https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-planning-suggestions-needed-alteration-question Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 16 Apr 2026 13:16:50 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-planning-suggestions-needed-alteration-question#post-1459610 Thu, 19 Mar 2015 16:28:47 +0000 Astrid 1459610@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Haha, approprio - please do. No, definitely going to do it this year, it will be a fantastic option to have. And thanks. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-planning-suggestions-needed-alteration-question#post-1459588 Thu, 19 Mar 2015 16:14:17 +0000 approprio 1459588@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Don't have much to add to the advice, except to say that you look great in shorts. They can be tricky to pull off but you completely&nbsp;own them. And you *must* make a skirt out of that dress. If not, I might have to come to Berlin and do it for you. :P</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-planning-suggestions-needed-alteration-question#post-1459584 Thu, 19 Mar 2015 16:08:55 +0000 Astrid 1459584@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Marina. I'm strictly speaking pear shaped, with wider hips and narrow shoulders, but I find that some of the guidelines for pretty pears don't work well for me at all. I definitely think a-line shapes are not that flattering on me. I also have small breasts and a big behind, so the (tight) things everyone wore in my teenage years didn't help my self-confidence at that time. I rather like the more fluid fit of clothes right now. I'm going to think about your suggestions, maybe I can also manage to try out some combinations in a store (even if I won't buy the specific pieces). I especially like the idea of a "button down halter" with some tailoring.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-planning-suggestions-needed-alteration-question#post-1459364 Thu, 19 Mar 2015 05:28:12 +0000 Marina 1459364@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I totally understand Astrid's waist&nbsp;dilemma. I also have a&nbsp;small but short waist with large hips. Most belts make me&nbsp;feel "boxy", tight tops roll up every 5 minutes and [] or / \&nbsp;shaped tops are not flattering at all. I usually&nbsp;adjust my tops so they will follow my natural waist curve, creating a )( shape even in blouses that aren't&nbsp;tight and I only use&nbsp;tight tanks and tees if they&nbsp;end under my hipbone/above my widest part.</p> <p>Since it looks like we have similar body figures, I will share some thought about what&nbsp;I would do. Maybe you find some idea adaptable to your taste, maybe you will fell it's not your style at all&nbsp;(just don't take me too seriously)</p> <p>I would keep #7/8 the way it is&nbsp;and pair it with a light&nbsp;shirt or button down halter "X shaped", with&nbsp;marked seams like Caro said,&nbsp;or with a plain top and&nbsp;a summer one button jacket, plus low or mid&nbsp;heels&nbsp;(but I would avoid flats&nbsp;and&nbsp;"heavy looking" shoes and voluminous tops&nbsp;with this one to keep it's length/width balanced).</p> <p>I would&nbsp;shorten #1/2 about the #3/4 length for everyday purpose and still roll it up sometimes. Short waist also means long legs and&nbsp;those look great with short shorts, so I like to go a&nbsp;bit shorter than usual&nbsp;when&nbsp;occasion allows&nbsp;it (I wouldn't do it with a skirt or a dress, but I feel&nbsp;perfectly&nbsp;fine about it&nbsp;with shorts). I had very similar shorts that&nbsp;I would usually&nbsp;pair with&nbsp;flats or&nbsp;wedge sandals&nbsp;and pretty much any blouse,&nbsp;shirt or t-shirt with a&nbsp;"not tight" fit&nbsp;and )( shape or with&nbsp;longer&nbsp;shirts and tunics&nbsp;with a loose fit belted and complimented with ballerinas.&nbsp;For some weird reason this will&nbsp;work well despite the fact&nbsp;belting my regular length blouses are usually a&nbsp;bad idea.</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-planning-suggestions-needed-alteration-question#post-1459019 Wed, 18 Mar 2015 18:41:50 +0000 Angie 1459019@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yeah. I get what you mean. Now you know what to look for. Have fun.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-planning-suggestions-needed-alteration-question#post-1459015 Wed, 18 Mar 2015 18:37:09 +0000 Astrid 1459015@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Angie! I think it's because they're so big overall, rolled hems in combination with the belt I need to have them stay up just makes me feel sloppy (the first two pics are unrolled, the third and fourth folded inside). I will look for a replacement, I do want one pair that's shorter and more casual. I agree that the tee maybe wasn't the best for the try outs, it is rather big. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-planning-suggestions-needed-alteration-question#post-1459009 Wed, 18 Mar 2015 18:29:11 +0000 Angie 1459009@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Astrid, I love you in the first pair of shorts #1 through #4. I REALLY like them rolled in both lengths - why don't you like them rolled? I get that they feel too big, which is annoying and uncomfortable - so perhaps find that shape in a smaller size.&nbsp;</p> <p>I like #7 next. Modern. Better with a more fitted top perhaps.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-planning-suggestions-needed-alteration-question#post-1458993 Wed, 18 Mar 2015 18:01:26 +0000 Astrid 1458993@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No - I'm sorry! You know that my comment wasn't all that serious? Now I feel bad. My English sometimes isn't very precise, maybe that translated differently than I thought it would. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-planning-suggestions-needed-alteration-question#post-1458978 Wed, 18 Mar 2015 17:10:26 +0000 Anonymous 1458978@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>oh dear sorry about that Astrid! You know your style and what works best, of course. And the t shirt youve ordered does look rather lovely. Good luck with putting it all together, its a nice look. X </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-planning-suggestions-needed-alteration-question#post-1458907 Wed, 18 Mar 2015 15:48:40 +0000 Astrid 1458907@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, I'm not sure if I'm picturing it right, but I can't help it that your description invokes all the nightmares of my teenage years before my inner eye. Not a big fan of either puffy sleeves or cap sleeves and I love dropped shoulder seams on the right shirt... And re showing off the waist: dresses and skirts yes, but it also depends on the cut and fit. I'm short waisted and the usual tips about belting and accentuating the waist are hard to implement in the right way. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-planning-suggestions-needed-alteration-question#post-1458694 Wed, 18 Mar 2015 08:10:07 +0000 Anonymous 1458694@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Now now Astrid, I'm going to be a little strict with you now ; ) . A relaxed fit t shirt is going to do nothing to show off your lovely waist and I think you probably have a nice flat tummy so a tight undervest with a narrow black belt round your shorts would add shape, interest and look trim and neat. Now, i hear what you are saying about your shoulders. If the top is fitted to your shoulder with a cap sleeve it would balance you out. Or, use a fitted blouse or jacket. Must not be dropped sleeves. Slight puff sleeves would be good . X </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-planning-suggestions-needed-alteration-question#post-1458692 Wed, 18 Mar 2015 07:34:40 +0000 Astrid 1458692@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Caro! I know what you mean then. Almost anything that isn't a knit or tee is sold as "shirt" here... </p> <p>L'Abeille, thank you. I'm going to do as you suggested and pin the different lengths to have a look. With the second pair of shorts I wasn't thinking of shortening them very much, more like just a tad. But I'll take some pictures if I have time. I agree that a casual pair of longer is nice to have. And I don't think anything I can do would make them really "fab" anyway. But they're not bad either. I'm probably only going to have the waist on the pinstripe shorts altered, anything else might be too complicated. </p> <p>The fabric of the skirt is thin cotton. But keep in mind that I can't do anything too complicated anyway. And I can't use a pattern, there probably isn't enough fabric for that. I just took off the skirt part of the dress, which was a long loose empire dress with a full skirt. That's why I have enough fabric for a knee length skirt, even though it was a children's dress. </p> <p>The fabric of the new too me skirt is a cotton viscose blend, with a viscose lining. It's patterned, that's why it looks textured. My two plaid skirts are wool, so not suitable for warmer temperatures.</p> <p>That camp shirt sounds like a good idea, if I find a nice cut/blend/color. I'll keep my eyes open. I don't want to buy any breton tees at the moment, I'm saving that for summer when we're going to be on holiday in Britanny. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-planning-suggestions-needed-alteration-question#post-1458512 Wed, 18 Mar 2015 00:42:21 +0000 L'Abeille 1458512@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just random thoughts here really.</p> <p>I like all the lengths of the shorts on you. Although I agree hemmed is better than rolled. For the shortest ones / shortening plans, I suggest you pin up in a series of small adjustments and check the mirror (or YLF) to find your sweet spot. (On myself, I find the shorter lengths to be most flattering in a slightly flared shape.) Consider your lifestyle too, you might like to keep a longer casual option for cooler days/sunburn /grooming emergencies.</p> <p>The knee-covering shorts I agree are more work appropriate. They are almost long enough to consider as clams or capris or culottes, so you could look at styling options for those for ideas and proportions. Also, consider the newer, wider pants silhouettes that are emerging... You want a fitting waistline, but probably not a slim leg. (Look at Sveta's culottes outfits)</p> <p>I love the print of the dress from Oma's party! The green sings with that striped T. It looks cool the way you have it draped. Would the fabric suit something wrapped or asymmetrical or tulip-y?</p> <p>What is the fabric of the new-to -you bubbly skirt? The shape is perfect but it looks like a winter brown corduroy. What happened to the checked skirt you modeled for us?</p> <p>The other floral skirt I thought was the former sun dress. If you don't do white on top, would you ever wear one of those brights? I could see it working with a Breton T though (what doesn't?) or toughened up a bit with a jean jacket and sneakers.</p> <p>Now on to tops. Do you know what a camp shirt is? Sort of softer safari, with loose elbow length short sleeves and a lower collar, and in a fabric that is slightly drapey rather than crisp, like a good quality rayon or a linen blend. I could see you rock that silhouette with shorts or skirts. Either tucked and slightly bloused, or open and untucked over a T or tank.</p> <p>Otherwise for tops, find another Breton T with low contrast stripes. They flatter you so well and play up your Eurochic casual style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-planning-suggestions-needed-alteration-question#post-1458488 Wed, 18 Mar 2015 00:06:11 +0000 Caro in Oz 1458488@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think so Astrid - I'm never really sure what a "button down" means, don't all shirts have buttons down them? :)</p> <p>Maybe not as tight as this but I wanted to show the seams.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-planning-suggestions-needed-alteration-question#post-1458465 Tue, 17 Mar 2015 23:40:56 +0000 Astrid 1458465@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Caro. Do you mean a button down shirt?</p> <p>Glisters, I'm not sure how the sizing will work out on me, but I'm hoping for a relaxed tailored fit. Not sure what you mean with fitted, but I don't really like truly tight tops. I feel like a tight fitting top with baggy bottoms doesn't work well with my pear shape. Just a bit of volume on top balances things out visually. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-planning-suggestions-needed-alteration-question#post-1458427 Tue, 17 Mar 2015 22:42:16 +0000 Anonymous 1458427@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It looks like a loose fit t shirt - so good for wearing with skinnies or tucked into a pencil skirt. Your shorts need fitted tops i think. X </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-planning-suggestions-needed-alteration-question#post-1458419 Tue, 17 Mar 2015 22:24:47 +0000 Caro in Oz 1458419@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think the ideas for the shorts are good. What about a linen shirt? Not a boxy one but something with seams through the body.&nbsp;You could wear it on its own&nbsp;with skirts &amp; shorts &amp; also wear it open as a "jacket"? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-planning-suggestions-needed-alteration-question#post-1458343 Tue, 17 Mar 2015 20:51:24 +0000 Astrid 1458343@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Forgot to say, I have one basic tee on order right now, hopefully it'll be here soon. The one below, a hemp and cotton mix. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-planning-suggestions-needed-alteration-question#post-1458316 Tue, 17 Mar 2015 20:18:28 +0000 Astrid 1458316@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Jessica! I get why the longer shorts might look a bit dated, but I need to have my knees covered for work and this is the option for really hot days when I don't want to wear a skirt. The short shorts are mostly to wear at home when it's really hot, or on holidays and such. I wouldn't wear them to work or Uni.