https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nipped-in-waist-part-two Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 16:11:18 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nipped-in-waist-part-two/page/2#post-355297 Wed, 25 May 2011 03:01:56 +0000 anne 355297@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una thanks for your very empathetic post and the lovely thought about your friend. I really appreciate your sharing that!</p> <p>And MaryK, I hope you are right (because I took one other discarded pic with worse posture than that and that was my standing up straight one!)</p> <p>I have finally bit the bullet and weighed myself and I have put on about 3 pounds in the last 2 weeks since the batteries stopped working (maybe even more, since I worked out the last few days). I work best on regularly weigh ins, clearly. So my sense about the direction I was going in was probably right. But I see that I was probably way too sensitive about how much this was visible when I see the lovely positive comments so many of you have made.</p> <p>I am going to keep the dress. I don't think it will ever be a favourite, but it is helpful (as said above) to have a full skirted, no ironing needed dress for summer, and it does look better with accessories.</p> <p>thanks everyone!<br /> Angie I am going to re-read your posts on long waists and short legs! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nipped-in-waist-part-two/page/2#post-354965 Tue, 24 May 2011 18:11:58 +0000 MsMary 354965@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Honestly, I think you have a beautiful, beautiful figure! The only issue I see in the last photo of the black dress is your posture -- I suspect if you stood up straight, that imagined tummy bulge would disappear.</p> <p>Honestly, you look super fit and slim and beautiful! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nipped-in-waist-part-two/page/2#post-354888 Tue, 24 May 2011 16:21:47 +0000 catgirl 354888@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anne, I think you look fantastic and I would kill for your flat stomach. I know it is hard to see anything except your supposed "problem areas" when you look at a picture. I have the opposite problem - when I look at photos, even now after a breast reduction, all I see are BOOBS, and I hate it. I wouldn't wear that dress you dislike because it would make me feel much too busty. </p> <p>I guess that's my way of saying often it's not our body that needs adjusting, it's our eyes and mind. </p> <p>And this is coming from a middle-aged mom who has gained some weight recently due to lack of exercise (an injury, laziness, lack of time) and just some slowing down. I have a hard time looking at myself in or out of clothes every day right now and I undesrand completely how you feel about not being in your exercise routine. </p> <p>You need to know that you are absolutely gorgeous - I have a good friend who looks like you and every time I see your photos, I smile thinking of how lovely both of you are. You look great to me in these photos, especially the white top.</p> <p>At the same time, if you truly don't like something and it makes you feel bad to wear it, don't wear it! That's my strategy for feeling better about myself. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nipped-in-waist-part-two/page/2#post-354782 Tue, 24 May 2011 13:45:21 +0000 Angie 354782@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think that the dress is one of the best items I have ever seen you wear! I do prefer it with the low contrast belt though. </p> <p>Anne, we see completely different things about your body. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nipped-in-waist-part-two/page/2#post-354695 Tue, 24 May 2011 06:44:42 +0000 anne 354695@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Polly </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nipped-in-waist-part-two/page/2#post-354402 Mon, 23 May 2011 15:41:46 +0000 Polly (thunalata) 354402@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't see what you see, Anne, either. You look fab in that dress from all angles to me! (I know you may not find that helpful, though) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nipped-in-waist-part-two/page/2#post-354371 Mon, 23 May 2011 14:57:43 +0000 anne 354371@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>just bumping before I go to bed - for Katiepea so she can see the pics of the dress with the red belt. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nipped-in-waist-part-two/page/2#post-354276 Mon, 23 May 2011 03:58:02 +0000 anne 354276@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Isis. I guess I think the front view is OK, but feel like I look about 5 months pregnant from the side! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nipped-in-waist-part-two#post-354106 Sun, 22 May 2011 17:11:55 +0000 Isis 354106@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anne-- I really don't see the horribleness that you are talking about with this dress. I think it looks great on you--both versions, from the side and from the front. From the front I love the shoulder line. The way the neckline goes in really accents your shoulders. The overall vibe is an hourglass: the shoulders are wide, the red belt goes in and then the skirt goes out. In the side view I see an attractive woman, one with a small bust, but nothing out of proportion with your small figure. This is a really nice dress on you.</p> <p>Overall, in all your pictures, you are an attractive, healthy woman who looks athletic and put together. I wonder if your mood is down because you haven't been able to exercise. I really think that what you perceive isn't reflected in reality; there is not even a hint of the horrible in your pics! