YouLookFab Forum » Topic: "Safe" Outfits

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: "Safe" Outfits https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/safe-outfits Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 18 Apr 2026 11:01:17 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Firecracker (Sharan) on ""Safe" Outfits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/safe-outfits/page/2#post-1366977 Wed, 01 Oct 2014 14:39:41 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1366977@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow, what a good insight on the difference! I do love to wear the high-low tops. And I'm all over the semi-tuck, which has a similar look--as I said on a recent discussion about it, I really don't know how I used to dress without it! So maybe those are my "boxy" top looks now. I can handle that. krishnidoux on ""Safe" Outfits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/safe-outfits/page/2#post-1366890 Wed, 01 Oct 2014 12:04:11 +0000 krishnidoux 1366890@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Firecracker, remember that each time something comes back in style, the cut is never quite the same. Therefore it might be hard to recreate a feel or a look we once wore. I also struggle with this time's boxy tops, and I suspect it is merely a question of hem: in the eighties, the hem was higher (because the jeans' waist was higher). Today's boxy often means a square from shoulders to hips, which is difficult to pull if you have the least bit of hips or top heavy tendencies. Just an hypothesis. An option for you instead of the all-around boxy top might be high low boxy, where the front is cut higher? Firecracker (Sharan) on ""Safe" Outfits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/safe-outfits/page/2#post-1366734 Wed, 01 Oct 2014 02:06:34 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1366734@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This thread is so interesting. I'm trying to learn and glean ideas here! I was just thinking today that I really like the return of boxy tops. I used to love them, and I thought they were a good shape for me, because I didn't think I had a waist. But then in the years of high figure flattery, I discovered I did have a waist--just not a super-defined one. So for several years I was trying so hard to avoid boxy tops (successfully, I guess, because I now don't seem to be able to re-create the looks I admire involving looser, shorter tops). I was trying to follow the guideline of showing my waist--belting long cardigans and straight dresses, wearing my cardigans buttoned in the middle over body-conscious layering tops. I think most days I pretty much live in the land of Just Flattering Enough. I like my flat shoes for a lot of days, I like the feel of boyfriend jeans even though I think they do next to nothing for my rear end, flattery-wise, and I rarely try to show my actual waist. I'm not sure I even know what is most conventionally flattering on me, frankly, besides revealing a waistline.  krishnidoux on ""Safe" Outfits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/safe-outfits/page/2#post-1366701 Wed, 01 Oct 2014 01:42:46 +0000 krishnidoux 1366701@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Bostonsmama, what a great story, and incidents like this are precisely what I mean. Sometimes, all it takes is one thing to be off for the whole plan to fall. In your case it's the weight change. And you are right: sometimes last minute changes like this one offers a new combination that is a fresh take on something we love; yet sometimes it just.... doesn't work. Yet one would have thought that the very good jean fit would have arranged it all... and it didn't.  BTW laugh at me all you want, me too am struggling with butt-weight loss, which is an unwanted loss because it greatly affects the fit of a lot of my jeans and pants, and even some skirts. Mind you I am not what you would call stick thin, and I do work out. So... I have started using (I know, I know) a bootie booster girdle. I had bought it about two years ago in a moment of brain absence while shopping for tights, and the SA praised it as the latest genius invention: a panty with two inside pockets containing pads, just like those of a push up bra (only a push up panty, so larger). I had tried it a couple of times at home but misplaced the pads too high and thought it looked ridiculous - which it indeed, with this placement, did. I felt really bad for the $ spent on it and hid it far away at the bottom of my drawer. Lately, I decided to give it a second try, because why not, and played around with the pads. I tried placing them where a butt would protrude, and put on some skinny jeans... to my dismay, instead of making me look fat or slapping an