https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-proportions Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 04 May 2026 01:22:50 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-proportions#post-983869 Thu, 18 Jul 2013 15:36:56 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 983869@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I started following several petite blogs in the past year, and they have been invaluable in helping me figure out proportion...but I think they are useful to women of all sizes trying to figure out where the eye is drawn to in any outfit.</p> <p><a href="http://www.wendyslookbook.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.wendyslookbook.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.extrapetite.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.extrapetite.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.alterationsneeded.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.alterationsneeded.com</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-proportions#post-983620 Thu, 18 Jul 2013 11:24:05 +0000 Ornella 983620@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, thanks for the thorough input&nbsp;and&nbsp;fabulous reads everyone. </p> <p>This thread had somehow slow-cooked during the day and&nbsp;had evolved into one of those I want to keep returning to when I have more me time to take it all in.</p> <p>Off to start tasting your infinite wisdom :-D</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-proportions#post-983614 Thu, 18 Jul 2013 11:10:52 +0000 lyn67 983614@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, what a&nbsp;crafty thread&nbsp; Ornella, and to be blunt honest here-it's all intuitive&nbsp;to me!<br />I don't really know about current sillouettes, faux pases&nbsp;or else (rules/theories) but rather just &nbsp;&nbsp;trust my own&nbsp;&nbsp;(and YLF's forum:-))&nbsp; eyes!<br />(That's also&nbsp;why I came here, to train my eyes:-))<br />Not much of a help I know,&nbsp;hugs:-)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-proportions#post-983496 Thu, 18 Jul 2013 04:23:32 +0000 rachylou 983496@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You're bringing back high school for me and the <a href="http://employees.oneonta.edu/farberas/arth/arth209/doyphoros.html" rel="nofollow">Greeks' canon of human proportion and symmetry</a>. And optical distortions and illusions. For example, for a column to look straight and elegant, it needs to actually bow out somewhat at the sides. That's why a straight up and down cylinder of a pillar represents "cheap architecture" or at best modern architecture (which has less refinement to work with in terms of craftsmanship and so forth, due to the limitations of mass machine production).</p> <p>Anyways, it all begins with that idea of harmonious pleasant feeling. What most agree is most pleasing (and undisturbing). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-proportions#post-983463 Thu, 18 Jul 2013 03:52:03 +0000 Deborah 983463@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a fascination with proportions and I do like to play with them and experiement.&nbsp; Rules are helpful but then I see so many break them and still look fabulous.&nbsp; My eye will often tell me if proportions are off or ok but for a long time I couldn't articulate why something worked or didn't.&nbsp; Now I am a little more aware of specifics.&nbsp; Personally elongating my legs is good.&nbsp; If I am going to wear a tunic length top&nbsp;over say skinny jeans, the best look will be if the jeans and top are the same colour, otherwise I am cut in half making my legs look short and my top half kind of heavy.&nbsp; I think the volume of garments plays a role also.&nbsp; And as Ceit suggests, fashion changes constantly and to some degree our eye does adjust to new outfit proportions.&nbsp; I also think that different body types call for differnet outfit proportions. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-proportions#post-983327 Thu, 18 Jul 2013 01:45:31 +0000 FlorenceFearne 983327@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Proportion is interesting to me, because I love to fake it. My favorite outfits are either those that lengthen my legs as much as possible, or those that create a faux hourglass.&nbsp;&nbsp;Because I'm a short-waisted IT I don't technically have a lot of torso to give up for the sake of leg lengthening, but&nbsp;I'm totally fine with looking like Sailor Moon. Ha ha. And I do wear lots of very voluminous tops, belted tightly at the waist, giving the illusion that I'm curvier than I am. This probably doesn't make me look any thinner, but sometimes I'd rather be curvy than skinny, so I make that happen.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-proportions#post-982959 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 19:17:16 +0000 Irene 982959@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Proportions are my first priority. I dress according to proportion (which is what I think gets all the compliments, aside from fit). It's a matter of trial and error but, like Diana, I <i>just know</i>. I always strive for an hourglass silhouette (or else a rectangular one), because they are the most proportional shapes, which is what *I* go for. </p> <p>I also pick dresses over skirts and pants all the time because they make proportions easy for me. Otherwise I have to deal with color combos and waistlines and it's a pain. </p> <p>Note that I am naturally an hourglass (short torso and long legs though, like Diana but with a bigger bust and a wider shoulder-line), I think, so any color blocking emphasizes one side of my body (and thus breaks proportions).</p> </p> <p>(I am the same way when taking photos, composing an image, even placing things on a shelf. It's one of my many quirks, this necessity to always even things out)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-proportions#post-982939 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 18:55:23 +0000 Elizabeth P 982939@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I did one of these on-line analyse your body proportions and it spits out recommended clothing shapes things.&nbsp; My private stylist I think it's called.&nbsp; Not sure I learned a ton from it, but it definitely made a few lightbulbs go off, esp with lengtrhs of tops, cardis and jackets.&nbsp; And it totally confirmed some of the things I'd found "off" when I look at pics.&nbsp; I think a good eye can do this intuitively, but as others have said you can't always put your finger on what it is you're noticing.