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Changing My Style Persona; How to Get Started

Chris987

Veteran

Hi everyone.

I’ve been wanting to change my style persona for a while, from my long-standing Classic/Menswear/Sporty to something more feminine (but not too many ruffles/bows) and fashion-forward. I’m not even sure which of the style personas suggested here on YLF represent what I’m looking for. I agree with the things Mac said in her recent forum posting “how to cull one’s closets”... tough to get started, can’t just purge everything, looking for advice.

I have a body type that is difficult to style (I guess we all say that, don’t we) - short, short waisted, pear. I am using the red paisley shirt below as a metaphor for getting myself started. I really like this shirt, for reasons unclear to me (maybe the color), but have not worn in in quite a few years and I think it does NOT fit the new persona I want. I finally decided to make an effort to style it, the results are below. the 3rd one with skinny jeans is purposely with one leg rolled up as an experiment.

I’m thinking it’s time to let it go. What can I learn from this shirt and my attempts to style it? Is this styling completely stuck in my old personas? (I think so). Be honest, you will NOT hurt my feelings

Thanks so much in advance.

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21 replies

Latest reply was from Chris987

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I like that shirt too -- I'm fond of paisley, and I am often drawn to tailored button-front shirts. However, at this point in my life, I don't wear that style of shirt very often at all, and I have too many of them that I hang onto because they fit me well and are conventionally flattering on my shape. I guess I keep them because they are classic, and in case some style starts to trend that can incorporate those shirts, or I figure out some styling that makes them feel fresh. But I wore one yesterday (although it was not a nice crisp one like yours) and felt a bit fidgety in it.

If the color and print are what appeal to you, I suggest looking for different styles of tops in similar colors or prints. Try something a little less structured, and more drapey or floaty. You may need a tank top or cami underneath if it's a little sheer, but that can be a nice look. I've included some random finds from my collection just to illustrate some silhouettes.

This many help you feel more current, and also help move you towards the softer, more feminine style you are wanting to adopt.

I am also short-waisted and pear-ish, so I understand some of your fit issues!

Banana Republic

Dillon-Fit Watercolor Floral Shirt

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8

Sanctuary 'Blousant Belle' Print Split Neck Peasant Top

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7

Elie Tahari 'Gracelynn' Print Silk Roll Sleeve Blouse

$298.00 $178.80

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Banana Republic

BR Monogram Washed Silk Blouse

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Banana Republic

Drapey Crepe Blouse

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Silk Wrap-Front Blouse

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1

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7

Pleione Faux Wrap Blouse (Regular & Petite)

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6

Chris987

Veteran

Thanks Janet, that is just the type of input I was looking for! Yes yes yes that "conventionally flattering" comment really hits home with me. Love all the ideas. Especially love that pleone black/white top since I really do like geometric prints...I need to start doing some "try on stuff I wouldn't normally wear" shopping trips.....

Hoping to hear from others....

Bonnie

Veteran

I have a similar body shape and have given up on this style of shirt because it is so hard for me to get the proportions right. I found tunic style tops work for my body, especially in a less structured, drapey, floaty style like Janet suggested. Have fun shopping and show us what you find.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Another note about these drapey styles -- don't forget that tailoring can make a difference. With my particular body type, they can feel too roomy through the body because they tend to be a little longer on my short torso. That often means that the tops are a little longer, and I need to size up to accommodate my hips (and sometimes also my bustline). If the body feels too roomy on these styles when you try them, keep in mind that it's a simple alteration to take a bit in on the side seams so the fit is still easy but follows the line of the body more. I think that can really help when shifting from a tailored style to something a little looser that is still flattering and doesn't feel too big and billowy.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I have to run, Chris. But I will be back. Nice to see you post.

Chris987

Veteran

Bonnie, interestingly enough I have never found the tunic style to work on me, they are always too long (even in petites) if the shoulders fit, and the bottom hits at the widest part of my body...but I've always tried them in structured/woven fabrics so I should give the less structured and/or knit fabric ones a try.

Janet, good point on fitting and alterations. I do most of my own alterations and agree that what you describe could be relatively simple to do.

Already having a couple of AHA moments...go for knit/flowy fabrics, floral prints, drapey/loose silhouettes...:-) ...and skip the conventional collars....

Anonymous

Fellow short-waisted pear shape here.

