https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-wear-the-volume-trend Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 10 May 2026 16:47:23 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-wear-the-volume-trend#post-61022 Thu, 16 Apr 2009 00:52:28 +0000 anne 61022@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny, I didn't manage to get to this thread before but wanted to say I know what you mean about the 3D dimension. I am also rather thick on the side dimension. I often think I look like a tree trunk. Wheras Maya, and also Becky and Tam - out of people who have posted recently, are noticeably thinner from the side. I would also say I have a medium frame. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-wear-the-volume-trend#post-60882 Wed, 15 Apr 2009 16:38:57 +0000 Angie 60882@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie DOES approve, Ele! You've added structure to the outfit and that totally works (showing the waistline). I’m thinking of a billowing blouse with a billowing skirt. Not so fab. Hope that makes sense. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-wear-the-volume-trend#post-60836 Wed, 15 Apr 2009 08:37:13 +0000 Ele 60836@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, this is a great thread. I like volume on other people and do have some pieces myself, but I don't think that I naturally gravitate toward it. Most of my voluminous pieces are things that I was drawn to for some other reason- the colour, the fabric- and was surprised to find I could wear the shape, as well. I have a mustard silk top from Club Monaco that is gathered around the (low, scoop) neckline, and falls stright to the hips. I think it works because, as Maya says, it shows off my shoulders and collarbone, so looking at it, you'd just assume that the torso underneath was in proportion.</p> <p>Also want to add that volume doesn't necessarily mean a top/dress that flows over the waist. If you really want to keep that hourglass silhouette, Laura, just add it somewhere else! I like "big" gathered or pleated summer skirts that are fitted at the waist and balloon out from there. Sometimes I'll even pair them with a top that has a puffed sleeve (although Angie might not approve... volume in two places!) to exaggerate the silhouette. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-wear-the-volume-trend#post-60829 Wed, 15 Apr 2009 07:36:12 +0000 Asha 60829@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for starting this thread Laura! This is something I really want to branch out and experiment with, but I'm honestly terrified. I think I could do what Shiny explained - volume on top under some kind of "defining" layer.<br /> I don't see how I could do a voluminous top alone, even if it fitted my shoulder line well, because if my waist is obscured, the eye would naturally assume that my waist was "in line" with the 2 visible measurements one could see - my bust and hips - which would make me look heavier. Much heavier - since in most sizing charts my chest measurement is 2-3 sizes larger than my waist, and my hips 1-2 sizes larger.<br /> I suppose I could do sleeve volume.<br /> I usually don't mind layering, but I just like the idea of being able to throw on one voluminous top some days and be done with it. It sounds so appealing in the summer.<br /> This thread is definitely giving me some food for thought. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-wear-the-volume-trend#post-60814 Wed, 15 Apr 2009 06:12:30 +0000 Kari 60814@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Laura, I'm so glad you started this thread. I've been thinking a lot about voluminous pieces - I really play it safe by avoiding volume most of the time because structured and waist-defining clothes are more "foolproof" for my figure.</p> <p>I have some voluminous skirts but am uncertain about whether they really work on me - maybe time for another "closet cleanout" post - and the only voluminous piece I have worn recently is a trapeze jacket that my sister picked out for me (haven't photographed it) and an Anthropologie top that hangs more or less straight from the bust. </p> <p>Anyway, thanks for bringing up the topic. You've inspired me to get a little braver about breaking out of my structured rut once in a while. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-wear-the-volume-trend#post-60807 Wed, 15 Apr 2009 04:34:33 +0000 Angie 60807@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Christine! That banded top is lovely. You and Maya would look super in it. </p> <p>Shiny, you couldn’t look thick if you tried. My take on your analysis is that you just prefer yourself in structured clothing – which is why you wear a structured cardigan OVER a voluminous top. You feel svelte from the side when you add the structure. A voluminous blouse is supposed to billow and pouf out from the side – that’s the charm. I really like it. </p> <p>I think it’s important to sport one voluminous item at a time – either on top, OR at the bottom. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-wear-the-volume-trend#post-60800 Wed, 15 Apr 2009 03:32:22 +0000 Maya 60800@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Christine, I haven't even had a baby and I have a baby belly! I guess I could blame my cat, since she is the closest thing I have to a baby. I have pictures to prove I have a tum, and I even posted them here once. Obviously I ended up returning the dress that put it on display :p </p> <p>That Anthropologie top is SO cute. I love it to death. I think you could totally wear it.</p> <p>I missed Laura's post on shoulder seams (sorry Laura), but I think it's more of an issue for inverted triangles. The rest of us probably have more freedom to wear either type as long as the neckline and sleeves are right. When I say tailored at the shoulder, I just mean it needs to fit and gently float away. No sloppiness. No tenting out. </p> <p>Laura, that trapeze top Angie picked for me at the YLF convention had no shoulder seams (and Christine--that top has a similar neckline and shape to the one you picked, minus the band at the bottom). Unfortunately that shirt shrank dramatically, even though I washed it in cold water and hung it to dry But it was great while it lasted...