30 x 30 Challenge (Week 3) - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Dressing

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

30 x 30 Challenge (Week 3)

Anonymous

This has been my most successful challenge ever in terms of a learning experience. I am not even sure I can articulate how much I have absorbed over the course of a mere two weeks. I've been trying to loosely keep track of the information so that I can draft a final challenge post.

I am continuing with the challenge. My focus has shifted slightly. My new goal is to post a series of pictures of one garment in my wardrobe that might have fit issues. I am going to ask Forum Members for their opinion based on a series of WIWs. My plan is to do one a day. I want you to know that my feelings are rarely ever hurt. So do not be afraid of using brutal honesty. Remember it is a learning experience for me.

Day 15. I am continuing to experiment with my Old Navy Velvet Top. Today I am combing the top with Kut from the Kloth dark blue jeans.

This post has 3 photos. 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.

Boyfriend Velvet Top for Women

View Info

Top Pick

2

Dressing

51 replies

Latest reply was from

Windchime

Veteran

I love your velvet top and accessories. I sadly put my velvet tee away for a few months because short sleeves aren't warm enough, even with a topper.

Toban

Veteran

Sounds like a good plan, Sterling. I really like this velvet top and it has been very versatile in the 30x30 thus far. That's a very pretty necklace.

karen13

Veteran

You are showing such discipline in this challenge. I am glad you are reaping the benefits and I am looking forward to your sharing your thoughts.

Gorgeous stone in that pendant. I love the velvet top, and have searched forever for one in a petite version that looked good and fit. I had good success with making an easy crushed velvet draped neck shell last week, so I may try drafting a t shirt since I have the machine out.

SarahD8

Veteran

I love hearing how the challenge is evolving for you and others, Sterling. The pendant you have chosen for today looks like it will go so nicely with the velvet top. I can’t wait to see the WIW.

It might help if along with your photos you tell us a bit more about how you want items to fit. (For example, I like a fluid fit on my top half so I tend to size up a bit in tops and am happy with that although I do not want to appear sloppy. Others might prefer a more tailored or even bodycon fit so “fits right” would not be universal.)

Anonymous

Windchime -- It was a little cool to be wearing short sleeves today! I had a doctor's appointment and left my coat on the entire time. I'm home now and I feel ever so much more toasty.

Hi Toban and Karen13. The necklace is a Boulder Opal. I don't wear it enough. I got it out during this challenge period and have made it a point to wear it. I am thoroughly enjoying it again.

Sarah -- You bring up such a good point. I do not like anything to be binding or restrictive. I do like a more fluid fit (but not sloppy). I am tall and worry a great deal about whether the length in both tops and bottoms is correct. On a side note, I wore a semi-tailored button down shirt on Friday and I got so many positive comments!!! I made a note that that particular shirt has to come out of the closet more often.

My picture taking capabilities are limited to a cellphone with only bathroom light and a narrow mirror. I tried to capture pictures showing the fit of the Kut from the Kloth Jeans.

1 and 2 -- excess fabric along the thigh. Does not bother me in these jeans, but excess fabric in the thigh area is something that is common among all my pants. Tailor?

3 -- Oversized waist. The waist extends to the knuckle on my hand. This might be a problem. The pants slip off my hips without a belt. But most important, does the rise get higher if the waist fits poorly. All of my pants seem to be riding higher in the rise (or at least giving that illusion).

4 and 5 -- tried to illustrate the shoulder seam of the Old Navy top. It is tagged as "boyfriend" so it is supposed to be oversized by design. The fit is really comfortable. I am not inclined to believe there is any issue with the shoulder seams, but I will of course defer to the collective wisdom of the Forum.

This post has 6 photos. 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.

Joy

Veteran

Those jeans just look at least a couple of sizes too big. Tailoring pants can be iffy as to the fit result. It has always been a fail for me but my extra fabric is in the back creating baggy butt. Maybe that cannot be fixed although I know they do it on men's trousers.
The velvet tee is fab. A have a couple from NAS but the short sleeves have kept them out of this capsule. I do need to figure out how and when to wear them as the fabric is too warm for warm weather.

SarahD8

Veteran

Agree that the jeans look too big, especially when I compare how they fit on the model in the find vs. on you. Since they are too big in both the waist and the legs, I think you could size down.

I'm not sure of the answer to your question about the rise. (On me, too big in the waist always = pants slip down, not ride up.)

The velvet tee looks great. Fluid fit without being sloppy. Total keeper. (I have to say I am amused at the idea of a velvet tee being marketed as "boyfriend." I have never had a boyfriend who wore a velvet tee -- more's the pity, honestly!)

Toban

Veteran

Thanks for sharing your outfit from different angles for feedback.

