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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Advice please

Alana in Canada

(website)

Veteran

Good evening!
I am doing my best to build a flattering wardrobe that is somewhat casual--I can't wear these clothes to work (work involves the risk of getting paint on them) so they are strictly for running errands and going out on rare occasions).
Tonight, I am going grocery shopping in one of the two outfits below.
Questions:
1) This is one of two plain coloured T-shirts I currently have in the keep pile--it is however a skosh small, maybe? I would prefer it not follow that belly curve--but I'm not sure that's possible in a T-shirt? Tell me.
2) I am wearing yoga pants. Yes, I know, but that's why I am asking the question: Which topper? Is the jean jacket better because more structure--or is the knit thing OK? (By the way, does anyone know what it is called?)
3) What say you about the yoga pants? Do they defeat the purpose of getting dressed up?
Thank you!
PS. I am currently reading everything there is here on wardrobe planning. Great stuff!

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Dressing

24 replies

Latest reply was from Inge

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

1. I'm not sure what to do about the "follow the stomach curve" bit on your t-shirt; I'm not sure if it's avoidable but maybe someone else will know?

2. I prefer the jean jacket over the ?drapey cardigan thing? - I think I like the structure more; and offers a bit more structure vs. the yoga pants.

3. It depends on your lifestyle. I frown on the med students wearing yoga pants and pretending they're dress pants - but you don't work for me, so I can't govern that! Haha.

Alana in Canada

(website)

Veteran

Thanks, Lyn! I laughed at #3.

I was just reading this old thread of Angie's where she says "No," to the yoga pants: essentially, they're "poor style" she said! http://youlookfab.com/2008/03/.....de-casual/
(Though, if I hadn't told you, would you have known? Never mind, this crowd would. :))

Also in that thread, she advises one to stay away from T-shirts. gulp. She says: "Choose knitted tops, knitted tunics, knitwear and woven tops over T-shirts because they’re versatile and a lot more interesting."
I know nothing about knitwear.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I like the jean jacket better than the drapey cardigan, for the structure. It flatters your body more, skimming and showing your waist. The cardigan hangs straight down, hiding your waist, so it's less conventionally flattering. Conversely, the cardi might work nicely with a more structured pant, like a pair of close-fitting jeans.
To me, the t-shirt looks like a good length and good size for you. It's the style that does what it does--again, the straightness of the style is not going to hug you in the right places the way, say, a style with some cross-draped pieces or ruching would. Hang on to it if you need it now, but I would aim to gradually replace this kind of style with more flattering ones that are still comfortable. There's a Vince Camuto top that a lot of people have had here on the forum, with stripes that basically criss-crossed over the body, and it flattered everyone who wore it. That's the kind of thing I'm thinking of. Maybe I can find a photo.
As to yoga pants, no I wouldn't have known, necessarily, from a photo, but in person I might have. But I will say, there are yoga pants and there are yoga pants. Here's a post where Ironkurtin wore workout pants that defied the conventional wisdom on not wearing workout clothes as street wear.

Vince Camuto Tiered Stripe Top (Regular & Petite)

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Alana in Canada

(website)

Veteran

(back now. I wore the jean jacket.)
Migoodness--that is one showstopper of a top!
Thank you for your thoughtful response, firecracker. I saw a woman at Safeway this evening in a red top that was not a T-shirt--maybe a light cotton blouse? red wedges, a black flare skirt, hoop earrings and a jean jacket. She looked so great.
So, I see I am going to need to figure out this top situation. I just bought three recently, but two are sleeveless and one is in the wash. I also need advice on pants. For that, I'll start a new thread.

Desmo April

(website)

Veteran

I liked the jean jacket the best. I think the black topper would work better with something other than jeans.

I have a tough time with traditional t-shirts. The straight cut of the sides isn't the most flattering for me. My preference is for something more shaped. I've also had good luck buying tees that are significantly too big for me and taking them in at the bust line, creating something with more shape.

This is a top I might wear with a similar outfit instead of a basic tee.
http://www.kiyonna.com/plus-size-clothing/24121803

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Inge

(website)

Hi Alana,

I liked the denim jacket best too, because as you cleverly pointed out, it adds more structure to the tee + yoga pant outfit. The drapey cardigan is lovely too, by the way, and I can see that work well with jeans, dressy trousers, a skirt or a dress.
The teal tee is a great colour on you. And great advice from the other ladies about different styles of tops (love the two in the photos above). And the outfit that lady was wearing sounds fab too. Relaxed and pulled together.

