https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-short-legs-and-saddle-bag-edition Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 04 Apr 2026 23:28:40 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-short-legs-and-saddle-bag-edition/page/2#post-1802319 Wed, 26 Apr 2017 11:04:07 +0000 kkards 1802319@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>one of the reasons that i don't wear dresses is that they are hard to fit properly...so often if the top fits the bottoms off, if the bottom fits the top has too much or not enough....oh for the days of custom made dresses...<br />anyway, late to this post, but wanted to say, love your willingness not only to experiment, but to share this with us...<br />for what its worth my favs are #2,#10 and #16. i like the shape/fit of #14, but not the colors/pattern </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-short-legs-and-saddle-bag-edition/page/2#post-1802301 Wed, 26 Apr 2017 09:15:32 +0000 Style Fan 1802301@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry to hear about your bad news Smittie.&nbsp; <br />I think of all the dresses the ones that look most flattering to me are the ones that are above the knee.&nbsp; That length makes your legs look longer (which is one of your goals if I understand correctly) and seems to look more balanced.&nbsp; The dresses may look different with footwear.<br />This discussion about length reminded me about the golden mean.&nbsp; There is something pleasing to the eye about the number 3.&nbsp; I am not explaining it very well but it does explain why a different length works for everyone. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-short-legs-and-saddle-bag-edition/page/2#post-1802128 Tue, 25 Apr 2017 20:12:07 +0000 Vix 1802128@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Smittie, feel free to use my "swing low sweet chariot" descriptor. ;)</p> <p>We talk about other RTW clothing fit issues on YLF, it just seems like this variant of pelvic structure gets less air time.&nbsp;</p> <p>[More common to see requests for dressing high hip/best pants for a rounder derriere, yes?]</p> <p>If anyone knows of a brand that cuts for straight *and* low hips, I'm all ears...the size charts of most are pretty useless.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-short-legs-and-saddle-bag-edition/page/2#post-1802100 Tue, 25 Apr 2017 18:21:12 +0000 Anonymous 1802100@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry, I really didn't mean "saddlebags". I should have said "buttocks close to hip region".</p> <p>Thank you Traci, Becky, and Citygirldc! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-short-legs-and-saddle-bag-edition/page/2#post-1802096 Tue, 25 Apr 2017 18:04:38 +0000 citygirldc 1802096@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>5, 7, 8, 10, and 14 are my faves. If you have saddle bags, then I must be obese (not that there's anything wrong with that). ;)</p> <p>You look great. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-short-legs-and-saddle-bag-edition/page/2#post-1802095 Tue, 25 Apr 2017 18:03:23 +0000 Becky 1802095@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love #2, 7, 8, and 11 on you. Very flattering. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-short-legs-and-saddle-bag-edition/page/2#post-1802088 Tue, 25 Apr 2017 17:39:46 +0000 Traci 1802088@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>#2 is a perfect sheath for you. My personal absolute favorite is the sweater and A-line skirt. Skirt length does seem to be really really important here. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-short-legs-and-saddle-bag-edition#post-1801984 Tue, 25 Apr 2017 11:30:11 +0000 Anonymous 1801984@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have had stomach flu and some bad family news so wasn't feeling up to posting yesterday.</p> <p>Anyway, I think of this post as "outfit science". I'm looking for ways to make my legs look longer. That was the intention.</p> <p>Suz, Brooklyn and Bijou: thanks for your great advice! I'm going to try the taper and see how that works. But in these photos, I'm already standing on my tippy toes trying to get proportions right...but I can take some heels with me the next time.<br /> Sally: yes, a dress with a top part with something going on like ruffles is good and helps with proportions. </p> <p>Another thing I noticed is that the skinnier straps don't Work as well, so that's something to think about. Again, I think it's that there's not enough structure.</p> <p> Jaileen and others: Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate and am pretty happy with my body and I have a very healthy attitude towards it. I fully expect to turn into an apple as I age, as my mother did, so i'm living it up, and enjoying many different clothing styles now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-short-legs-and-saddle-bag-edition#post-1801935 Tue, 25 Apr 2017 06:25:28 +0000 Bijou 1801935@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Smittie you look gorgeous and have a beautiful figure. Number 2, 7 &amp; 10 look amazing on you. I like you in a shorter length because you are so petite - the dresses that are above the knees on you make you look proportionately tall. Suz's advice about heels and dress length is spot on, so if you wear heels, you can go for longer lengths in the dresses. Well done for trying on a variety of styles. You need to buy what makes you feel good, there is nothing worse than feeling self conscious in your clothes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-short-legs-and-saddle-bag-edition#post-1801874 Tue, 25 Apr 2017 02:25:17 +0000 JAileen 1801874@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a similar body shape, although much bigger, obviously. So I understand how you feel. I thought all looked fab on you except 11/12 and 13. I said this to Anne, and the same applies to you: you have a great figure. You may not realize it now, but you'll appreciate it in 20 years. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-short-legs-and-saddle-bag-edition#post-1801799 Mon, 24 Apr 2017 22:11:24 +0000 Sal 1801799@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I came back and looked at them again on a bigger screen and I like the same ones as Viva.</p> <p>2 is lovely on you, 10 is fun (but you need to love chevron and I am not sure it is soft, natural) and 14/15 is a lovely style on you.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-short-legs-and-saddle-bag-edition#post-1801620 Mon, 24 Apr 2017 08:58:18 +0000 Sal 1801620@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am on my phone ( and scared to log on to my computer as I will see Lots of work emails!).</p> <p>I think you look great in a dress- and have had great advice already. I suspect a knee length or shorter dress is the easiest option. I think with a shorter dress you can go looser, longer more fitted and tapered. </p> <p>You have a lovely shape and there are plenty here that look terrific. I do see dresses as being chic and a good fit with your style direction.</p> <p>The right sleeves, shoulder details and colours can balance hips if you want to eg ruffles on the shoulder, cap sleeves.</p> <p>My favourite length on me for a sheath is just below the knee, for a swingier dress above the knee. </p> <p>Well done on the marathon trying on session. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-short-legs-and-saddle-bag-edition#post-1801602 Mon, 24 Apr 2017 04:52:56 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1801602@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was surprised to read that you feel your legs look short in pants. I think you look dynamite in pants! And you also look fabulous in most of these dresses. This is a fun try-on session to see (though I bet rather grueling on your end!). I love the last skirt outfit; it looks very simple, chic and very you, a great alternative to pants. I agree with you that A-line dresses and skirts work really well on you, judging from these photos. My favorite dresses on you are 8, 7, and 10. <br />I've learned some things from reading the comments, and I'm thinking maybe the taper at the bottom of a sheath or pencil skirt could be key for me, too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-short-legs-and-saddle-bag-edition#post-1801595 Mon, 24 Apr 2017 04:04:48 +0000 Brooklyn 1801595@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>First and most important, you look great. You are more petite and fine boned than I am, but I do have a similar issue with my thighs being wider than the rest of me. However, no-one knows this except my husband because I disguise it so well (shhh!). I agree with Suz 100% that "tapering is your friend". I think one reason why you might prefer the dress in 1/2 at the shorter length is because by shortening it you achieve a more tapered effect. It is otherwise quite straight. I feel that a skirt that is tapered or body hugging suits me much better than a straight skirt. I like both knee length and just below the knee skirts that are tapered. While the shorter length in 2 does look good, you could also try leaving it at the longer length and instead having the dress taken in at the sides near the hem to achieve a more tapered effect. Or just try pinning it to see what you think. I also really like the chevron dress on you (given my well known feelings about chevron) and the A-line skirt in the last pic (in fact, I want one myself). But really, you could wear any of these dresses and look good. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-short-legs-and-saddle-bag-edition#post-1801591 Mon, 24 Apr 2017 03:05:39 +0000 unfrumped 1801591@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aren't you adorable!<br /> I'm not as good at going through them one by one but the chevron is fab-/ it is slightly fitted but skimming and still dainty like you. Buy it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-short-legs-and-saddle-bag-edition#post-1801580 Mon, 24 Apr 2017 02:19:14 +0000 Maneera 1801580@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you look pretty great in dresses. While I like them all, including the skirts, I particularly love #1,7 &amp; 10. </p> <p>I also don't like the way my legs look in pants/jeans. They almost always look too short, and I agree that shorter dress/skirt/shorts helps create more balanced proportions. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-short-legs-and-saddle-bag-edition#post-1801575 Mon, 24 Apr 2017 02:00:30 +0000 Anonymous 1801575@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for all your feedback and analysis.