Ask Angie: are there any universally flattering styles?

Aziraphale

Quick question for Angie and everyone. You know how classic pumps are pretty much flattering on everyone (whether you like that style of shoe or not is a different matter, of course!). Can that be said for any particular style of clothing? Assuming the fit is right, are there any universally, or nearly universally, flattering garments?

For example, do bootcut jeans look good on everyone, provided they fit correctly? How about tailored shirts?

13 years ago

Dressing

10 replies

Latest reply was from

Anna

Active Member

I think blazers are universally flattering. They give tree trunks like me a faux waist and they hide muffin tops and other lumpy-bumpies well!

13 years ago

Aziraphale

Veteran

Interesting you should say that, Anna, because I just got my first blazer and that's kind of why I'm asking the question. It fits very well, and is as flattering as I hoped it would be. It's one of the few garments I've tried that looks good on me as well as on the model. Usually what happens is that I see clothes that look fantastic on the model, but when I try them on they aren't anywhere near as flattering on me!

13 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

I would say sheath dresses are universally flattering... given that you get the fit right of course. They are probably harder to fit on certain body types than others.
They say that bootcut jeans are universally flattering... again though, not all bootcuts are created equal and you need to find the one with the right cut for you.

13 years ago

Diana

Veteran

I think it depends on how you think about the term "flattering". QM may be right that sheath dresses are universally flattering from a conventional sense, but I have never found one that I feel comfortable in. Given that it actually fits (a tall order for me), a sheath dress is SUPER bombshelly on me, which is a look that I am utterly and completely uncomfortable in. I get a lot of attention (for example, catcalls) in bombshell looks that some people might find flattering but that I personally find very discomfiting. Being comfortable and confident in one's clothes is an important part of flattery if you ask me.

So, my answer to the original question is No, because I think something has to be flattering to oneself first, and there is no one item of clothing that everyone will feel comfortable in.

13 years ago

Aziraphale

Veteran

Interesting perspective, Diana. You are of course right -- opinions on what is flattering must vary, since beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

QM, "they are probably harder to fit on certain body types than others" -- that IS the problem, isn't it!

13 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

VERY generally:

A classic tailored blazer with one or two buttons. Not too short. Stance is not too low or high.

A bootcut pair of jeans.

A fit and flared skirt.

A fit and flared dress.

A tailored single breasted revere collar wool coat.

Scarves.

Lipstick.

Mascara.

13 years ago

Aziraphale

Veteran

Thanks Angie! Your list rings true for me. I've got all those things, and they work for me. And you have confirmed my suspicion about blazers -- my new one is, in fact, classic, tailored, not too short and has two buttons.

Soooo, since they're not on your list, does that mean that pumps are not universally flattering?

13 years ago

Veteran

Verrrrrrrrrrrrry interesting. Thanks for the question, Elisabeth.

13 years ago

Lisa

Veteran

Great question, thanks for asking this.

13 years ago

Anonymous

100% backing the mascara... It is needed.
I think the most universally flattering items are dark wash bootcut jeans and blazers.

13 years ago

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