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Consulting your collective wisdom

Column

Veteran

Hi everyone,

This is my first photo post to the forum. I have been reading and (sort of) commenting for about a year now. I have been inspired by you all, learned a lot, and am finally ready to take some risks. Stats: I am a petite pear with short legs, 5'4", fluctuate between 119-124 lbs, 56 years old. My uniform is a solid sheath/shift with cropped sweater (very Reese Witherspoon). Since the tunic/leggings century (for that's what it felt like), I gave up on separates; they were a disaster on me. But higher waistlines and shorter tops are luring me back. Yet, I've lost my eye for the look on my body--and I've since fully entered menopause, so my body is different now ten years on--so I could use your help! My general proportions and body type are probably closest (though not identical) to Suz and lisap's on the forum.

1) Last year's Levi's crops, current Aritzia top. Questions: Are the crops too short/out-of-date? I rarely go lighter on the bottom, but the narrower cut of this leg emboldens me. Am I wrong? Also, is the top too big? I wanted drape and forgiveness for when at the top of my weight (I'm in the middle right now: 122), but when I lose, clothing can look big quickly. It's a tough balance to strike.

2) Same top, black JCrew Teddie pants. Do Teddies work on me? Why/why not? Length? Thin leg? Compression on saddle bags? I tried on a smaller size, but it grabbed me between the legs both front and back in ways that made me very uncomfortable and self-conscious.

3) Same top, black Aritzia Cohen pant. Drapey crepe fabric, pleats below the waist, narrow leg. Work or not? Better or worse than Teddies? Length?

We are planning a short trip in a few weeks and I am trying to get a wardrobe capsule together of white and black bottoms, and go-with-everything tops and jackets.

PS--Suz: The two black dresses and high-low t-shirt you posted recently are AMAZING! Any source help for same or similar finds?

Thank you everyone! This is scary--but I'm desperate (and hopeful)!

Dressing

19 replies

Latest reply was from Suz

RobinF

Veteran

Congrats on your first post! I like the top, it's drapey but doesn't look too big to me and is a pretty color. The white pants look like they might be a little big though. I prefer longer lengths on myself, how long are these when not rolled up? I can't see the black pants very well but I think the teddies would be nice a little bit shorter and the same with the last ones or they could maybe be cuffed? They look like they fit well, I bet they would get a lot of wear!

Column

Veteran

Hi Robin! Thank you!!

That is very reassuring on the top; I wasn't looking forward to exchanging it, since I bought another color and pattern in the same cut, same size. And I'll play around with the length of each pant! I appreciate the feedback!

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I like the top as well. I don't think the white pants fit well - you had to size up and there's a fold at the crotch because of it. I like the Teddies and the slight flare, which is very in this summer. The third pair of pants, it's hard to see the details, but they look good. Maybe go a tad shorter with them? Depends on the shoes you plan to wear with them.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

How nice that you decided to really do a post. The white pants look too big. The black pants both look like they could go a little shorter -- something to distinguish them from black work pants if you are on vacation.

Bonnie

Veteran

I agree that the white pants look large and the black pants could be shorter. The top looks great and is a nice color.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

WELCOME, Body double!!!!

So delighted to see you.

In all seriousness, we are pretty darned close, I'd say. I'm also 5'4" (on a tall day) and weigh in roughly the same ballpark -- anywhere between 115 and 123 or so. And I used to think of myself as a pretty pear because I tend to carry my weight in my thighs/ bum and less so elsewhere, although -- yes, I'm also more than halfway through my 50s -- the weight distribution tends to be a bit different these days than it once was. More in the tummy, less in the tush. If anything I have found that has made clothes easier to fit, so I'm not all that distressed about it.

I'd say you are more hourglass than pure pear based on the photos...your shoulder line looks to balance your hips?

You look fantastic in the top -- no issues there. Beautiful colour for your skin tone. If it feels too loose in regular temps when you are down a few pounds and you tend to go down in the heat of summer (as I do) then perhaps just wait it out -- that extra room may feel great when it is hot. If not, pop a cami underneath or a gauzy scarf at the neck. That is my solution to V neck tops that get out of control on me. Typically because of my small bust I go for higher necks but I love the angles of a V and I also love the coolness -- so my compromise is strictly limit my purchase of tops with this neckline and to find methods to deal with that looseness if needed.