<br /> I have to go back and dissect all the info in more detail!<br /> I'm tired right now, though. I'll get back to you in the morning.<br /> I had fun trying these dresses on. It was like a little mission. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-short-legs-and-saddle-bag-edition#post-1801533 Sun, 23 Apr 2017 22:13:16 +0000 Vix 1801533@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Smittie --</p> <p>I'm impressed by your stamina in trying these on -- agree it's helpful to have a clump to analyze at once.</p> <p>I think you have a lot of options for flattering styles. Because you are so petite I think scale of details, amount of fabric (volume), and length all factor in -- as well as color and print. </p> <p>FWIW, slimmer cuts elongate the legs while A-lines will shorten. </p> <p>Though of course a dress that makes you feel confident has a way of working out even when going against the norms!</p> <p>***<br />I'm average height with a shorter-than-average inseam and straight hips so comments below reflect my lessons.</p> <p>Re #1/2: confused as I thought they were the same dress (different sizes?) but Suz is referencing a straight vs tapered hem? At any rate, the silhouette of #2 seems perfect in every way.</p> <p>#3 and 4 both have big pros but I think both would benefit from slimming the sides. And as charming as the white bottom band in #3 is, that type of detail at the bottom is also "enstumpening" so even if it were hemmed up you'd still have that to consider.</p> <p>#5/6 is great from the front; I think the ride up in back is due to you not having large enough hips (either side-to-side and/or in back) to fill out the dress. I've encountered this and as much as I'd like to say I pass or alter 100% of the time...cough cocktail dress I needed in a hurry cough. [Tailor is on to-do list]</p> <p>#14/15: agree with your assessment re yes to silhouette no to print. Maybe it comes in other colorways?</p> <p>Apply the above to the rest if desired.&nbsp;</p> <p>I do think dresses could be a big win for you in terms of easy-to-wear plus flattering so I hope you add them! </p> <p>I know for me once I stopped trying for dresses cut for hourglasses or pears *and* committed to tailoring dresses suddenly became much easier to find. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-short-legs-and-saddle-bag-edition#post-1801516 Sun, 23 Apr 2017 20:26:02 +0000 tulle 1801516@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My favorite on you is number 4.&nbsp; You're a natural for that 1920s chemise look, I think, and the sheer hemline is so pretty, it must float when you walk.&nbsp; I think you're right, a slight flare or A-line does nice things for you (me, too.) Not enough of them out there, so when you find one, grab it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-short-legs-and-saddle-bag-edition#post-1801512 Sun, 23 Apr 2017 19:57:10 +0000 Suz 1801512@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Returning to say...you will look better in a shirt dress, swing dress, or drop waisted style, and maybe even a shift, that falls slightly above the knee. <b>Structure</b>!&nbsp;</p> <p>A full skirt (as in #3) will work with a small heel in a midi length just below the knee.&nbsp;</p> <p>Body con tapered sheath will look good just above the knee (but not much shorter or you will likely feel too self-conscious, or at least I would). It could also work at a length just below the kneecap <b>with the right heel</b>. You can wear it longer<b> if</b> the tapering is there and it is quite body con.&nbsp;</p> <p>A straight skirt could work just above the knee but might work better with knee high boots to balance.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-short-legs-and-saddle-bag-edition#post-1801510 Sun, 23 Apr 2017 19:53:22 +0000 kerlyn 1801510@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gah, you have a great figure and can wear pretty much any style dress! &nbsp; &nbsp;But #2 is so flattering, and 14 is really pretty too.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-short-legs-and-saddle-bag-edition#post-1801509 Sun, 23 Apr 2017 19:53:19 +0000 Liz A. 1801509@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I find 5, 10, and 16 the most flattering on you. I have short legs too, and shorter definitely look better on me. I keep wearing pants though, because they're just too easy not to. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-short-legs-and-saddle-bag-edition#post-1801506 Sun, 23 Apr 2017 19:38:34 +0000 Anonymous 1801506@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love you in a dress. &nbsp;You look spectacular. &nbsp;</p> <p>1/2 are a favorite.&nbsp;<br />It is hard to tell but 3 looks a bit big on you.<br />4/5 are another favorite.&nbsp;<br />So is 7.<br />9 looks really fun.