Ever realize something you want to love doesn't work for you? - YouLookFab Forum

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Ever realize something you want to love doesn't work for you?

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

I joined here about a year ago and read a lot of posts and blogs. I became enamoured of the Brooks Brothers and similar woven shirts that had some body. I bought a few but realize I rarely wear them. This morning I decided to wear the BB in the fitted style and ended up taking it off and coming to the conclusion that it doesn't work for me. Wah

I so wanted to love the stiff button front shirt but when I tuck it in, it bunches up - every one I own, regardless of the fit. I went back to Angie's blog of yesterday and looked at the fit of her shirt which is what I was going for with my outfit today. I think it is my short waisted torso that hasn't enough room between chest, waist and hip for the fabric to lay right. I can wear them out but it isn't the look I want. I realized this morning that a softer less structured fabric works better for my shape and as much as I want to love my BB shirts, they don't reciprocate my feelings and so I must let them go and move on.

Anyone else have a look they really want to love but know won't work?

Dressing

25 replies

Latest reply was from

ironkurtin

Veteran

My husband? I KID!

I really love certain long swingy ruffly things, and open-knit lacey things, but mostly they look really dumb on me.

rute

Veteran

ah ah ironkurtin, you are so fun!
All the time! I love the long boho dresses but I have given up already! I'm petite!

ManidipaM

Veteran

I'd love to do perky stand-up collars, turtlenecks, volume on volume, shorts, shorter (non-midi) dresses and skirts (though I belong to the generation that has difficulty understanding 'midi' as meaning anything less than mid-calf), swing and trapeze cuts, boxy cropped tops, high heels and tall boots. Crisp shirts I've given up on, finally, after struggling with from the ripe old age of 5 (school uniform shirt!)

Not gonna happen, I fear, for most of those. A lot of manipulation required to achieve turtleneck, shorts and shorter dresses/skirts without painful results; heels can be handled if not TOO painful, but not for long certainly.

kellygirl

Veteran

I feel the same way about the crisp button down. My body is just to broad and solid to look at ease in that style. I have too much bulk to layer anything over without looking like the Hulk. I find I'm much better off in softer fabrics.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

This is a good realization though and learning what NOT to wear is just as importrant as learning WHAT to wear!

I love turtlenecks but can't wear them (at least haven't found one that works). I have a short neck and it makes me look like my head just sits on my shoulders.

bj1111

Veteran

you pinned it down dianthus. for the same reason, i wear my button downs untucked for a casual look or to dress down a dressy piece.

catgirl

Veteran

This is my motto.

Structured shirts, DVF style wrap dresses, cute summer tank tops, t-necks, cowl necks, t-shirts.... Also lots of colors I can't wear, notably white. So instead I've just chosen to hate them irrationally (or as we say politely, I have poison eye or maybe sour grapes eye).

K. Period.

Veteran

Yes! Pinch waist dresses, the really classic '50s style, and soft midis and maxi skirts and dresses and turtlenecks and I could go on forever. Lots to love, lots that don't work.

It sounds odd, but have you tried petite button downs? I'm 5'5" and short waisted. I just barely fit petites, but when I can, they look so much better proportioned than regular sizes.

christieanne

Veteran

Totally - wrap dresses, spaghetti straps/thin strap tops, heels higher than 2'.

Aziraphale

Veteran

Oh goodness, all kinds of things. Wide belts and crisp white shirts top the list. But then, we've all got a few things that *really* don't work for us. There is no one figure type that can literally wear every style or colour and look great! And if there's a look I really like, there's usually a workaround that gives the same vibe. For example, I really like big black geek chic glasses, but they're too heavy for my small features and pale skin. So I ended up getting brown tortoiseshell ones that are slightly narrower and suit my face shape, but are still geeky.

As for your shirt, you're right, a softer fabric will drape around your breasts better, while still giving you the polished look of a button-front shirt. I'm like you -- I've got a short waist (plus a full-ish bust) so I can't wear stiff shirts either. They just make me look blocky. I do have a very nice, soft black button-front shirt (I think it's made of tencel?) that does the job of a stiffer one without making me look blocky.

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

I am glad to see I am not alone. I suspect that the rest of you learned the lesson though and stopped buying the items that are "poison" for you.

K can shop, I have long arms and legs so if I get petite, the arms are almost always way too short. I also have wider shoulders and petites are often cut for the smaller frame. C'est la vie.

gradfashionista

(website)

Veteran

Peplums! They seem like a garment suited for all types--will give you a defined waist and flared hips if you're rectuangular, and will accentuate your waist and hips if you're hourglass. I owned a peplum cardigan a few years ago that seemed to mask my waist and broaden my hips. In any event, I've since given up on them.

