https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-vest-motg-stumpifying-proportions-help-please-and-my-favorite-maxi-dress Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 19 Jun 2026 00:12:49 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-vest-motg-stumpifying-proportions-help-please-and-my-favorite-maxi-dress/page/2#post-1491956 Fri, 15 May 2015 05:47:07 +0000 Marley 1491956@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>ETA: &nbsp;Oh, so sorry! &nbsp;I just realized that I posted on the wrong thread! &nbsp;I "fixed" that by copying and pasting onto the other thread, so I'm just going to delete the rest of this text! &nbsp;Think it's time for me to go to bed!</p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-vest-motg-stumpifying-proportions-help-please-and-my-favorite-maxi-dress/page/2#post-1491389 Thu, 14 May 2015 01:04:09 +0000 Staysfit 1491389@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, once again, this is a very helpful suggestion. My big purchasing phase is over now. I have what I think of as a good core wardrobe and I can leisurely work on refinement. Learning about what makes the EF shirt awkward compared to the rest of my choices has been a perfect way to kick start this new phase of my closet/wardrobe development. I think some careful observation of what works on other people with similar proportions will be a perfect complement and help tremendously when I go to make any further purchases. </p> <p>This forum has been tremendously helpful. I learn something new every time I browse. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-vest-motg-stumpifying-proportions-help-please-and-my-favorite-maxi-dress/page/2#post-1491374 Thu, 14 May 2015 00:44:30 +0000 Suz 1491374@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Gaylene</b>, you are so right. The horizontal is important, too, and we seldom factor it in. Yet it really matters.&nbsp;</p> <p>You and <b>Staysfit</b> are <b>Una'</b>s and my "big sisters." Ha!!&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Staysfit,</b> I agree with you; we will wear similar style well. LUCKY you to be so tall -- lots of things will work on you that won't work so well on shortie me. Everything will appear more "square" &nbsp;on me vs. elongated &nbsp;and hence elegant on you. But in terms of necklines, I think we are very similar.&nbsp;</p> <p>And if you see an item on me that you really like, you can pretty much guarantee it will also work on you. Unless the length of the arms or legs is an issue. Note that I usually have to shorten sleeves on jackets (not always, but often) and I also have to hem my pants (always, unless worn cuffed) and often my skirts. So if you're ever curious, you can always ask!&nbsp;</p> <p>When I am in shopping mode, I look very carefully at WIWs and K/Rs by people who share my body type even if they don't completely share my style. Those that share both are of course a bonus! :)&nbsp;</p> <p>People I watch assiduously for this specific purpose (among others, of course!) &nbsp;Angie; Karie; Sveta (more of an hourglass but has some similarities). Also Viva. Ceit (when she's around). All are taller than I am. But what fits and looks good on them will (with some exceptions) tend to fit and look good on me in my own size. And the necklines and overall shapes that flatter them will probably flatter me also, again, with some modifications for specific figure issues.&nbsp;</p> <p>J. Crew tends to give you a terrific fit. It also works well on me as a rule. But -- get this -- I happen to know that <b>Gaylene</b> is also a J. Crew fan! Go figure. (I think she likes the knits, which give in the right places -- the sleeve/ shoulder).&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-vest-motg-stumpifying-proportions-help-please-and-my-favorite-maxi-dress/page/2#post-1491367 Thu, 14 May 2015 00:30:33 +0000 Staysfit 1491367@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gaylene these proportion pearls should be in another thread where they will be easier for everyone to find. I'm going to start one and I hope you will be willing to contribute your wisdom again in case people aren't looking at this post because it's a WIW. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-vest-motg-stumpifying-proportions-help-please-and-my-favorite-maxi-dress/page/2#post-1491363 Thu, 14 May 2015 00:21:57 +0000 Gaylene 1491363@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una and I share the same straight shoulders and broad, deep line if we turn sideways-- except my shoulders are positioned on a 5'7" frame and Una is much more petite, like Suz. Una's choices, however, would all work for me. </p> <p>I suspect that our intense focus on vertical proportions blinds us to the role that horizontal proportions can also play in our clothing choices. Outside of reducing (or increasing) the circumference of the body or hip area, most of us are stymied at figuring out horizontal proportions, to say nothing of depth proportions. I've learned the hard way that my relatively small-volume but wide-spaced, girls can make me look like Dolly Parton if the armhole is placed too low or too far on the arm. With a high, narrow armhole, I magically shed 20 pounds on my upper body. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-vest-motg-stumpifying-proportions-help-please-and-my-favorite-maxi-dress/page/2#post-1491342 Wed, 13 May 2015 23:43:16 +0000 Staysfit 1491342@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, that's interesting so I just took out my measuring tape and checked. At the moment I measure 37.5 inches in circumference around my shoulders, assuming I am measuring correctly, and I would also say that if I turn sideways I am very narrow, so I am mostly width not depth. I am essentially 5'9" tall. I never realized this, but at my current weight which is at the high end of my range, my hip measurement wearing jeans, and my shoulder measurement is identical. Oh, relief! My waist is not the same as the other two! </p> <p> I am not sure if my shoulders slope. It looks like they do in some pics and not others so I may just have really bad posture. </p> <p>Getting back on track, I'm not sure how height plays into all this, but assuming my shoulders don't slope, it would seem we have very similar builds in terms of the type of neck and shoulder lines that we can pull off. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-vest-motg-stumpifying-proportions-help-please-and-my-favorite-maxi-dress/page/2#post-1491336 Wed, 13 May 2015 23:36:54 +0000 Suz 1491336@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's right, Una -- patterns can definitely help!&nbsp;</p> <p>And in my daughter I have a perfect example of a true IT to whom I can compare myself. Her shoulders are both square AND broad or deep. So even though if you measure us across the front or back, the measurement is basically the same -- she cannot wear tops that I wear. And tops that work for her to do not work for me. She has a short neck, shoulder length hair, and a small bust. She is a fraction of an inch taller than me -- and needs to wear a size large sometimes in tops! Whereas I wear an XS. Go figure.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-vest-motg-stumpifying-proportions-help-please-and-my-favorite-maxi-dress/page/2#post-1491334 Wed, 13 May 2015 23:31:17 +0000 catgirl 1491334@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, I've noticed that you and I can wear some similar necklines.&nbsp; My shoulders and neck are truly at a right angle where they join, and they are broad and they are deep from front to back, and bulky (thanks, rock climbing).&nbsp; I have to consider both neck and shoulders to fit any neckline properly.&nbsp; I will break rules, of course - the Star Trek dress has a higher neckline than I usually wear, but it has enough V pattern that I think there's a little trompe l'oeil that helps. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-vest-motg-stumpifying-proportions-help-please-and-my-favorite-maxi-dress/page/2#post-1491322 Wed, 13 May 2015 23:00:10 +0000 Suz 1491322@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for all the affirmation, folks. Everything I know I learned from Angie and Claire.&nbsp;</p> <p>So..another point I wanted to make here: I actually have very wide square shoulders for my size. My shoulders are about 39" around. (And I am only 5'4"). But the width is all across --- there is no depth to them. My shoulders are not broad, but square and delicate. This is relevant. It allows me to wear some necklines that might not work on someone with a sloped shoulder/ long neck/ short hair. (I.e. I can "get away" with a few options that wouldn't work on someone with a sloped line.) But it does not allow me to "get away" with others -- if something is too oversized and too loosey goosey in that area, it will swamp me.&nbsp;</p> <p>Maybe it's similar for you.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-vest-motg-stumpifying-proportions-help-please-and-my-favorite-maxi-dress/page/2#post-1491305 Wed, 13 May 2015 22:42:49 +0000 catgirl 1491305@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>With regard to what Suz said, I agree because I am the opposite - I have a short neck and a very square,&nbsp;angular strong shoulder line - basically anything that looks great on Angie's neck is going look awful on me.&nbsp; The top you are wearing in 3 would sit perfectly on my neck and shoulders.&nbsp;&nbsp;The way&nbsp;Suz explained it&nbsp;makes total sense to me and has always been my sense intuitively.&nbsp;Thus, I aim for lower necklines, Vs, and soft flat collars that lie down as opposed to pop or sit higher.</p> <p>The maxi-dress is amazing on you!&nbsp; So jealous you can wear that look! