YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Ask Angie: What's the difference?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Ask Angie: What's the difference? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-difference Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 21 Apr 2026 11:29:52 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php N-Marie on "Ask Angie: What's the difference?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-difference/page/2#post-1336693 Thu, 21 Aug 2014 05:15:30 +0000 N-Marie 1336693@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow, this has been a really interesting read!  It has really crystallized the different overall styles I've seen from some of the regulars on this forum. I do wonder whether I tend to favor different styles in different environments. In my business capsule, I have lots of button downs and structured blazers, which to me portray a somewhat masculine presence, and make me feel more confident. But my "mommy" wardrobe is full of ponchos, roomy knits and long cardigans, which adapt to growing and shrinking waist and bust sizes and somehow feel more appropriate for the playground. Angie on "Ask Angie: What's the difference?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-difference/page/2#post-1336487 Thu, 21 Aug 2014 01:40:24 +0000 Angie 1336487@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suja, both types of drape are fluid or oversized. One is round and one is straight. Hope that makes sense. You like round cocoon styles because they taper back to the lower half of your body, which provides structure. That makes sense too.  Staysfit on "Ask Angie: What's the difference?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-difference/page/2#post-1336335 Wed, 20 Aug 2014 23:24:37 +0000 Staysfit 1336335@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ These ideas are so new that they will require several reads!  I am going to bookmark this post!    I am fairly sure that I am somewhere in the middle of the continuum. Too much fabric and I am swamped and overwhelmed;  too angular, or crisp and it just doesn't look right.  Perhaps my issues are secondary to having a very thin torso and upper body?  My height 5'9", curves, and wavy hair only help a moderate amount in allowing for some arty drape.  Since I do have curves, angular drape and crisp lines do not always work well for me, but there are times when they can.  I just need to keep looking for that happy medium, or perhaps mixing the two together would be the solution I'm looking for?   I am fairly certain that within this post there is an answer to why even though I am pear shaped, most A-line skirts do not look good on me.  (That last sentence seems very off track, but to me it is somehow related to the drape question) Suja on "Ask Angie: What's the difference?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-difference/page/2#post-1336184 Wed, 20 Aug 2014 19:48:20 +0000 Suja 1336184@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is a great discussion.  I have a large bust and prefer the fluid drape rather than the angular drape.  I think it is because the angular drape has to fit the biggest part of me and then it stands out from there.  The fluid drape can fit the largest part of me and then taper back so it creates more structure and figure flattery. Very informative thread.  Thanks for asking Alana. Aida on "Ask Angie: What's the difference?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-difference/page/2#post-1335176 Tue, 19 Aug 2014 18:26:17 +0000 Aida 1335176@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie would you believe I had never really thought of this idea until reading this thread? It was actually very eye opening, and I really enjoyed reading through everything here so thanks for asking about this Alana. And now I've got another drop in my 50/50 bucket, I dunno what my deal is Angie on "Ask Angie: What's the difference?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-difference/page/2#post-1334960 Tue, 19 Aug 2014 14:39:23 +0000 Angie 1334960@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ An excellent analysis and assessment, Aida. You are so good at that. xo Aida on "Ask Angie: What's the difference?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-difference/page/2#post-1334702 Tue, 19 Aug 2014 03:16:18 +0000 Aida 1334702@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Fun discussion! The continuum idea is a very useful one. I'm a petite IT (broad shoulder) with a curvy figure (hourglass secondary), but gravitate to angular volume; I generally dislike emphasizing my curves, but rather choose to contrast them. It does help that my ends are rather pointy, but the stuff in the middle is certainly curvy ;) So for me I tend to find items that fall in the middle of that continuum. For example angular volume but in soft materials that still allow for some curves to come through. I'd happily wear all of Angie's example outfits, but on me they would come across as curvier; again, that moves some of that angular volume along the continuum. To be able to sport the type of drape I like, however, I have to be very OK with waist surrender and wearing more volume than is generally advised for my shape. Which I am, because it makes me feel my best. I wouldn't feel happiest in truly angular or truly arty drape, and probably that's because I'm neither truly angular nor truly curvy. avicennia on "Ask Angie: What's the difference?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-difference/page/2#post-1334480 Mon, 18 Aug 2014 23:13:46 +0000 avicennia 1334480@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Such a great thread. Now I understand why Angie wrote that Firecrackers most recent post with the flounced skirt is arty. Marlene on "Ask Angie: What's the difference?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-difference#post-1334304 Mon, 18 Aug 2014 18:45:54 +0000 Marlene 1334304@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi everyone!  