Are you swayed by a Visceral Reaction? - YouLookFab Forum

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Dressing

About: Puff Sleeved Jackets are Back

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Are you swayed by a Visceral Reaction?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

The reactions to the puff sleeve jacket this morning are passionate. Half the people absolutely loving it - especially when they fit the suggested body type prerequisites - while others are allergic to the style (and often loathe the look because of overly twee and line backer tendencies).

If you like the puff sleeve jacket, would the negative reactions in the comments section of that post and on this forum make you reconsider the style?

Dressing

70 replies

Latest reply was from LACeleste

Janet

(website)

Veteran

You read my mind, Angie. I was finding the responses interesting too. Most of the people whose style I relate with the most are not fans of the look, but I sometimes think I have a disconnect between my preferred style and my body type (I wish I could dress more like a slim rectangle or IT).

But the strong opinions of those who don't like the look don't sway me from considering it if I find something appealing about it. If I like a style, and it is not totally at odds with my body type, I can usually figure out a way to work it into my style.

Tina

Veteran

Yes absolutely! I was thinking about this very subject just yesterday. Not only with regards to clothing but in other areas of life as well. I don't think it's always rational though.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Here's the flip side of the same idea. Does the overwhelming love for an item (I'm thinking of all the Birks fans who have been jumping for joy lately) make you reconsider your poison eye for an item? I really don't like Birks, or harem pants, or some other recent trends, but there are some ladies here who almost make me reconsider!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Janet, I replied to your comment in the post. Take a peek. Sounds like you are swayed a little by the negative reactions. No?

Tina, I'm not sure what it is. That's why I'm asking. Crowd behaviour?

(For the record if you haven't read the post, I love the puff sleeve jacket within my own strict stipulations of the design detailing. I am not swayed by the negative reactions).

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Yes. Janet. That's a good flip side question. And you'd look great in harem pants.

Gennifyr

I just bought a houndstooth blazer and noticed that it has a slight puffed shoulder. I have big breasts and broad shoulders so technically I should not wear it but I do and I love it. I'm not swayed by negative reactions.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Gennifyr, broader shoulders can wear the puff sleeve jacket when the sleeves are set in closer to the neckline. Proportions will work. Enjoy your new jacket.

unfrumped

Veteran

I'm trying to find my balance between being overly influenced by outside opinions vs. using them as just one more source of data for decisions. That includes negatives and even more interestingly, some of the positive feedback if I'm not really feeling it myself.

What continues to interest me is that the majority of photos we see of ANY item, style, or outfit are of women in their teens or 20's. The YLF posts, and some of your "real life" features, Angie, and some celebrity photos of older women, and the occasional magazine spread are about the only way to see outfits as interpreted by older women. That might be especially important with styles that for whatever reason are associated with more girlish looks.

In the photos I can kind of visualize some of the elements that skew more-twee or less-twee, but it'd be really interesting to see the comparisons on a 60-year old. (Or 40!). And I love the posts on how to "mitigate" or juxtapose in order to keep the overall look on track.

Tina

Veteran

I think too often we let bad past associations color how we see something in the present. It does not need to be the garment itself but how we've seen it worn or worn it ourselves.
It's interesting to me that this is such a 'no' to some, as in not liking it on anybody no matter how it's styled. To me this is not an 'out there' look at all, it's rather benign actually.
I would wear one in a heartbeat if I found one to fit my wardrobe. I had a pullover from BR that I wore lots this winter. I kind of like that little but of puff at the shoulder. I am an hourglass but I do have a strong shoulder line and it worked well (at least I hope so:-/)

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Unfrumped, that's easy. All you have to do is add a sophisticated element to the outfit to keep in "on track' so to speak.

unfrumped

Veteran

Angie, I'm still in fashion third grade, so may need the textbook. I'll just close my eyes for a second if you say "add pointy-toe pumps" but would be interested overall!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Tina, I like that you're wearing your puff sleeve pullover your way. That's what style is all about. As for not understanding the strong visceral reaction to this benign style as you put it - it's all so subjective. I've learned that people have poison eye for many different things - and they are often things that others absolutely love. There is no logic to it. Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder. My question is whether others people can sway your decision when you love something. It's an interesting thought to ponder.

Unfrumped, you don't like pointy toes?

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Here's a pitiful answer for you - yes and no.

For me, it depends on the level of love for the item and what kind of mood I'm in on the day of the post. If I'm feeling even the tiniest bit insecure for whatever reason, then yes, my love of an item can be swayed by overwhelming forum negative reaction to that item.

I think confidence in one's own style can really help with determining what you like and being able to stick with it.

And for the record, I'm over the moon with love for puffed shoulders. Not only does it help my shoulder inadequacies but it appeals to my love of retro. Shoot - if you could find a puffed shoulder floral blazer I would have NO CHOICE but to buy it!

Joy

Veteran

Angie, I trust your experience and expertise and doubt I'd be swayed by comments. I think that you look at things through the eyes of you clients and possibilities of how it could work, not a personal bias for someone else.

always trying

Veteran

There is a difference between poision eye-not liking it period, and just not liking it because either being not for me, or liking it only certain ways or for certain types of people. I think the little gathers on sleeves are cute, feminine, and flattering on some. Even though angie says broad shoulders can wear them, I do not as I feel top heavy, cause I also have bigger bust line.