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nipped-in-waist-part-two#post-354020 Sun, 22 May 2011 14:42:06 +0000 anne 354020@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jeneva - I dread pants shopping too. I buy pants on average once every 10 years!</p> <p>For Katiepea, here is the dress with a red belt.</p> <p>For everyone else, here is the side view that really shows what i have been trying to say about my problems with this dress. It is just horrible.This was taken today (the ones above were a few weeks ago) and it is clear I need to find batteries for my scales and see how bad the damage of the last week has been! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nipped-in-waist-part-two#post-353919 Sun, 22 May 2011 03:31:03 +0000 Jenava 353919@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There are dresses that probably need a fuller bust, but I disagree that #3 doesn't work for you. I think #3 just helps prove that with waist emphasis the chances are high that the garment will flatter your figure.</p> <p>PS, I am also short legged with heavy thighs, so I can relate to your issues there! I DREAD shopping for pants, jeans, and straight skirts! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nipped-in-waist-part-two#post-353882 Sun, 22 May 2011 00:18:48 +0000 anne 353882@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well how lovely to get up and get some more feedback. </p> <p>I feel like some explanation is due. I don't hate my breasts or necessarily think they should be larger. Small breasts run in my family. DH still likes them! If I could change one thing, or even two about my body, I wouldn't choose my bust.</p> <p>But I do need to address how to dress it. I was just wanting to firstly, run past my theory about fitted tops. (My sister is always asking me why I wear such tight tops, so perhaps I was seeking some justification for my wardrobe choices) and secondly a dress where I felt my body type wasn't working (I have other dresses I am happy with)</p> <p>Secondly, I may have a Twiggy sized bustline, but there is no way the rest of her body is similar to mine. Off the top of my head from what I can remember, her waist was at least 4 inches smaller, as were her hips, and she had long skinny legs. Although the epitome of the rectangle look, she actually had a better bust/waist ratio than I do. </p> <p>So, to Melissa's point, it isn't that I feel that my chest needs to be a certain size, rather that my body doesn't really match my chest. And I am always shocked at how shortlegged I am and big my thighs are, which is really my body "issue" but I keep forgetting about it until I see my photos.</p> <p>I dont' have a pattern no for the top - it was a handmade one lent to me by my sister -in -law who is a dressmaker. She made a top for me a few years ago for Christmas and I just borrowed it from her. It is extremely simple.</p> <p>Jeneva - thanks for the pretty woman pic! A nice comparison ! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nipped-in-waist-part-two#post-353867 Sat, 21 May 2011 23:57:34 +0000 Becky 353867@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anne, you've already had some great feedback here. I do think you look marvelous in the tops (#2 and #3) with the defined waist, but nothing you've posted is unflattering. I think #3 is absolutely the most stunning top I've seen on you yet, and I'm drooling with envy! If I were you, I'd make several in this pattern in various colors. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nipped-in-waist-part-two#post-353787 Sat, 21 May 2011 19:34:45 +0000 Jenava 353787@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love #3 on you! Who says boobs have to be big?? As a 32DD I can say with complete confidence that the grass is always greener. You can get away with very low cut tops, no bra, backless/low back dresses/top, spaghetti straps, halter tops, etc in a way that I never will be able to.</p> <p>The shape of this dress reminds me of Julia Robert's brown and white dress from Pretty Woman. Note, she also has a small bustline. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nipped-in-waist-part-two#post-353723 Sat, 21 May 2011 16:18:17 +0000 Patty 353723@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anne --you have a very nice shape-I like you in the first 3 fitted tops ---but if the dress doesn't do it for you, loose it--get another one that makes you happy happy!!! Don't let the one drag you down~! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nipped-in-waist-part-two#post-353719 Sat, 21 May 2011 16:07:30 +0000 Melissa 353719@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anne, first of all you are lovely. To me, you look svelte and strong in all these photos, and I absolutely love your hair. </p> <p>I am sad to see you being so hard on yourself! I do it, too, but I honestly feel you are somehow only seeing tiny things that I don't think look bad at all. Some days our own eyes are kinder than others, so I hope yours will soon see the beautiful things that we all see in your pictures. </p> <p>Would you mind sharing which pattern you used to make the shirt in #3? It's perfect on you.</p> <p>I do agree that your two nipped in looks are very flattering. Great to discover something that works for you. About the dress, I love it on you. I don't think you look flat-chested at all, just slim and gorgeous. But, if it makes you feel less than fab, the heck with it. I've had things like that that everyone else loved on me that just never felt right and by the end of the day I am itching to take them off. If this dress is like that for you, say goodbye without regrets.