I agree with Joy and SarahD8 that those jeans are way too big. Any jean that falls off your hips without a belt is probably two sizes to big. Of course, you could play with the volume in a purposeful, relaxed way, but it would need a slim fitting top. This outfit has volume-on-volume so it's coming across as not quite right.

The top is lovely and, while slightly too big in the shoulders, it comes across intentional and appropriate. However, it needs a slim fitting bottom or skirt, perhaps with just a partial/semi-tuck. I have a couple tops where I am purposefully going for this volume and drape, eg. see find below. When I wear it, I tuck it in on one hip and allow the rest to drape over straight or boot cut jeans or my pencil skirt. It loses some waist definition, but the motion of the top gives the waist definition that the outfit needs.

Stretch jersey top with seam detail

View Info

Top Pick

2

Mainelady

Veteran

Your challenge is helping many of us learn more about ourselves and our wardrobes. Thank you!
Your velvet tee is lovely. I like the jewelry you are putting with it. I agree that your jeans have too much fabric. They look too big on you. I wonder if a different style jean would work better for you. There is so much more to fit than just size. I think a pair of skinny jeans would look great on you and with that luscious tee.

Emily K

(website)

Veteran

Omg, Sterling! You asked us to be brutal, so here goes!

Those pants are pretty big on you. Rise seems to get proportionally longer as the size gets larger, so that might account for what you are seeing with the jeans. In addition, I observe that fabric stretches mostly in one direction, so a tighter fit girth-wise tends to shrink-up some length and a looser fit (again girth-wise) tend to let out some length.

Also, I think the top might be a size too large as well because I see that the shoulder seam is not at the point of the shoulder, but beyond. It still looks loose in the cut, so maybe still easy fitting in a smaller size.

PS--I, too, appreciate brutal honesty--keep that in mind when you look at any WIW's that I post and let me know your most critical thoughts!

ETA: I really like your outfit concept and, especially, the shoes and jewelry.

Anonymous

I am so relieved that others agree that the jeans are too big. I think they are too. I own three pairs of these jeans (three different shades of navy blue). Until I can find better fitting jeans, I will wear these only around the house after work or on telework days. I will retire them immediately after I find a better fitting replacement.

I am also oddly relieved that the velvet shirt. I really like it a lot. The color is rich. The fabric feels wonderful. Joy -- You do have to think about how and when you want to wear your velvet because I can't imagine velvet in warmer months.

Thank you for your suggestions, Toban. I am taking notes and making changes. I do have slim fitting bottoms that I can pair that shirt with. I experiment.

On a side note. The only garment that people in real life have commented on seeing repeatedly is the velvet top. It does stand out. I wore it three time in January.

Emily -- You don't have a brutal bone in your body. I value honesty more than any other trait. I will be replacing these jeans post haste.

LaPed

Veteran

Jeans are definitely too big. Also, Kut jeans tend to be quite stretchy and can "grow" over the course of a day. I think SAs often advise people to size down in them. If you have extra room in both waist and thighs, definitely try going down a couple sizes. If pants are consistently too roomy in the thighs when they fit well at the waist, you might want to consider skinny or slim-straight fits, as there's a good chance a skinny leg will still look/feel a bit relaxed on you, but much trimmer.

I think the velvet tee looks good, I like the loose/relaxed fit. And it will look even better once you figure out some jeans with less volume through the legs.

The way you're evolving and updating your challenge is really interesting and I can't wait to see how it plays out!

Anonymous

Thank you, LaP! The Challenge did take an abrupt right turn, didn't it? But I am learning so much! I'm going to post pictures every day for the rest of the month for feedback. I will act on that feedback.

The velvet tee shirt remains part of my Challenge. The jeans will be washed and retired.

1. Faded Glory Ponte Pants in Grey
2. Caslon Long Sleeve Tee Shirt in Navy
--. Grey Long Line Cardigan in Mottled Grey (DONATED)
--. Kut from the Kloth Jeans in Beautitude (RETIRED)
3. Gap Short Sleeved Tee Shirt in White
4. NEW Landsend Cardigan in Navy
--. Nordic Track Half Zip Fleece Top (DONATED)
5. Old Navy Boyfriend Velvet Top in Medium Blue
6. Kut from the Kloth 'Diana' Ponte Pants in Black
7. Gap Cotton Cashmere Shawl Cardigan
--. Landsend Short Sleeved Knit Top in Fresh Blue (DONATED)
8. Eileen Fisher Slim Ponte Pant in Charcoal
9. Eileen Fisher Short Sleeved Silk Top in Magenta
10. Old Navy Cardigan in Medium Grey
11. Brooks Brothers Tailored Fit White Dress Shirt in White.

karen13

Veteran

What everyone else said. The jeans are far too big and not worth tailoring if it is both waist and thigh. I have different fit issues so can't advise on longer slim fit pants brands, but I hear you on struggling with length. Most petite pants are about 3/4" short for me if I wear a 1" heel. I recently did a DIY release hem to account for this on a new non returnable pair. Or you might try tall lengths and hem as needed. The tailoring works best on straight and skinny; bootcut and flares can have knee break problems. But look out for the rise increasing as you move into talls.

