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a proportion switch up- how do you do it?

Traci

Veteran

All the culottes and wide legs and crops have me considering a shift away from my volume over skinny formula I've been using for the last year or two.

But I'm intimidated by all the fit and proportion issues I have to get right. How do you deal with all of that and finding the right item? I feel like I would need a marathon try on session of pants to figure out the right fit, but being petite, that would require a ton of online shopping from different sources since the mall isn't going to come through with 20 pairs of petite 12 culottes.

I also feel like a big part of making the wider bottoms work on my shirt self is going to involve bringing some structure somewhere in the top. With my Apple tum, that's not as simple as a fitted shirt. Tucking and half tucking tend to just leave me all lumpy and bumpy.

Any words of wisdom or tips and tricks over how you go about a proportion change without spending a year of dedicated work on it? Maybe this is just evidence of how hard to fit I am?

Dressing

29 replies

Latest reply was from Traci

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Hmmm. One option would be to buy the outfit, vs. the item. That is -- assuming you want to try this trend or change -- when you find the culottes or wider pant that fits and flatters as you wish, buy the top/ topper that is shown with it. That would get you one starter outfit.

Sounds as if you might need a more cropped top -- not midriff baring, but just a bit shorter, similar to a top you would wear with a skirt. Also, going with a column of colour will increase flattery. And (if you can) a small block heel?

It does take time to find the "right" version of a new trend or look. I loved culottes from the start but have yet to find my perfect non-denim pair. I've tried a few on, looked at many more in stores, and rejected many in the first year because the footwear options made them impractical for my winter climate. (Footwear options have improved since then). I'm still rather low on shorter tops/ knits/ blouses, but I am lucky in that tucking and semi-tucking fluid tops works fine for me, so that helps.

Diana

Veteran

Hmm, I think this is one reason why culottes haven't caught on so much yet. In addition to having a lot of different fit variables than we're used to with things like skinnies, they also require a different support act that a lot of women probably don't have in their closet. I'm lucky in that regard bc my eclectic style means I have a lot of things that might not necessarily be current or trendy, plus I have a pretty big wardrobe and hang on to things I like for a long time (so for example I still had some more fitted tops and toppers for the culottes).

Suz'a idea of shopping for the outfit is probably a good starting point.

As for specific culottes styling, I agree some structure on top is the easiest way to go. But you don't have to tuck! I don't, although my fit issues surrounding tucking are different than yours (I don't like to emphasize my short waist). I like a top cut with waist shaping though, like the pink one I'm wearing in yesterday's WIW, or a more fitted knit. A structured jacket would be good too.

As for shoes I actually find culottes easier in regard than long wide legs because there's no ppl issue and you can see the shape of the leg/ankle (unlike a wide leg where the whole shape of the leg/ankle is obscured). When wearing flat shoes with my culottes I like something either ankle baring like an Oxford or else a boot/bootie with a fitted ankle.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

If the culottes are somewhat fitted on the top portion it seems like that would be part of the solution. I like Suz's suggestion of a slightly shorter top. But I think even an A-line top with shoulder structure that falls just below the waist of the bottoms enough not to show tummy, but still showcases the more fitted portion of the culottes. If that makes sense.

Really though, I think you could pull off several of the outfits Angie showcased in her Blog post. Maybe just try copying one of those as a starting point?

Ledonna N.

Veteran

I agree that this style is challenging but not impossible to find. I've seen some women with unstructured tops . What 8 call artsy. I think you have to have a boldness about yourself to pull some styles off. For an apple shape I appreciate open drape front jackets. Goodluck on your search.

Beth Ann

Veteran

I feel like I'm on the cusp of a big silhouette shift, too, Traci. Of course, volume over skinny isn't my favorite, although, as I've gotten older, I'm become a hourglass with secondary apple tendencies.

I don't have time for marathon shopping, etiher, but I've been trying culottes and wide legs every time I see them in a store. Non have worked so far, but I've narrowed down what I think will work:

My tops should :

Skim the body without being voluminous.
Drape around the body, but not hang far away from the body.
Have shoulder seams actually on the shoulder
V or otherwise open necks are best
Ideally hit at hip -- a little shorter than I have been wearing them.