</p> <p>re: feeling flat-chested, I am wondering where this is coming from. It seems like you've got an idea in your head that your chest needs to be a certain size for you to feel good, which makes me wonder where that came from. Is this something from formative years, something caused by societal influence, what's going on here? Just my own thoughts, but it seems like if you could figure that out, it might help to work out a way of looking at yourself and seeing what we all see, which is a beautiful person with a perfectly proportioned chest. </p> <p>Chests come in all shapes and sizes, and I have seen many, many, smaller chested women whose looks, figures, and clothes I was wildly envious of. Twiggy, for one, and you, for another (I remember seeing a picture of you in a red turtleneck that I just loved, but I cannot wear turtlenecks). While I have made peace with my own midsize chest, I do sometimes still wish I could pull off some of the fab smaller-chested looks. They're just not for me, but I love to see them on others. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nipped-in-waist-part-two#post-353713 Sat, 21 May 2011 16:00:52 +0000 CocoLion 353713@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anne -- I haven't read the other replies yet but here's what I think.</p> <p>I think all three tops look fine. You look so nice and slim in all of them. The tops with nipped in waist make you look more hour-glass liked, granted. But you also look good in the pink top because it is fitted and shows off your slim figure. The dress is OK but a little conservative for you (even though I don't know your style). Maybe if you belted it with a red belt it would make it a little more contemporary. But you are right, the style is more bust minimizing than the other tops you are showing us today.</p> <p>FWIW, I think a smaller bust looks great, you look like you have a rectangle figure which is what models have. You could wear the trendier waist-surrendering tops which I have so many of but every time I see myself in a photo, many of them make me look big. The grass is always greener, right? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nipped-in-waist-part-two#post-353684 Sat, 21 May 2011 15:00:38 +0000 Angie 353684@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes! I agree with you </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nipped-in-waist-part-two#post-353683 Sat, 21 May 2011 14:58:58 +0000 anne 353683@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes I do see what you are saying Angie. Maybe I will feel better about it when I get it out next summer after a break over the winter here. Do you think I am right about the other tops? that is that the tighter ones (2 and 3) look better than 1?</p> <p>Vix - I could try pinning up the skirt and having a look. Thanks again for your thoughout comments. I really appreciate them </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nipped-in-waist-part-two#post-353677 Sat, 21 May 2011 14:50:53 +0000 Angie 353677@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting! I think the dress is *extremely* flattering. One of your best! It lengthens your leg line and shortens the torso. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nipped-in-waist-part-two#post-353676 Sat, 21 May 2011 14:50:48 +0000 Vix 353676@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anne --</p> <p>With that skirt fullness, I bet the dress is really beautiful in motion on you. The neckline really accentuates your neck and shoulders, too. </p> <p>Remember that photos -- esp point-and-shoot lenses like mine and possibly yours -- really flatten 3-D objects like people out.</p> <p>I only mention this because you are dissatisfied with the dress, but: one thing I've learned is that the wider the skirt, the shorter the leg appears. </p> <p>Since you and I share the same short-legs-for-height thing, I wonder if subconsciously you dislike the dress' length because you feel less balanced in it? </p> <p>Personally I think your legs look lean and elegant in it as-is, but I wonder whether taking it up an inch or so will make a difference in your overall feelings about it. Given your alterations skills it may be worth pinning it up and evaluating.</p> <p>ps Really you cannot underestimate how having regular exercise "taken away" from one affects mood -- with being ill compounding that! Five weeks on the sidelines, esp when your exercise buddies are off on a big adventure, is a major downer. Hang in there and take it easy getting back into a routine/rebuilding strength. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nipped-in-waist-part-two#post-353669 Sat, 21 May 2011 14:42:18 +0000 anne 353669@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh thanks Angie. I was writing while you were.</p> <p>To me - yes. I feel like it accentuates the whole issue in the post - I feel flat chested and wide waisted. However I have had a compliment (in RL) that it is a very flattering dress for me - but I don't see it I am afraid</p> <p>PS the waist is a bit high too - more on the rib cage. I feel better with a lower belt, like on my black shirtdress </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nipped-in-waist-part-two#post-353665 Sat, 21 May 2011 14:38:15 +0000 anne 353665@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Mo and Vix.</p> <p>Vix, I am not at all sure on the HG thing and usually express it in rather conditional terms. Angie had me as a pear when I first joined and it is really only my broad shoulders that would discount that. I kind of feel like an amalgam of pear, IT and rectangle. Isobel over at Inside out style voted for her X shape.<br /> Angie's recommendations for rectangle (upper body) and pear (lower body) have been those that I feel have been most useful.</p> <p>I bought the dress above chiefly because Angie liked it, but I went back to my original post and saw that even then I was worried it made me look like a tree trunk. But I can make it work with cardis and accessories and it is useful to have a dress with a full skirt for things like helping with the creche at church (ie sitting on the floor)</p> <p>Thanks for the encouragement with the exercise. I am a bit sad the ladies I usually run with are off to a race in the city (14km) and I could not run 3km without a break now (yet one year ago I did a half marathon) But I have made it to the gym 3 times this week, just taking it easy so hopefully things are on the up. