https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-start-dressing-va-voom-when-its-out-of-your-comfort-zone Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 06 Apr 2026 16:23:19 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-start-dressing-va-voom-when-its-out-of-your-comfort-zone/page/2#post-2382549 Wed, 19 Mar 2025 07:49:13 +0000 Star (Lise) 2382549@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ooh I like the one on its way. Hope works for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-start-dressing-va-voom-when-its-out-of-your-comfort-zone/page/2#post-2382544 Wed, 19 Mar 2025 02:12:58 +0000 Ket 2382544@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Beautiful dresses!! I hope you find the dresses to be comfortable and enjoyable. </p> <p>And your cut, facial, and mani all sound delightful! </p> <p>Keep us updated! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-start-dressing-va-voom-when-its-out-of-your-comfort-zone/page/2#post-2382537 Wed, 19 Mar 2025 00:05:30 +0000 Greenjeans 2382537@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Professional event on Friday.</p> <p>The Ann Taylor dress on the left is on its way to me. For what it's worth, the Nordstrom dress on the right is something I wore to a similar event last year and felt uncomfortable in. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-start-dressing-va-voom-when-its-out-of-your-comfort-zone/page/2#post-2382535 Tue, 18 Mar 2025 23:56:52 +0000 Greenjeans 2382535@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>First step. A fresh haircut from my very talented but inconsistent stylist, and it turned out really good! It's requiring a bit more styling than I'm used to. I bought hairspray, possibly my first ever. Having fun giving it a try.</p> <p>Facial on Saturday. Manicure later this week. I&nbsp;don't usually spend like this on body stuff all at once. It feels amazing.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-start-dressing-va-voom-when-its-out-of-your-comfort-zone/page/2#post-2382530 Tue, 18 Mar 2025 23:45:51 +0000 Greenjeans 2382530@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi, <b>Bijou!</b> I love your style, classic glamour.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-start-dressing-va-voom-when-its-out-of-your-comfort-zone/page/2#post-2382475 Tue, 18 Mar 2025 03:09:23 +0000 Carol 2382475@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ket--thank you! Your photos are great, too. I especially love how you have showcased different aspects of va-va-voom in this set--it does not have to be one thing.</p> <p>Those shoes that were low that I wore were black lace-up sandals, much like the gladiators in your photo. I think sometimes va-va-voom can just be a piece that brings visual interest more than being revealing.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-start-dressing-va-voom-when-its-out-of-your-comfort-zone/page/2#post-2382423 Mon, 17 Mar 2025 10:22:17 +0000 Bijou 2382423@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Whilst I don't have a va-va-voom body, I am usually more dressed up than others. I enjoy being distinctive and deliberate in my style as I often get comments from people on my clothes/shoes/bag and find that a love of fashion often draws people that I find interesting to me.</p> <p>Being authentic to who you are as a person is key and we all change and evolve. This sounds like a super fun leg of your style journey. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-start-dressing-va-voom-when-its-out-of-your-comfort-zone/page/2#post-2382419 Mon, 17 Mar 2025 05:09:15 +0000 Greenjeans 2382419@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you, <b>Ket</b>! Your comments are pure joy. I’ll be back soon to respond more.</p> <p><b>Cookie</b>, <b>Carol</b>, <b>Firecracker </b>and <b>BrieN</b>, thank you for chiming in. Your thoughts and encouragement are mwah!</p> <p><b>Jenni NZ</b>, thank you for sharing part of you story. I'm so excited for you to dive into Jean Shinoda Bolen's work. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-start-dressing-va-voom-when-its-out-of-your-comfort-zone/page/2#post-2382286 Sat, 15 Mar 2025 16:31:57 +0000 Ket 2382286@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Carol</b>, I hadn't heard of the "one skin" rule but really like it. And I just love all the attention you got at bookclub! You always look so lovely, but your outfit sounds sensational! &nbsp;Good point on heels and sex appeal. I really want to find some low heels. Anything beyond 1.5 in heel isn't comfortable anymore. But a low heel--maybe even 2 in-- is do-able. I do really agree that heels add va-voom.