Culottes / Wide Crops should:

Be a nice balance of structured and drape in the fabrication
Wovens must have a little stretch, knits must have good structure
Have a no roll, wider waistband

I'm content for it to take a while to enter this silhouette, and I keep looking with no particular deadline in mind!

L'Abeille

Veteran

As a secondary apple, I am a huge fan of gilets and open front structured vests. Culottes outfits is one place they really pay their dues, letting me wear a shorter or more fitted top than would be flattering otherwise.

Traci

Veteran

Wow! You ladies are a salve for a busy overwhelmed mind.

Suz, I will look for a complete outfit to buy. I picked up one shorter sweater from Uniqlo for the fall, but I haven't figured out how to make it work yet. In part because I don't have the right supports for it. But maybe it's also just not quite right?

Diana, I am inspired by some of your ideas and really liked the proportions of your culottes outfit yesterday. I do have an hourglass secondary body type because I have a defined waist. It can make outfits like this tricky because anything that shows my waist likely shows my tum as well. It makes the right proportions line seem so small that I can't find it sometimes.

Texstyle, I appreciate the vote of confidence. I loved the black outfit in Angie's post. Maybe I can use that as a starting point.

BethAnn, I'm glad to hear I'm not alone! I think you would look amazing in a beautiful pair of flowing palazzo pants or culottes. I can picture in my mind's eye exactly how is style you. Oh the green grass on your side of the fence looks so delicious!

Traci

Veteran

Labeille, that is a good idea. I need to figure out how to get past my vest avoidance. I've bought many in the past, but stopped buying them in recent years because they're one of those items I'm drawn to in theory yet never leave the house in.

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

I am 5'3" and I struggled with this and was very surprised when i stumbled upon this idea and rather liked it..I do think the curved hem on the sweater made this proportionally better. For winter I plan to try something similar with tights and ankle boots.

I will say I didn't like any version that didn't include heels for me..

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Traci

Veteran

Nice, Tracey! I wonder if the sheerness of the top makes it have more structure even though it's so drapey?

Also...I'm so surprised you're 5'3". You seem taller on my phone!

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

Traci I am petite , but do have long legs and wear average length pants..
I just took a pair of solid black ones and played around in my closet with some winter items I have begun putting out despite summer temps, lol

I put them on with burgundy knee high heeled boots and treated them like a skirt... I was surprised that I liked them with a few open ponchos and several cardigans (wearing a column of black underneath). What I discovered is proportionally I needed the topper to be at my crotch level or higher to work.. I will say that I tried it with a long duster that was the length of the culottes and that worked too. I think the key is to treat it like a skirt and to find some perhaps a similar length to mine. I know that any longer would be an issue for my proportions. I even hike mine up a bit on the waist.

I hope you give it a try , as I was so delighted with this new silhouette and am now really looking forward to trying it with ankle boots an other options.. I didn't take photos as I just got out of the shower and am a mess.. Getting ready to head out to get my nails done before my cruise which leaves in 4 days!

I just wanted to thank you for inspiring me to sneak in a few moments of play in my closet...

Staysfit

Veteran

I'm thinking a Pinterest search to find some looks you like on people with a similar frame. I'm planning to do that before I do any experimenting.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Traci, a few things, (as I assist my apple shaped clients through these watershed changes in fashion):

Don’t panic if you prefer to surrender your waist by wearing slouchy and long tops over skinny bottoms because retail will not give up on classic silhouettes overnight. In fact, they will not give up on them at all. The point is that there will simply be less of what fashion considers old outfit proportions represented at retail over the next decade as they focus on the new.

You might rebel against the trendier proportions at first - (although you are NOT rebelling Traci, and it's a breath of fresh air) - but grow to like them over time. It’s amazing how well we adapt to new things when they aren’t as new anymore.

You ALWAYS have the choice to dress in either an updated classic or trendier way because both fashion personas are equally stylish.

I have had great luck dressing petite apples in cute denim or ponte culottes with shorter untucked tops. Don't go too wide or too long on the legs of the culottes. Go soft on the top. Keep the neckline lower and wider.

