https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-persona-journey-mistakes-ahas-issues Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 15 May 2026 21:54:11 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-persona-journey-mistakes-ahas-issues#post-844450 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 20:28:52 +0000 Vix 844450@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Unfrumped --</p> <p>How fun to read about your style revelations as well as shopping habits to adopt break.</p> <p>Great comments upthread, too.</p> <p>For a little levity, thought I'd post about a Parks and Recreation episode where the Young, Deadpan, Casual April tries to channel Amy Poehler's Older, Polished, Perky public servant by digging into her older suits. </p> <p>-- Photo 1 shows the characters in their natural clothing habitat<br /> -- Photo 2 and 3 is what happens when bad fit and proportions come out to play</p> <p>April says: <strong>I don't know who Ann Taylor is but I hate her and want to kill her.</strong></p> <p>As someone who is possibly a BIT of an Ann Taylor overshopper I laughed my arse off. </p> <p>Watch this gif to see The Fit Issue even better: <a href="http://s3-ec.buzzfed.com/static/enhanced/webdr03/2013/2/8/10/anigif_enhanced-buzz-32485-1360339025-1.gif" rel="nofollow">http://s3-ec.buzzfed.com/stati.....9025-1.gif</a></p> <p>Back to you!</p> <p><strong>PANTS</strong><br /> I definitely think you should explore more pant silhouettes and that straighter legs are mo' awesome with flats.</p> <p>Additionally, I'd also try the same style in different sizes and cuts when offered...lots of places have their curvy vs straighter cuts plus differences in the rises. Like you I have a long torso, and alleged high-rise styles are anything but on me!</p> <p>-- Photo 4: Not sure if you know that Ann Taylor makes straight leg pants in tropical wool and a blend with a bit of wool Banana Republic does too.</p> <p><strong>TOP/BOTTOM HARMONY</strong><br /> You are definitely slim above the waist and slim/curvy below and since you say you struggle a bit to make your halves work together you may want to explore bulking up your top half as much as possible with your lab coat -- textured and/or jackets, pleated tops, layered necklaces, the cowls you and Suz discussed.</p> <p><strong>LONG TORSO</strong><br /> I also think you're really going to have to figure out how much you want to embrace vs offset your long torso so that you know where you want your shirt and jacket hems to hit, how low you want to wear your pants, etc. It's a very personal choice and examples abound, so observe and try!</p> <p>Because my long torso comes with legs that are proportionally a bit short, I generally -- not always! -- favor creating long lines of color, matching tights to shoe/boot or skirt shade, keeping jackets more or less at hipbone, etc. The usual tricks. </p> <p>When I wear backside-covering jackets or shirts I generally wear pants instead of skirts and keep the contrast to none or low...looks more right to my eye.</p> <p>-- Photo 5: Color-free Me in these "featuring wool and denim bootcuts" shots. [Hey, I wear heeled "comfort" boots from Oct-June or July! And feel more balanced in them thanks to my upper half.]</p> <p>I aim for a size that gives me a slim fit through the thigh and then some fullness below, but the fullness is front to back. I'll admit my best fit is with Ann Taylor's tropical wool. ;)</p> <p>While I dislike wide leg (wide from side-to-side leg) cuts on myself I love them on others, and look forward to seeing what you end up trying! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-persona-journey-mistakes-ahas-issues#post-843909 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 01:32:35 +0000 Suz 843909@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Something else that occurred to me: Joy might be a terrific model for you. Your body types are not dissimilar. Though she is more of a rectangle, she is also slim through the top and after all, you are not as much of a pretty pear as you might imagine. </p> <p>In addition, that formula I found on Shannon's pinterest: colour, pattern, texture, shine, plus one (at least) classic piece to ground it all. Sort of like "something borrowed, something blue..." You can repeat it to yourself as you get dressed and see if you have all those bases covered. I have found it really helpful to me. Helps me with shopping, too. Since I know I prefer classic items for some things, or will always gravitate towards them, I look for the pattern/ texture/ shine and/or trend in other items. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-persona-journey-mistakes-ahas-issues#post-843837 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 00:51:06 +0000 Anonymous 843837@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi there, I don't have a lot of time, so I won't reiterate everything that's already been said, but I really like the direction of your thinking with your empowered feminine style. </p> <p>I feel your pain re: work pants. Pencil skirts are great but it's hard to find 14 hour footwear to pair them with. It's almost like you have to start with the shoes and work your way up. Maybe there's a refined oxford out there that would do the trick.