The white pants look like they might be a touch large? It could also be because the roll is sort of pushing them up, as it were. What happens if you roll them down and let them be raw edge. and wear a belt? Might have to semi-tuck the top. They almost fit like BF jeans on you I think. I do wear shorts like this (just below the knee) and I often try to wear a little wedge if I do so to balance my shorter calves.

I love the Teddies on you! I'd like to see them maybe a touch shorter for comparison -- but we do see the ankle strap of the shoe here, so I am not 100% sure they need to go a lot shorter. As long as it is looking intentional.

I agree with the others that the black pants in #3 could go a wee bit shorter as well.

I am not sure which items you might have been talking about on my recent post, but I suspect it was a Club Monaco dress from last year, an Aritzia top from last year, and a Kamalikulture dress that is at least 3 years old and an Angie recommendation. I don't have a find for Kamalikulture but I have been meaning to do a post about how fab those dresses are for travelling. They are, however, quite body con. The one I'm wearing in the photo is kind of ruched at the waist, so more forgiving than some of them. Angie has one in the same pattern, and we both also owned another dress from this company. Highly recommend these pieces for any travel that includes date night.

I don't know if CM or Aritzia have similar dresses or tops this year, but worth a look.

ETA: check the blog archives for Kamalikulture and you'll see Angie modelling her own dresses. They are also available on Amazon and at the Norma Kamali site, as well as (often) at Zulilly -- I got mine there for a ridiculously cheap price and it has more than paid for itself many times over. I also had a great turtleneck dress from there but recently gave it to my step-daughter as I knew she'd love it and I'd given it a lot of wear already.

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Column

Veteran

Ok ladies, thank you! It's hard to argue with unanimous opinion! I am very happy to hear about the top (all oranges from tangerine to Halloween are my best color, so I love this). I'll ditch the white and play with raising both black pant hems. FYI: I prefer daintier shoes and have some, but I bought the Taos for walking. This is so helpful; thanks to all for weighing in!

Column

Veteran

Hi Suz! So my eye was right--we ARE body doubles!

Yes, those are exactly the pieces I was thinking of; you look SMASHING in them! And I like your recommendations for manipulating the fit on the white crops. I have a white belt coming in the mail (no metal hardware to distract the eye or limit coordination) and I'll play with that cuff. It's tacked--but I can untack it. But if it doesn't work, I'll move on or save for housework/play.

To everyone: This is so nice--and such a relief--to have some help in the fashion-and-fit department! To Suz: Thank you for such a thoughtful reply!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Here are the links to Kamalikulture posts:

Fab Finds at the Memorial Day Sales

... sporty in an elegant way. Kamalikulture Sleeveless Shirred Waist Dress: I ...

Angie · 24 May 2014

Tailored and Lacy for the Holidays

... easy throw-on-and-go Kamalikulture dresses that I added to ...

Angie · 2 December 2013

Dressy at Santa Monica Beach

... pictures. I have worn my Kamalikulture Oval Dot Turtleneck Dress a ... , I shant be wearing my Kamalikulture dresses for a while because ...

Angie · 1 November 2013

Two Fab Sleeved Dresses

Im a fan of Kamalikulture dresses. Ive worn the one ... styles that tickled my fancy: Kamalikulture Crew Neck Flared Dress with ... lies flat and is flattering. Kamalikulture Turtleneck Dress: This style is ...

Angie · 20 August 2013

A New Frock Gets Down to Business

... crew neck tee dress from Kamalikulture that I mentioned a few ...

Angie · 1 May 2013

Kamalikulture Dresses: Fab and Under $100

... and they fit really well. Kamalikulture L/S Crew Neck ... and regular to small bust. Kamalikulture L/S Crew Neck ... a place in my wardrobe.Kamalikulture L/S Side Draped ... bottle bottoms and green brushstroke. Kamalikulture Sleeveless Shirred Waist Dress: A ...

Angie · 29 April 2013

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Welcome and congrats. Wonderful that you posted, Column. The top is fabulous. Fresh, alluring and pretty.

The white jeans look like boyfriend jeans, and therefore need a belt. Can you unroll them?