I feel the same about all looks, and some I definitely will not wear no matter if everyone else did,, like jump suits (just because of the inconvience factor, coulottes and harem pants.

celia

Veteran

I like the style and am in no way swayed by others comments on this.
When I have a visceral reaction myself about a colour, shape or detail I am not moved by others. It is only when I am on the fence about something that I let others really weight in my choice.
Am usually I am very open about it.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Shannon, that's a great answer and I think you absolutely hit the nail on the head. (For the record, you'd rock a puff sleeve blazer).

Joy, you are so gracious and sweet. I TRY HARD to see items in the eyes of my clients. Thank you. xo

rae

(website)

Veteran

If I'm on the fence, then the reactions themselves can definitely sway me. If I have a poison eye, it's happened in the past that seeing the updated look on others has swayed me - bf jeans, harem pants. If I LOVE an item, it's harder to dissuade me, and sometimes I'll ignore reason.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Always Trying, that makes sense. You can not like something for yourself but love it on others.

Rae, that makes a lot of sense too. Wave to Shannon.

Tina

Veteran

Okay Angie. I'm finally catching on:-)
No, the reactions do not sway me because they are opinions. I have a pretty strong opinion on some styles myself.
However, if I were posting pics I may be extra nervous to post one with this type of look. (I hope to post some soon. I am just quite camera shy.)
I confess, the only time I waver is when you have a poison eye. Your explanations make good sense.

JG

Nope, I'm neither swayed nor guilty. I see a lot of outfits on the forum that I admire but would never consider because they're wrong for my body shape, personal style, or activities. On the other hand, some of my favorite jackets (blouses, too) have had these sleeves. I have a long neck, broad shoulders, slender arms, a big bust, short waist, broad hips, and wide upper thighs on long legs. These sleeves draw the eye up, lengthening my torso, and out, balancing my thighs. They look interesting on me, not girly. I can look unimaginative, stern, and mannish in a classic blazer - an effect that I strategically utilized to project authority when I was in my first job after college but that would be depressing, ugly, and counter-productive now.

Annie

I might reconsider if the negative comments are in the majority. But often times when I evaluate a piece of clothing item, I always keep "me" in mind and think about whether it fits my aesthetic and body type, and if it looks good on me and makes me feel confident. If all signs point to yes, then I will happily wear it and not let the negative comments sway my decision.

unfrumped

Veteran

Well, I used the extreme of pointy pumps so I be playful. Pointy shoes do bad things to my toes, so a more rounded toe is needed--oval at least and honestly round or square would be better, but such is life. It's a wear-time thing-I could wear to an event, but if I wear daily they are foot-deforming on me. So I have my (slightly pointy) zebra flats for fun (bought at the hospital gift shop--leave no retail stone unturned!) and I've just added the discount D'Orsay for fun. So I have determined not to build my style around that feature or make any big investment, but can add to a capsule that is already functioning with other footwear, if that makes sense. So I can wear the Leith's or tapered slacks with very comfortable non-pointy loafers or oxfords for "real" and I can wear the pointy-ish flat or a low-heeled non-pointy pump for an evening out, Even the pointy boot is a stretch. So that's why I am always iterested in what would be the most modern-stylish versions of more oval flat or low-heeled footwear that I can find.

Jules

Veteran

Not anymore! My initial reaction to puffed sleeves was "no way!". But considering the body type suggestions, combined with my recent realization that I like fluid tops over boyfriends, but then desperately need blazers to provide structure - I'll be keeping an eye on these!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

If I truly love a design feature or type of ensemble and feel pretty sure it flatters me, I won't be swayed by visceral negative reactions from others.

For instance, quite often when I post a pencil skirt and blazer look (or blazer and trousers) or when I express a desire for a suit, people on the forum will mention that they feel this is too "corporate" a look -- either for the occasion I've named, or for anyone with my lifestyle, or maybe just in itself. I got some comments like that when I wore a pencil skirt and a leather jacket on a trip. People felt it was too "dressy" or too "corporate" for a day of sightseeing, gallery hopping, restaurants, and theatre.

Well, that hasn't stopped me from continuing the search for my HEWI suit. Which I'd happily wear in similar circumstances.

If I'm unsure about something, though, I could be swayed by others' reactions. Especially if their reactions were not just general poison eye, but had to do with how it looked on me in particular.

Meanwhile, if I have a poison eye for something, I can be swayed in favour of it by updated stylings (to Rae's point.) Or simply by seeing someone wear it really well.

Or maybe simply by getting familiar with it!! In this case, familiarity may breed tolerance and even love. Sort of like an arranged marriage.

ironkurtin

Veteran

I am very good at ignoring opinions I don't like, so long as they aren't the boy's.

catgirl

Veteran

Nope. It seemed obvious that personal style and body type dictated reactions, and I could have predicted who would love or hate this look and why among everyone I "know" on the forum!

Thistle

Veteran

Sure. I think it would be disingenuous of me to say otherwise. We are a social creature, and the whole point of fashion moves dressing beyond what is absolutely necessary.

That said, was I surprised people who have a different dressing style than me, or a different body shape were less thrilled with the style? No, not at all. I still like it

merwoman

Veteran

I don't believe I am influenced - I just think different strokes for different folks.
On occasion when I ask for an opinion - I do consider it - but my thoughts and feelings trump all others...just ask my family They are well familiar with my seeking their opinions, but ultimately making up my own mind.
I find I do reconsider something if there is a lot of forum love - and I may try out the item to see if it works for me.

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