Classic T-shirts are difficult for sure, and I 100% agree with Angie's advice you quoted above. There are a lot of tops out there that can immediately add visual interest just by their cut, fabric, style details, print or pattern etc. I'll try to find some examples as soon as I'm done typing this

Also: have you read Angie's post on banded hem tops? It's a super flattering and forgiving silhouette, stylish and very comfortable to wear too:
http://youlookfab.com/2009/04/.....l-bellies/

Oh, and have you perhaps considered ponte knit pants instead of yoga pants? They are just as comfortable in my opinion, but more polished.
http://youlookfab.com/2013/08/.....y-toppers/

kkards

Veteran

another vote for the denim jacket. and for the color of your shirt. i also like the fact that it's a vneck.
as for the pants, from the picture, i couldn't tell they were yoga pants, but i agree with Inge, theres nothing like a nice ponte knit pant---comfy but with a little more structure than a plan yoga pant.

Inge

(website)

I'm back
There are lots of drape front blouses, tops with asymmetrical detailing and high-low hemlines out there. On trend and stylish, and these type of details immediately add visual interest.

I'm adding some pictures below. Could you see yourself wearing these styles, Alana?
We will figure out the "knitwear" and "tops" situation together

Nic + Zoe 'Mineral Print' Top (Plus Size)

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DKNYC Draped Front Overlay Stretch Knit Tank (Plus Size)

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Michael by Michael Kors Ikat Print Kimono Top (Plus Size)

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Vince Camuto Pleat V-Neck Knit Top (Plus Size)

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Sejour Sleeveless Soft Crepe High/Low Tunic

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Vince Camuto Sleeveless Wrap Front Shirttail Blouse (Plus Size)

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Vince Camuto Pleated V-Neck Top (Plus Size)

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Pleione Sleeveless Wrap Front Blouse (Plus Size)

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Michael by Michael Kors 'Chine' Stripe Print Flutter Top (Plus Size)

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1

Sejour Print High/Low Blouse (Plus Size)

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Michael by Michael Kors Flutter Side Mixed Media Top (Plus Size)

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Daniel Rainn Print Button Front Georgette Tunic (Plus Size)

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Sejour Lace Inset Slub Knit Pullover

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Sejour Scoop Neck Linen & Cotton Pullover (Plus Size)

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Nic + Zoe 'Hazy' Drape Front Sweater (Plus Size)

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kerry

Veteran

I like the denim jacket for more structure and interest too. I think the drapey cardigan would look great with slimmer bottom, perhaps some straight leg jeans? I'm all for the comfy-ness of ponte pants like other suggest here.

As for t-shirts "hugging", I have a few suggestions. Don't do ribbed tees - I can't tell if this one is. BTW, that colour is fantastic on you. Woven fabrics can often be more forgiving on the mid-section as they stand away from the body. I've also found some drapey tees can fall away nicely. My last suggestion is about what to wear underneath. If it's cool enough, camis can be wonderful for smoothing as can high-rise pants, which have a girdling effect. I use all of these to help my love handles stay contained!

kerry

Veteran

Wow! Inge those suggestions are fantastic! Must look those up for me too. Thanks!

carter

Veteran

I agree with Inge about the fabness of ponte pants as an alternative to yoga pants. Also prefer the jean jacket with an all knit outfit. The tee looks fine to me. I think the denim jacket adds enough detail/interest.

Inge

(website)

My pleasure, Kerry

unfrumped

Veteran

Jean jacket for sure. And for tops--love Inge's post. I think you are looking for " ease with structure" for comfortable casual tops. A T shirt is comfortable and casual but tends to just hang and also had the straight bottom sometimes at an awkward place on me if its long enough. Try out some shirttail hem tops, banded bottoms. Maybe mixed media.
Ponte pant suggestion is good but they can sometimes be hot for summer.

April

Veteran

Welcome, Alana!

I was going to say that tops in a knit fabric need more shape than a tee if you want to avoid having them reveal everything beneath -- and I see that everyone else has already made that point. (Brilliant choices from Inge!)

Another vote for the jean jacket. It gives you more shape, whereas the longer one produces a blocky look. I would also add that I think the jean jacket works because the tee is a little longer.