</p> <p>It's hard to say what is and isn't going to work without trying it on. I'd just dive right in and try as many styles as you can and you'll have a clearer idea of what to look for. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-wear-the-volume-trend#post-60752 Wed, 15 Apr 2009 00:55:06 +0000 crwilson 60752@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maya-<br /> I look much bigger from the front too (though, honestly, I haven't seen any pictures of you in which you look bigger anywhere). And, I definitely have the squishy tummy, which I call my baby belly, even though it existed long before my baby ever did. </p> <p>I'm going to search Angie's old posts on volume because, as I said before, this style does appeal to me. What about something like this shirt:<br /> <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1&#038;_dynSessConf=-2720280257820636319&#038;id=913120&#038;parentid=APP_TOPS&#038;pushId=APP_TOPS&#038;prepushId=APP_TOPS&#038;popId=APPAREL&#038;sortProperties=&#038;navCount=2&#038;navAction=jump&#038;fromCategoryPage=true&#038;selectedProductSize=&#038;selectedProductSize1=&#038;color=blu&#038;colorName=BLUE" rel="nofollow">http://www.anthropologie.com/a.....rName=BLUE</a></p> <p>It doesn't have shoulder seams, so I'm guessing you would say that it wouldn't work. But, the neckline looks flattering.</p> <p>I find it harder to wear volume on the bottom, probably because I have to be really careful about my lower waist, which is about the same size as my hips. I've realized, looking at pictures of myself, that even skirts with gathers and pleats add a lot of extra volume to my waistline, which is problematic. I never knew that before. Now I'm having a much harder time finding skirts and dresses that fit well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-wear-the-volume-trend#post-60747 Wed, 15 Apr 2009 00:29:29 +0000 Maya 60747@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh Shiny. You know what I called you in my head the first time I saw your pictures? "Tiny Shiny." You don't look thick by any standard. I was actually surprised to know that you and I are the same measurement. Before you revealed your waist size I thought you were probably a 25 or so. When you finally said "27 or 28" I thought "her fingers must have just hit the wrong keys."</p> <p>I think we're both just very good at disguising our squishy tummies, and that's why you can't see mine and I can't see yours! </p> <p>I'm very elliptical. I disappear when I turn to the side but from the front I look much bigger. The human body is a strange thing. I never imagined just how much variation there could be until YLF.</p> <p>FTR, I also love empire waists, but can't always wear them because of my chest. Without my chest, they would be my best silhouette. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-wear-the-volume-trend#post-60739 Tue, 14 Apr 2009 23:17:17 +0000 shiny 60739@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like volume, but with a cardigan or jacket on top to create structure and a waist. Unless it's an empire waisted top, which (realizing I'm in the minority!) I happen to like.</p> <p>With volume I think you need to be careful to check yourself out in the mirror from the side. I have tried on things that look cute from the front, but when I look from the side, I look huge. This happens in particular with waistless dresses. </p> <p>Digressing a moment, there is a 3D aspect I think we often neglect when we talk about body types and shapes. For example, Maya in the BR yellow dress looks so slim from the side view(*) - her arms, her torso below the bra band ... on me, that dress did not look that slim and I looked rather thickish, even if it zipped up for me just as it zipped up for her, and our tape-measurements around the torso are similar. So now imagine popping a voluminous dress without a waist on both of us: Maya will look adorable and I will just look ... thick. And it doesn't matter if the garment fits perfectly in the shoulders. </p> <p>Maybe it is as simple as the daintiness of Maya's shoulders and arms compared to mine.... but I think there's more going on too. My bone structure is not dainty. I'm supposedly "medium" framed, but at only 5'0", that looks larger. (If I was 10 inches taller I would look tiny and delicate and waifish!)</p> <p>(*) She looks slim from every angle... I'm just talking about the side view in particular to make a point about the 3D aspect. </p> <p>Does this make any sense? Or am I saying the same thing, only different? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-wear-the-volume-trend#post-60735 Tue, 14 Apr 2009 22:50:17 +0000 Angie 60735@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great advice! Such clever lasses :0). </p> <p>I have written OODLES of posts on volume. If you do a search on YLF - you'll come across plenty of illustrated blog posts about the subject. Glad you’re exploring this avenue, Laura. I LOVE volume. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-wear-the-volume-trend#post-60697 Tue, 14 Apr 2009 20:46:26 +0000 simba2737 60697@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not sure what qualifies as volume, but as an hourglass I wear loose and flowy tops as well as some full skirts (but not together). I find that anything that tapers or is belted just above my natural waist makes me look the smallest. I prefer volume to close-fitting clothes, even though I am on the thin side, and think that it is more flattering and comfortable.