https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/small-scale-details-on-not-so-small-bodies-really-long Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 02 May 2026 07:37:18 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/small-scale-details-on-not-so-small-bodies-really-long/page/2#post-1005670 Wed, 14 Aug 2013 14:53:01 +0000 Day Vies 1005670@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Deborah -- yay for breaking free. My personal purse rule was always based on comfort. I prefer a smaller bags because they're more comfortable to me. If the purse didn't fit well on my shoulder I didn't buy it. I guess that means I'm more likely to buy a purse with a shoulder strap than without.</p> <p>Asingh -- I agree. Something that Suz said earlier sticks in my head large prints more often than not can large prints can look like upholstery. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/small-scale-details-on-not-so-small-bodies-really-long/page/2#post-1005593 Wed, 14 Aug 2013 13:42:28 +0000 Cindy 1005593@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think YLF! So clever layering the belts! I never would have thought of that! &nbsp;As for the rules, they are made to be broken. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/small-scale-details-on-not-so-small-bodies-really-long/page/2#post-1005491 Wed, 14 Aug 2013 08:05:29 +0000 Asingh 1005491@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>DV, I think the top looks great on you. You have made optimum use of that belt, it accentuates your waist and cuts the top at the right length.</p> <p>Coming on to the issue of small prints on (so to say) large women, I think as long as it makes one 'feel good', the purpose is served. Also, I believe that a dress (any length) having smaller prints would look better than that having&nbsp;gigantic prints on a not so thin person. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/small-scale-details-on-not-so-small-bodies-really-long/page/2#post-1005480 Wed, 14 Aug 2013 07:30:46 +0000 Deborah 1005480@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am familiar with this rule also Rules are meant to be broken, and who made the rules up anyway?</p> <p>DV I generally don't carry small handbags for the very same reason! However I have broken free recently and bought a small cross body bag:)</p> <p>You have absolutely busted this myth! Your outfit looks amazing. Fabulous proprotions... perfection in fact. I prefer guidelines to rules and think people work out what works for them :)</p> <p>You show em! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/small-scale-details-on-not-so-small-bodies-really-long/page/2#post-1005469 Wed, 14 Aug 2013 06:48:43 +0000 Day Vies 1005469@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz - I really appreciate what you had to say around the personality living up to the demands of one's look. I feel quite friendly with a lot of forum members &nbsp;and do not believe I would be surprised by the nuances of the personality behind the look because of what you said. This thought reinforces the interplay between&nbsp;an outfit&nbsp;and&nbsp;one's personality.&nbsp;</p> <p>Beth Ann -- thank you for posting your pic. I have been considering layering more delicate pieces but all of mine seem to be the same length (rats!). I love the effect on you because it adds a little something special to the neckline of your sweater/cami combo. Jewelry to me (the lover of bijoux that I am!) finishes an outfit -- this goes to your point about "close up fashion". There's the wow-what's-that effect of an outfit but can it hold your attention at 3 feet?</p> <p>Lyn -- I think it's interesting that there is not a floral that you won't consider with regard to size. I think you pull off your florals exceedingly well. I am not sure the same would be true with polka dots. I am thinking of your gray circle necklace.&nbsp;</p> <p>Coco -- I am learning that is true. Your saying it crystalized the concept for me&nbsp;--&nbsp;provided an outfit fits well and the proportions are right sky really is the limit with proportions, color, scale etc.&nbsp;</p> <p>DonnaF - You are right it is sometimes a difficult balance to do a small scale print and not look as if you're re-living your childhood. I like to evoke "youth" but I am not interested in doing a caricature of woman dressed as child.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Lantana- that is a beautiful image.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/small-scale-details-on-not-so-small-bodies-really-long/page/2#post-1005463 Wed, 14 Aug 2013 06:25:27 +0000 goldenpig 1005463@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rules were meant to be broken! And Day Vies, you always look so gorgeous that you can break all the rules and still come up looking chic! Love the polka dots and the ingenious double belt.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/small-scale-details-on-not-so-small-bodies-really-long/page/2#post-1005454 Wed, 14 Aug 2013 05:43:17 +0000 Jeanie 1005454@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This rule always trips me up since I fall into the 'curvier' category. &nbsp;I have shied away from Liberty prints because of it even though I love them. &nbsp;This look definitely works on you. &nbsp;I guess what works is all very personal and these rules don't hold true.