A column of colour between the top and bottom is a GREAT streamlining styling tool.

Hope that's a helpful starting point. I am always here to help find solutions to fashion and style challenges. I LOVE YOUR ATTITUDE, Traci.

Traci

Veteran

Thank you, Angie! Perfect, useful advice. Now onto the hunt.

Traci

Veteran

Staysfit, I'm not sure if it's a bit of body dysmorphia or if I'm accurate, but I really don't find my body type represented so much online. I'm actually working on posting my wiw more, because I don't believe that I have an unusual body type, just one that isn't as represented in magazines and blogs.

Tracey, thanks for those specific tips! I'll keep them in mind when I'm looking. I think you and Angie both hit on an important point in this search. I need to be looking on the shorter end. Makes sense now that I say it, but hadn't been apparent to me.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

You know what? I'm kind of resisting the idea of some big change in silhouette to suit the current trend. Is it just me feeling cranky, or is anyone else tired of chasing trends?

I'll still enjoy my flare jeans, as I did when skinnies were prevailing, and I'll still enjoy my skinnies, now that legs are getting wider. I dunno, maybe I'm starting to feel like my style doesn't need to be trendy to be current and "me." I'm not going to undertake a wholesale shift in wardrobe for the sake of trends. Some days I'll wear more fitted tops with cropped flares or bootcuts, but other days I'm still going to rock the long, easy top with slim pants (which is especially easy to make work in the winter).

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

Janet, I hear you, loud and clear! Chasing trends can be tiring. I have always loved having variety in silhouettes and am sticking with my skinny bottoms , have always had straight and bootcuts as well. It's definitely not about revamping but adding in if the trend feels like it fits my style. It's only fun if it feels voluntary and not like trying to keep up with it, lol

Traci

Veteran

I hear you, Janet. The thing is, I'm not completely happy with skinnies under volume for all the time. It doesn't have to be culottes, but I'm drawn to and craving more volume on bottom, even if that's just flares or wide legs or baggy boyfriends. Part of what is cLling to me is comfort factor of not having my lower half clung to every day.

I noticed lately that I have lots of jeans in my closet, but I reach for one pair over and over, my boyfriend jeans. I have to be in the right mood to squeeze into skinnies, I'm realizing. I want more options on the 6 days of the week that I'm not feeling skinnies. I realized that to get there I need new tops.

I ordered a pair of high waisted cropped girlfriends from gap. Maybe they'll be enough different? I'm not sure. Between my figure and my penchant for a comfy shoe, I can go mumsy fast!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Just so I don't sound too cranky... I do like that there are many silhouettes to play with at this point in time.

I don't think I would feel very "rock'n'roll" in a pair of culottes, and that's part of my style, so I suspect they're just not the right thing for me at this stage of my life. If I were working in an environment like I used to years ago, I might very well try them again. I have one pair of wider leg pants from last summer that I've barely worn this summer because they skew a little too dressy for my life. So maybe this new shift in silhouettes is just not resonating with where I am from a practical standpoint. If it ain't broke...

I'm learning to not buy into trends that only work for my fantasy lifestyle or even a lifestyle that I used to have. Of course, I'm saying that as I sit here taking a break from working at home, in my workout clothes.

Traci

Veteran

I'm trying to stay away from old navy in favor of better quality, but I think this is the time to give old navy and their 40% off coupon a try. These pants come in petite and are around $20 after coupon, so I felt safe ordering a couple of sizes. They also have a similar cut in a windowpane wool blend that may have fallen into my shopping basket.

If anyone else is interested in a discount seat on the bandwagon, here's the link.

http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/.....=340944002

Here's the link to the windowpane plaid. They're more of a true culotte. http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/.....=338503012

Mid-Rise Soft Straight Crop Pant for Women

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Gaylene

Veteran

I think you raise an interesting point, Janet, about new silhouettes. I sometimes suspect my reaction to a new trend has a lot to do with what else is happening in my life. Oddly enough, if I'm going through a period of change, I tend to be a lot more open to experimentation. On the other hand, if I'm reasonably settled into my groove, I like my "uniform" because it frees me to concentrate on other matters. Fussing over a new trend isn't where I want, or need, to focus my time or efforts.