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-vest-motg-stumpifying-proportions-help-please-and-my-favorite-maxi-dress/page/2#post-1491291 Wed, 13 May 2015 22:23:02 +0000 UK Sue 1491291@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As a fellow member of the short hair/long neck/slender frame brigade I would echo everything Suz said as fascinating and perfect on the subject. I also agree with Chiara about layering something deliberately tight under the top to provide contrast. Alternatively, if you decide to keep the crops and have them shortened a bit, perhaps you could get your alterations person to narrow the top by a couple of inches each side, which would be a fairly simple job. I think the colour of the top looks great on you - and the maxi dress is fab! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-vest-motg-stumpifying-proportions-help-please-and-my-favorite-maxi-dress/page/2#post-1491278 Wed, 13 May 2015 22:02:15 +0000 Chiara 1491278@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love the maxi dress!<br /> Top 3 is a difficult one- as others have commented, it is too square, too voluminous, and the sleeve cut is giving you long skinny arm (something I also develop in that style of sleeve). One way I have found to salvage these tops is to wear a long sleeved, very fitted plain t-shirt underneath, ideally it peaks out at the bottom too. Somehow, implying that this is a deliberate layer over a very fitting under layer makes things work better (still not the best, but better).<br /> When you have a long neck (something I share, with the arms), then neckline/shoulderline is very very important. It's the difference between gazelle and giraffe days! I'll be interested to hear what you discover about what works, as this is something I generally only recognise intuitively, I couldn't yet describe what I was looking for very well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-vest-motg-stumpifying-proportions-help-please-and-my-favorite-maxi-dress/page/2#post-1491271 Wed, 13 May 2015 21:51:43 +0000 Staysfit 1491271@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, a big lightbulb just went off with the concept of shoulder neck point (SNP). I went back and read some old blog posts and have been looking at some of my pics so I can understand the concept. I need to start thinking about this when I shop and dress. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-vest-motg-stumpifying-proportions-help-please-and-my-favorite-maxi-dress/page/2#post-1491170 Wed, 13 May 2015 17:12:04 +0000 Gaylene 1491170@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with Suz's analysis. That interplay between neckline, shoulder line, and sleeve is a critical area for many of us. Unfortunately, it's an area that doesn't get much discussion as compared to topics like lengthening the leg line. </p> <p>In my case, a high neckline requires a structured shoulder line and a slim sleeve with a high, narrow inset to counter the width of my shoulders. A drapey raglan sleeve on a boxy sweater only works for me if it is accompanied by a deep, narrow V neckline to give me the vertical structure I need to offset all that square boxiness. It takes a lot of trial and error to figure out the right combination of sleeve, neckline, and shoulder line, but it makes a huge difference to the overall proportions of an outfit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-vest-motg-stumpifying-proportions-help-please-and-my-favorite-maxi-dress/page/2#post-1491162 Wed, 13 May 2015 16:55:37 +0000 SandyG 1491162@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just chiming in to say the EF top, a gorgeous color, looks too big all over for your frame and droops in an unflattering way.</p> <p>IMHO if your pristine white crops are 5-6 years old, you probably don't like them enough to keep them. Let them go. Find a pair of skinny white cropped pants that make your heart sing, and you're on your way to a happy summer with your wardrobe.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-vest-motg-stumpifying-proportions-help-please-and-my-favorite-maxi-dress#post-1491158 Wed, 13 May 2015 16:44:25 +0000 Staysfit 1491158@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Suz! &nbsp; You have been so helpful as always. I need to find some time for a collar lab where I do exactly what you are suggesting and look at my pics and try on various iterations to see the effect! &nbsp; I also need to look up Angie's posts. &nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-vest-motg-stumpifying-proportions-help-please-and-my-favorite-maxi-dress#post-1491142 Wed, 13 May 2015 16:23:44 +0000 Suz 1491142@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's it, <b>Staysfit.</b> I would experiment a bit with some photos of things you have in your closet (or simply compare outfit pics from earlier) and also check out how Angie manages this. She has some blog posts where she discusses the issue as well.