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/small-scale-details-on-not-so-small-bodies-really-long/page/2#post-1005412 Wed, 14 Aug 2013 04:55:32 +0000 FlorenceFearne 1005412@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't hold to any hard and fast rules here, but I do think some shapes/frames are have an easier time&nbsp;wearing certain pieces. For example, I'm a thinnish, average height&nbsp;rectangular IT, where my best friend is a tall, plus sized hourglass. She can wear these amazing really chunky knits and big shawl collars and thick cuff bracelets that make me look like I'm playing dress-up in my mum's clothes. I don't think that means I can never wear a chunky knit, but it does mean it's a lot trickier for me to find a flattering cuff bracelet&nbsp;than it is for her. Likewise, I love empire waistlines, as&nbsp;I'm basically a human clothes hanger, but most of them cut her bust in half and give her the dreaded quad-boob. LOL</p> <p>Regarding pattern scale, I think the cut and the fit of the garment are the deciding factor. A&nbsp;petite woman in a dress with a&nbsp;large scale pattern&nbsp;that maybe is also too long, or too big in some other way will definitely look like she is wearing clothes that are too big for her. Likewise with a delicate floral on a dress that's too small or too short - the effect is that you've stolen your little sister's dress.&nbsp;The print just makes a bad thing worse.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/small-scale-details-on-not-so-small-bodies-really-long/page/2#post-1005402 Wed, 14 Aug 2013 04:37:51 +0000 Day Vies 1005402@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have been out of the house for the past 10 hours so I apologize for not sticking my head in more to comment. </p> <p>I have read all of your comments and I just want to say you ladies are SO smart observant comedic&nbsp;and generous with your complements. I have enjoyed reading every word. Thank you SO much!&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/small-scale-details-on-not-so-small-bodies-really-long/page/2#post-1005325 Wed, 14 Aug 2013 00:55:55 +0000 Lantana 1005325@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Grr, where do these "rules" come from?<br /> Day Vies, in the west of my country for a few precious months of the year the plains are covered in masses of tiny wildflowers in pink and yellow. It's not cute, it's not ditsy, it's a grand beauty.<br /> So who tells Nature to cut out the pretty stuff? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/small-scale-details-on-not-so-small-bodies-really-long/page/2#post-1005299 Wed, 14 Aug 2013 00:17:44 +0000 Jaime 1005299@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really want to read the comments but I have limited eye focus right now. DV you have such an excellent sense for proportion, color and what looks right that you can wear any scale you want successfully. I think guidelines like those (not sure about this one in particular)&nbsp;are of some value for people who are shooting in the dark so to speak but that is certainly not you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/small-scale-details-on-not-so-small-bodies-really-long/page/2#post-1005269 Tue, 13 Aug 2013 23:37:42 +0000 Caro in Oz 1005269@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Following rules is like trying to please everyone imo - it can't possibly work. If we made a&nbsp;list of all the rules people come up with we would&nbsp;see how many are in opposition :)&nbsp;</p> <p>You have great style DV I'd say go with what feels like you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/small-scale-details-on-not-so-small-bodies-really-long/page/2#post-1005260 Tue, 13 Aug 2013 23:19:16 +0000 DonnaF 1005260@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, I've heard that as well as Petites not wearing large scale patterns, and I mostly agree.&nbsp; You, however, are superb at knowing how to dress your body and although you are wearing a small scale print, you have not veered into little girl territory in the details which can sometimes happen with little prints.&nbsp; </p> <p>I am short with small but not delicate features.&nbsp; I hate, hate, hate small prints other than polka dots and stripes or other non-girly prints.&nbsp; My peasant features need MEDIUM size jewelry; again I feel the delicate stuff looks dumb on me.</p> <p>I think the devil is in the details.&nbsp; That Spiegel jacket doesn't come small enough to fit me, but I know a collar that size would completely overpower me; my features simply aren't strong and defined enough.</p> <p>So good to have you back after the bar exam!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/small-scale-details-on-not-so-small-bodies-really-long/page/2#post-1005259 Tue, 13 Aug 2013 23:18:43 +0000 CocoLion 1005259@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>DV I believe your excellent hand at color and proportion allows you leeway. &nbsp;Since you get those two aspects of dressing so well, as well as fit (and that could be the most important aspect of dressing well -- understanding good fit!) -- you can bend many, many rules and have fun in the process.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/small-scale-details-on-not-so-small-bodies-really-long/page/2#post-1005245 Tue, 13 Aug 2013 22:43:44 +0000 lyn* 1005245@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hear that little people should not wear big print - and this has kept me from many a fabulous skirt for many years.&nbsp;</p> <p>Like with all things, I think balance is important. Big polkadots look horrific on me, so I avoid this, and large Kate-Spade stripes make me look wide. But big floral patterns I love, especially with other solid pieces.</p> <p>You rock the dots! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/small-scale-details-on-not-so-small-bodies-really-long/page/2#post-1005243 Tue, 13 Aug 2013 22:38:18 +0000 Beth Ann 1005243@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, yes, DV.&nbsp; I've heard this rule, along with rules about not wearing pockets, because they'll make my hips look bigger.&nbsp; Even my size 4 MIL believes this rule.&nbsp; I've decided that I place some value on traditional figure flattery, but my goal is not to look as small, or as skinny, as possible, </p> <p>I have been working on proportion, and I do find that the scale of my body does&nbsp; factor into the overall proportions.&nbsp; On the plus side, that big tote that makes someone else look like she's run away from home with all her worldy possession looks like, well, a purse, on me!&nbsp; lol.&nbsp; I've come to realize, however, that small scale details and accessories are "close up" fashion --- pretty surprises for the people who come close enough to appreciate them.&nbsp; My Jerusalem cross pendant, for example, makes me happy, and I've discovered a love for small post earrings, too.&nbsp; I also like to layer delicate necklaces in open necklines (photo).</p> <p>Your look here is gorgeous --- the small polka dot has a wonderful graphic pull in the b/w, and the layered belts are terrific.&nbsp; Your outfit the other day, with the soft, floaty sundress is another great example of how delicate items can sing on a curvier frame.&nbsp; If something attracts us, we can't let a rule keep us from the trying it in the dressing room!&nbsp; One of the great things about YLF is that my eye is being honed in such a positive way that I can say "this isn't for me, rather than, "I'm too big for this."&nbsp; I can be open to bending a rule and trust that I, perhaps with feedback from the forum, can tell what flatters and pleases me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/small-scale-details-on-not-so-small-bodies-really-long/page/2#post-1005220 Tue, 13 Aug 2013 22:18:19 +0000 Suz 1005220@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LOL....I <b>DO</b> look like upholstery if I wear a too big, too intense print.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/small-scale-details-on-not-so-small-bodies-really-long#post-1005218 Tue, 13 Aug 2013 22:16:32 +0000 cheryle (Dianthus) 1005218@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've only ever heard it the other way around.&nbsp; That a large print dwarfs a tiny person so our smaller sisters should wear prints that don't look like upholstery.&nbsp; </p> <p>I was saying that tongue in cheek but I really do only recall the warning for the tinier women. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/small-scale-details-on-not-so-small-bodies-really-long#post-1005173 Tue, 13 Aug 2013 20:34:35 +0000 cobaltblue 1005173@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love what Suz just said, that her "personality lives up to its demands." That fits you perfectly, too. Your personality seems to bubble forth joyously and trumps any rule re: structure or size. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/small-scale-details-on-not-so-small-bodies-really-long#post-1005170 Tue, 13 Aug 2013 20:29:13 +0000 Suz 1005170@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>DV, you look stunning! No question about that.&nbsp;</p> <p>I have heard this guideline before, and as the others say, I believe that like many of these ideas, we need to take it with a big (and I mean <b>big</b>) grain of salt. There is some truth behind the idea. A teeny tiny piece of jewellery will get lost on a big frame...or, as Diana says, "gamine" detailing (not necessarily pattern, which is different) will look fussy or silly on a larger boned or taller woman. Or even one whose facial features do not support it.&nbsp;</p> <p>It's so highly personal, and has to do with personality as much as with size and body shape.&nbsp;</p> <p>For example, my big bold striped skirt, of the other day. I'm 5'4" and have a relatively small frame. (My bone structure is actually on the small side of medium, according to the charts.) Not only that, but my colouring is quite low contrast. But I chose to buy and wear that high contrast, large scale pattern&nbsp;skirt, and I venture to say that it suits me. Why? Because I'm not afraid of sticking out a bit. My personality lives up to its demands.&nbsp;</p> <p>Meanwhile, you are always polished, gracious, and ladylike. And classic! So a classic pattern like polka dots in <b>any</b> size is a no-brainer for you! In this case, the dots look super fab with the tight curl of your hairstyle -- injecting a bit of fun or whimsy. Meanwhile, the red, black and white colour scheme&nbsp;amps up the power of this look to make it suited to your intelligence and determination and drive. All in all, it's perfect for you. Because you have an inherent sense of what's right for <b>you</b> that no rule can comprehend.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/small-scale-details-on-not-so-small-bodies-really-long#post-1005168 Tue, 13 Aug 2013 20:27:58 +0000 Eliza 1005168@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>DV- You look so good in that outfit and agreed, the context of the choice is key. &nbsp;I think a lot of not so great looks can come from taking an isolated&nbsp;&nbsp;"rule" here and an idea there, trying to cookbook your way to fabulousness. &nbsp;</p> <p>That's what I respect so much about Angie and this site. &nbsp;Variables to consider when creating a look are discussed, context is provided and everyone has their own preferences, style goals and lifestyles. &nbsp;It is dynamic and a work in progress. &nbsp;People are having fun and thinking. Two of my favorite things!