&nbsp; It was nice to have it laid out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-proportions#post-982930 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 18:47:06 +0000 Anonymous 982930@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was going to link to Insideout blog too. And also mention the 1/3, 2/3 rule. But these are just guidelines and as Diana said one's own proportions can be played with and directly affect any rules that you try to follow. I think getting an 'eye' for proportion probably comes in time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-proportions#post-982816 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 16:39:59 +0000 Sveta 982816@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't have a&nbsp; good recipe for proportions and always go by ear - or rather by eye. I can see when proportions are wrong right away and I can never feel great in this case - but for the life of me I cannot tell you why! <br />One proportional rule I do have fo my body is do not tuck into skinnies. I feel that proportions are off&nbsp;in this case and my hips dominate the picture too much. Add a longer top or tunic and it is a completely different matter and much more flattering and pleasing to the eye.<br />With looser fitting bottoms it is completely opposite: top has to be tucked or semi-tucked to look good. I also prefer semi-tuck to a full tuck for myself because I have a&nbsp;pretty high hips-to-waist ratio and can look bottom heavy with a top tucked in. However semituck works wonders, removing a harsh horisontal line of the belt and replacing it with a softer semi-cirle&nbsp;&nbsp;or V-line. Interestingly enough this is not necessarily true for wide leg trousers, they work well with full tuck but they are more streamlined looking than BF jeans or slouchy trousers even though stil volume on volume.<br />Another ticky proportions is a top for the skirt - and for me it is very often hit or miss: I am still figuring them out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-proportions#post-982767 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 15:47:56 +0000 Gabrielle 982767@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your post is timely. &nbsp;I just decided today to research this topic. &nbsp;</p> <p>Here is what I think I know. &nbsp;I can tell just by looking that the proportions in an outfit&nbsp;are wrong. &nbsp;I have no idea&nbsp;<i>why</i> they are wrong though or what it is I am seeing. &nbsp;If I can learn to understand proportions&nbsp;it would significantly up my style quotient. &nbsp;</p> <p>I will review the websites that nancylee included later this evening. &nbsp;They should help a lot. &nbsp;Thanks. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-proportions#post-982762 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 15:45:00 +0000 Diana 982762@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, for me I think it's intuitive.&nbsp; I put something on and look at in the mirror and I can tell if the proportions are off.&nbsp; Sometimes I don't know <i>why</i><i> or </i><i>how</i> they are off, but I know they're not right. </p> <p>Also, I think with proportions you have to decide whether your aim is to <i>enhance</i> or <i>mitigate</i> something.&nbsp; Both are equally valid.&nbsp; For example, I have long legs and a really short torso.&nbsp; So I can choose proportions to enhance my long legs, but that often has the side effect of making my torso look even shorter.&nbsp; Or I can choose to wear something that hides my short torso, but then I give up a bit of leg length.&nbsp; Similarly a dress with strong shoulders and shoulder embellishments will camouflage my smaller, sloping shoulders, whereas a dress with hip embellishments and pleating will play up my curvy hips and small waist.&nbsp; (In the dress case, I could theoretically have both but then I would be making the choice to look like an hourglass).&nbsp; </p> <p>I know Imogen's exercise with dividing the body up into 8 head lengths has some flaws, but I actually think it's quite helpful in figuring out your body proportions, which I think one needs to know before figuring out one's clothing proportions.&nbsp; <br /><a href="http://www.insideoutstyleblog.com/2009/04/body-proportions-explained.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.insideoutstyleblog......ained.html</a></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-proportions#post-982761 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 15:44:34 +0000 Aziraphale 982761@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ornella, this is a great thread. &nbsp;I am reading all the comments&nbsp;with interest.</p> <p>As a 5'1" petite, proportions are important to me, too! &nbsp;But I confess that I go mostly by instinct, and only partially understand the theory. &nbsp;I mean, I do know about the golden mean, but I don't think I consciously apply the rule. &nbsp;I have merely&nbsp;learned&nbsp;by trial and error what works and what doesn't. &nbsp;For example, I have learned&nbsp;that a short, boxy jacket ALWAYS&nbsp;makes me look all weird and top-heavy, and I think it has something to do with the position of my waist and shape of my bust, but I'm guessing. &nbsp;</p> <p>I think what Suz says is true: "individual body proportions are highly relevant here if figure flattering outfits (in the conventional sense) are your aim". &nbsp;A woman could be exactly the same height as me, but with a&nbsp;larger or smaller bust, a lower or higher waist, shorter or longer legs, she could look good in quite different styles than me.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-proportions#post-982750 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 15:32:16 +0000 RoseandJoan 982750@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is an interesting question O because I feel there has been a recent shift&nbsp;with the rise in popularity of the&nbsp;shorter boxy tops and trend for volume over volume. </p> <p>I am now wearing shorter&nbsp;tops with volume (finishing between high hip and low hip) with fluid fit trousers and longer tops with volume (finishing around the low hip or longer) over midi length pencil skirts or slender fitting trousers.</p> <p>I will search for photos when I have&nbsp;a chance. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-proportions#post-982735 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 15:20:52 +0000 Suz 982735@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me it is mostly trial and error so far, and a lot of error at times, which is why I like Lantana's solution of taking photos. I know the theory, but find that in practice it can be complicated by a number of factors -- silhouette, what is on trend, what the weight and drape of the fabric is. So I have no easy answers.