awkward sudden kardashian simulacrum under my face like I had thought, it gave me a sexy, tight-looking behind, slimming my legs and tummy in comparison. So I rediscovered this tool. I don't use it all the time, but it is useful for tighter fitting clothes and I thought I'd share it with you.  bostonsmama on ""Safe" Outfits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/safe-outfits/page/2#post-1366662 Wed, 01 Oct 2014 00:39:37 +0000 bostonsmama 1366662@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I totally understand. The other day I picked out a neon graphic button down and white linen pants buttoned to the top. But I had lost some weight, and the pants looked large to me (boyfriend style), so I didn't wear them. At the last minute I changed into very flattering (but not right for the top) jeans and the whole outfit fell flat. I got 2 compliments on the top, but that was it. Dressing for safety is a mixed risk. I was more concerned about saggy bum than the styling of the outfit. With my limited wardrobe capsule, those are the risks I take. krishnidoux on ""Safe" Outfits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/safe-outfits/page/2#post-1366608 Tue, 30 Sep 2014 23:03:42 +0000 krishnidoux 1366608@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ bj1111, thank you, those pics are so inspiring! I really like the one from Classy Ever After, I even own a very similar Dansko pair of clogs, and the funky necklace brings it all together.  Sam, you have a good point there. Hadn't thought about it. Better feel and look comfortable in a less flattering outfit that wearing something safe in which you are and look painfully bored/uneasy/unhappy. Janet, again, excellent ideas! I love the plaid shirt-boot leg combo! Claire, you have such a GREAT silhouette! I don't find it to be particularly "long", but certainly svelte and elegant. But I understand how our own eye always catches something nobody else seems to notice.  Anonymous on ""Safe" Outfits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/safe-outfits/page/2#post-1366528 Tue, 30 Sep 2014 21:29:19 +0000 Anonymous 1366528@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Krish, I've been following this thread since yesterday, so sorry I am just now commenting.  I think I know what you're saying...I tend to like most of the flattering silhouettes on myself, at least the ones that don't include heels, because they are not exactly heaven on my feet. It was interesting to read Suz' take on this. I'd like to sit in on your fashion discussion as a fellow long body/short legs type! Seeing the pictures that other people took of me over the weekend, the only thing I can think is, "MY, what a long body I have!" It is sending me back to the drawing board, and I thought I was doing a lot of things right.  Janet on ""Safe" Outfits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/safe-outfits/page/2#post-1366500 Tue, 30 Sep 2014 21:00:08 +0000 Janet 1366500@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yep, sounds like you're getting the idea. Specifically, with flares, I try to style them in a way that takes advantage of the potential casual rocker vibe (a leather moto, a dramatic sweater, etc.). For a grungier/preppier treatment, perhaps that would mean a tipped tailored blazer or a plaid shirt dressed up with pearls -- just examples, but you get the idea. Whatever makes YOU feel fab. Sam M on ""Safe" Outfits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/safe-outfits#post-1366377 Tue, 30 Sep 2014 18:23:34 +0000 Sam M 1366377@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wear what makes your heart sing. People can always tell if you feel uncomfortable or frumpy in your clothes, so even if you were wearing all the "right" clothes for your body type, it might come off badly. If you're wearing a beloved outfit with panache, my guess is, all anyone sees is your inner fabulousness. Confidence is key, and it sounds like you've got it, so roll with it! bj1111 on ""Safe" Outfits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/safe-outfits#post-1366341 Tue, 30 Sep 2014 17:52:59 +0000 bj1111 1366341@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ preppy flares...ideas <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.whowhatwear.com/flare-jeans-polo-shirt/">here</a>, <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.polyvore.com/preppy_blazer_flares/set?id=24804915">here</a>, and <a rel="nofollow" href="http://classyeverafter.blogspot.com/2013/11/preppy-with-flare.html">here</a> grunge look flares...