&nbsp;</p> <p>I do wear some tees etc. with slightly open necklines but I find I have to play with proportions elsewhere or I still get that "giraffe" look. And when I say "slightly" open, I mean slightly. Not true scoops or low Vs or wide, open necklines of any kind.&nbsp;</p> <p>I have one very oversized sweater. But the neckline is a crew, and the sleeves are very narrow. This makes all the difference.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-vest-motg-stumpifying-proportions-help-please-and-my-favorite-maxi-dress#post-1491115 Wed, 13 May 2015 14:56:31 +0000 Staysfit 1491115@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, I think I am understanding what you are saying about the neckline. &nbsp;I need to watch not only the neckline with my giraffe like neck, but the shoulder cut also, and how the two go together. &nbsp;This particular neckline doesn't have a defined enough shoulder line, it's too much drape and lack of structure in both the shoulder and the neckline. &nbsp;If I do a drapey shoulder I have to have some structure in the neck, etc. &nbsp;If I have structure in the neck, then I can have some drape in the shoulders, but not overdone because of my frame type, etc. &nbsp;I may be trying to oversimplify here?</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-vest-motg-stumpifying-proportions-help-please-and-my-favorite-maxi-dress#post-1491111 Wed, 13 May 2015 14:40:21 +0000 texstyle 1491111@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great outfits and such good advice, I can't really add anything more! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-vest-motg-stumpifying-proportions-help-please-and-my-favorite-maxi-dress#post-1491076 Wed, 13 May 2015 13:17:14 +0000 donnat 1491076@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love your outfits Staysfit. No wonder you love that dress, it is gorgeous on you. I was thinking you are a pretty hip looking doctor. This was like an outfit lab. I learned lots about that neckline. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-vest-motg-stumpifying-proportions-help-please-and-my-favorite-maxi-dress#post-1491075 Wed, 13 May 2015 13:01:49 +0000 lyn67 1491075@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This was like an outfit lab, great to read others wise comments and learn from, have nothing constructive to add:-). YLF in all, but understand the worries about feeling &nbsp;not your best in nr 3 and why. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-vest-motg-stumpifying-proportions-help-please-and-my-favorite-maxi-dress#post-1491071 Wed, 13 May 2015 12:49:57 +0000 Suz 1491071@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Staysfit...I hope I can speak openly as someone who has something of the same issue going on. </p> <p>The neckline of that top is neither too high, nor (technically) too low for you. You could wear a neckline of that depth successfully with a sharper, crisper shoulder line in the top. It is the combination of the shoulders/ sleeves/ neckline that do little favours to those of us with: short hair, necks on the long side, delicate frame.&nbsp;</p> <p>Angie is a great illustration of this; if you look carefully you'll note that she always keeps what she calls the <a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-what-is-the-shoulder-neck-point">shoulder-neckpoint </a>covered. This is to provide the structure that flatters those with our body type. (Note that you have done this in outfit #1 and #2.)</p> <p>My neck is a little shorter and thicker than Angie's, proportionately, so I can go for a slightly looser shoulder-neckpoint at times --- but <b>only very slightly.&nbsp;<br /></b><br />In general, I find the tops that flatter me best have:&nbsp;</p> <p>Turtlenecks, mock turtles, mandarins, shirt collars, high or NARROW Vs, boatnecks, envelope necks, crewnecks, jewel necks, Armani necklines.&nbsp;</p> <p>But the shoulder structure is equally important. Boatnecks work far far better with a set in sleeve. A raglan sleeve can work well if it is clearly demarcated as such (as in baseball style detailing) and the neckline is quite tidy. A dolman sleeve can work great but only with a higher, neat neckline.&nbsp;</p> <p>Dolman sleeve with low, wide neckline is basically a disaster on me. Makes me look messy and sloppy and square. Especially short sleeved versions where there is a broad horizontal line created.&nbsp;</p> <p>Here, the neckline is okay in itself, but combined with the shape of the sleeve and the lack of shoulder definition, it ends up looking off. In short, this top does not have enough structure for you.