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-start-dressing-va-voom-when-its-out-of-your-comfort-zone#post-2382276 Sat, 15 Mar 2025 14:32:52 +0000 Cookie 2382276@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’ve been following this with interest but without being sure what to say. At first I would have said I’ve embraced the va-voom in my own haphazard way, but now I’ve concluded that there’s a difference between embracing and simply not running away from. I mean, I fully accept that I am curvy. I wouldn’t mind being a bit thinner but I don’t yearn after angular or androgynous looks for myself. Once years ago I tried on a long tight skirt in a snooty shop in NYC and the saleswoman said to me, “That is sexy on you … but not in a good way.” To which I now say, f that! Sometimes I ask myself if what I am wearing turned out a little too boobtastic to go out in public and sometimes I say, if someone disapproves, too bad! But I have never done any of the hair and makeup and tattoos and trying to be “hot” because that’s not my personality or my inherent look. (I mean, I am attractive enough to a certain subset of people but I am not “hot” and am fine with that.) I’m not saying people who do elaborate hair or makeup are attention-seeking in a bad sense or anything else negative in any way … it’s just always been a bit foreign to me personally for whatever reason.</p> <p>I have many many thoughts about the concepts of visibility and invisibility as women of various types and ages, but I guess all I am trying to say right now is you can choose to stop worrying about whether something is “too sexy” without actually pursuing a whole “sexy” persona. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-start-dressing-va-voom-when-its-out-of-your-comfort-zone#post-2382252 Sat, 15 Mar 2025 03:47:20 +0000 Carol 2382252@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have curves which, when dressed wrong, go frumpy. When dressed right, I occasionally get the va-va-voom look.</p> <p>A great rule here is the "one skin" rule.&nbsp; That you show legs, OR midriff, OR cleavage, but not all three. The drama will still come. I wore a simple black short-sleeved dress that was above the knee, but not mini. I think I only wore a two-inch heel.&nbsp; The collar was a small scoop that showed almost nothing. The waist was nipped in with a belt.&nbsp; I got more attention from the men at book club that night!&nbsp;</p> <p>For myself, I would like to incorporate more low heels in everyday wear. I think this is good for more sex appeal.</p> <p>Common habits of va-va-voom girls: long hair with or without extensions, fake eyelashes, high heeled knee boots, tattoos, nail art, a-line mini skirts, crop tops, high-waisted jeans, spending extra time on make up, not caring what people think.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-start-dressing-va-voom-when-its-out-of-your-comfort-zone#post-2382137 Thu, 13 Mar 2025 23:21:35 +0000 Jenni NZ 2382137@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m most interested in the Jean Shinoda Bolen book to be honest! I looked her up on Goodreads and also appreciated Sarah D8’s article. I can’t quite believe that I have never heard of her with feeling very feminist in my 20s in the 80s and also very interested in psychology. I did learn a bit about Jung in first year uni in 1979 and have thought about his “shadow sides” since. That was useful to me going through the difficult times after losing my faith in my late 40s.<br /> Ket’s response above is absolutely amazing! I’ve never been a va-va-voom sort myself (on cursory thought am probably more of the wife and mother goddess sort despite the 40-year career, rather than Aphrodite, might need to read the book to be sure), but love looking at the outfits of those of you who are! Adore the pic of the young Ket pic 5.<br /> Keen to hear what you decide Greenjeans! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-start-dressing-va-voom-when-its-out-of-your-comfort-zone#post-2382132 Thu, 13 Mar 2025 22:25:30 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2382132@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>This is a fascinating read! Thanks for asking the question, Greenjeans, and for all the great answers, YLF community!&nbsp;</div><div>I am eager to follow your journey with va-voom style, Greenjeans.