</p> <p>I vote on the Look of the Day on InStyle.com just to see what new and fun clothes are out there, not that I can afford them, but I'm into attempting to make knock-off dresses in my free time. Today some celebrity I've never heard of is wearing what I think is a gorgeous and balanced volumous look. Granted, she is tiny, but I think a similar look is a tulip skirt, which might work for inverted triangles. Her skirt is full and the top is more fitted, but it meets in the middle at a small waist: <a href="http://www.instyle.com/instyle/celebrities/lookoftheday/photos/0" rel="nofollow">http://www.instyle.com/instyle.....y/photos/0</a>,,,00.html </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-wear-the-volume-trend#post-60690 Tue, 14 Apr 2009 20:22:51 +0000 shana 60690@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As an inverted triangle, I don't think I wear volume on top very well. On the bottom is no problem and I actually like wearing more floaty type of skirts because I think it helps to balance me out. But on the top, I feel like it just makes me look like a big blob. Not only do I have the tummy to hide but the big boobs as well as a "strong" shoulder line and "muscular" arms (yeah, there's some muscle underneath the fat!). </p> <p>Wearing volume on the top would necessitate wearing something more streamlined on the bottom - which exactly emphasizes the inverted triangle body type. I do wear some of my Indian tunic tops which have some volume to them but I usually pair them with bootcut jeans as opposed to clamdiggers or "skinny" bottoms. Most empire tops make me look pregnant (adding the short waist to the equation is a killer!). I have been experimenting with floaty tops paired with a cardigan and I am warming up to that look since it sort of gives me the best of both worlds (some volume with some structure). </p> <p>I am open to experimentation so I will be following the thread - I'd love to hear Angie's advice as well. Laura, I'm sorry - I don't have any useful advice. I guess the most important thing is to make sure not to do volume on the top + volume on the bottom. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-wear-the-volume-trend#post-60689 Tue, 14 Apr 2009 20:20:56 +0000 Laura 60689@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So for example, (to try to post a link for some ideas), the printed cotton lawn tunic from Eddie Bauer (scroll down the page, on the right) *might* work because of the shoulder seams, but the 3/4 sleeve printed gauze tunic (top row) wouldn't be as great for me, but could work for an inverted triangle?</p> <p><a href="http://www.eddiebauer.com/EB/Women/Shirts--Blouses/index.cat#ppl=%7Btype%3A%22hide%22%7D" rel="nofollow">http://www.eddiebauer.com/EB/W.....hide%22%7D</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-wear-the-volume-trend#post-60688 Tue, 14 Apr 2009 20:16:30 +0000 Laura 60688@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, thanks Maya! My take-away is that a top that has shoulder seams (unlike some of the traditional peasant-style blouses) will work better for me than one without seams, because I'll be able to define my shoulders better. Is that right? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-wear-the-volume-trend#post-60672 Tue, 14 Apr 2009 18:38:00 +0000 Anonymous 60672@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maya, that makes so much sense. I'm going over to the boho thread to see what you posted. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-wear-the-volume-trend#post-60666 Tue, 14 Apr 2009 18:12:46 +0000 Maya 60666@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Laura, I just wrote what basically amounted to a blog post on volume over on the boho thread (I made sure Angie approved everything I said so I didn't give totally wrong and bad advice). I don't know if you didn't get around to reading it or if you did read it and it just wasn't clear enough. I'll try and summarize:</p> <p>-Tops must be TAILORED even if they're not structured. They should fit perfectly in the shoulder and arms and gracefully fall away.</p> <p>-Not all volume is created equal. You might have to try lots of different styles and experiment a lot with how you wear them. Voluminous tops are like any other, with a variety of necklines, details, and varying degrees of volume.</p> <p>-No volume anywhere else. I think we all know this by now. If you wear wide leg pants or a fluffy a-line skirt you'll look like a clown.</p> <p>-Volume doesn't necessarily mean something big and puffy. It might just mean something that isn't as structured around the waist and has a more relaxed fit.</p> <p>I think the reason I like volume so much is because voluminous tops are fitted from the shoulder, which is one of the smallest and daintiest parts of my body. The rest of the top just floats away from my problem areas. I think it causes the illusion that under all that fabric lies a tiny waist because I'm imagining my waist in proportion to my shoulders, and based on my bone structure and shoulders you would expect my waist to be very small. </p> <p>So in some backwards, roundabout way, volume does give me a tiny waist! I guess no one puts quite as much thought into it as I do though. That said, I think the only body type I'm not sure about is the inverted triangle. I have mixed feelings. On one hand, I wonder if all the volume elsewhere will detract from the shoulders and make them look smaller by comparison. OTOH, I wonder if there is too much emphasis on the shoulder. Maybe Angie can clarify. My guess is that inverted triangles can wear volume but they'll have to pay extra attention to sleeves and necklines. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-wear-the-volume-trend#post-60639 Tue, 14 Apr 2009 15:34:30 +0000 Louise 60639@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've got a jumper which is very fitted but has 3/4 voluminous sleeves which i love and which i'm sure i read somewhere on here is good for us curvies- not sure of the advice on all over volume though x </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-wear-the-volume-trend#post-60633 Tue, 14 Apr 2009 15:10:58 +0000 Laura 60633@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Does anyone have advice on how different body types can wear volume?</p> <p>I'd like to explore this a bit, especially in the summer when volume seems really appropriate and appealing in the heat!</p> <p>As an hourglass, I am so accustomed to trying to define a waist that it's hard for me to picture what might work in terms of volume. </p> <p>Links to examples hugely appreciated </p>