<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/298504281522865839/">here</a>, or add <a rel="nofollow" href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/pleione-faux-wrap-blouse-regular-petite/3507544?origin=PredictiveSearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=2375500&fashionColor=Black%2F+Ivory+Plaid&resultback=400&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-searchresults-_-1_2_A">this </a>in black plaid to flares. lots of ways to keep your sense of self in styles that are "conventionally flattering." krishnidoux on ""Safe" Outfits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/safe-outfits#post-1366311 Tue, 30 Sep 2014 16:59:51 +0000 krishnidoux 1366311@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, I AGREE! Gigi, what a great, keen observer you are. Doing what you suggest will actually be very helpful to me (thank you so much!). I always wonder why some pieces look very good with some things, and not with others: and in the store, when making the decision to buy, I think of another piece in my closet  that I would like to pair it with; but often, when I finally do, I realize something with the two cuts don't match. What you say might explain this. To better judge, I have started taking selfies to see myself differently, and will soon start posting them.  Aubergine, you are so funny, you totally crack me up. MovingFashion, your comment is most fascinating (I was like, Really? Tell me how!). In fact, how did you manage to maintain a "safe" shape while remaining excited about the clothes? These are outstanding dresses, but I am afraid they would be out of my wallet range... :( Janet, what is the concept of JFE (I immediately think, Je fais exprès - I do it on purpose - but I have a feeling that's not it...). Oh, I get it now! It's Just Flattering Enough! What a great concept! And it is, indeed, also "done on purpose". Me too have the same love-hate relationship with the boot-cut: it fits very well, but almost... too well! I think my dilemma is with tops that usually go with a flared boot-cut: strangely, I have this idea that it should be paired with boho-chic inspired items, when I am attracted to preppier or grungier looks. But you are right: trying to pair them with things that feel like "me" is worth trying. You are giving me ideas... (good ideas!).  Janet on ""Safe" Outfits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/safe-outfits#post-1366142 Tue, 30 Sep 2014 13:26:03 +0000 Janet 1366142@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Krish, I understand where you're coming from. I had to be dragged kicking and screaming out of my comfort zone of bootcuts years back, because that is the most conventionally flattering silhouette on my shape. Endless episodes of WNTW and other sources just confimed it, and the message was clear: Big hips? Wear this silhouette to streamline your shape. I think it was actually a photo of Christina Hendricks wearing skinny jeans that got me thinking, well, if she can wear them, maybe I can too. And that opened up the door to me embracing shapes on my lower half that are perhaps not as flattering as bootcuts/flares, but "just flattering enough." So now I get to mix things up and wear skinnies one day, boyfriends another, and even drapey track pants. Funny thing is now, flares are looking fresh again and I get to feel current in a silhouette that is naturally flattering on me. So I say, wear what makes you happy. The concept of JFE has been enlightening for me. And that's coming from someone who has a deep fear of looking "larger" than I am. I get bored wearing the same silhouette every day, so variety is important to me. There are times I'm feeling a need for "safe" in the form of conventional flattery, and I have plenty of options for those times that also integrate pieces that feel distinctly *me* -- jackets and shoes are a big part of that. I think it's entirely possible to have the best of both worlds -- flattery and interest -- all in one outfit. MovingFashionForward on ""Safe" Outfits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/safe-outfits#post-1366032 Tue, 30 Sep 2014 06:20:08 +0000 MovingFashionForward 1366032@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I had the same issue when it came to a certain class of dressed-up evening events: how to dress in a way that still feels 'me', and is not boring to me, while also being dressed totally appropriately for the event. Then I decided to solve the problem once and for all by working on my conservative event capsule. When I started actively thinking about it, I realised that although there appears to be a complete clash between my style and the standard safe dresses that are suitable for the sort of event I had in mind, it is perfectly possible to marry the two. I discovered that the creativity I need to see in an outfit for it to feel 'me' can be expressed in ways that do not involve changing the basic classic fitted dress shape. I'm actually easier to please than I had thought I was! (See below for some examples of dresses that feel 'me' despite being conventionally flattering.) This is not to say that my solution will be yours of course. I just wanted to let you know that I, a person who had once been quite sure that it would be impossible for me to dress appropriately at a conservative evening event and still feel me, did solve this problem, and that I did so by thinking about why I like what I like, and looking for dresses that I love but that are also conventionally flattering. 