YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Ways to add structure to outfits?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Ways to add structure to outfits? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ways-to-add-structure-to-outfits Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 18 Apr 2026 22:26:18 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php catgirl on "Ways to add structure to outfits?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ways-to-add-structure-to-outfits#post-1215314 Sun, 06 Apr 2014 02:52:18 +0000 catgirl 1215314@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Such fascinating answers. Yes body type can bring structure. Brilliant observation. And structured haircuts and frames seem to as well. Thanks for all the contributions. Marmee on "Ways to add structure to outfits?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ways-to-add-structure-to-outfits#post-1215074 Sat, 05 Apr 2014 21:16:15 +0000 Marmee 1215074@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What about cables or decorative seams in knits?  I'm wearing a sweater today with a raised seam (actually the backside of the seam, I think) down the front and it feel structural to me. columbine(erin) on "Ways to add structure to outfits?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ways-to-add-structure-to-outfits#post-1215070 Sat, 05 Apr 2014 21:06:38 +0000 columbine(erin) 1215070@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for starting this thread! This is something I struggle with. Liz on "Ways to add structure to outfits?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ways-to-add-structure-to-outfits#post-1215069 Sat, 05 Apr 2014 21:04:42 +0000 Liz 1215069@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The body inside the clothes. Some people's frame brings a lot of structure to their outfits...they have angles, they carry themselves strongly, their bodies have clean lines, etc. Other people's bodies are just more gentle or rounded in line. An unstructured garment will look totally different on these two different people.  And then there's personality -- I don't know how to define this, but I know some people who are "crisp" in their bearing and how they speak and move. They ARE structure.  Obviously, there's not a whole lot we can do about changing what we bring to the clothes, but it's worth taking into consideration.  magpie on "Ways to add structure to outfits?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ways-to-add-structure-to-outfits#post-1215066 Sat, 05 Apr 2014 20:55:48 +0000 magpie 1215066@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ If you have short hair, either slicking it down or spiking it up would add structure. Nicole D on "Ways to add structure to outfits?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ways-to-add-structure-to-outfits#post-1214996 Sat, 05 Apr 2014 19:33:49 +0000 Nicole D 1214996@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Leave the hanger on when you wear them!  Hahaha.  I'm so funny.  But that is a real challenge if you are not allowed to add an actual structured piece like bag or blazer.  I think hair can be  a way to add structure, if you keep it sleek and unfussy. carol3012 on "Ways to add structure to outfits?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ways-to-add-structure-to-outfits#post-1214990 Sat, 05 Apr 2014 19:23:18 +0000 carol3012 1214990@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well tailored clothes, crisp lines and defined colors, just to add what my take is. I think it depends to the eye when it comes to how colors/patterns will play a role.  The more contrasting a piece is (say a blazer to a crisp collared shirt versus cardigan and that same collared shirt) will most likely add more or less structure depending on the partner. mrseccentric on "Ways to add structure to outfits?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ways-to-add-structure-to-outfits#post-1214970 Sat, 05 Apr 2014 19:00:49 +0000 mrseccentric 1214970@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great topic and great answers! I can only think of one thing that hasn't yet been mentioned: stripes, dots, plaids, or other structured prints/patterns. I just made a slouchy tee in a small/lo contrast stripe, and it has a very different vibe from a solid color sloucher. Thanks Una and all you contributors! Hearting this one for reference steph Vildy on "Ways to add structure to outfits?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ways-to-add-structure-to-outfits#post-1214694 Sat, 05 Apr 2014 08:57:38 +0000 Vildy 1214694@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ sunglasses, yes. Sunglasses make everything work. catgirl on "Ways to add structure to outfits?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ways-to-add-structure-to-outfits#post-1214688 Sat, 05 Apr 2014 06:46:46 +0000 catgirl 1214688@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What about hair and glasses? Can those add structure? rachylou on "Ways to add structure to outfits?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ways-to-add-structure-to-outfits#post-1214672 Sat, 05 Apr 2014 04:17:59 +0000 rachylou 1214672@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Have we mentioned banded sweaters? Anonymous on "Ways to add structure to outfits?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ways-to-add-structure-to-outfits#post-1214652 Sat, 05 Apr 2014 03:32:04 +0000 Anonymous 1214652@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Tops with banded bottoms to reign in the volume, tops and jackets that are fitted at the shoulder, jackets and coats that follow body lines and show a waist. Marley on "Ways to add structure to outfits?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ways-to-add-structure-to-outfits#post-1214641 Sat, 05 Apr 2014 03:20:05 +0000 Marley 1214641@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Also - structured handbags. Aida on "Ways to add structure to outfits?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ways-to-add-structure-to-outfits#post-1214524 Sat, 05 Apr 2014 01:07:45 +0000 Aida 1214524@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The actual architecture of the clothing, the outfit silhouette, the materials all contribute. Stiff leather boots, for example, are going to add more structure than soft leather boots that might slouch a bit. Material juxtaposition can add structure; a leather jacket over a silk blouse for example, will add structure even if both pieces are oversized or boxy. You can also add optical structure with clothing details like piping or tuxedo stripes, or by adding visual lines such as an open jacket or vertical line prints. Jewelry can add structure, either in the design itself or the visual lines it adds. annagybe on "Ways to add structure to outfits?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ways-to-add-structure-to-outfits#post-1214451 Sat, 05 Apr 2014 00:11:58 +0000 annagybe 1214451@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I just realized something. I don't scrunch my sleeves. But I will scrunch banded pant legs. Kristin L on "Ways to add structure to outfits?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ways-to-add-structure-to-outfits#post-1214449 Sat, 05 Apr 2014 00:10:31 +0000 Kristin L 1214449@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My first thought was scrunching and rolling as well. Great question AG. rabbit on "Ways to add structure to outfits?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ways-to-add-structure-to-outfits#post-1214428 Fri, 04 Apr 2014 23:52:25 +0000 rabbit 1214428@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm not sure that these add 'structure' i.e. body defining, as much as refinement/a sense of architecture to a loose waist surrendering/leg shortening style.  So for example I'd try these with an oversized loose top over oversized loose pants: Belts or sashes, even if they aren't pulled tight, for example on waistless dresses Refined shoes Pants tucked into boots Gathers or knots in flowy things Softer things buttoned up at the top (like cardigans or blouses).   Neat hair (i.e. pulled back from the face in a ponytail, bun, or twist) Scarfs that form a cohesive shape like a cone around the neck or triangle or loop. statement necklaces or earrings or bracelets that bring attention to the skin that is showing. Occasionally tights/hose in which color or pattern actually creates more structure than bare skin (for example a column of color). Collars that are emphasized by being popped or propped/pulled up (turtlenecks/cowlnecks) rolled or turned up or pegged pants legs That's not counting the topper and tucking options. Jules on "Ways to add structure to outfits?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ways-to-add-structure-to-outfits#post-1214425 Fri, 04 Apr 2014 23:51:03 +0000 Jules 1214425@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Scrunching/rolling pants to show ankle. The silky track pants I bought today look sooo much better thus way. catgirl on "Ways to add structure to outfits?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ways-to-add-structure-to-outfits#post-1214411 Fri, 04 Apr 2014 23:31:47 +0000 catgirl 1214411@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sorry to post and run - just a quick break at work!  I was pondering a list of ways to add structure to outfits besides actual structured pieces.  Sleeve scrunching, half-tuck, etc.  Could we start a suggestion list here?  Thanks!