I finally am finding this thread.  I guess I wanted to just comment that I was defining the variations of drape in the same way that Angie defined it (so yay me, I got something right!).  All the drapey cardis that I purged definitely are more of the arty style...soft, rounded lines.  I just have felt like I am over that for myself going forward.  However, I am really enjoying the drape I get when I don't do up my moto-style jackets...or some other volume created by angular lines.   The other thing I am enjoying about this new drapey style (new for me!) is when I combine an arty-drapey top under an angular-drapey topper.  Or visa-versa,  I really like the combo of the two.  Last year, I would have done arty over arty.  But now that just feels too much. I agree that the drapey concept is a continuum and I like blending a little from both ends.  I'm also really excited by the all-angular concept.  And my new knowledge about structure is really helping me to  I still have not resolved the issue about what topper I want to get but all this discussion is definitely helping me to define what direction to go.   SandyG on "Ask Angie: What's the difference?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-difference#post-1334243 Mon, 18 Aug 2014 16:56:57 +0000 SandyG 1334243@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Alana, your description of 'classroom' is spot on. This discussion is a study session  Sooooo useful for this petite. Suz on "Ask Angie: What's the difference?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-difference#post-1334231 Mon, 18 Aug 2014 16:43:32 +0000 Suz 1334231@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, Angie! Also, Alana, another point, to go along with Angie's point about structure above -- -- a maximal style can be achieved in ways that have nothing to do with arty drape and arty drape can be quite minimal looking -- just look at Eileen Fisher's collections for examples.  For examples of forum members with quite "maximal" styles that don't depend on drape, check out Ms. Mary's workwear posts or much of Goldenpig's work capsule (not all, since her shadow style includes All Saints). They pattern mix, accessorize with joy, employ exciting colour combos, wear visible layers, and in general have a party with their clothes!  :)  For an example of a fairly minimal style that includes a lot of drape and volume, check out Alaskagirl's posts.  A completely different version can be found on Mo. Very Rocker-girl-meets-Grecian-goddess.  And still another on Shevia, who's really neither minimal nor maximal but her own unique species of gorgeousness. At least IMO.  Angie on "Ask Angie: What's the difference?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-difference#post-1334224 Mon, 18 Aug 2014 16:35:46 +0000 Angie 1334224@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Not quite, Alana. Angular drape in NOT structured. It's still voluminous (or fluid), but made up of straight and not curved lines. I look forward to commenting on your next thread about combining the two in one outfit.  Ah, Suz. You reminded me about ruffles. I need to write a post about that. Thanks, and high five for the umpteenth time on this thread. xo And excellent point, Diana. Seeing these two types of drapey volume on a continuum is accurate. I echo everything you said too.  Suz on "Ask Angie: What's the difference?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-difference#post-1334218 Mon, 18 Aug 2014 16:30:35 +0000 Suz 1334218@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So glad you chimed in, Diana. You are so right in everything you say. I would agree that the first two style combine arty and angular. Straight lines in #1 and diagonals in #2. But also softness because they are knits and probably a bit oversized.  Jen W. -- bingo! A structured silk blouse or a fluid knit are my go-tos if I want a softer look also.  Jen W on "Ask Angie: What's the difference?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-difference#post-1334177 Mon, 18 Aug 2014 15:44:50 +0000 Jen W 1334177@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Fantastic thread! This is the kind of education that helps me make fewer mistakes moving forward. I have broad shoulders and an athletic build. I haven't been able to make waterfall cardigans work on me, but how I love them on others! Same issue with ruffles as Suz mentioned. I'm far from petite, but my lack of curves make these curvier styles a challenge for me. Button down shirts are good on me, but when I want a softer look, a structured silk blouse seems to be the best solution. Now I have a better understanding of why it works. Diana on "Ask Angie: What's the difference?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-difference#post-1334174 Mon, 18 Aug 2014 15:41:50 +0000 Diana 1334174@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What Angie said.  But I'll also add that perhaps, Alana, it is better to think about this in terms of a continuum rather than two extremes with nothing in the middle, you know?  They are not mutually exclusive and you don't have to categorize anything as one or the other.  I would say both of your examples in the first post combine some aspects of arty and angular.  So, for example, while I love rounded, arty, voluminous draping, I also prefer to have some shoulder strucutre in my draped garments.  Therefore I don't tend to prefer things like dropped shoulders or extreme cocoon shapes.  This is because I don't have naturally strong or broad shoulders, so I prefer to have some structure there to avoid looking like Quasimodo.  Regarding body type, super structured, angular drape like Angie wears does not work on someone shaped like me.  The curves of my body fight with the straight lines on the garment and tend to distort them so they don't look right.  The only way around this is to size way up on the angular garment so that it falls straight over my widest part (hips), which then makes me look enormous.  