1: Bottega Veneta Pre-Spring-Summer 2015 (Resort 2015) 2: Aganovich Spring-Summer 2015 3: Agnona Spring-Summer 2015 (the construction of the skirt part, not the shoulderless top part) Sarah Sal on ""Safe" Outfits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/safe-outfits#post-1365823 Tue, 30 Sep 2014 01:07:48 +0000 Sal 1365823@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree both with both Gigi and Aubergine....such good advice people give around here. Anonymous on ""Safe" Outfits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/safe-outfits#post-1365816 Tue, 30 Sep 2014 01:01:49 +0000 Anonymous 1365816@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I definitely understand this. Since I'm short and not particularly thin, I'd have the most boring closet ever if I limited myself to only the "safest," most foolproof options. Not that I hugely rock the boat with what I do wear, but I just deal with the fact that there are going to be some tradeoffs if I want to wear what I like or what works for my life, or even just plain what's in the stores. I do notice that, if I like something, I'm okay with compromising on flattery. (Come closer, tall flat boots, so I can give you a hug. I promise I'll only wear you with low-contrast outfits.) But, if it doesn't appeal to me to begin with, the lack of flattery turns me off from it even more. (Yup, tucked and belted tops with boyfriend jeans, that dirty look was directed at you.) Gigi on ""Safe" Outfits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/safe-outfits#post-1365791 Tue, 30 Sep 2014 00:35:03 +0000 Gigi 1365791@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What a dilemma! I haven't dealt too much with this, because luckily most of what I like works well on my body type. But I do have certain things that I love that don't look good on my petite rectangle-hourglass hybrid body. Definitely keep trying to wear what your heart is drawn to! Proper pairings can help, as some people have noted: if I want to wear baggy-fit pants, then a fitted top is paired with it. If I wear a maxi skirt, again a fitted top is key. I also find that small details make a big difference. Most maxi skirts (one of my loved items that don't generally look good on me) are full of fabric, especially at the bottom. But I find that if I get a straight-cut maxi or one that really hugs the hips, I am OK, because there isn't excess fabric at the bottom to stumpify me. Also, I have wide, high hips (figure 8 hourglass shape), and zipper pockets on my hips, or side-entry pockets, generally make me look frumpy. So I avoid those features. I have also found that pants rise plays a huge part in how well dressed I look. I discovered in trying on a lot of pants that if the rise is even just half an inch too high, my wide, high hips are emphasized and I look frumpy.  I would experiment a lot with your wardrobe, trying on things and really trying to examine what it is that doesn't work with each piece on its own or what happens when you make it part of an outfit. Maybe you try on piece X and find that it looks OK, but when it's paired with piece Y, frumpiness ensues. If you can nail down what is happening to cause the frump factor, maybe that can be remedied by buying a slightly different cut, a slightly different style, a slightly different color, etc. Suz on ""Safe" Outfits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/safe-outfits#post-1365772 Tue, 30 Sep 2014 00:16:27 +0000 Suz 1365772@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Krish, we need to get together over coffee or wine and hash this out! I find it fascinating that we both find ourselves in this so similar position -- especially given similar body types and climates. Maybe we can help each other to solutions.   krishnidoux on ""Safe" Outfits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/safe-outfits#post-1365763 Tue, 30 Sep 2014 00:12:45 +0000 krishnidoux 1365763@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh Suz, we posted at the same time. How do I recognize myself in what you describe! Skirt issue in snowy winter: check. Heels + walking issue: check. Doing the retro thing in younger years and then finding it not working in more "mature" years: check.  And as an artist too. Me too, as a writer, specialize in juxtaposition and I really like to use unexpected pairings, and contrasts.  