&nbsp; </div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-start-dressing-va-voom-when-its-out-of-your-comfort-zone#post-2382130 Thu, 13 Mar 2025 22:02:22 +0000 Ket 2382130@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Okay! Here are my thoughts. (Not concise, as I'm not necessarily a concise person unless I need to be.)&nbsp;You can take what you love and leave what you don't.Dressing va-voom has been multilayered and a journey over many years. So ask all the questions of me you would like. </p> <p>I very much agree with <b>Sal</b> on everything she shared. I haven't had issues with button-up shirts personally; my bust is fuller but pretty proportional for my waist. I especially love the encouragement to find a body part to highlight. I heard 2025 is big for exposed shoulders, whether one or both. So use that trend to your benefit. Off-shoulder sweaters or summer tops, one shoulder numbers--should be good choices in retail. I'm also currently seeing tiny cutouts on dresses at the waist, which some women love and can be very va-voom but not "full exposure". I personally love the cut-outs and they don't bother me, but YMMV. </p> <p>I love <b>Roberta's</b> superb answer to try sweater dresses! They do not have to be body con to work, either. Some ease can be more flattering and comfortable. However, there should be some waist definition, whether from the dress cut or a belt, to flatter the figure. (unless sewing/knitting yourself, you will likely need a tailor&nbsp;or belt as a lot of clothing is cut straight&nbsp;these days.) I don't currently have a sweater dress but really would love one again!</p> <p>And <b>Lisa</b> offers some great pointers to make body con feel less conspicuous or scary when first wearing body con items.</p> <p><b>Physical.</b></p> <p>Cut and shape in the clothing are very important. You can add waist definition by belting a top or sweater. Though I've recently learned that not every single outfit needs a belt; sometimes eschewing the belt for a well-cut jacket or blouse and/or some styling is a better way to go.</p> <p>Fabrics are huge! Fabrics that have richness/plushness and drape are usually best: knits, chiffon, silks, satins, French terry, etc. The fabric should drape and swirl around you, and/or hug you. Stiffer fabrics are great for some blouses, skirts, cigarette pants, and jeans. This is where you need and want some structure and body for shape.&nbsp;</p> <p>A cami with ornate lace at the neckline is very lovely when worn under a sweater or blouse. It adds a lot of glam and sensuality with little effort when worn under a sweater or jacket.&nbsp;</p> <p>Find brands or a tailor that will honor your body's shape. That has been huge for me! I went through weight fluctuations due to health issues from 2020-2023. City Chic and Eloquii have both been saving graces for me. They are beautifully cut for curvy and fuller figures. Typically expensive but I shop sales and clearance and have made out like a jewel thief given access to the Crown Jewels.</p> <p>Look at wrap dresses and blouses. Another great va-voom basic. Even a button-up shirt or cardigan can be styled as a wrap top with a camisole and creative tucking. [Photo 1] Or you can buy a button-up shirt purposely 1-2+ sizes too large, and wear it off the shoulder(s) by unbuttoning it and positioning it that way. [Photos 2-3]</p> <p><b>Confidence-- or at least, just do it.</b>&nbsp;</p> <p>I really agree with <b>cjh</b>. The first few times you dress outside your comfort zone, you have to bite the bullet and push into the discomfort. Sometimes the discomfort is really because the outfit doesn't truly connect with who we are and wish to express, or the fit/color/style is just off. But other times it's because we've believed certain things about ourselves, and our outfit challenges those beliefs or lies. You won't really know which is true until you start pushing into the discomfort and exploring it.</p> <p><b>There is a range.</b></p> <p>Va-voom is a range. It doesn't have to be full blast all the time.&nbsp;</p> <p>Try a pencil skirt but pair it with a slouchy tee that you half tuck or knot at the front, and a t-strap or strappy sandal--nothing too chunky, utilitarian, or masculine. Or pair a chiffon blouse with jeans, then add an armful of bracelets and bangles. While not au courant, leggings worn with a longer cardigan, belted or not, is most lovely, very easy for everyday and...&nbsp;va-voom. (The hem should reach <i>past</i> widest part of hips for most flattering look.) [Photo 4]&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Accessorize like mad.</b></p> <p>There is still an art to it. But generally va-voom isn't low maintenance, functional, and utilitarian. You want layers of interest, glam, etc. So makeup <i>and</i> jewelry <i>and</i> hair/hat.