be helpful.. thank you for that.&nbsp;</p> <p> <div>&nbsp;People &nbsp;absolutely &nbsp; DO &nbsp; come to this forum to learn about fashion, &nbsp;so please don’t hesitate to contribute . &nbsp;It’s what brought me here over 10 yrs. ago.</p> <p>and regarding belts....wow, &nbsp;we have had huge discussions here on how to make them work, &nbsp;check the archives because they really created LOTS of conversation. &nbsp;</p> <p></div><div><br /></div><div>I will add the the forum is very fluid and it changes as the people change and come and go. Seems less about fashion sometimes , but Angie is very good about &nbsp;FASHION first , &nbsp;keeping us current and on track !<br />Carry on :).&nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-create-a-balanced-outfit-with-the-rule-of-third-and-a-belt#post-2081114 Sat, 30 Nov 2019 23:20:01 +0000 Anonymous 2081114@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I liked the article, Jess, but don't think belts are the one size fits all solution you presume them to be. They work very well for you, as your body type is tall and straight- and you enjoy wearing jeans. Breaking up the length is dead right on you and adds interest to your outfits. They are absolutely a great way to make a basic pants and top outfit look more finished/proportional. </p> <p>I am very curvy, and want to keep my lines long, without strong horizontal emphasis. Shapes that curve with my body and reveal my waistline, give me that 3rd's line in a subtle- and unconstricting way. Dresses do same- by revealing leg, so 2/3 dress and 1/3 leg. Different solution, still visual harmony.<br /> Here's more from Imogen, re: lines.<br /> <a href="https://insideoutstyleblog.com/2016/11/horiztonal-lines-clothing.html" rel="nofollow">https://insideoutstyleblog.com.....thing.html</a><br /> And don't feel bad if people don't repond straightaway. Sometimes we'll read something, absorb it, and bring it up later. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-create-a-balanced-outfit-with-the-rule-of-third-and-a-belt#post-2081107 Sat, 30 Nov 2019 22:57:31 +0000 Gaylene 2081107@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jess, don’t get disappointed because you didn’t get the response you’d hoped for on this thread. One of the best things about YLF is how it has evolved over the past decade to become a useful resource and a “home” for fashion lovers from different countries, cultures, ages, income levels, and interests. Somehow, despite all the differences, YLF manages to stay relevant because of the Angie’s willingness to let members experience the forum however works best for them.&nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>As Anne mentions, there have been a number of past discussions about the rule of thirds (and belts!) because many members have found this topic useful. I’m not one of them but I’ll try to explain so you know why I’d normally skip over this kind of topic:</p> <p>Anne’s link to Imogen’s post about the complexity of dressing using an analytical approach is a good explanation of why that approach doesn’t enthuse me. Instead of helping me enjoy creating outfits, I found focusing on classical proportion theory to make my body look taller and slimmer, as well as using optical illusions to highlight my “assets” and camouflage my &nbsp;“trouble spots”, was both tedious and frustrating—and made it all too easy for me to dislike my body. My frustration led me down the &nbsp;Kibbe rabbit hole because I was fascinated by Kibbe’s notion of there was no need to make my short-legged/long-waisted, muscular IT body emulate a &nbsp;tall, slim, long-legged hourglass image just to look attractive. I’m a Kibbe dramatic in shape, movement, and personality, and I love dressing in draped, angular, architectural clothing which might swamp another woman. Belts don’t work for me like they might for others because I prefer unusual proportions and innovative shapes for my clothing.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>On a forum as diverse as this one, you’ll find many different approaches to dressing and fashion. Some forum members will be eager to join you in analyzing outfits for optimal figure flattery, while others will ignore such discussions because they rely on their intuition to create outfits which please them regardless of how others will respond. For every member who likes to belt to show her shape, you’ll find her opposite number who prefers to work with volume and drape. Some members will ask for suggestions, while others prefer to just showcase a outfit. It’s all there so, if you are patient, you’ll eventually find a circle of like-minded YLF members who will be happy to discuss proportions and belts. Don’t give up.&nbsp;<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-create-a-balanced-outfit-with-the-rule-of-third-and-a-belt#post-2081096 Sat, 30 Nov 2019 22:13:14 +0000 Anonymous 2081096@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Jenni<br /> Yes I understand only people that are interested in the topic respond.<br /> But belts are very in style people are wearing pants or getting dressed for the holidays, and I can’t count how many posts I’ve seen people asking if an outfit looks right or looks evenly proportionate on them, so I thought for these reasons many would find this helpful.