</p> <p>I'd love to see your pants tapered from the knee down (or just straight). I'd love to see you experiment with tucking in your tops too! That will lengthen the leg line without ever trying on a heel. It will feel/look really funny to your eye at first, but do give it a go! Suz is right about your long neck being the perfect backdrop for scarves or turtlenecks. Can you bring a lab coat home and play around with tops to go under it? It would help us to see pictures of it as well. </p> <p>You're doing a great job really working through your clothes. What about putting most everything in the guest room and just keeping your "loves" in your bedroom closet? This might help you shop a capsule that works together from what you already have. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-persona-journey-mistakes-ahas-issues#post-843588 Fri, 08 Feb 2013 21:29:24 +0000 Caro in Oz 843588@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These are my first thoughts after reading the above &amp; looking at the pictures once. </p> <p>I think you need more of the - modern &amp; elegant - in your clothes. If I were you I'd start weeding out anything with poor fit or fabrication, I don't believe you will ever feel right unless you have fit &amp; quality in your clothes. Elegance covers the feminine, interesting well-fitting component of the look you want imo.</p> <p>You have such a great body for clothes I think you can wear so many styles (this may be part of the problem). I'd love to see you in slim/straight pants with a cashmere turtle neck &amp; interesting shoes or booties. Or a fitted jacket, wide-legged pants &amp; a big scarf. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-persona-journey-mistakes-ahas-issues#post-843573 Fri, 08 Feb 2013 21:12:12 +0000 cinnamon fern 843573@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with the trouser suggestions. I think it's hard to make classic dress trousers work without some heel, especially if you tend towards the short-legged side to begin with. But I think the same is true for bootcuts, so if you need flat shoes, then straight-leg or skinnies might work better.</p> <p>What about pencil skirts? I agree with whoever said they are good for feeling empowered. I would wear pencil skirt + blazer to all stressful work events if I weren't surrounded by guys in jeans and ratty t-shirts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-persona-journey-mistakes-ahas-issues#post-843509 Fri, 08 Feb 2013 19:53:54 +0000 rachylou 843509@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I quite like pics #1, 4, 5, &amp; 8.</p> <p>Sympathize with you totally on overdoing it on the too wide "office trousers." So guilty!</p> <p>I see in the pics a subdued style, a subdued femininity - femininity without frippery. I quite like it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-persona-journey-mistakes-ahas-issues#post-843501 Fri, 08 Feb 2013 19:46:41 +0000 Susie 843501@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think finding a different, more tailored cut in trousers as the others have mentioned will make a big difference for you. I've never been fond of that straight cut through the hips/thighs and always felt dumpy with the excess fabric. </p> <p>I really like the Tahari jacket and the Anthro sweater. Some more pops of color would add a lot of punch to the overall look. </p> <p>One of my favorite ways to up the style quotient of any outfit is to add interesting shoes. There are lots of options for adding interest- toe shape, heel shape, a unique trim- while still being comfortable. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-persona-journey-mistakes-ahas-issues#post-843485 Fri, 08 Feb 2013 19:20:34 +0000 Kim 843485@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sew those pockets shut and you'll HAVE to find another solution for all your stuff...LOL </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-persona-journey-mistakes-ahas-issues#post-843455 Fri, 08 Feb 2013 18:50:14 +0000 unfrumped 843455@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kim, that is a great idea and one that I've toyed with--I did size down this year. And of course there are "designer" coats for sale that are made to look like, well, a white fashion coat, but I don't want to do that. One problem is my bad habit of putting too much stuff in the pockets. On the TV shows you never see all the stuff that interferes with one's fashion profile! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-persona-journey-mistakes-ahas-issues#post-843438 Fri, 08 Feb 2013 18:37:26 +0000 Kim 843438@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Is "softer or soft" the word you're looking for instead of "feminine or lady like"? </p> <p>Also, do you *own* the lab coat? If so have it altered to fit you better. That would make a *big* difference in how you feel in it when wearing it. Have it taken in at the side and back seams to skim over your clothing and give you a more defined shape. </p> <p>I do that with my dd's uniform button down shirts for work. She's tiny like you and I take in the seams to make the fit not nearly as boxy. Works wonders and all her co-workers wonder why it looks so good on her and frumpy on them...I could start a business there! LOL </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-persona-journey-mistakes-ahas-issues#post-843436 Fri, 08 Feb 2013 18:35:55 +0000 unfrumped 843436@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, that is very helpful. I used to wear turtlenecks a lot, but lately I haven't liked the effect of no detail across the upper chest. Maybe I'm not getting the right fabric and fit? Or my eye is poisoned for no reason? I can wear some button-down shirts but at work, the collars just get squished. I really liked your suggestion re: cowl necks--another style I've had in the past but none lately, but would re-try--maybe a slim cowl and one that doesn't hang so low that I need a cami.