&nbsp;</p> <p>Makeup is a big layer. Cat-eye/bat-eye winged liner. Smokey eyeshadow and liner. Rich or vibrant lip colors. Bronzer. (YMMV; I'm an autumn but not everyone benefits from or likes bronzer.) Lots of mascara. Also make good use of metallic elements in makeup (and clothing for that matter). Metallic can be very glamorous and va-voom depending on application and use.</p> <p>Jewelry should be seen, like the crowning jewel. There are a lot of styles and everyone has their own taste. Bangles or a couple of chunky bracelets. Ethnic/exotic/boho jewelry in various styles and metals. Real or faux jewels. You can do a bit finer, refined jewelry. I would stay away from anything too tiny unless you have very small features.</p> <p>Hair scarves are magnificent! I wear them often. I love handknit and fabric turbans, and softly slouchy knit beanies. Soft floppy brim hats are also be fantastic. Those are my top loves. Otherwise, I'll use tons of combs and bobby pins for updos. Sometimes I do an updo and tie on a hairscarf. Soft braids are great. Half up-dos.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Basics are best.</b></p> <p>A very good haircut for your face shape and lifestyle is essential. Ask your stylist for styling decisions.</p> <p>Good skincare is a must. Invest in an esthetician if you need to. I had horrific cystic acne once. My esthetician was affordable (not pennies but affordable) and highly trained in treating acne conditions. She gave me my skin and confidence back. It's worth it to work with a good esthetician. </p> <p>Finger and toenails well cared for, whether you do it yourself or hire someone. I don't like or get artificial nails. But I do keep my nails trimmed and well shaped. Occasionally I get a good pedi or mani, especially in the summer when toes are visible.</p> <p><b>One question, with an exception.</b></p> <p>When I was in my late 20s, I worked with a wonderful image consultant. She helped me get out of shapeless, baggy clothing that I <i>thought </i>was flattering one me but truly wasn't. She gave me a great question to ask as I shopped: "Would a man wear this?" If so, abandon said item and move on. It has been excellent advice. However, I do think there are times where this needs a bit of finessing. I wouldn't wear a man's tuxedo jacket cart blanche. But a tuxedo or smoking jacket cut and fit for a woman, with lots of built-in waist tailoring and such? Absolutely! I once wore a pair of men's sweatpants. I French-cuffed the hems and wore the pants with a very romantic blouse, soft updo hairstyle, and sky-hi Oxford heels. I did a lot of mixing and matching with one masculine item and added glam and va-voom to temper it. [Photo 5] The outfit was from some years ago, but just sharing to show one way it can be done.</p> <p><b>Casual but not too casual.</b></p> <p>Va-voom curvy me doesn't usually wear casual well like others. My clothes need waist emphasis and a bit of styling. Look at photo 6. The dress is essentially shapeless sack t-shirt dress. Yet, the peplum moto jacket has tons of interest and waist emphasis to rein it in. The long necklace adds a strong vertical line that keeps the eye moving. The knot at the hemline is both visually interesting and slimming due to the distraction and diagonal line it creates. And then very glamorous makeup with smoky eyes and glossy red lips. Still one of my best outfits in recent years -- forgive the horn tooting I knot, tuck or half-tuck tees and blouses that lack waist shape. And/or add a shaped topper. Add all the makeup, accessories, and shoes you love and want. We can always talk more about casual va-voom. And maybe that would be a good challenge for this spring and summer. Va-voom can do casual, but it's always going to look a bit more than everyone else. It's just the nature of va-voom. Only time I don't worry is fitness and outdoor wear. I love &nbsp;finding curvy cut fitness clothing, but it's limited. So I just do my best and forget the rest.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Other thoughts</b></p> <p>I find romantic, va-voom etc can be done well but sometimes it can feel rather mature because well... it is a more mature look. I remember when I worked with my image consultant. She gave me so much good feedback and ideas. What was difficult was being in my late 20s. I felt overly mature in va-voom. I tried wearing a pencil skirt, wrap blouse and peep-toe heels together. She loved it on me, but it didn't feel quite me in my eyes. Part of my discomfort is I finally realized I really need juxtaposition and a bit of funkiness, artsiness or boho in an outfit. (We both finally realized that after I had more time to play.) And part of it is it was just a bit mature feeling. Some of that has resolved with age, and some of it I just need a little bit of artsy-fartsy with my outfits.