06/04 WIW: soft blouse, bermuda, and casual heels

Tried Angie's recent formula.

silver-tone hoop earrings
Zara light blue top - thrifted (2012)
white shorts - ? old
chambray wedges - Famous Footwear (2011)

Question: I think I'm fairly balanced between torso and legs. I struggle though when I wear longer tops/tunics. I feel like my legs look shorter and I appear wider. Is there a trick to wearing these softer blouses?

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

14 years ago

What I Wore

16 replies

Latest reply was from Aida

fashionista

Veteran

Cool and casual. So laid back but put together. Loved it. That blouse color suits you so much.

14 years ago

Kiwichik

Veteran

AJ you look lovely & slim and your legs most definitely DO NOT look short.

14 years ago

ManidipaM

Veteran

Very crisp, AJ! How about a semi-tuck? That should take care of the leg line...

Other than that, leaving a few bottom buttons undone could do the job, or a slim belt to point out your waistline (hence where 'legs' start). I find shirts with a tunic cut, either with a higher curved hemline (so the sides are between waist and hipbone somewhere) or with side vents avoids this issue in longer lengths. You also do the tied waist look so well, but that loses the length and flow.

14 years ago

Kristin L

Veteran

That looks great on you! It looks like you're ready for summer.

14 years ago

Anonymous

Perfect casual outfit. Those sandals look great with the top.

14 years ago

Jjsloane

Veteran

I think you look great, and agree a semi tuck would work here too, but you might try the longer tops with slimmer or more tapered bottoms to see if that helps balance you. I know we're back to the dreaded ice cream cone, but this is one silhouette I've re-embraced and I think it fits with Angie's formula.

14 years ago

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I think this looks great! It is sort of volume on volume, but there is no way your legs look short or you look wide.

14 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

AJ, I have this same feeling (about myself, I mean, not you!)

I think in your case, it could be camera angle, in part. How high is that camera positioned?

In my case - my legs and torso are exactly balanced, as a matter of fact - BUT it still looks as if I have shorter legs because of the way those proportions are arranged. (I think it has to do with having a fairly long rise relative to my waist, but I'm not sure). And in objective terms, because I am not tall, even if they are more proportionate than they seem, my legs are just not long!!

Anyway, on myself I find long loose tops only work with tapered bottoms. A wedge definitely helps me feel a bit more comfortable about my leg line, too, and I know you often wear wedges.

I may be unusually sensitive about this. I can't wear a real tunic top at all. (I mean a top longer than the one you have on...one that comes below the crotch). I just think it looks awful on me. Makes my legs look almost nonexistent! But that's from my mirror view. Maybe I need to take more pics to see.

14 years ago

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I like the soft colour palette here and the "breezy" feel to the whole outfit. Your legs do not look shorter or wider, believe me. I do think Suz might have a point with the more tapered bottoms - but I don't think it's essential.

14 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I like the concept and the colours!

I'd love to see you taper those shorts, AJ. More modern and flattering to my eye - if that makes a difference. I also think you'd prefer wearing a shorter boxy blouse.

14 years ago

HelenInCanada

Veteran

This is as minimalist as I've seen you, AJ! Not to say this doesn't look simply lovely and cool for summer. I feel like it needs something - not sure what though!

14 years ago

celia

Veteran

Although I like as is, I am glad you asked about porportions because I feel th same about my own porportions.
You look fresh and summery.

14 years ago

Veteran

Thanks for the replies and great advice!

@ManidipaM - I will keep an eye out for those tunics with the higher sides. Thanks!

@Jjsloane - I guess I need to embrace the dreaded ice cream cone. : P

@Suz - The camera is about 10 feet away from me at chest height. We must have similar proportions because I also have a long rise making my legs seem visually short. I do think you are right about pairing tunics with tapered bottoms. I'll have to look into getting the legs on these shorts narrowed. Those chambray sandals are wedges but less than 2 inches, so I guess not helping in the leg lengthening department.

@Angie - I don't feel comfortable wearing pants/shorts with tops that don't cover the crotch and bum. I always feel that the front crotch triangle made by the pants/shorts looks strange. Maybe I just need to adjust my eyes?

@HelenInCanada - Do you mean minimalist in terms of accessories or void of pattern and print? HOT days force me to forgo jewelry, but I can see what you mean about the solids lacking a little print excitement.

14 years ago

christieanne

Veteran

I have the same problem with a long top/tunic I think. If your top was two or three inches shorter would that bother you? I am thinking of having some woven tops hemmed shorter but considering the investment in that is slowly me down.

I do think you look polished and ready for the heat. Embracing a new style that actually is functional and helps you deal with something like heat might take some adjustment but could be worthwhile for the end result.

14 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Aida told me that the camera should be about hip to waist high for a more accurate indication. Chest high will still foreshorten, I believe. (Or at least that's what I am telling myself!! )

My wedges are mostly just two inches, too...higher would no doubt be better, but I'm not comfortable in shorts with high heels. (Or in high heels generally, to tell the truth!)

You are fortunate that your legs are lovely and slender so even if short, they are still nicely shaped! And you do not look wide.

How about trying a few tops that end above the crotch to see? I tend to wear mine on the shorter end of what Angie says is best with trousers (she says about 1-3 inches above the crotch) entirely in the hope that it will fool people into thinking my legs are longer. I have no idea if it works. Probably not!

14 years ago

Aida

Veteran

I was going to say what Angie said: taper the shorts (which should help a lot on its own), and that a shorter top would go a long way here. I think with this particular top, shorter shorts would be needed to get the balance you're after (though you may not wear shorter shorts). A high-low hem top could also work.

(Suz, yep that's right. You basically want the camera in the middle of your body, so the lense curve is the same on top and bottom. Make sense?)

13 years ago

Category