</p> <p>I'm on the lookout for slim+ curvy--meaning, I usually can't wear things called "classic cut straight through hip and thigh" ! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-persona-journey-mistakes-ahas-issues#post-843418 Fri, 08 Feb 2013 18:24:39 +0000 Suz 843418@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And it's possible some of these could be altered to become "slouchy" trousers or straight legs. But find some great fitting ones first and see.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-persona-journey-mistakes-ahas-issues#post-843411 Fri, 08 Feb 2013 18:18:46 +0000 unfrumped 843411@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jules, thank you--all the jackets I like best, now look best with jeans, for that reason--the jeans are more fitted. And true about pencil skirts. I can't wear them every day so I'm groping toward, what is the pencil skirt version of pants? More updated and fitted for one thing.</p> <p>MsMaven, how good of you to go through all this with me! I also have come to the conclusion that until I get a better pants silhouette, I'll still be in the same rut and not getting overall look I want.</p> <p>I have a couple of pairs of pants that are more fitted in a summer weight. One pair was actually tailored for more fit at the same time the waist was taken in.</p> <p>PANTS to the rescue! I will have to turn over some more retail stones and try new brands, departments or shops to see what works. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-persona-journey-mistakes-ahas-issues#post-843410 Fri, 08 Feb 2013 18:17:37 +0000 Suz 843410@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'll take a stab at it, too. </p> <p>I also see consistent classic style (which may or may not be what you actually want -- that is food for thought). You can modernize it more as you wish. </p> <p>I think fit is the BIG issue. Fit and proportion, which is the big issue for all of us, actually, so that's not saying a whole lot that is helpful! </p> <p>I agree with the others that the Tahari jacket is fab, and so is the grey knit jacket. </p> <p>I also agree with you that these trousers seem too baggy or not quite the right shape for you for wearing with flats or low heels. I am going to suggest a slim straight trouser style instead of a bootleg or a wide leg. Lots of such trousers exist if you look around. You can wear them on the tailored side or slouchier. I think you might feel best if they were more tailored, at least at first. Getting a sense of how a nice slightly loose but tailored fit feels would be very helpful to you, and checking your jackets' proportions against those would be helpful. </p> <p>You also wear pencil skirts well, recall.Slim on the bottom is good for you. It also obviates any problems with PPL and allows you to experiment with footwear a bit going from complete flat to 2 inches or so and finding your own sweet spot. </p> <p>I would check sleeves on jackets, too. Are they snug enough? On some of these, the sleeve fit seems to overwhelm. </p> <p>Also, it looks as if you have a long neck. I am wondering how you feel about scarves and turtlenecks in cool weather. These will somewhat change the proportions of the upper half. </p> <p>Finally, you can make that long torso an advantage. Right now, it is "in." If you are wearing slim, tailored or slouchy bottoms, you will be able to look "willowy." Nice problem to have! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-persona-journey-mistakes-ahas-issues#post-843397 Fri, 08 Feb 2013 18:03:37 +0000 MsMaven 843397@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm going to take a whack at this: I see a consistent style in your photos--modern and classic and agree, not feminine in the ruffly sense, but very attractive nonetheless. In my opinion it is the cut and the fit of the clothes, not the style, that is troubling. </p> <p>I like all of the tops except for the gray sweater in #7. It looks kind of blah to me. I know what you mean--I run cold too and tend to buy way too many pullovers when they are on sale at BR--and then I am bored. The jacket in #3 is fine but looks bit tight--probably just fine worn open. #6 looks fine, but the jacket length seems a bit long. Maybe with a different bottom? (I know from my own experience that photos can distort proportions though.)</p> <p>I have problems with the bottoms--several of the pants look too baggy through the thigh and knee to be wearing with such shapely tailored jackets. I have a problem with AT pants too--the shape of the pants seems a bit matronly and doesn't match up well with my body. The same for some of the pants in some departments at Nordstrom--they have a slightly frumpy cut--too wide through thigh and knees. </p> <p>Love the Tahari jacket. I'd like to see it with a straighter leg pant and different skirts. (Not sure if you wear skirts.) Love the Anthro zigzag sweater. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-persona-journey-mistakes-ahas-issues#post-843392 Fri, 08 Feb 2013 17:58:36 +0000 Jules 843392@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really love the Tahari jacket. I think it deserves more fitted pants, as it makes these ones look a little sloppy in comparison. I actually also like the jacket in #6, and I think it could be styled in a softer/more feminine way - pretty blouse, slimmer pants, pink scarf?