</p> <p>Thanks Rabbit! I think I'm going to hem the first pair of shorts, then. Rolling them up doesn't really work or feel good to me, I think the combination of rolled/folded hems and too big waist is just too much. I'm definitely going to try out different tops with the shorts and skirts, I just didn't want to change for the pics. The pinstripes are a bit too loose in the waist, I'll have them taken in a bit. I think I might also ask if it's possible to slim down the leg a bit at the same time, without breaking the bank. I guess the first floral skirt could be replaced by the second floral, I definitely like that pattern much better. #15 is also a sentimental fabric, it's from the dress I wore at my Oma's and Opa's 50th wedding anniversary. I do think I need to go with a full skirt though, I can't do anything with real tailoring - I just don't have the skills for that. Thanks for the suggestions on what to add, too. I definitely lack belts with a shorter length, that might be a good place to invest in something fun.</p> <p>Thanks Texstyle! I agree, if I get another pair of shorts then definitely more fitted ones. I do think I'm going to shorten the first pair. I guess I could shorten the second pair too? I don't need them long now that I have the pinstriped ones as an option for work. I could definitely go shorter for casual wear. And yes, mostly the back pockets. I think the seams on the floral skirt should be easy to fix, but I'll take them to my usual place, I won't try it myself. I don't want to ruin the skirt, I made it myself together with my Oma. I do wear sleeveless, but I'm not a huge fan of white. I don't look good in most whites and I don't want the hassle with the see through issue.</p> <p>Thanks Glisters! I don't wear heels, but I do have a pair of sneakers I also sometimes wear with shorts. Although I mostly prefer sandals and bare feet when it's warm enough for shorts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-planning-suggestions-needed-alteration-question#post-1458285 Tue, 17 Mar 2015 19:53:40 +0000 Anonymous 1458285@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with above posts in that you have a great figure. I think you need fitted vest tops or capped t-shirts in white or black, tucked in tightly, and then something casual on top thats open at the front. Your lovely legs in shorts can be shown to advantage with the tiniest of heel which some 'flats' have. Could be somethimg fun like colourful trainers ( and wear nice trainer socks). I agree with other posts in that you are young and can get away with playing with accessories and mix and match. The clothes youve shown are very versatile for that. X </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-planning-suggestions-needed-alteration-question#post-1458265 Tue, 17 Mar 2015 19:33:35 +0000 texstyle 1458265@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well in summer I live in shorts so I think they are a necessity. I think you should consider adding another pair in a lighter shade. Maybe something slightly more fitted in a length you can wear long or roll up?</p> <p>#1/2 - the shorts definitely look better rolled up as in #3/4. Your legs are great and I don't know why you would not feel comfortable showing them off!</p> <p>#5/6 - I just think these are too long. Is it the back pockets you don't like? I don't mind them but I know some people don't like details on the back pockets.</p> <p>#7/8 - agreed, they are big. A nice streamlined tailoring would be great here.</p> <p>#9/10 - skirt is great, love this one!</p> <p>#11/12 - cute pattern, depends if you can fix the seams I guess?</p> <p>I'm not a big floral fan so I'll reserve comment on the last two, though I prefer the floral of the last one.</p> <p>Can you add a silk top maybe or a silk/cotton blend? I don't know if you wear sleeveless but I was thinking of a silk button down sleeveless (which is what I added to my S/S wardrobe recently).</p> <p>I can't remember, do you wear any shade of white on top? If so, maybe a simple white tee would be easy on the budget and go with everything here in a casual way? If not, what about something in a shade of blush? It would also go with pretty much everything here. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-planning-suggestions-needed-alteration-question#post-1458259 Tue, 17 Mar 2015 19:25:44 +0000 rabbit 1458259@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p> <div>1-2: I think you can wear them as they are, but I like them shorter. &nbsp;Also your legs are great, show them as much as you can at this age, seriously. :)</div><div><br /></div><div>5-6: I prefer the oversized look of these shorts with a more cropped or tucked top.