Then again, you wouldn't find this in my home decor either, and I often struggle with dressing my body outside of a learned, well spelled out formula.  krishnidoux on ""Safe" Outfits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/safe-outfits#post-1365753 Tue, 30 Sep 2014 00:02:35 +0000 krishnidoux 1365753@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree "rules" shouldn't dictate how one dresses, but in following some of them I'm trying to reach symmetry and proportion. Because mine really are on the short side, I look to elongate legs. Yet, not always. Although I have a poison eye for anything that would shorten and stumpify them further. My "safe" outfit might be in need of some TLC. They may have been neglected just because they work well, so I haven't put any extra effort to make them exciting. Suz on ""Safe" Outfits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/safe-outfits#post-1365740 Mon, 29 Sep 2014 23:55:47 +0000 Suz 1365740@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think I get this.  "Safe" -- or at least reliably figure-flattering -- outfits for me would include: tube skirts, tops with high collars in a similar tone, possibly a jacket (probably high hip length), and toned hose or bare legs and simple pumps with high heels, or simple straight leg pants and tonally matched high heeled booties.  But...um...I can't keep the pumps on my feet. I can't walk as far or fast as I like in the high heels. I do love jackets, but sometimes like to vary the silhouette. I like high collars, but sometimes it is summer, and then it's too hot. Tube skirts are terrific, but I can't wear the knit ones in winter. And if I were working in an office the knit ones would probably read too casual anyway, which would mean a pencil skirt, which takes me out of my perfect flattery range. And so on.  Plus -- and this is the main thing -- all of this would bore me to tears and is one of the reasons I came to YLF. I needed to learn how to juxtapose and shake things up. To put unlike things together. To pair one classic piece, like a fabulous blazer or a sheath dress or a pair of great jeans, with something a bit unexpected, like boyfriend jeans, or sneakers, or a sparkly top and heels.  It's weird. In my artistic practice I am ALL ABOUT juxtaposition. I am never all one thing. I always mash things up.  Why is it so hard to remember to bring that aesthetic sensibility to my personal style? Yet it is. (In my home decor as well as my clothing, I might add.)  I used to try to achieve this by including one vintage or retro piece in each outfit (of otherwise modern classics). It worked in my 20s. I had the fun 50s pink and black jacket, the pointy toed kitten heeled pumps (so similar to today's!!), the portrait collared silk suit. And I mixed this up with my contemporary jeans, houndstooth jacket, black turtlenecks, monk strap oxfords. Etc.  But the vintage thing isn't working for me any more -- my style has veered more modern. And I need to learn new rules to combine JUST ENOUGH flattery with that je ne sais quoi that makes fashion so much fun.  ironkurtin on ""Safe" Outfits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/safe-outfits#post-1365712 Mon, 29 Sep 2014 23:22:59 +0000 ironkurtin 1365712@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ ...My reply got eaten! I get what you're saying. It's weird when there's a disjunct between the "rules" and what you feel best and most comfortable wearing. As far as the "safe" outfits, is this a place where jewelry, shoes, other things that feel "you" can amp things up? rachylou on ""Safe" Outfits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/safe-outfits#post-1365684 Mon, 29 Sep 2014 22:48:38 +0000 rachylou 1365684@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes, pretty can be synonymous with boring, even oppressive, conventionality... Caro in Oz on ""Safe" Outfits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/safe-outfits#post-1365649 Mon, 29 Sep 2014 22:13:21 +0000 Caro in Oz 1365649@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Agreeing with Desmo A & others. Why are we made to feel there is something we need to improve or hide about ourselves when dressing? If we start from a position of self-expression & self-awareness rather than "rules" we can then work out what feels flattering enough to us.  Sal on ""Safe" Outfits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/safe-outfits#post-1365647 Mon, 29 Sep 2014 22:06:31 +0000 Sal 1365647@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I still have their first two books .....and some of the advice holds true.  How they must cringe at the ankle pants and skinny jeans which they NEVER recommended.  