Thank you all so much - I think I just need to try some of these outfit ideas that I like so much, despite a little voice that says, "Oh you can't wear xyz because...." and so on. I *have* actually tried a few things and been very surprised, so I will just keep going! I did manage to put together a version of the updated sweater dress formula that Angie posted back in late October, and it worked out surprisingly well - to the point where my husband was floored and loved the outfit.
CocoLion - thank you for sharing this example - it helps a lot. Perhaps it's more "the idea" of a particular look than the actual, specific pieces. I'm going to work on this - you've given me a really good idea about how to make something work, even if it doesn't seem like it will at first.
Suz - thanks for your insightful post - that bit about feeling like a particular style is going to be imposed is just how I've been feeling. I don't feel like a very bombshell kind of person - but the guidelines/ideas for my shape tend to go in that direction.
Una - you're so right about how the same outfit can look good on different shapes for entirely different reasons - thanks for this!
Kari - you are looking *fab* - and I'm so glad to hear that you're able to just have fun and I have to tell you that your posts are very inspiring for me - it's because both you and Angie tried the tucked-in-turtleneck with flared jeans - that I went and bought the GAP Long and Leans, and the INC ribbed turtleneck sweater. When I saw that this kind of outfit looked equally fabulous on two different shapes, I decided to try it too. I even bought a weird 70's inspired necklace/pendant - way over the top for me....but with the simple jeans and turtleneck - it seemed to work.
Debora - I feel a lot like you do, but for different reasons. A few days or maybe a week ago, I asked if wrap dresses were dated, and I asked this question because I felt like this is a shape that suits me, but I really wasn't crazy about the idea. I was actually hoping someone would say that wrap dresses were out of date...lol! I don't really have any (a couple of things that are slightly similar to a wrap dress), and it felt like this particular dress was kind of a "must have" for my shape. But what I really want are checked slim-fit trousers, skinny jeans, a moto jacket, and so on.
Definitely a bit of rebellious stuff going on here. Not sure why this is, but it is.
In the meantime, I've decided I'm going to try some of the ideas/looks that I like anyway, and find what I can that will work with my shape - employing CocoLion's and Louise's strategy along the way too if/when the specific items aren't friendly for my shape.
Thanks again everyone. While I know it's not fun, it's good to know I'm not the only one who has wondered if one's shape sometimes conflicts with wanting to wear certain styles.