&nbsp;</p> <p>Hope this helps and I haven't overwhelmed you! I could honestly talk on and on about this and share even more. But this is more than enough, I'm sure. </p> <p>Can't wait to hear how your va-voom journey goes &lt;3&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-start-dressing-va-voom-when-its-out-of-your-comfort-zone#post-2382097 Thu, 13 Mar 2025 16:16:09 +0000 BrieN 2382097@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Vavoom for me means centering my hourglass/figure 8 body type. </p> <p>Right now the three everyday things I am wearing that make me think feel a little vavoom are:</p> <p>Bell bottom/flare jeans</p> <p>Button down shirt styled with rolled up sleeves, unbuttoned top to create a bit of plunge and knotted at the waist.</p> <p>waistcoat - Fitted at the waist and v-necked - surprisingly alluring. You can put a blouse or fitted mesh top underneath if it's too "naked" without. (also shout out to Angie who included these in her spring trends report...I've never owned anything like that before and would never have chosen it without her highlighting it. I'm pretty stunned how much I like the silhouette on myself.)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-start-dressing-va-voom-when-its-out-of-your-comfort-zone#post-2382050 Wed, 12 Mar 2025 22:17:58 +0000 Greenjeans 2382050@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>By all means, yes, <b>Ket!</b> i am here for this.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-start-dressing-va-voom-when-its-out-of-your-comfort-zone#post-2382032 Wed, 12 Mar 2025 18:26:23 +0000 Ket 2382032@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, I love that you're asking this, <b>Greenjeans</b>! And I am honored by your compliment. So thank you for that&nbsp;♥</p> <p>I agree with all the great advice shared here, both practical and philosophical.&nbsp;</p> <p>Do you want me to share more of my thoughts and journey? &nbsp;What questions do you have specifically for me? I started writing a reply but it was loooong.... I saved it if your'e interested but I don't want to turn a firehose on if you don't want a ton of info either. :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-start-dressing-va-voom-when-its-out-of-your-comfort-zone#post-2382012 Wed, 12 Mar 2025 16:05:14 +0000 SarahD8 2382012@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Runcarla</b> (and others) this is a review of the Goddesses in Everywoman book (old, and PDF) that seems to provide a summary of the author's argument/goddess archetypes:</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1796&amp;context=gvr">https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/.....ontext=gvr</a></p> <p>I found it a pretty interesting read! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-start-dressing-va-voom-when-its-out-of-your-comfort-zone#post-2382006 Wed, 12 Mar 2025 15:30:13 +0000 Carla 2382006@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love the comments above,&nbsp;<b>Greenjeans. &nbsp;</b>Now I’m curious about the book! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-start-dressing-va-voom-when-its-out-of-your-comfort-zone#post-2382005 Wed, 12 Mar 2025 15:25:27 +0000 Greenjeans 2382005@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hello, <b>Artemis/Suntiger</b>! Yes, let's nerd out.</p> <p>Something I understand more clearly as I get older is how we influence each other with our presence, consciously and unconsciously.</p> <p>I'm thinking about Aphrodite/alchemy as the power of beauty to move people. I've never owned my own beauty, I've struggled to feel beautiful and have rejected aspects of my physical appearance, as many women do, as not ok or not safe. Really ready to move on.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-start-dressing-va-voom-when-its-out-of-your-comfort-zone#post-2382003 Wed, 12 Mar 2025 15:20:01 +0000 Greenjeans 2382003@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So much to to respond to here, thank you, everyone.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Roberta</b>, the Boden aline dress is fab, Thanks again for sharing. I like the Ottoman dress in red, as well. Color is going to be part of this.