They loved nothing more than flashing bodies around and pinching butts and love handles! krishnidoux on ""Safe" Outfits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/safe-outfits#post-1365593 Mon, 29 Sep 2014 21:03:37 +0000 krishnidoux 1365593@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes, Kiwigal, I was a fan of them too! In fact, I bought their books and still have them, and sometimes consult the one where they identifies all the colors. It reinforced in me unspoken guidelines as to what to wear and what to avoid...  Sal on ""Safe" Outfits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/safe-outfits#post-1365547 Mon, 29 Sep 2014 19:53:59 +0000 Sal 1365547@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am not sure if Trinny and Susannah made it to Canada but they were all about figure flattery...this was about ten years ago. I was an avid fan! But I think we can be freer than this. It sounds like this conservative flattering look is not reflecting your personality. I am sure that you look great in skirts and booties or Zumba pants.... I guess maybe it is something to keep in mind when you go shopping....or maybe just don't look in the mirror or reflective windows! Erikajl on ""Safe" Outfits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/safe-outfits#post-1365512 Mon, 29 Sep 2014 19:32:17 +0000 Erikajl 1365512@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I know exactly what you're talking about, I do exactly the same thing. I try on everything, then fall back to my comfort level clothes. I have recently decided that the pieces I love, even though not my best silhouette, are what I really want to wear. I've stopped buying clothes that I "should" be wearing, and don't ever actually wear. I now buy what makes my heart sing and wear it. I have had to take a deep breath to do this. It's like jumping off a cliff in some ways, but I want to feel elated when I get dressed. I still try to keep in mind the "rules" but only as a jumping off point. I say go for what makes you the happiest! krishnidoux on ""Safe" Outfits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/safe-outfits#post-1365503 Mon, 29 Sep 2014 19:00:00 +0000 krishnidoux 1365503@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Your replies are full of sense. I take it I should mix more. I think it's true, I usually build an outfit around a center piece, often that piece being the bottom for me. So if I pick a funky shapeless skirt, I naturally try to match that funkiness in the top and accessories... when maybe I should stick with more body-shape flattering pieces for balance. Aziraphale on ""Safe" Outfits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/safe-outfits#post-1365429 Mon, 29 Sep 2014 16:45:54 +0000 Aziraphale 1365429@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Krishnidoux, you never look frumpy. ;-) I do sort of know what you mean, though. I'm drawn to certain silhouettes that aren't the best for my shape. The most figure-enhancing outfit for me would be a knee-length pencil skirt with a sleek, fitted top in a similar colour and high-heeled pumps -- but the only time I really wear that combination is to formal events like funerals. I wear flat shoes and rolled jeans a lot of the time, and they are not the best for me, silhouette-wise. But there is a limit to how much "unflatteringness" I will tolerate in an outfit. If it's too unflattering, I'm gonna feel frumpy, regardless of how current the outfit is.  unfrumped on ""Safe" Outfits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/safe-outfits#post-1365402 Mon, 29 Sep 2014 16:04:54 +0000 unfrumped 1365402@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I wonder if you just need to find the right mix? Emphasize one feature but break the rule somewhere else. Or identify what it is about the "rule-breaking" look that is key, and perhaps it's possible to get that plus some elements of the more conventional figure flattery? I think the key is whether you like how you look when you "break the rules" vs. whether you pick things out that then disappoint you. For example, I have a giraffe neck and "should"  wear mostly high collars, turtle necks, high slash collars. I do aim for those in some tops,  but don't feel right in some highnecked tops and instead   love some types of more open necklines (not deep scoops or deep V's). There are a few styles of tops, mostly knits and T's, with a more open crew or boatneck in which I "feel" absolutely fab despite my collar bones and long neck sticking out, and feel this way consistently. So, I've learned that for whatever reason, those are part of "my" style regardless of rules. Alternatively, with long torso, the rules would indicate higher-waisted pants or skirts and I love that look,  and so   I'll gravitate toward   whatever is trending in that direction and perhaps hold on longer.