&nbsp;</p> <p>I do know that individual body proportions are highly relevant here if figure flattering outfits (in the conventional sense) are your aim. So...what would work for you, with your gorgeous <b>LONG</b> legs.....would not work for me....with my <i>short</i> legs.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-proportions#post-982688 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 14:49:36 +0000 Raisin 982688@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm beginning to realize that top:bottom ratio looks better if its 1/3:2/3 or 2/3:1/3, or even a quarter to 3 quarters. 1/2:1/2 can sometimes be less flattering. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-proportions#post-982667 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 14:29:56 +0000 Anonymous 982667@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I find that my eye likes proportions that seem off to the standard. I think proportions change over time to whatever the dominant paradigm is. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-proportions#post-982582 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 13:38:05 +0000 Transcona Shannon 982582@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aaaaahhhhhh...a topic close to my heart Ornella. In fact, I almost always ask in my WIW posts "how are the proportions".&nbsp;</p> <p>As someone only 5 feet tall with a very high waist as well as very short legs, I pay particular attention to my proportions in an outfit. But there are also times when I throw caution to the wind and wear something that technically should not work for me - i.e. midi skirt with booties.&nbsp;</p> <p>Because of my high waist, I will not wear anything with an empire waist. That just emphasizes my larger mid section and makes my waist look like it's right underneath my bust (which it practically is - lol!). I like to try and visually lower my waist in outfits by adding belts somewhat below my natural waist, wearing faux wraps that accent my waist but can make it look more proportionate, etc.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'll be watching this thread for more advice - glad you started this topic :)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-proportions#post-982577 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 13:34:21 +0000 Anonymous 982577@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I need to learn more to get this right. Right now it's trial and error. Taking photos of my attempts helps. I've read all that about the golden mean and not cutting yourself in half, etc., but those "rules" don't seem to work for me very well. Things like jacket stance, color contrast and belting can change everything with proportion. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-proportions#post-982559 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 13:23:57 +0000 Lantana 982559@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm emphatically on my L plates on this. I think I have a better eye for appreciating proportions on others; so, the more distance I can put between myself and my mirror, the more objective I become. This is how photos help me recognise when my proportions are off, as does glancing at myself in the mirror in a slightly out of focus way, so that I see the overall blocks of colour and line rather than a sharp image.<br /> But this is sleight of hand - or eye - not analysis. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-proportions#post-982557 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 13:23:40 +0000 nancylee 982557@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a great topic for discussion, Ornelia. &nbsp;I'm no expert on proportions by any means....but I do think the "golden mean" method has a lot of merit. &nbsp;Basically, you divide your body into thirds and dress from there. &nbsp;Insideoutstyleblog has several posts explaining the golden mean and proportions:</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.insideoutstyleblog.com/2011/10/how-to-use-the-golden-mean-ratio-to-dress.html">http://www.insideoutstyleblog......dress.html</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.insideoutstyleblog.com/2009/06/proportions-the-golden-mean-or-fibonacci-number.html">http://www.insideoutstyleblog......umber.html</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.insideoutstyleblog.com/2011/12/how-to-use-the-golden-mean-proportions-when-dressing.html">http://www.insideoutstyleblog......ssing.html</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-proportions#post-982541 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 13:13:53 +0000 Lisa 982541@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great question.&nbsp; I don't always listen to myself, but I find when I have something long I need something short to balance it out.&nbsp; Probably because I'm not very tall.&nbsp; For example, when I wear a sweater coat, my tall boots don't look as nice as a bootie does.&nbsp; Or when I do wear my tall boots, I find the shorter blazers and sweaters (closer to my waist and not my hips) work better. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-proportions#post-982499 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 12:00:33 +0000 Mona 982499@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting thread, Ornella! I am also not aware of how the proportions work and hope to learn from the YLF wisdom. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-proportions#post-982497 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 11:55:54 +0000 TraceyLiz65 982497@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As a Petite 5'3" inches,,, Proportions really came into focus with me over the fall/winter months here on the forum. &nbsp;Shorter tops and jackets with skinny jeans tucked into my flat&nbsp;boots were the best. &nbsp;Adding heels to other looks heops expecially with longer tops.&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;My biggest mistake was a longer tunic with a shorter jacket, skinny's and boots... Just a hot mess. Wearing the tunic alone with the same skinny's and switching the boots to ballet flats extended the leg line and worked much better. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-proportions#post-982493 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 11:49:29 +0000 Ornella 982493@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I will start by saying I don't know much about the proportions and I would like to learn about them. I only know when things feel right to me&nbsp;and very often WIWs feedback will actually confirm I was indeed on the right track. Still, I'd like to know how to thoughtfully and skilfully incorporate the concept of proportions into my outfits.</p> <p>Over to you. Thought, sources, experiences are very welcome. </p>