If you haven't already, read Angie's advice on dressing the pear shape. It's so helpful!
http://youlookfab.com/2014/02/.....type-2014/

Anonymous

I'm not a pear, but I am short waisted, so I can relate. It took me a while to figure out that I'm better off not wearing a belt, and that a short-over-long silhouette (for example, cropped jacket over a longer top) looks really good. I agree that drapey, loose silouettes are flattering.

unfrumped

Veteran

Just a hit and run response, but I agree that if you have a dept store, boutiques or other good B&M stores in your area, just doing "retail research" can be very helpful. Set aside no-rush time, no expectations; Try on styles, colors, brands (no $$ worries for research) and see what lights your bulb. Like, this style but not in polyester. This sweater but I don't want to pay $300 (or maybe, just one great, versatile but higher-dollar sweater IS what I need rather than 15 so-so tops) . These colors compared to colors you used to like.

rachylou

Veteran

I'm so short waisted, I tell y'all, my legs start at my neck. I feel ya.

So, the shirt *does* look really good on you. I wish I looked as good as you in a shirt. I like the fit in the shoulders. But I do see that it's very classic. I second Janet on drapier fabrics and blouses as opposed to shirts. Softer collars are something else to try. Or no collar.

Anonymous

I agree with Janet and others who have said that flowy tops are a good way to de-classic your wardrobe.

Here are some other ideas:
Long sweater over skinny jeans
Pointy toe booties
Cage sandals
Open toe booties
Leather jacket
Geometric patterns like windowpane.
I bet you could do the cropped kick flares which are the of-the-moment trend, if you wanted to.

I really like your classic look (great blazer and shoes!) but can understand that sometimes you just want a change!
Good luck!

deb

Veteran

I see that shirt as quite feminine. The style may be on the masculine side but the paisley overrides that to my eye. I think it could work into your new more feminine goal.

Chris987

Veteran

Xtabay thanks for the reminder about Angie's pear posting. I need to spend some time studying it, it's FULL of great info.

BC - good idea on cropped jacket over longer top, could use a few more casual jackets

Unfrumped - yes exactly, what you call "retail research" is just what I need to do. I'm already thinking about a specific mall and some boutiques...and I definitely need to get my head around the fewer/nicer idea. It's time.

Rachylou love your comment about your legs starting at your neck. LOL! .

smittie - great ideas..not sure about cropped flares or skinny jeans but I have several of the other items already and it's a good list to work from.

Deb - yeah there may still be something feminine about this shirt, but I think my definition of feminine may have changed over time.

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

Janet said it so well. I too have a few that I've held onto and have layered them once in awhile. I think the tops Janet found are all great and definitely a step towards more femine style. Time to go have some fun experimenting and trying on other top styles and seeing how you feel about them.

Isabel

Veteran

It is hard Chris. You are stepping into a somewhat unknown. Have you tried to get some ideas on Pinterst ? That has was really helpful for me when I wanted to tweak my style. I just pinned, pinned and pinned at first. Then I noticed many similarities in the vast pictures. That helped crystallize things a bit.

And Janet's shirt suggestions are amazing. Good Luck !

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I really like what Janet said. In fact, the kind of silhouettes that she wears may be of great inspiration to you.

Chris987

Veteran

Tracey, well said.

Isable, yes I do think it will be tough, but it will be an adventure and I'm looking forward to it. Pinterest is a great idea, I have only been on that site a few times but will explore it more.

Angie, I agree it looks like Janet's style is a good thing for me to explore. I'm sure I'll find some others along the way too.

thanks so much everyone, I'll post some stuff once I have some ideas. Will be trying the fitting-room-selfie route so I can be really analytical about what I see.

Chris987

Veteran

I'm browsing several online stores and putting lots of ideas into my "finds" list..love that YLF feature Angie and Greg!! What do you think of this blouse/skirt combo from Anthropologie as possibilities for me? Seems both pieces would be versatile and could be worn together as a "dress" if the fit was just right. They do both come in petite sizes although the top is mostly sold out in all sizes.

Yumi Kim Duskbloom Silk Skirt

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Yumi Kim Lutea Silk Blouse

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Suz

(website)

Veteran

Those are pretty. It all comes down to fit, though, so the only way to know is to give them a bash!

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Chris, I'm nodding at what Janet wrote above, and it's great that she gave you some examples that resonate with you. I wonder if you might also be inspired by forum member Diana. Her style is roughly "elegant eclectic," and she is a pretty pear who is short-waisted. Her style is a great inspiration to me, as a sister eclectic/arty sort of dresser!

Another thought: Your hairstyle is a classic style. It looks great on you. Does it reflect where you want to go with your style? (It might or might not--I don't know the answer.) But if you feel it is part of your "old" style and you're wanting something a little different, that could be part of your move.

Chris987

Veteran

Yes Suz I'm going to start trying stuff on soon, I know that's the only way to tell.

Firecracker...thanks for suggesting I follow Diana, will look at her style, and excellent comment about my hair! .I'm a little tired of the style and am indeed thinking of changing to something less classic. Like maybe a shorter side part/bob with no bangs. I love longer hair and my hair would work for that but with my small face/features the overall look is just too dreary when I let it grow