<br /> The timing might be half of it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-create-a-balanced-outfit-with-the-rule-of-third-and-a-belt#post-2081094 Sat, 30 Nov 2019 22:10:42 +0000 Sal 2081094@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for sharing. </p> <p>I think forums work in mysterious ways. Sometimes I will post something and not get much response- otherwise it is the opposite. And you can’t make people interested in the topics that you are interested in. Being out of season with many I can find that. And to be honest - right at the moment I am barely wearing jeans at all because I like to wear other things in summer. Come March I will be into jeans again.</p> <p>There are some topics I barely look at because I can’t offer help - eg shopping recommendations, how does an item fit. </p> <p>And sometimes I will read a post and decide not to comment because I don’t think I can be helpful.</p> <p>I do try and follow the thirds principle and it is flattering on me. Mostly at the moment with skirts so I am tucking the tops in. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-create-a-balanced-outfit-with-the-rule-of-third-and-a-belt#post-2081093 Sat, 30 Nov 2019 22:08:04 +0000 Jenni NZ 2081093@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jess I never wear belts, I dislike the look of them on me, and I understand already about the rule of thirds enough to not want to watch a video about it and belts, so I chose to ignore your post. I do ignore posts that don’t interest me and I suspect most Fabbers are the same since our participation here is mainly for fun and relaxation.<br /> The forum has been quiet and I have found I’ve navigated away from it more than usual of late. Also for me, since we don’t have a Thanksgiving in our culture, the emphasis on that doesn’t appeal at this time. I agree with Anne though for you not to be discouraged. There may be a time when your posts just hit the spot for people and you get lots of responses! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-create-a-balanced-outfit-with-the-rule-of-third-and-a-belt#post-2081092 Sat, 30 Nov 2019 22:05:27 +0000 Anonymous 2081092@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lisa p belts are the perfect accessory, and when you are an odd body sizing like me they really help (and at times are absolutely necessary) with fit and style We all are guilty of having a favorite style or something we wear more often than anything else. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-create-a-balanced-outfit-with-the-rule-of-third-and-a-belt#post-2081086 Sat, 30 Nov 2019 21:41:25 +0000 Anonymous 2081086@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There are lots of references on-line (and on this forum and blog too ) to the rule of thirds . It’s not really new information for many people here. Glad to hear you found it for your own use though as you indeed seem to be very , very interested in belts . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-create-a-balanced-outfit-with-the-rule-of-third-and-a-belt#post-2081011 Sat, 30 Nov 2019 13:45:31 +0000 Anonymous 2081011@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I guess your both right, I haven’t been a member long enough to know the ups and downs of how the forum works. Thank you Anne for the other links they were most helpful </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-create-a-balanced-outfit-with-the-rule-of-third-and-a-belt#post-2080981 Sat, 30 Nov 2019 09:22:27 +0000 rachylou 2080981@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m telling ya, Jess. This is quiet(!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-create-a-balanced-outfit-with-the-rule-of-third-and-a-belt#post-2080978 Sat, 30 Nov 2019 09:08:02 +0000 anne 2080978@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Hi Jess,</div><div><br /></div><div>Just wanted to reassure you. I don't think your post is boring or unhelpful.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've been on the forum since it began (though I don't post or comment all that often) and it is always quieter around this time of year, as Rachy alluded to.&nbsp; And&nbsp; I think also that if people pop in for a bit at times like this , they are more likely to post to a thread that they can answer quickly - e.g., a WIW or a quick yes/no question. It took me a while to get to the stage where I had the time to watch the video with your question.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Your question though, is quite complex and I think that's why people have hesitated to engage. On one level, I think Rachy is right "I think it’s strict on the vertical, without regard to where one’s waist actually is</p> <p>"</div><div><br /></div><div>Beyond that, I thought I'd find a few posts where the rule of thirds was discussed on YLF - my apologies if you've already read these - I just find that interest in a particular topic does go up and down and there probably was a stage when vertical proportions was discussed more. <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.google.com/search?sxsrf=ACYBGNRPPPAm5Z_WZK_8XeOBMN_8QyhZag%3A1575103260406&amp;ei=HCviXcm4GM61rQHv_6TIDw&amp;q=%22rule+of+thirds%22+site%3Ayoulookfab.com&amp;oq=%22rule+of+thirds%22+site%3Ayoulookfab.com&amp;gs_l=psy-ab.12...37712.37712..39443...0.0..0.350.948.2-1j2......0....1..gws-wiz.lpyGjgboqks&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjJtsjyxJHmAhXOWisKHe8_CfkQ4dUDCAohttp://">Here</a> is a &nbsp; link to some of those posts.