&nbsp;<br />11/12 are another favorite. &nbsp;</p> <p>Just glanced up and saw Staysfit's comment about length. &nbsp;I agree. &nbsp;It seems the shorter length is flattering. &nbsp;The longer length makes it look too big on you. &nbsp;</p> <p>Gorgeous. &nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-short-legs-and-saddle-bag-edition#post-1801504 Sun, 23 Apr 2017 19:29:55 +0000 Staysfit 1801504@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Smittie, thanks for going through all this trouble! I think you are proving that this is a proportions issue. I don't see any problem with saddlebags. My favorites are the dresses that fall above your knees, without much difference between the a line or fitted sheath. I do prefer the tapered skirt on a sheath for you. I suspected a shorter hemline would work in a fitted sheath! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-short-legs-and-saddle-bag-edition#post-1801492 Sun, 23 Apr 2017 18:38:01 +0000 Anonymous 1801492@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The only ones that don't work to my eye are 11 and 13. &nbsp;Simply put, you are extremely petite and slim, and actually have the identical body type of one of my best friends. &nbsp;The 'saddlebag" thing is as Suz says - just that you are so slight every where else and have a lower hip - I think it's just a visual illusion. &nbsp;You're very lucky my friend &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-short-legs-and-saddle-bag-edition#post-1801489 Sun, 23 Apr 2017 18:32:45 +0000 Suz 1801489@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh...and thank you for posting all of these. I <b>LOVE</b> outfit lab posts and I feel as if they can be so instructive, especially for newer forum members who make the time to read all the comments. They take time to construct, and I really appreciate it when someone does this. I learned so much both from reading others' similar posts and from posting like this myself over the years...slowly but surely I gained greater confidence in shopping and saw what details I needed to look for. It's much easier now! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-short-legs-and-saddle-bag-edition#post-1801488 Sun, 23 Apr 2017 18:28:12 +0000 Suz 1801488@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Saddlebags, my bucket bag! &nbsp;You are gorgeous.&nbsp;</p> <p>However, I know exactly how you feel because we are body doubles. Or nearly so. I always feel like I have saddle bags, too. It's just the the width of our hips is a bit lower, probably due to a slightly long rise vs. a shorter waist.&nbsp;</p> <p>Anyway, here is the thing. Your legs may be (slightly) shorter relative to your torso, but we are talking <b>slight</b>. The camera angle here exaggerates any shortness of leg (foreshortens you). Meanwhile, you are not wearing shoes!! Footwear will make an enormous difference to the way that all of these look, adding at least an inch to your leg length and likely 2 or more. This is why they always suggest trying dresses with the footwear you intend to use.&nbsp;</p> <p>You look <b>great</b> in a sheath, an A-line, a swing dress, and a shift. I love how you have tried <b>all</b> the styles! &nbsp;:) &nbsp;</p> <p>My absolute favourites on you here are #2 (gorgeous!), 7, 8, 10, and 14. #3 has potential but does not fit in the torso length -- that style of skirt could work though, in a different item. &nbsp;</p> <p>The problem with #1 is not that it is a sheath. Or even that the skirt is too long. Yes, in these photos you do look better with dresses at a slightly shorter length, but footwear could change that.&nbsp;</p> <p>The problem is that the skirt does not taper at the bottom and feels too stiff/ heavy/ overwhelming. I have this <b>exact</b> issue with pencil skirts that don't narrow. Straight skirts, I guess they are called. I look about 100 times better in one that tapers a bit or a lot. A straight midi skirt looks frumpalicious on me, whereas a tapered midi tube skirt is suddenly downright flattering with a slight heel and JFE even with sneakers!! The taper adds just enough structure to prevent the length from overwhelming me.&nbsp;</p> <p>It is similar with jeans. While a calf-sucking skinny isn't great on me, a slim &nbsp;BF cut that narrows towards the ankle is more flattering than a regular straight cut on my shape. This is why I love the R&amp;B Dres.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-short-legs-and-saddle-bag-edition#post-1801478 Sun, 23 Apr 2017 18:02:18 +0000 Anonymous 1801478@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You look slender and narrow overall and I think what you're calling "saddlebags" is just your actual hip skeletal structure rather than thigh fat, you have a very cute figure! Short legs? Not seeing that at all?<br />&nbsp;9, 11, and 13 are my least favorites for you but if you like any of the others I think they all look great! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-short-legs-and-saddle-bag-edition#post-1801471 Sun, 23 Apr 2017 17:46:11 +0000 Summer 1801471@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like 2,4, 7, 10 and 14 on you, and my favourites are the chevron stripe, and your favourite 14.</p> , </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-short-legs-and-saddle-bag-edition#post-1801467 Sun, 23 Apr 2017 17:37:28 +0000 krishnidoux 1801467@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wha...? Did i miss something? After reading your introduction, when i saw the pics i thought i had tapped on the wrong post. I see nothing to hide in your lovely figure! 2 and 4 are my favorites </p>