I think jeans and heavier fabric pants need to be a bit more tailored, while softer fabrics can be a bit more fluid in fit, and still look good. Look for pants the fit in the waist and that don't have a double topstitched outside seam. They can be taken in at the hip/thigh pretty easily, but if they are distressed or prewashed, it can look funky.

I love that velvet T on you so much, I'd love to see you with two, this one and a size down.

Katerina

Veteran

I echo what Toban has said - exactly what I think as well.

Anonymous

Karen and Katerina -- I too was wondering if a size down in the velvet might not be more successful. I bought that shirt on sale right before the Holidays. It is sold out.

I am learning valuable lessons. I almost always buy "my size" and I rarely compare different sizes of the same garment.

I see the error now. Toban is right. I have to take multiple sizes into a dressing room and try them all on, regardless of the label. This means that my shopping routine will change dramatically in 2018. Historically I did all of my shopping over the internet. Starting in February I will journey to the mall once a week and actually try on clothes. February will be a learning month. I will try things and experiment. I will practice evaluating "fit." I will also force myself to try new retail stores. Right now, I go to the exact same stores on repeat.

Anonymous

Day 16. I have a long day ahead of me. I want to be dressed appropriately for work and a doctor's appointment in the late afternoon. I decided to wear my Eileen Fisher Slim Ponte Pant in Charcoal combined with a long sleeve knit sweater (new to the Challenge).

The long sleeve sweater should be a "Best Buy." But I never reach for it. In fact, I literally have to make myself wear it . I don't now why. Is the knit too thick and warm? Is the color wrong for me? Is it more "form fitting" than I am used to wearing? Does the material somehow irritate me? I don't have answers for any of these questions. Perhaps when you see pictures you can help me. I'll be in the office so at least the pictures will be better lighted.

Again, please feel free to give me your honest feedback. I can take it,

This post has 4 photos. 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.

Katerina

Veteran

Hi Sterling! I think the sweater suits you very well and I like it a lot. The v-neck is very nice and it looks pretty with your pearls. It is difficult to asses whether the colour is "your" colour as your hair and eye colour is not visible. However, it is a lovely neutral colour which can easily be "modified" by a colourful necklace or a colourful scarf. This should be a good sweater to layer in really cold weather too.

Toban

Veteran

The sweater looks great but I can’t tell if it suits your coloring. I like its length but I wonder if you find it too short? We all have our favorite lengths.

In the first picture the pants look great, but the other pictures reveal that they are much too big. Way too much excess fabric in thigh and rear area. A size down would be super slimming and flattering.

SarahD8

Veteran

I think the sweater fits you beautifully— very flattering!

I also noticed that it looks a bit shorter than some of the other tops I’ve seen you wear. It doesn’t look wrong or bad, but maybe the length is not as comfortable to you. Have you measured it vs. one of your favorite pieces?

It also looks like a warmer gray to me. Could you treat it almost like silver (it is fab against the shoes you are wearing today) and maybe add one of your signature blues in a scarf or necklace?

I hope your doctor appointment goes well!

Joy

Veteran

The pants and sweater fit you beautifully. I have a similar sweater that I had intended for my 30x30 and maybe I need to add it for assessment. It seems too warm and is a bit scratchy. Maybe I will add it today.
You are doing an amazing job. Only 11 items and over half way through! I wish I were finding as many donations as you are. You look fabulous!
I especially like your silver flats with the greys. Your pearls fit perfectly in the sweater neckline.

Anonymous

Toban -- I can't begin to tell you how helpful your assessments have been to me. I am grateful. I may not retire these pants just yet because they serve me well during the Winter months. They do fit me in the waist, but there is excess fabric in the thighs. I hadn't noticed the excess fabric in the rear until you mentioned it. Egads. I now wonder how I've been dressing over the course of the past six or so months ....

Katerina and Toban -- Laughing because it never occurred to me that you cannot judge if the sweater looks good on me because you can't see my coloring. I am not yet ready to post much more than my outfits for the time being though.

Joy -- I have such a small number of items because I have not had much social life going on in January. The donations/retirements also detract from the overall numbers. That doesn't mean I haven't been experimenting!! Post a picture of your sweater and let the collective wisdom of the Forum help you too!!!

Sarah -- The doctor's appointment is for my BF. I am merely his driver for the time being. I truly hope it goes well too. It has been an interesting start to 2018 for him.