<br /> I do agree more feminine look (within reason) can actually be quite authoritative. Are you in a male-dominated environment? I am, and feel most powerful in pencil skirts and the like. Not sexy but definitely not masculine. I think it's like owning any part of yourself - age, experience, gender - owning it is powerful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-persona-journey-mistakes-ahas-issues#post-843347 Fri, 08 Feb 2013 17:10:41 +0000 unfrumped 843347@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So I have some time off today and am trying to regroup, purge some clothes, and then go shopping for MOTB dress!</p> <p>More in the saga of style persona, style journey, style confusion! Many thanks to all of you who have chimed in, since, though it may not show (yet), it has been helping me develop more focus.</p> <p>Here are some things I have learned over the past year, in no particular order;</p> <p>I have trouble defining my style ! Last Januaray, I made a "new start" on trying to update style with a lot more intentionality than I ever used before, but seem not as far along as I'd wish. </p> <p>Some things I learned that surprised me: I think my goal is more feminine than before and that is a surprise and hard to define and I need a different word. In fact I can't figure the right adjectives at all. Angular feminine? Relaxed elegance?Refined classic? But certainly not ruffles, not boho, not curvy-girly. I don't think "ladylike" works (but maybe that's where I'm wrong!). What's weird is that I am not especially ladylike or feminine (now, that sounds bad!) but instead have always been casual, informal, not prim. Partly, I think of myself as a bit gawky because of body shape that is pear, but small boned in some areas, long torso, not petite but not tall and lean, hard to make my top and bottom halves "work together" But I found that my past tailored styles look too ? plain, mannish, frumpy and it seems to be way more so at my current age. </p> <p>For work I need an authoritative look, but I was surprised to find I feel more so if somewhat more feminine (there's that word again) instead of boyish or casual. </p> <p>The flip side is if fit or style is too delicate, I think I look twee (the word of the week).<br /> So some kind of precise, refined fit but not prim. What on earth is that? Maybe I am confusing good fit with feminine.</p> <p>I still love jacketa and they can contribute hugely to "style" for me. however, I need to find my groove on how to get some similar effect under the lab coat (which is not particularly stylish but does provide "authority" in my profession) during the workday--top detail, necklace, sleeker footwear, better-cut trouser.</p> <p>Big mistake of the past year or so: allowing myself to expand to guest room closet.<br /> I feel like a confessing addict--it started off for years just being "special occasion" clothes. Then I thought was just winter sweaters swapping with summer tops.<br /> Now it appears I have more for each season that I can possibly wear. However, what it really does is add to my style confusion because it keeps one from really confronting what's there and what's not and what are "happiness 10's" or not. </p> <p>Angie and Gaylene were huge in helping me realize this is a big mistake. I over-duplicate stuff within categories and instead I need to run leaner, overlap more each season, and buy/discard within seasons for fresh looks rather than try to hoard "classics". So lesson learned but not fixed yet--need to get most of the 4 seasons back in the one closet.</p> <p>I have SO overbought wool sweaters because I'm cold-natured. We get a 2 months or so of cold weather, can be 20's but seldom, some freezing days, once-yearly ice &amp; snow, but are more mild-moderate 4 season clime and I don't need 25 wool pullovers to get through. Even in the cold months, we have days in the 60's pop up, so I can re-use fall and spring items. Need to use layers, undergarments, and fewer sweaters "in stock" but refresh with a new color or style more often.</p> <p>I need a new pants style! But one that allows 14-hr footwear. I have too many AT trouser pants and I think the width is schtumpifying. If this doesn't sound like going backward, I think I may try to find more bootcut or barely bootcut styles, but these can be hard in a real "trouser" fabric (not jeans, not chino). In the right such style, I can get a curvy hip, a bit of taper in the leg, and still wear a boot or shootie that is made for comfort. Also have not given up on some kind of slouchy-tapered trousers with oxfords for shoes.</p> <p>I have some photos below:<br /> 1) my favorite purchase of last year is this "angular feminine" T. Tahari jacket.<br /> 2) green linen blend jacket trying to get a similar fit<br /> 3) gray knit fitted blazer that felt modern to me--but is more for casual wear<br /> 4) Silk tunic top, trying it belted, trying a wider belt because narrow gets lost on long torso<br /> 5) Peplum top, also belted<br /> 6) My tweed Ann Taylor blazer that now looks "mannish" worn with just a cashmere crewneck--I'm tempted to toss it but maybe would like it better with different tops<br /> 7) V-neck merino sweaters worn over a blouse--not happy with sweater fit. Aim was to layer and put color near face. Looks too casual/preppy, straight<br /> 8) Anthro cardi--my cardigan addiction still in play. Love the colors and pattern and slightly fitted. Shown with faux leather/inexpensive gray clutch</p> <p>If you are still awake, thanks for reading! Any and all comments welcome. </p>