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-vest-motg-stumpifying-proportions-help-please-and-my-favorite-maxi-dress#post-1491005 Wed, 13 May 2015 09:17:44 +0000 Anonymous 1491005@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OMG. &nbsp;You look fabulous in numbers 1, 2, and 4. &nbsp;</p> <p>You do look stumpy in number 3. &nbsp;I am not an expert. &nbsp;My first thought is that you are showing a 1:1 ratio. &nbsp;The length of the top matches the length of the pants. &nbsp;Rather than being 1:3, which is attractive to most eyes, you are 1:1. &nbsp;The shirt is long. &nbsp;The pants are short. &nbsp;</p> <p>I am just starting to consider proportions and I am no an expert. So I defer to others that might be more knowledgeable. &nbsp;</p> <p>I do want to repeat that you look amazing in 1, 2, and 4. &nbsp;So your success rate is enviable. &nbsp;</p> <p>One last thought. &nbsp;Crops are hard. &nbsp;I rarely see them as flattering on most women. &nbsp;You could be exchanging comfort for a not quite flattering (NQF) look. &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-vest-motg-stumpifying-proportions-help-please-and-my-favorite-maxi-dress#post-1491000 Wed, 13 May 2015 09:10:21 +0000 Staysfit 1491000@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These are all great ideas. AJ, I never thought of pairing the vest with that EF top, but I bet it could work. I see no reason why not.</p> <p>I wonder why the neckline isn't working on this EF top? Is it too high? I typically wear higher necklines because of my long neck. What looks off about it? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-vest-motg-stumpifying-proportions-help-please-and-my-favorite-maxi-dress#post-1490999 Wed, 13 May 2015 09:01:20 +0000 Style Fan 1490999@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love #1,2 and 3.&nbsp; I really love #1.&nbsp; I am loving how you put together that outfit.&nbsp; Everything seems to be working.&nbsp; Your glasses are so cool.&nbsp; Your shoes, earrings and belt just add so much to the overall look without trying too hard.</p> <p>Crops are so difficult.&nbsp; I am not sure if shortening them would help.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-vest-motg-stumpifying-proportions-help-please-and-my-favorite-maxi-dress#post-1490984 Wed, 13 May 2015 05:52:37 +0000 AJ 1490984@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wonder if you add the vest in #1 and the shoes in #4 to your #3 outfit if that would help? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-vest-motg-stumpifying-proportions-help-please-and-my-favorite-maxi-dress#post-1490974 Wed, 13 May 2015 05:01:48 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1490974@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love 1, 2, and 4, also. These are super outfits on you. I like the new vest so much; it looks really cool with this outfit, and I bet it will dress up nicely also. The maxi dress looks in style to me. I really don't think 3 is bad, though I'd prefer the pants longer or shorter. I think shortening them into long bermudas is a great solution. That seems the key change to make here. I like the idea of a necklace that gives a V line, too (a long pendant style of some kind), though I think you could go without a necklace just as easily. I love the chunky earrings you're wearing and how they echo the sandal color. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-vest-motg-stumpifying-proportions-help-please-and-my-favorite-maxi-dress#post-1490962 Wed, 13 May 2015 04:05:34 +0000 Gigi 1490962@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For pic 3, what about trying some nude shoes, which would elongate your leg and help fix the proportions? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-vest-motg-stumpifying-proportions-help-please-and-my-favorite-maxi-dress#post-1490959 Wed, 13 May 2015 03:59:40 +0000 Suz 1490959@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes! Shortening them a bit is a fab idea. I'll bet you find them easier to wear if they are just below the knee.&nbsp;</p> <p>And of course you love the white!! I am so in favour of white pants for you it is not funny. :)&nbsp;</p> <p>I wear my white shorts, white jeans, and white linen pants more than anything else in summer. It sounds like you need a pair of white crops and that is why you hung onto them even though you are not crazy about them.&nbsp;</p> <p>I have serious crop problems. I don't have your fabulous long legs. &nbsp;Instead I have short calves. And in my opinion, unless I am wearing a 2 inch heel, I look badly proportioned in most crops. It works much better just below the knee -- which as it happens is also a good length for midi skirts on me.&nbsp;</p> <p>Even on taller women I think sometimes that particular proportion issue comes up.&nbsp;</p> <p>Thank you for the tip on the vest -- I will see if I can find! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-vest-motg-stumpifying-proportions-help-please-and-my-favorite-maxi-dress#post-1490957 Wed, 13 May 2015 03:50:17 +0000 DonnaF 1490957@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Re #3:&nbsp; The color is lovely on you, but I'm wondering if the top is too big?&nbsp; Your slight frame seems a bit overwhelmed. </p>