I am not sure what to do about the sweater. I can't identify anything wrong with it, yet I rarely ever reach for it.

I hadn't considered the length until I read your posts. Great observation. It might be the length. I do feel "uncovered" in the back when I reach down to pick up a piece of paper. It might also be the feel of bunchy fabric when I bend my arms. This sweater will make it to the end of the Challenge. I owe it that much. I doubt it will make it into next year's Winter season.

Lynn

Veteran

Hi Sterling-
You said you are interested in fit so here goes. This may be TMI or too obvious. Feel free to ignore in either case :)))

As a seamstress I can tell you that concept of fit is quite complex. Did you know there is a fitting book with over 88 figure variations?

Fit is also very personal, especially when it comes to the amount of ease you like in clothing. Identifying what kind of ease you like would be a good first step for you in assessing fit. Do you like your garments---
- Fitted i.e. very body con
- Semi-fitted- skimming the body but still showing the body's contours (the sweater)
- Easy-fitting- looser fit but body contours still noticeable.(the velvet tee)
- Loose fit to very loose fitting (VLF)- body contours typically masked.

Be aware the fabric will change the fit. The same size garment in different fabrics will fit differently. So getting in the habit of trying on multiple sizes is good idea.

In regards to the velvet tee- the cut of the sleeve typically varies with the cut of the garment. The more fitted the garment is the closer to the actual shoulder point the sleeve has to be to allow movement. Just think of all those teen boys hobbling around with their pant crotches around their knees. A tee that is cut to be an easy fit often has a slightly dropped shoulder with a wider sleeve hem then closer fitting tees/tops

So in regards to your blue velvet tee- if you tried a smaller size & the top of the sleeve didn't develop pulls because it is actually supposed to be slightly off the shoulder then it would be "better" fit if you prefer a closer fit. As is, it is easy fitting and is flattering. The sweater in the 2nd outfit is semi-fitted and looks great to. Again depends on which fit you are more comfortable in.

As to the pants- they fall from the waist and the waistline has to fit you at the level you want it to be. Worth the alteration to get it in the correct spot for where you want your crotch line to be (obvious I know, but worth saying). The EF pants fit well and look great. The jeans are a mess. Is the bagging in the thighs on both sides? If so, then the size in too big for the stretch of the fabric and likely the fabric does not have good recovery. I think easy fitting pants are better in less stretchy fabrics. If it just the one side- the problem in the cutting in the factory.

If you prefer a more easy fit I have a few tips for you in not heading into the baggy arena. I personally I struggle with this since I hate anything too close fitting. I bet Angie would have even more expertise.

Hope that didn't put you to sleep and you found it helpful. Can you tell I am bored sitting here with ice on my knee post-op :)))

Disclaimer: I am far from an expert on fit but have read just about every book written in the sewing universe in my endless quest for the perfect fit. So I am knowledgeable in theory but not alway in the reality.

SarahD8

Veteran

Sterling, if the sleeves are bunching it could be that the sweater is too narrow through the chest, or that the shoulders are too narrow. I definitely encourage measuring vs. one of your favorite tops! (If it might be the weight of the material, you could even possibly weigh on a kitchen scale.) Perhaps sounds obsessive, but this kind of thing has been very helpful for me in being able to predict what will work.

tanstaafl

Like Toban said, these pants look like they might be a little big. The sweater fits you nicely, but the length is one I struggle with for myself. I prefer my tops to be slightly longer. Overall I like this outfit.

Toban

Veteran

I agree with Lynn that fit is very personal. we can play with it for different effects and style persona. there is a fine line between loose/relaxed and baggy in clothes and where you draw that line is individual. Both do add visual ‘weight’ to an outfit that can be mitigated (if desired), such as with flowy or drapey materials that move or hint at underlying shape. Appearing one’s slimmest self is a concientious choice and not mandatory at all. This is why I recommend trying 2-3 sizes of a variety of items to learn your personal preferences.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Sounds like you're sorted on the fit of those jeans.

I really like the proportions of the ballet flats outfit, Sterling. Flattering, classic, and versatile.

Rambling Ann

(website)

Veteran

I think you get to replace the donated items in your list of 30. It's only fair. If all you had were 30 clothing items and one got wrecked, you'd replace it, right? Your game, your rules, but don't be too hard on yourself, especially since you are on a roll with insights.

Joy

Veteran

Sterling, you are so right about velvet, can't imagine wearing it in warmer months. I think it will work well after the January challenge and go into heavy rotation in February and March. It snowed here last year around Mothers' Day in mid May. Lots of cold spring weather. This year could be different though. The velvet short sleeved top with a jacket could be ideal. I need to play in the closet.

12