As you read YLF, you'll find some advice shifting as fashion shifts. For example, when I first got here (years ago), Angie and most of the blog readers were a "no" on skinny jeans. Then they became the norm and our eyes adjusted. Right now, there is a trend toward sporty looks as streetwear, so even though plain old yoga pants might not look as polished as you want, there are lots of variations of "sporty luxe" that give the ease of yoga pants but don't look like gear.

merwoman

Veteran

Welcome Alana - so nice to have more Canadian content

Just adding my two cents to the wise postings here - I prefer the jean jacket not only for the way it skims over your body, but also lightens the mood of your outfit when you compare it with the black sweater combo.
The jean jacket is a great wardrobe piece for you - fit is excellent, and you've added to the style quotient by rolling the sleeves. The fade on the jacket is perfect with your hair colouring. Think about trying a pair of white jeans - they'd be awesome on you.

lyn67

Veteran

Yeay for that fab jean jacket!

Others have said it all, so well.

For my own 2 cents, I will add it worth considering the textures. too. I have learned it is better to alternate knitt with wowens than to do all the same. It adds interrest and shape. Wovens add more structure but knits give the comfort. So, you can choose which. to. where. Hope this helps a bit, Welcome to the YLF Alana:-)

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Hi Alana (fellow Canuck)

I also like the jean jacket as it provides nice structure and nips in at the waistline. As an apple shape, I find jackets to be my best friend in terms of giving me a shape where I don't naturally have one, if that makes sense.

I also echo Inge's suggestions of drape front blouses, banded or welted knits and her visual illustrations are fabulous. I love combining a drapey blouse or knit pullover with a structured jacket and then scrunching the sleeves, which provides even more structure.

You will be amazed at how much you learn here from Angie and other members of YLF. There is so much wisdom.

Nice to have you here

jackiec

Veteran

Wow - so many great suggestions already. I love the lineup of tops that Inge has linked. I am another vote for the jean jacket. It adds some nice structure, and would look fab over one of those tops. I've also seen some similar tops to the VC bandage top at Winners or Marshalls (I'm a Cdn too

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Sounds like you're sorted, Alana. So I'm just chiming in to give you a virtual hug.

rachylou

Veteran

Hi Alana - I can't help it. I have to be the gear in the works. I think the cardigan is better than the jean jacket. I feel the jean jacket contradicts, even argues with, the soft jersey yoga pants. The cardigan is much more polished.

Alana in Canada

(website)

Veteran

Oh, Inge, those are fabulous! I had no idea there were so many different kinds of tops!
Does it help if I tell you which ones I like? I'd have to try themon, ofcourse.
1st row, middle, coral. Love the colour an the drape.
2nd row, middle, long shirt,such an intersting length. right, red except I suspect it will rest right on my belly.
3rd row: left, black, nice length! middle, white.
4th row, left, blue love the pattern.
last row: the grey wrap.

Hug accepted, Angie.

Rachylou, you made me laugh. You know, the two together the knit cardigan and the yoga pants reminded me of a suit, kind of. I bet a non-knit top underneath would pull it off-and slim fitting straight leg or cigarette pant ponte trousers.
Hmmm, I may have the cut of the trouser I need figured out.
Omigoodness, it is nearly midnight here and I'm zonked. Thank you all so much.

Inge

(website)

Of course it helps, Alana: you are already starting to home in on your own style, colour and pattern preferences. That will make future shopping expeditions easier and it is just a lot of fun too, don't you think? I love all the tops you selected for yourself (if you haven't already, be sure to click through on the individual pictures too, they will lead you to the product pages where the same top is often available in other colours too).

The great thing about these styles is that they will work with all the bottoms we were chatting about too: ponte knit pants (straight leg or baby bootcut), jeans (straight leg, relaxed skinny, boyfriend style), long shorts (clamdiggers, Bermuda or also boyfriend style), slouchy trousers and the VC tube skirts. So perhaps they can serve as a "guide" for when you go shopping (online or in brick-and-mortar stores) if you don't want to order from Nordstrom.

Oh and I love it that you love the long tunic style in the second row. Just imagine how fab this would look worn over white full-length or cropped jeans!
(and it will work over other narrower jeans too, of course).

Inge

(website)

ETA: Now it's just a matter of trying things on to find out which styles you love to sport (and to check things like whether or not a style like the red top in row 2 would hit you in the right spot).

Do keep us posted!

Inge

(website)

Oh Alana, did you see the photos Angie posted yesterday:
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....on-display

I could see you rock that slouchy trousers look from head to toe.