Kirti

(website)

Veteran

Heels! I can never make them work!

Anonymous

I can't do the crisp button down, either. My DD can, so I enjoy buying those shirts for her. I think it has to do with my curvy figure and short waist. Whatever the reason, I can't make them work for me. I've also tried to do boho, but it's definitely not a look I can pull off. Same with traditional classic clothing (think British royalty); just isn't me.

Also: turtlenecks, crew necks, and scarves; anything up near my neck, really. Not good on me!

Oh, and shoes: Now that I have a bunion, there are certain shoe styles I can no longer wear. I go out of my way to buy stylish shoes that hide "Bob the bunion" and are comfortable so he doesn't get angry and cause me pain.

I can pair some classic clothing with trendy items and come up with good-looking outfits, so I guess I should be thankful. I can also rock a fitted sheath dress, and I look best in shaped tops that skim my curves. My only frustration is shopping and finding those shaped clothes! Seems like the clothing manufacturers do not have me in mind when they come up with new styles. Oh well...

I think that in the end, it's not just about what fits your body but also what fits your personality. Some clothing is just not "me," and I'm now completely comfortable knowing I can't wear all the clothing styles I'm drawn to. I appreciate those looks on the people who can make them work, and stick to what I know works best for me. Maybe that's why so many clothing styles are available. There are so many people in the world, with so many different tastes and body shapes. For that we can be thankful. How boring it would be if we all looked the same!

HelenInCanada

Veteran

So true, Ruth!

I'd say I've passed up chic shrunken leather or stretch jackets that look SO nice in fall and spring because my chest and rounder frame makes it a challenge to find ones that fit! Also, I LOVE funky dresses belted at the waist, but they tend to look silly on my short torso. Ah well...c'est la vie!

jen

I hate wearing but wished I could:

Stiff shirts
Waist belts
Turtlenecks
Scarfs
Short necklaces
Trench coats
Small crossbody bags
Long over knee boots
Nude colours

Claudia

Veteran

Bright, clear colors.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oh, so sad. I was going to suggest petites but with long arms it is a no-go, unless for rolled-sleeve styles....or...weird suggestion...what about a men's or boy's shirt??

I find petites work best for me but I am an inch shorter than you with shorter limbs. (Also short waisted).

Things i love but cannot wear: notably, anything very loose, unstructured and flowy. Subtle draping I can do, but it has to be subtle and fairly close to the body. Most boho looks won't work, and the stuff I REALLY love—wild and crazy asymmetrical Japanese designs—are pure disaster. Even Eileen Fisher, apart from the very unusual piece, is just too much for me. I love the look, but it swamps me and makes me seem totally insignificant. I need crisp tailoring of some kind.

Flats are tough for me. I love ballet flats, but not only do the fail to stay on my feet, but they shorten my leg line.

Cropped pants.

Ugh, I could go on.

Isabel

Veteran

All.the.time. Sometimes it is practical ( like white shirts in the summer while I am a SAHM ) or it just doesn't look good on my body ( short legs, one crooked leg, long torso ). Sometimes it is the fit, I have yet to find a pair of peep toes that I don't slide forward in. It is just life and one learns to work around it. In the end, you end up really happy with what you do wear because it fits and functions well.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Sour grape eyes! I like that! Well I love belts on others but not myself, love turtlenecks but most are too high for my short neck, sort of love heels but can't wear (maybe I have sour grape eyes for heels?). When it comes to button downs, I find that less stiff material often works better on me.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Your comments made me chuckle

I have a hard time wearing things that need "filling out".

Dianthus, try a soft blouse instead of a crisp stiff button down. This one from BR doesn't look very compelling but it's been a winner on most of my clients:

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/.....pid=904881

The citron blouse I wore in yesterday's blog post was also VERY soft.

Jewell

Veteran

For me the list includes...
-high heels- They're impractical for my lifestyle, DH is only an inch taller than me, and I'm almost 5'7" barefoot and I prefer not to be almost six feet tall with shoes on.
-wide belts- They just don't work with my short waist.
-strapless dresses- I don't have enough up top to hold them up : )

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

Thank you all for sharing and commiserating. Alaskagirl, I loved the sour grape eyes comment. I think I will have to find out what size and cut our dear Shannon wears in the BB shirts.

taylor

Veteran

Anything that requires a bustline usually doesn't work for me:)

Anonymous

LOL, I'm with Taylor.