</div><div><br /></div><div>7-8 the pinstripes look good as long as they fit right at the top. &nbsp;I'd also think about tops that play well.</div><div><br /></div><div>skirts 9-12 look good, but alter so they fit comfortably as needed</div><div><br /></div><div>13-14 - if you can pair it with tops that make you feel fab keep, otherwise, I would think about another skirt with bright colors and a pattern that is more 'you'.</div><div><br /></div><div>15 - sewers could give you a better idea, I could see a skater skirt or pencil skirt.</div><div><br /></div><div>ideas for what to add -- just brainstorming, so feel free to disregard:</div><div><br /></div><div><b>tops:</b> &nbsp;a more cropped length top to go with the volume of the shorts, in white or near white (what ever works best with your coloring). &nbsp;Also the same in a paler or mid-tone color (you look really great in color, especially near your face it adds life)</p> <p><b>wildcard:</b> something unexpected and playful in a bag, scarf, belt, shoe, top or skirt. Think about pattern, shape, color blocking.&nbsp;You have so many base neutrals in classic shapes, especially in dark and muted tones that something like this can take outfits to another level of complexity, fun&nbsp;and interest and work for the warmer seasons in particular. &nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <p> </div><div><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-planning-suggestions-needed-alteration-question#post-1458255 Tue, 17 Mar 2015 19:21:32 +0000 Anonymous 1458255@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>To be honest, I am not a fan of shorts in general. I own 1 pair and I only wear them in my backyard :-)<br />I think the black shorts are ok, with the hem rolled up. The other shorts seem too long for you and a little dated. But I&nbsp;am Dutch and&nbsp;most women in Holland do not wear shorts (except on holidays).&nbsp;<br />I think your skirts would look great with a flowy silk top and a pretty necklace.</p> <p>&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-planning-suggestions-needed-alteration-question#post-1458230 Tue, 17 Mar 2015 18:46:35 +0000 Astrid 1458230@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm trying to get an overview over my spring and summer pieces, have alterations done if necessary etc. At the moment I own three pairs of summer shorts and have four skirts (after alterations are done). I'm wearing my only pair of sandals. I still need some new tops too, desperately. </p> <p>#1/2<br />These are too big, but I can definitely still wear them. I don't like them rolled up though, so I'm wondering if I should shorten them a bit. Do you think they look better in #3/4? I'm a bit self conscious about my legs, but I don't like the look of them as they are now.</p> <p>#5/6<br />These H&amp;M shorts are at least ten years old, I dyed them last summer to have a pair of shorts with enough length for work. I actually think they are from the boy's departement. I think they look alright from the front, but I don't like the back view.<b> </b>I could shorten these too?</p> <p>#7/8<br />The pleated pinstripe bermudas. I definitely think they need to be taken in a bit. They are my new shorts for work, replacing #5/6 in that function.</p> <p>#9/10<br />The slightly too big "new" skirt. It actually doesn't feel that bad without hose, the way it sits here. With hose it's shifting around more.</p> <p>#11/12<br />This skirt has wonky side seams that need to be fixed (it was once let out to accomodate weight gain).</p> <p>#13/14<br />Not really my taste, but it fits well and is breezy.</p> <p>#15<br />I really have to sit down and finally make a skirt out of this fabric (it once was a dress). My sewing skills are rather basic, I thought I'd do something similar to the skirt in #13/14 - waistband with side zip and button and small gathers.</p> <p>Any suggestions what do do with the pieces I have? Which ones are wearable? Any ideas for tweaks? Any ideas what to add? Any ideas for tops?</p> <p>If you made it to the end of this post, congratulations. </p> <p><b>ETA</b></p> <p>#16/17</p> <p>I pinned the second pair of shorts up a bit. Textstyle thought they were too long and L'Abeille suggested not to go too short, so I basically just turned the cuffs inside. But I think it definitely looks better this way! What do you think?</p> <p>#18</p> <p>I tried the first pair of shorts again to pin them and I decided I don't want to put any effort into them. I'm just going to let them go, I'm tired of too big pants.</p> </p>