Also, something that looks angular on Angie (for example, her silk shirtdress) would actually look rounded on me, because the soft fabric will fall and conform differently on our bodies.  If I wanted a really angular look in a shirtdress, I would HAVE to get one in a stiff, crisp cotton, and then I run into the problem I mentioned above, where it makes me look like an enormous block the width of my hips all the way down.  Others have mentioned above that being tall helps with wearing arty or voluminous drape.  I'll just say here that I am 5'3.5".  Yes, a lot Eileen Fisher swallows me up, but other brands (say, allsaints) are cut shorter and are fine.  I do have a very long leg line though, which I have to admit does help a great deal.  Shannon is shorter than me and wears EF and other similarly arty styles very well though! Alana in Canada on "Ask Angie: What's the difference?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-difference#post-1334171 Mon, 18 Aug 2014 15:40:25 +0000 Alana in Canada 1334171@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ No worries about hijacking at all. This isn't a personal discussion--more of a classroom thing, if that makes sense. Chat away! The details are the way I understand things. Sometimes I miss seeing the forest, but I do find my way through the trees, eventually. Suz on "Ask Angie: What's the difference?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-difference#post-1334162 Mon, 18 Aug 2014 15:29:36 +0000 Suz 1334162@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, me, too, Angie! Love them! I think in some ways I love them the more because I can wear them the less. At least I get to appreciate them somewhere out in the world. :)  Sorry for hi-jacking, Alana. But I hope others will find it useful.  I think in the end the best thing you can do is try on, take pictures, try on. And make a few mistakes. I mostly know what doesn't work from having made some mistakes.  For instance, ruffles were still trending when I joined YLF. So I bought this ruffled front blouse. I really liked it in theory and it was a sober navy blue which I thought mitigated its softness a bit. Plus, you know, a ruffle down the front should be good for making my non-existent bust look a bit more substantial. But but but....it was just MEH on me!!! I never felt good in it.  I've since decided that I probably could do a lace front detail vs. an outright ruffle if I want to look like a Romantic Dandy. Or put it on the cuff instead. Something.  Alana, it's the analysis of these details that makes fashion an endless fascination!  Alana in Canada on "Ask Angie: What's the difference?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-difference#post-1334161 Mon, 18 Aug 2014 15:26:24 +0000 Alana in Canada 1334161@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So, angular drape=volume from straight lines=is also called structured=minimal style curvy drape=volume created from curved lines=is also called arty=also called round=maximal style. Both the styles above would be considered "round" or curvy drape--but the cardigan below is more angular. Perhaps this is why I am not terribly happy in all those "american classic" pieces--in light of this discussion, they strike me as having angular drape, like the cardigan below. Another question for you: how successful can we be is wearing the two kinds of drape together-or curvy with curvy? I will start a separate post on this this evening as I have some tops and cardigans in mind but I don't want to order them until I know something about what I am doing, lol. Angie on "Ask Angie: What's the difference?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-difference#post-1334155 Mon, 18 Aug 2014 15:15:49 +0000 Angie 1334155@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I relate to that wholeheartedly, Suz. But I LOVE flounces and waterfalls on Diana, Debs and Sharan. So perfect on them. I'm sure there are other forum members I'm forgetting. I've only had one cuppa this morning. xo JayS on "Ask Angie: What's the difference?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-difference#post-1334154 Mon, 18 Aug 2014 15:14:23 +0000 JayS 1334154@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Alana..thanks for starting this discussion. A lot to mull over here. Suz on "Ask Angie: What's the difference?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-difference#post-1334152 Mon, 18 Aug 2014 15:10:58 +0000 Suz 1334152@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for indulging my question, Angie. And yes, that is right. I think Debs manages flaps like that because she has an inherent understanding of where on her body they need to be placed, proportionately -- and she goes for open collared types rather than those with an actual collar. And those with some movement, rather than stiffness.  As for flouncy, the very word sets my teeth on edge (in relation to myself, that is. Not others.) So yes, you are right. I even like my patterns straight rather than rounded. Stripes and angles for the win!  :)  Angie on "Ask Angie: What's the difference?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-difference#post-1334143 Mon, 18 Aug 2014 15:02:31 +0000 Angie 1334143@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ EXACTLY, Suz. Our body types are suited to simple modern classic pieces - and boyish ones at that - which is probably one of the reasons we are consistently drawn to them. Stiff boxy tuxedo shirt feels perfect. Soft flouncy blouse feels off. Straight lines versus Curvy Lines. I rest my case.  The toppers Alana linked to are a little more arty than angular - only slightly though. The flaps can be very annoying on a larger bust but not impossible. Debs wears those flaps all the time and has a larger bust. It's a personal thing.  Suz on "Ask Angie: What's the difference?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-difference#post-1334131 Mon, 18 Aug 2014 14:54:11 +0000 Suz 1334131@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ High five, back, Angie -- your example has been so helpful and has allowed me to feel okay in the classic tailored items that suit me.  