</p> <p>I really like your use of color and proportion here. &nbsp;Smile worthy head to toe.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/small-scale-details-on-not-so-small-bodies-really-long#post-1005139 Tue, 13 Aug 2013 19:28:13 +0000 Day Vies 1005139@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shannon -- absolutely, it's how you're wearing the print and what it's paired with.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/small-scale-details-on-not-so-small-bodies-really-long#post-1005136 Tue, 13 Aug 2013 19:24:38 +0000 Transcona Shannon 1005136@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's just like the rule that I shouldn't wear larger prints because I'm only 5 feet tall. "Phooey" I say! It's all in what you pair the prints with, what article of clothing the print is on and the confidence in which you wear it. You got that in spades DV and look SMASHING in this outfit and don't let anyone tell you otherwise </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/small-scale-details-on-not-so-small-bodies-really-long#post-1005131 Tue, 13 Aug 2013 19:19:25 +0000 Adelfa 1005131@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've always thought of myself as big boned and chunky (I'm 5'5"). But I love my small symbolic pendants and will never give them up! So thank you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/small-scale-details-on-not-so-small-bodies-really-long#post-1005110 Tue, 13 Aug 2013 18:55:16 +0000 TraceyLiz65 1005110@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am all for celebrating the curves of a woman's body and just adore your style. Who are these silly people who make these rules that the general population quote and use to keep ourselves in a box??? &nbsp; We have to stop doing this. &nbsp;I only say, I don't like how this works on me, after trying things for myself&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/small-scale-details-on-not-so-small-bodies-really-long#post-1005097 Tue, 13 Aug 2013 18:46:26 +0000 Day Vies 1005097@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Absolutely Ingunn -- the best ones are the ones that bend. I just think it's unfortunate that this is the rule that sticks in people minds rather than more helpful rules like perfect pant lengths or&nbsp;proper jacket fit.</p> <p>Echo - I love your synopsis of the scale issue. I do believe it depends on features and it makes sense that between the two women you described that the reverse of this rule&nbsp;should be true between the two of them.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/small-scale-details-on-not-so-small-bodies-really-long#post-1005095 Tue, 13 Aug 2013 18:44:30 +0000 Echo 1005095@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>DV, you look fabulous, as usual. I think you have a particularly good eye for what works and what doesn't, and so the "rules" are meant to be broken. In other words, "rules" are easy ways for people withOUT a good eye to try to conform to society's expectations of feminine beauty (which is a whole other can of worms that I won't even try to open right now).&nbsp;</p> <p>However, there were two women who wrote a fashion book or two (I think they may have been on the telly as well). One of them was a little larger than the other, but they based the ideas of jewelry scale on frame size instead. So although one woman was bigger than the other, she had a finer bone structure and so she chose finer, delicate pieces of jewelry. The smaller woman had "bigger bones" (despite being thin - no euphemisms here) and so she wore chunkier pieces of jewelry.</p> <p>But again, those are just a different version of rules, IMO. The mirror ought to be the ultimate rule-maker for everyone; if you like what you see there, then it's all good! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/small-scale-details-on-not-so-small-bodies-really-long#post-1005092 Tue, 13 Aug 2013 18:43:37 +0000 jayne 1005092@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No opinion on the rule, never heard it before but being a big girl I admit that I struggle with thin belts and delicate necklaces.&nbsp; Maybe that I don't know how to pick the right one, or wear it.&nbsp; But I love your belt over belt combination </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/small-scale-details-on-not-so-small-bodies-really-long#post-1005087 Tue, 13 Aug 2013 18:38:41 +0000 Ingunn 1005087@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are a true master of proportions, DV! The small print is perfectly balanced by the strong contrasts in color value, and the red narrow belt highlights your waist beautifully. I agree with the others, this is one of your best outfits ever </p> <p>The rule is not new to me either, and it&nbsp;is silly if taken to literally, but as a starting point it could provide some guidance, I think. Too dainty or too big is not a good look on any frame.&nbsp;The best rules are those that bend, don't you agree?&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/small-scale-details-on-not-so-small-bodies-really-long#post-1005081 Tue, 13 Aug 2013 18:33:21 +0000 rachylou 1005081@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You look sharp! Are you wearing the skinny belt over a wider belt? (I'm a little confused, as per normal ;&gt;). I'd never heard that rule before (see previous parentheses). I have to agree with what you've said. I mean, I can see a little tiny pendant on big chain as being useless, but on people... it all depends. Delicate pendant on short delicate chain is something that I'd think would work on all people. </p>