Breaking some rules.... - YouLookFab Forum

I thought it appropriate after Angie's post on breaking the guidelines to show an item I like but not entirely sure I can wear given that I'm a height challenged pear shape!
I like the colour + that it's cotton. I would style it over white or blue skinny or slim leg jeans, (or a slim skirt to the knee) with flatforms, sneakers or the slip on shoes in the photo, or other styles. I don't really like the idea of wearing it with a belt.
It is intentionally voluminous + I can't size down (Zara XS)
I couldn't capture a photo of the back, but its not entirely shapeless, so it doesn't look overly sack-like, more a-line with volume.

Forgot to add that it needs to be ironed - please excuse the poor photos.

Over to you ladies - can I break quite a number of 'rules' here?

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6 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

This is really really super cool. It totally should not be worn with a belt. I think it's a perfect rule breaker.

Sisi

I think you can break the rules! You look very well in it.

Summer

Looks like perfect rule-breaking to me. I love the colour, and the short length at the front keeps you from looking swamped.

Lucy

I wasn't liking the written description but the photos look great! Break those rules!

Liz

I can't tell what "rule" it is that this item breaks -- is it somehow different from how you've thought you "should" dress?

I think it's lovely and would wear it.

lozz_oz

Thanks for the positive comments.
Specifically Liz, the shirt has a lot of volume + length that can easily overwhelm a petite like me. I try to keep the volume on my upper half to try to create more balance with my lower half, so it's not so much a diversion from my usual style.
As Summer notes, the higher front perhaps helps to reduce the overwhelm of fabric.

Aquamarine

Very dramatic and I like it on you! The top half has a lot of structure, which helps rein in the volume on the bottom half. And even that volume looks intentional, not oversized. It works with skinny bottoms for sure.

Suz

(website)

This is a really cool piece! I think it's avant garde amazing on you.

Ledonna N.

I love this it is very very unique and it looks great.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

You wear this look well - don't give that part a second thought, lozz.

Practically, make sure you can walk and sit comfortably enough.

JuniperGreen

So timely, I tried on a similar exaggerated a-line blouse this weekend at anthro but didn't bite...

This is fabulous on you. I particularly like the idea of it with white slim jeans and flatforms (def unbelted as you say).

Sara L.

Ooh, fun top! I think you can definitely pull this off.

Stagiaire Fash

I've never understood why short people say they can't wear long clothes, as long as they are in correct proportions. You look great in this!

DonnaF

Love this! Wonder how it would work with harems?

Nordstrom

Eileen Fisher Harem Pants (Regular & Petite)

$178.00

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Paula

Active Member

I love this on you and think that the way you wear your hair contributes to making the look work!

SarahTheWhite

Okay, that is a seriously cool piece! It is so interesting and does seem to have enough to structure on the top, along with the front being short, to make up for the bulk of fabric. It is fantastic, and I also agree with Paula that your hair definitely completes the whole look. To me, it looks at home on you!

Jaime

Love it!

Thanks for all the positive feedback.
Not sure if my petite frame could do volume on top + bottom Donna?
Pretty cool harems though, that I know Deborah (a fellow Aussie YLFabber) wears to perfection!
Paula + Sarah commented on my hairstyle helping to make the look work - interesting to know way you think that helps! Would long hair look like it would compete with the fabric volume perhaps?

bridgie

The top was created for you. You wear it well.

tulle

I always like to see what you're wearing, lozz, as I struggle with some of the same questions based on height, and I share your thrift-friendly shopping style! I like this on you (reminds me of my favorite recent purchase: a pale blue cotton sleeveless shirtdress with similar volume contained by shaping at the top) and I think you're right--the shorter front keeps it from overwhelming, as does the slight pleating I think I see at the bodice. I might draw attention to the center, and further emphasize the vertical, by adding a long pendant necklace.

Thanks for the endorsement bridgie + the empathy tulle of trying to get proportion right when height is a challenge.
I hadn't thought of accessories yet, so thanks for the pendant idea. I'm trying to incorporate more of my necklaces as I tend to fill the gap of having short hair + defer to earrings as accessory of choice.

Jane

I love this look. To me it looks modern. As Suz says, avant garde!

Lyn D.

I like this Loz-
The shorter at the front gives a lovely overall shape.

Gigi

I'm wondering what would happen if you wore a black shoe (to match the color of your pants) that had a lower vamp. I'm wondering if that would help extend your leg line a bit.

I like tulle's idea of adding a pendant necklace too.

Thanks for the suggestion Gigi about the shoe colour - I've got a range of possibilities to play with now - well in time for being table to wear this in spring + summer.

lyn67

Agree is a fab avante garde piece, and lots of drama, and wear it well -I am surprised to say, but especially like it with the white shoes-looks very intentional! Now, let's see it open- like a topper/duster -over a column of black (+a long contrast pendant)! A high wamp black shoe worth a try, too.

Good idea to wear it open lyn67, except it only has a half placket front. I'll get to try all sorts of shoes, including a high vamp sandal!

skylurker

Oooh, I love it!
Actually, it looks like the best way to do a dress+trousers look if you're short, with the front shorter, and a shirt structure around the shoulders-bust.

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