Changing priorities - YouLookFab Forum

Growing up in the thinnest state in the Union (Colorado), along with spending 10 years in orthorexic Los Angeles has always made me want a better than average body--something I could perhaps strut across a stage at an awards ceremony, for example (if it came up!)

I will always have that goal in the back of my mind, but I am coming to accept that maybe that goal needs to stay in the back of my mind until further notice. I will always admire the bodies in music videos the way other people admire the work it took to make an ice sculpture--it is a joy for me less than a compulsion.

That being said, I am looking at my body as is. Today it is not very bloated, and also I exercised recently, so I will have trouble showing you everything that I mean. I am strong and healthy, but still have a few pounds and a few flaws I don't want.

The flaws include:
saddlebags and hip dips
A stomach that sticks out (it is more noticeable in person)
large upper arms

I am interested in learning to dress a bit better to hide these flaws. Any season, warm or cool is fine. More veering towards casual.

I know that I could spend 20 minutes looking up this advice online, but thought it might be good to ask here.

P.S. I love the "think piece" on tunics from McSweeney's that Janet just shared. I am guessing that would be an appropriate clothing choice here.

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19 hours ago

JAileen

Veteran

I think you’re too hard on yourself. You look pretty darn good. Would I like to look this good? Yes, of course! Also, Hollywood types aren’t even real. Re your hips and thighs, have you worn wide leg pants?

16 hours ago

Jenni NZ

I feel uncomfortable about assessing someone else’s body on the forum Carol. We have been asked to do it before when some new Fabbers have asked us to assess their Kibbe types, but this is not a Kibbe forum so someone explains that to those Fabbers.
I know you haven’t actually asked us to assess your body but telling us your perceived flaws is not too far away from that?
I think I have learned to dress in a somewhat more flattering way through soaking up general wisdom here…
I’m not happy giving any specific advice. It feels too personal to me.
This could be just me…

11 hours ago

Sal

I think you look great Carol and I am not going to comment on any flaws.

I think that working out what is most important to you is helpful. For me, trying to not have clutter at my neckline is important as I feel it is unflattering. I like to wear my hair in a messy bob and if I wear a scarf or cowl neck I feel stumpy. For you it may be something else.

Lisa

I personally don't think any body has actual "flaws," every body is beautiful and unique in it own way.

For any body shape the big decision to make is what you want to draw attention to and what you want to draw attention away from. For example, skinny jeans and a short top will show off an entire leg, while skinny jeans and a tunic will draw attention to a torso and the lower leg/calf area. A V-neck will draw attention to a necklace and collarbones, while a crewneck will draw attention to the face more.

I wear all styles and silhouettes, it's fun to experiment and draw attention to or away from various body parts based on my mood for that day.

9 hours ago

Jaime

(website)

We all have things we perceive as flaws, that do not necessarily appear like flaws to anyone else. I think the most important thing about how you dress is making yourself feel confident and comfortable in your skin. Most body shape oriented advice is about making you conform to a certain norm, and that norm is not everyone's goal. The advantage of systems like Kibbe my favorite classic book The Triumph of Personal Style is that the talk about dressing to enhance your unique self.
On a practical level, I like to take photos of my outfits (not necessarily to post) and take note of which ones make me feel and look how I like.

8 hours ago

Irina

I agree with Jaime, we all have parts of ourselves that we don’t particularly enjoy. But learning to dress better is not about hiding them. Find your style, your own voice and make yourself happy. This is the place where you can do it with Angie’s kind help.

7 hours ago

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