Question -- would you classify the sweaters that Alana linked to as "arty drape" or "angular"? They look like they could swing either way, so to speak -- and might be potentially flattering on several body types, depending on the actual fabrication and the fit, of course.  The first has some strong vertical lines. And the second has the angular collar.  My guess is that it might be harder for someone with a large bust to wear the exaggerated collar version. But someone with too small a shoulder line or bust could be drowned in it.  Angie on "Ask Angie: What's the difference?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-difference#post-1334130 Mon, 18 Aug 2014 14:52:34 +0000 Angie 1334130@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Good point about Firecrackers curly hair, Suz. An excellent observation that complements her Arty Drape. (Sharan, thanks for letting us use you as a stellar example). xo Angie on "Ask Angie: What's the difference?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-difference#post-1334127 Mon, 18 Aug 2014 14:49:53 +0000 Angie 1334127@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ High five, Suz. We have very similar body types, which is why we gravitate to the same types of silhouettes that make us feel fab.  Ramp models generally drown in arty drape - because their straight bodies can't fill out the curve. Their extremely broad shoulders help carry the style though, as does their 6 ft height.  Suz on "Ask Angie: What's the difference?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-difference#post-1334122 Mon, 18 Aug 2014 14:46:37 +0000 Suz 1334122@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh - yes - Firecracker -- the exception that proves the rule!! :)  I think I know (partly) why, too -- her wavy locks help "soften" her overall look. Also, she makes and fits most of her arty items herself, so the fit is impeccable; she doesn't have to compromise there the way many women do.  Suz on "Ask Angie: What's the difference?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-difference#post-1334120 Mon, 18 Aug 2014 14:45:11 +0000 Suz 1334120@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, Angie!! :)  Yup. I really like Eileen Fisher styles, Alana -- love the movement of the fabric and the minimalist tendency of the overall style. But....alas....in the first place, the fits of most of these items are off for me -- I am "sized out." And in the second place, even if the fit is right, I don't fill out most of the shapes enough to make them look wonderful.  How come they work so well on those skinny models, you wonder? Well, maybe the models are not sized out, for one thing. And they have the advantage of height. And many are IT body types with very wide shoulder lines -- I have a square shoulder, too (which helps) but is just not enough combined with my relatively petite height.  I like items with round draping, too, but they just kind of sit there on me. You can see this a lot on models, actually. Many draped items look awful on models, even styled as well as the stylists can muster. Or else they are pinned up the yin-yang to get them to look okay.  Like Angie, I look effortlessly good in a button up shirt. Ditto a tailored jacket. And in asymmetrical angles. I can wear oversized and voluminous if it is simple, mostly straight lined, and not too exaggerated. So that is how I get my drape.  Angie on "Ask Angie: What's the difference?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-difference#post-1334112 Mon, 18 Aug 2014 14:37:54 +0000 Angie 1334112@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ As for body type - there are no hard and fast rules. Very generally though, arty drape is suited to curvier figures because the curves work with the curves on the body. Angular drape tends to work on straighter bodies for the same reason. Put me in arty drape and I drown in the style. There are no curves on my body to help fill out the flounces and waterfalls. Put me in angular drape and the planets align. That's why curvier ladies tend not to like wearing boyish roomy button down shirts (angular drape) - but my straighter body was made for them.  BUT, curvier bods CAN wear angular drape and vice versa. Firecracker has a straighter bod and wears Arty Drape to perfection.  High five, Joy. xo Anonymous on "Ask Angie: What's the difference?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-difference#post-1334111 Mon, 18 Aug 2014 14:36:36 +0000 Anonymous 1334111@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am almost sure that Angie blogged about this and even included photo examples, which I think included one of her wearing a white or ivory jacket, but I can't find it. It may have been part of an outfit post. I remember because the structured vs soft drape really resonated with me and why I was making drape mistakes. Maybe someone else can find it. The structured drape was exactly that, volume that stood out a bit on the garment. ETA: cross posted with Angie. It's sorted. Angie on "Ask Angie: What's the difference?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-difference#post-1334108 Mon, 18 Aug 2014 14:34:14 +0000 Angie 1334108@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm here. xo Suz and Shevia are spot on. I'm not sure what Marlene meant, but I do know what I mean. Both styles of drape are unstructured and voluminous - but the vibes are very different.  Arty Drape - think of what Boston Diana, Seattle Firecracker and Australian Deborah wear. Their voluminous drape is ROUND. No straight lines. Lots of flaps, curves, flounces, waterfalls and cocoon shapes. Maximal. the examples you linked to are more arty than angular.  Angular Drape - think of what I wear (and Suz, Inge, Sveta and Tanya too). The volume is not created by curved lines, but by straight lines. No flounces or waterfalls. Minimal. Check the visuals below. Hope that makes sense.