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nipped-in-waist-part-two#post-353662 Sat, 21 May 2011 14:36:05 +0000 Angie 353662@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anne, do you think that the dress looks bad? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nipped-in-waist-part-two#post-353657 Sat, 21 May 2011 14:15:32 +0000 Vix 353657@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi again Anne --</p> <p>First, let me echo Katiepea and others who note that you have a very slim, fit-looking shape for anyone, let alone a mother of 3.</p> <p>Even though we can't see that inch making a difference, I know only too well it can make things feel tight. </p> <p>Be annoyed but know that once you get back to full health/exercising you will probably feel so much better mentally. [And the inch will likely fall off -- it may even be due to fluid retention due to inactivity.]</p> <p>I've mentioned before that you and I have similar body types (though I consider myself more a Rectangle) which is why I always look forward to seeing what you are wearing/altering! ;)</p> <p>I am with you on the need for either going *very* nipped like in #2 and #3 OR choosing a banded blouson-y top that ends at the hips, maybe a bit above where #2 hits you. Those look great on you -- I was thinking they need to come up on the hip but then I saw you wear them with skirts, so nevermind, ha.</p> <p>As you said, #1 is boxy...with those tops I will generally add a flyway or deep V cardigan to colorblock/break up my torso.</p> <p>Re the dress -- I do think you carry this silhouette off very nicely but I see why it may not be your *best* or "highest-comfort level" look. </p> <p>I know you identify as an HG vs a Rectangle, but while VERY small your waist is also only slightly indented; when I try the same look it creates a boxier feel than I like. </p> <p>Of course my waist is practically under my bust and my bust is larger, so I really dislike that look on me...again, I think this dress/belt just emphasizes your slim figure!</p> <p>ps I got nothin' on why the dress makes you look flatter in the chest as high necks generally do the reverse! Enjoy your green grass over there for me, ha. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nipped-in-waist-part-two#post-353656 Sat, 21 May 2011 14:13:29 +0000 Mo 353656@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with your theory and think you proved it beautifully. Meaning you look beautiful in your nipped in styles!<br /> I don't have as small a difference in measurements as you, but I used to wear styles that didn't accent my waist, in an effort to conceal some imagined belly. All that did was make me look like a rectangle lol.<br /> I'm impressed that you sewed the top yourself! You might also try tops with some extra emphasis up high, as a visual trick to balance your proportions (flutter sleeves, gathered bust, or ruffled neckline, etc) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nipped-in-waist-part-two#post-353638 Sat, 21 May 2011 13:02:57 +0000 anne 353638@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Katie you are always so positive and upbeat. Thanks. I always look to see if you are online too!</p> <p>Hopefully am just having an off day, brought on by the shock of looking at myself in photos way more than I usually do!</p> <p>I am also feeling rather flabby owing to having had 5 or so weeks off exercise owing to a long cold/cough and also to breaking my baking ban and the subsequent overeating that caused.</p> <p>To your point, I didn't think I looked bad around the tummy - more the arms, hips and thighs. I just feel very dumpy. I have somehow gained an inch around my hips in the last 6 months or so and I tend to forget about it until I see the photographic evidence!</p> <p>So noone but myself to blame! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nipped-in-waist-part-two#post-353614 Sat, 21 May 2011 10:28:11 +0000 Katiepea 353614@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hello back to you as well! I think about you every time I'm on here, wondering how you are. </p> <p>As someone in the same age and life-stage as you, *I* think you look wonderful and have a fabulous, healthy, slim figure. I can't see any signs of a mummy-tummy at all (I have that one covered, trust me)! </p> <p>I think you are being very hard and critical on yourself. I can understand having "off" days, because we all have them, however, I do hope you don't feel that way all the time. If you do.... time out in the corner from me, young lady! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nipped-in-waist-part-two#post-353608 Sat, 21 May 2011 09:18:48 +0000 anne 353608@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Katiepea lovely to hear from you! I actually do sometimes wear it with a red dress and will be back with photos a bit later...</p> <p>To tell the truth, I don't feel much like it is a lovely shape. Seeing these photos makes me feel huge and bloaty!</p> <p>edited to add - I meant a red belt </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nipped-in-waist-part-two#post-353601 Sat, 21 May 2011 08:45:54 +0000 Katiepea 353601@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, I agree totally with your theory Anne! I love the top in 3, it highlights your lovely shape! Regarding the dress, in terms of drawing attention to and highlighting your small waist, have you considered swapping out the neautral belt for a pop of colour? (Red, Yellow? Metallic?) Of course, I could be totally wrong, but I'd be curious to see if it made a difference! </p>