I've often thought that what motivates me to experiment with trends is the feeling I'm on the move towards another stage of my life and my style ought to reflect this momentum. It's not about the trend as much as it about my need to stir things up.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Gaylene, good point. Apologies for the slight hijack to Traci's thread, but you've touched on something that was going on with me in the last few years. I found YLF at a time when I was going through a lot of evolution and my life was taking a lot of turns. This coincided with a period when I had more disposable income for fashion than any other time in my life, so I had some fun with experimentation. Now I feel like I'm settling in a bit more. I do want to stay current, and I want to have some variety in silhouette -- I'm not a uniform dresser -- but I don't want to endlessly reinvent my style or chase trends when I feel like I've landed in a pretty good place. Hmmm. Good food for thought especially as my husband and I enter the next phase of our lives, which will involve scaling back spending and shifting some of our priorities.

Traci

Veteran

Janet, no need to apologize. My whole intent for this thread was to get a peek at other people's process. That's exactly what you're sharing.

Gaylene's point resonates with me too. I'm in flux right now. I had established a nice work wardrobe and groove over the first 5 years I was on YLF. Last year life threw me a curve ball and I've been off work and caring for my daughter, in and out of the hospital. My wardrobe has been an outlet because it's something I can do from home, it's low stakes and it's a beautiful distraction that's always there when I need it. To further complicate things, I've lost a bit of weight in the last year, so that precipitated both a need for some new items and an opening up of clothing store options as I came down off the brink of plus size.

I don't really feel like i'm jumping on a trend as much as I'm exploring silhouettes that I may have been drawn to in the past but passed over because I thought I couldn't make them work on my figure.

Aida

Veteran

Traci, there's also a little element of "fake it 'till you make it" at work here -- Sometimes you just need to wear the look out and about to get a feel for it. What you like about it, what you don't like. And from there you can figure out how you want to work the look for you moving forward. Especially true with trends that are likely more overarching, as skinnies and BF fits were.

EDIT: What I mean is don't be afraid to experiment, and don't be afraid of "mistakes"!

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

Traci, sometimes when trying a new trend we are unsure of , ON is a good place to start. I love the window pain version.

Gigi

Veteran

I wonder if a top with a band at the bottom would work well with culottes. That would allow you to wear a slouchier knit top if you wanted, because the band at the bottom would provide structure.

I also want to offer you sympathy from a fellow petite. There really aren't that many petite culotte offerings out there. I hope you can find something that works!

Aziraphale

Veteran

Actually you've hit on something that is a huge problem for me, too. Tops that work well with skinny bottoms don't work as well with wide ones and tops that work with low-rise bottoms don't work AT ALL with high ones. Not on me. I think you can do loose, voluminous top with loose, voluminous pants if you're six feet tall and 120 pounds, but otherwise, you kind of need to confine the volume to either the top or the bottom. So all those long, loose tops you wear with your skinny jeans ain't gonna work with roomy high-waisted culottes!

I vote to buy the new culottes or wide-leg pants at the same time as you buy a shorter, more fitted top. Like Suz says, buy a whole outfit, not just bottoms. If you're an apple, don't tuck in the top. Sometimes you can get away with semi-tucking a slouchy top into the pants, but you have to experiment.

I have both kinds of bottoms in my closet -- skinny and wide -- and I have tops that go with either one or the other.

lyn67

Veteran

My suggestion (and often use it for myself, too) is a flowy longer blouse/shirt but layered with a shorter jacket which will give the right structure to your upper part.

Traci

Veteran

Gigi, great idea! I'll keep an eye out for banded tops. I find they're super rare in a deep scoop or vneck.

Aziraphale, yes, that's exactly the problem. I'm trying to get ahead of it from the start. I know if I just start buying up culottes, even if they fit, if I don't have the right proportioned tops for them they'll never get worn. I've done this many times, where I tried to make a new proportion work with what I thought were good enough items from my closet. I don't want to discard crops and culottes straight away just because they don't work in my closet, yet.