</div><div><br /></div><div>I don't know if you've come across Imogen Lamport. Her website, Inside Out Style has a more strictly analytical approach than here, and she has addressed this topic. <a rel="nofollow" href="https://insideoutstyleblog.com/2011/10/how-to-use-the-golden-mean-ratio-to-dress.html">Here's one example</a> of that.</div><div><br /></div><div>Personally I'm quite interested in the broader topic of vertical proportions, but also in how trying to cater for the best proportions in that way can intersect with dressing the most flattering way for other factors (e.g., body shape) She has a recent post on that <a rel="nofollow" href="https://insideoutstyleblog.com/2019/11/what-to-do-with-conflicting-figure-flattery-advice.html">too</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div> <br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-create-a-balanced-outfit-with-the-rule-of-third-and-a-belt#post-2080973 Sat, 30 Nov 2019 07:50:56 +0000 Anonymous 2080973@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanksgiving was lively on here and all the regulars were on.<br /> My post is either boring or unhelpful rachylou. Or I don’t fit in here with my style and what I like? Think I’ll just respond to others topics instead of creating new ones for now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-create-a-balanced-outfit-with-the-rule-of-third-and-a-belt#post-2080969 Sat, 30 Nov 2019 07:16:56 +0000 rachylou 2080969@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, it’s the holidays. The board is rather quiet all around... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-create-a-balanced-outfit-with-the-rule-of-third-and-a-belt#post-2080951 Sat, 30 Nov 2019 04:36:09 +0000 Anonymous 2080951@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m a little disappointed by the underwhelming interest by the posted article. :(<br /> I thought this would help give so many members tips to find the sweet spot for tucking or outfit balance. It’s a simple yet easy to understand video and article so I thought it would help all members no matter how simple or extravagant they dress.<br /> I guess my post is too boring or most people are sick of my belt related posts. I’m losing my fab </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-create-a-balanced-outfit-with-the-rule-of-third-and-a-belt#post-2080832 Fri, 29 Nov 2019 15:51:30 +0000 Anonymous 2080832@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Liesbeth true, It’s easiest just to look in the mirror and find that thirds spot myself. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-create-a-balanced-outfit-with-the-rule-of-third-and-a-belt#post-2080643 Thu, 28 Nov 2019 16:12:38 +0000 Liesbeth 2080643@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also believe in the rule of thirds for creating flattering proportions, but I'm not religious about it. I do like 'just flattering enough', like with a surrendered waist. Also, I judge proportions best in full length outfit pics, not by doing complicated calculations or outfit adjustments. Maybe that's how you can figure out your best proportions? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-create-a-balanced-outfit-with-the-rule-of-third-and-a-belt#post-2080627 Thu, 28 Nov 2019 15:33:42 +0000 Anonymous 2080627@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@rachylou Thank you for the helpful tip </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-create-a-balanced-outfit-with-the-rule-of-third-and-a-belt#post-2080488 Wed, 27 Nov 2019 20:30:18 +0000 rachylou 2080488@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I believe in the rule of thirds I think it’s strict on the vertical, without regard to where one’s waist actually is. So for example, I’m short waisted and often ‘move’ my waist down visually. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-create-a-balanced-outfit-with-the-rule-of-third-and-a-belt#post-2080416 Wed, 27 Nov 2019 16:05:52 +0000 Anonymous 2080416@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I found this article extremely helpful as I used to frequently wear my shirt untucked and as mentioned it just felt plain and frumpy.<br /> Tucking in my shirt and adding a belt does break up the midsection and add positive focus to my body and outfit, especially with the high waisted jeans that cover our belly area. Empty belt loops bother me so this was an easy and fab solution, but for untucked shirts wearing a belt over the shirt also works.</p> <p>My only question is what determines the “third” line if we all have different torso and leg lengths, and how to figure it out whether we have high waisted, mid rise, or low rise jeans on as this changes how it splits our body. (See photo below)</p> <p>Be sure to watch the video at the end of the article!<br /> <a href="http://blog.adacollection.com/how-to-create-a-balanced-outfit-with-the-rule-of-third-and-a-belt/" rel="nofollow">http://blog.adacollection.com/.....nd-a-belt/</a> </p>