</p> <p><b>Runcarla</b>, what I wouldn't give for a the perfect bra,&nbsp; The&nbsp;search is ongoing. I like what you're saying about waist definition, this is probably the softest, best place to begin.</p> <p>"But after a couple of public appearances, when of course no one disapproved, it felt fine." I love this <b>cgh</b>! Super relatable, thank you for shaing.</p> <p>Yaaaas, absolutely, <b>Sal</b>! This all so relatable. Button down anything is out. As with bras, I'm on the lookout for good tees, Theoretically, I'd love a v-neck except it has to be high. I love everything you said in your last paragraph. Really beautiful, supportive-feeling.</p> <p><b>Joy</b>, thank you for sharing! I have fond memories running around as a formerly built-straight little girl. Your comment about camouflage is relatable to probably just about everyone here. Most women I know struggle, on some level, with body shape, beauty and size.</p> <p><b>Star</b>, thank you, thank you for seconding Sal on experimentation. I love hearing this.</p> <p><b>Brooklyn</b>, its a joy hearing about how you use bracelets! I'm fortunate that joggers and tie hem pants are easy to find right not because full pants that aren't wide at the ankle give me that nice feeling.</p> <p>Really nice ideas, <b>Lisa</b>, thank you!</p> <p>Hi, <b>Bonnie</b>! I love hearing that you're doing this with dresses! Dresses always feel great. I don't have as much opportunity to wear them these days so thinking about fully, blousy pants.&nbsp;</p> <p>Thank you, <b>Angie</b>! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-start-dressing-va-voom-when-its-out-of-your-comfort-zone#post-2381981 Wed, 12 Mar 2025 12:24:19 +0000 Suntiger 2381981@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Artemis type here but happy to nerd out about Bolen :)<br /> I think it starts with the mindset, because without that, the clothes will feel inauthentic. What is it about this archetype that's drawing you in now?<br /> Are there any public figures or media characters that embody Aphrodite energy to you? Would you be more comfortable starting with Aphrodite- lite, like a silk robe or more dramatic makeup? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-start-dressing-va-voom-when-its-out-of-your-comfort-zone#post-2381948 Wed, 12 Mar 2025 00:59:39 +0000 Angie 2381948@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Such wonderful suggestions and ideas from the Fabbers, <b>Greenjeans </b>&nbsp;:) LOTS of wisdom from all - can't add to it!&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-start-dressing-va-voom-when-its-out-of-your-comfort-zone#post-2381910 Tue, 11 Mar 2025 15:49:59 +0000 Bonnie 2381910@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm doing this by adding more dresses, not necessarily va va voom style but ones that have a more feminine vibe than jeans or pants I've been wearing.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-start-dressing-va-voom-when-its-out-of-your-comfort-zone#post-2381907 Tue, 11 Mar 2025 15:41:19 +0000 Greenjeans 2381907@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, wow, wow, thanks for the great responses, everyone. I love where this is going.</p> <p>The inspiration behind this thread is Jean Shinoda Bolen's book<br /><i>The Goddesses in Everywoman&nbsp;</i>that explores feminine archetypes in Greek mythology from her point of view as a Jungian analyst. I'm curious about the three categories she created (virgin, vulnerable and alchemical) to talk about the goddess archetypes. As a younger woman I connected a lot with the virgin and vulnerable goddesses and today I'm wanting alchemy! (Aphrodite.)</p> <p>Thank you, <b>Jenni NZ</b>, <b>SarahD8</b> and <b>Jaime</b> for taking the time to look and respond, I'm grateful you jumped in!&nbsp;</p> <p>Beautiful suggestions, <b>Roberta</b>, <b>Runcarla</b>, <b>Sal</b> and <b>Lisa</b>, thank you.</p> <p>I've got to log off for a bit and can't wait to check back in later today.</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/member/aptlyvenus/"><br /></a></p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-start-dressing-va-voom-when-its-out-of-your-comfort-zone#post-2381897 Tue, 11 Mar 2025 11:03:32 +0000 Lisa 2381897@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I think va va voom I immediately think of body con, close to the body fits to show off one’s shape. I think one way to ease into showing off a shape for a va va voom vibe is with layering. If you normally wear a loose t shirt try wearing a form fitting one with a blazer, jacket, or cardigan, over it.&nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>Or try a body con dress or skirt with a long cardigan or jacket as the top layer. By adding a layer over a form fitting garment you can control how much shape you show while also testing out if you find closer fitting garments comfortable.</p> <p>If body con looks are too far, another way to tip toe into Va Va voom is showing off one body part. An off the shoulder top provides coverage and skin.&nbsp;Or simply try a tshirt with a cap sleeve or even a tank to show more skin on the arms while staying covered. Another option is to try a&nbsp;tucked in shirt with a cropped jacket to show off a rear view and waist but still keep you completely covered.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>How much skin and how form fitting are two options to up the Va Va voom for outfits that can be fun to experiment with. Good luck!</p> <p></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-start-dressing-va-voom-when-its-out-of-your-comfort-zone#post-2381896 Tue, 11 Mar 2025 10:59:03 +0000 Brooklyn 2381896@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like what Sal said. It might not be a matter of dressing in figure hugging clothes. It might be more a matter of dressing to highlight some part of your body in an alluring way. For example it could be your shoulders, or one shoulder. It could be your ankles. Your wrists. A top with a cut out showing a little skin would be another option. You don’t necessarily have to dress in a way that shows your chest or your waist or your hips (but of course you can if you want to). I like to show my arms, which I feel adds a feminine touch. That’s part of the reason why I often wear double bracelets, because they highlight my arms. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-start-dressing-va-voom-when-its-out-of-your-comfort-zone#post-2381893 Tue, 11 Mar 2025 06:24:30 +0000 Star (Lise) 2381893@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with SAL. To add I think only we can find our comfortable Va-voom. Experimentation is what you need to do. Exposing my shoulders works for me. I also find a sandal with an ankle strap works for me when wearing a dress/skirt. I feel totally off with a low cleavage. It is different for everyone. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-start-dressing-va-voom-when-its-out-of-your-comfort-zone#post-2381885 Tue, 11 Mar 2025 04:42:10 +0000 Anonymous 2381885@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I never have that happen because I am built very straight and have no curves I wear things too big to camouflage that fact. I have good legs that are skinny all the way up. I look good in short dresses. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-start-dressing-va-voom-when-its-out-of-your-comfort-zone#post-2381881 Tue, 11 Mar 2025 03:21:59 +0000 Sal 2381881@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's an interesting question and one I can relate to.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>I will offer my perspective as someone that's curvy.&nbsp; For example a tee shirt - if it is too loose it can make me feel like a square.&nbsp; Too tight and I feel like it is too sexy.&nbsp; Button down shirts can strain at the bust to fit in the waist but unfitted ones can be a struggle too.&nbsp; Cleavage can easily dominate some tops.</p> <p>I don't worry as much either way as I used to - either about something being unflattering, nor showing too much leg or cleavage or whatever.&nbsp; I have my own comfort zone for what feels right.&nbsp; For me - if I wear shorter shorts, I wear a looser baggier top.&nbsp; If I have a lower vee neck, I usually have a longer skirt on and/or sleeves.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>At the moment I like fuller pants or skirts, or movement.&nbsp; That's also what is trending so it's easy.&nbsp; I don't like (on me) pleated front or paper bag waists or big belts at the waist - it feels the opposite of alluring, it feels fussy.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Sheer fabrics can look really good.&nbsp; I think that's a good thing to experiment with and honestly they can be quite modest, eg the sleeve, or with tops layered underneath, through to quite brave.</p> <p>I think we all have outfits that make us feel good about ourselves and our body and what we bring to the world. It might be waist emphasis, or openness at the neck, or showing the wrist or ankle, or a fitted pair of jeans or top. I think it's worth examining what you like - but I do think sometimes you have to explore that by trying as well. &nbsp;</p> <p> </p>