The Teddies look great with the right footwear - the ones you have on are good. And I much prefer them to the Aritzia pants.

Look forward to seeing you put together this capsule.

Ledonna N.

Veteran

Welcome to the form....

Collective wisdom has spoken

Summer

Veteran

I see that the other ladies have given you excellent advice, but I just wanted to congratulate you on your first post and to wish you luck with your capsule. I hope you will keep us posted.

Style Fan

Veteran

Welcome to the Forum. Great advice from the others. Another orange lover here. It is also one of my best colours.

Column

Veteran

Everyone: Oh wow! I'm overwhelmed.

Suz: Thank you for the time-consuming posts! I read every one.
Angie: Thanks for suggesting a boyfriend fit--as did Suz. Indeed, it is. Does my new styling look "intentional?" The jeans came down a full three inches. I went monochromatic for max lengthening and threw on some uniform jewelry for effect.
Summer, Ladonna, and Style Fan: I appreciate your confirmation. Indeed, "collective wisdom" has spoken!

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Column

Veteran

Also: Aritzia pants, cuffed one hem.
Additional question: Are the new Taos sandals JFE? I bought them for their padded walking footbed, even though they are not as fashion-forward as bonafide ankle straps. Foolish?

Thanks everyone!!

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Suz

(website)

Veteran

So, the new BF look with the white jeans totally works to my eye. Great improvement. You can even let them scooch a bit further down on your hips if you are able to. Really nice and will be cool yet modest if you are going to a warm place.

Do you have a Find for the sandals? That way we can take a closer look. I do think they look excellent for your immediate purpose (the trip). Happy feet are key!

I also like the Aritzia pants cuffed.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

The white jeans look great. You need a wider jeans belt to complete the look. The belt needs to fill out the loops, if you know what I mean. And one roll on the cuff will work too - or leave them down just like this. Top looks great with the jeans.

New black sandals look fab. Are you keeping the Teddies?

Column

Veteran

Suz: Thank you! I value your taste!
I believe these are the shoes:
https://taosfootwear.com/charade.html
But now I'm questioning the color. I bought these in black for lengthening effect on dark pants, but I am used to light footwear. I'm thinking white/black snakeskin with real ankle straps might do the trick and be more versatile. What do you think? (plus, these heels are lower):
http://www.landsend.com/produc.....197?sku_0=::BLA

Angie: And of course, the best-trained eye in the bunch honed right in on my biggest wardrobe hole: Belts! I'll work on it. I have so many from pre-menopause days, but between rises going from high to low to mid and my waistline changing--nothing fits! It's been a hard truth to accept, given that quality leather goods are expensive and last, and therefore hard to discard. But it is time!
And YES, keeping the Teddies! Your comments were a shot of confidence! I want them for work, also, so I'll keep them as long as possible while still showing casual and dressy footwear ankle straps. I may even try pumps.

Ladies: Just a comment about why figuring out this fashion piece is important to me now (we share so much, but we are also so different--yes?): I think in my youth standing out via fashion was vogue, and so I wore mostly statement outfits. That suited my work and lifestyle then. But through motherhood, NOT being the red flag that walked into the room was far more appropriate. That's when I learned the value of basics. Now that I am in matronhood, I need to make sure I don't stand out for MIS-matching my age to my fasion. But neither do I want to look old and out-of-date. I just want a look that blends in like it belongs, that is still relevant, that no one does a double take on for the wrong reasons. Does that make sense?

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Column, I think the Taos look good in the photos and I expect they would be very comfortable because of the soft leather. I also love the look of the snakeskin Land's End ones and agree the light colour and low contrast would be nice. However, I think you will have to try them on and compare. For my own foot, the Land's End would be a lot less comfortable. I have to be super careful with sandals that have so little support through the mid section. The low heel is both a plus and minus for a foot like my own -- it means there is less support in the arch area. If the last fits perfectly, it would work; if the last is even a tiny bit off, then I get tired feet much sooner than I would in a wedge. Also, the LE shoe has less padding on the footbed I believe. But everybody's feet are different. So give them a try and compare!

I think that many here on the forum will understand your fashion goals. And certainly many of us come after a long time away from fashion and it can take some time (and money) to get "up to speed." But you will get there!