Fall/Winter Trends: Anyone else feel like Season 7 Joan H...everyone's wearing what?!! [WIW]

Vix

OK, I haven't watched Mad Men Season 7 yet but I cannot *wait* to check out the costumes in motion!

So in looking at my closet, and looking at Fall/Winter trends, and looking at my preferences, and looking at my budget...

I know fashion is much more fluid than back in the day, but this -- this is not my time, ha.

It's been nearly 1.5 YEARS since I started playing with more voluminous -- "fluid" -- eased looks and it's not getting any easier.

While I certainly lack her shape, I feel like Mad Men's Joan Holloway looking wistfully at her knee-length or below wiggle dresses while those around her are in highly graphic shift minidresses or even pants!

Naturally Joan being Joan it looks like she tries to cherry-pick elements of the trends that flatter her.

I'm trying. And realized that while I have my moments of volume galore, I really feel better in less of it.

Anyone else feeling like they're making do and waiting for something different to come 'round?

*******

Here's what I've picked up for cooler temps. [I never stopped wearing bootcut wool trousers or jeans so they're in play too.] Sorry for bad photo quality.

Photo 1: Mad Men Season 7 looks
Photo 2: Silk tunic -- brown/black/mint/taupe + black straight leg stretch pants + new black booties
Photo 3: Cocoa cashmere slanket with roomy sleeves
Photo 4: Black short-sleeved silk tunic (velvet burnout/sheer parts in front, solid in back)
Photo 5: Silver/black cashmere sweater vest
Not shown -- fitted black wool sweater dress
Photo 6-7: Grey wool jersey midi dress with 70s elements (I blame my Martha Graham love)

A couple of past looks with volume/fluidity/blah blah
Photo 8: work looks, Spring/Summer 2013
Photo 9: work looks, Spring/Summer 2014
Photo 10: crazy potato sack boho (before/after alterations)...for better/worse, I've actually worn this tons

11 years ago

General

11 replies

Latest reply was from Vix

thimblelina

(website)

Veteran

For someone who's ambivalent about fluid fits you've done a great job adopting them! I love your boho tunic; those small tweaks transform it from Halloween rack to runway! And your martha graham look is flawless. Beautiful and timeless.

11 years ago

bj1111

Veteran

first, agree with thimblelina about how you've worked in the fluid look to your advantage, especially on top. reworking the tunic in #10 is genius--up-to-date shape but not overwhelming.

second, totally get your perspective...i am not fond of the volume look especially on the bottom. i struggle with the whole boyfriend look. i have exactly 1 pair of bf jeans and 1 pair of black "dress sweats". i've hung on to my skinnies and continue to wear them.

11 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

I felt that way for a while with pastels being so on trend. The voluminous trend suits me to the core, so I will be riding this ship till it sinks. But I do understand how you feel and think that's the nature of fashion trends - no one is going to love them all.

11 years ago

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I am small-boned and volume swallows me whole. Skinnies have stayed at the core of my wardrobe for this reason. I do find it easier to do fluid + fluid rather than volume on volume, if that makes sense.

The alterations to the bottom of the top in #10 make all the difference.

A propos skinnies, #3 and #4 are my favorites -- I think you look amazing when you show off your perfectly formed legs. Oh. My. Gawd.

11 years ago

MsMaven

Veteran

I think you are doing a great job in adjusting fashion to your needs and body. I love that gray dress in #6--it has volume yes, but the more fitted parts show off your beautiful slender body.

I've learned through many fashion cycles that with volume I also need to have clothing have a slightly fitted shape. And when styles are very fitted, I still look better with a looser rather than body-con fit. (I have many photos of horrible examples of too-voluminous clothing from past eras on me.)

Part of the problem is that like CocoLion, I am small-boned even though I am tall. It is easy to get swallowed up in oversized or overly full clothing. So I'm trying not to go too far with the fluid look, but I've certainly added some softer flowing items. With my apple tendencies, however, it is easy to look pregnant or rather strange with fabric falling down from breasts that suddenly seem like too much. It's more of a challenge to find the right weight and drape of fabrics.

11 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

You could have fooled me. You look as if you've found precisely the right ways to wear volume, consistent with your personal style and flattering to your body type. In other words, you've out - Joaned Joanie. (Which is quite a feat).

And, what CocoLion says about you and skinnies.

The tunic in #4 is stunning. It must be a versatile piece. You have a real knack for picking texture rich statement pieces that at the same time don't overwhelm an outfit.

So...what kind of shapes do you prefer to the fluid? Because I thought you always had a boho style gene that included some pieces with volume?

11 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Vix, I would never think to look at your photos that you're struggling! I think you've got a great balance of fitted/tailored and fluid fits -- they suit you very well.

I'm actually feeling quite good about where my style fits in regard to current trends. I'm definitely cherry-picking the ones that work for me -- I'm not doing really voluminous looks, for example, but I am enjoying the resurgence of flares and bootcuts.

I do feel like, more than in decades past, there is enough variety in current looks that there will always be plenty of options for silhouettes that I can wear that look current, if not totally trendy. I'd actually like to get to the place where my style transcends trend a bit more, and I think I'm on the right track. I am working from what I hope is a good dose of modern classic pieces, mixed with a number of signature pieces that are perhaps distinctive without being overly trendy. It seems to me you are doing something similar.

11 years ago

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Agreeing with the others - any struggles you have really don't show Maybe you just need a change?

When I get dissatisfied with my clothes I have a "trying on new things" day at a variety of department stores & boutiques. Sometimes I find a new item or two that makes everything fresh & sometimes I come home with renewed satisfaction with my wardrobe

11 years ago

Vix

Veteran

Thanks all for weighing in!

In addition to seasonal reports and Gwen Stefani now on my tv each week, I think I see so many YLFers wearing cool [there's that word again] looks with loads of slouch or volume or FillinBlank that don't call to me that I'm wondering where to find a rabbit when I don't even own a hat.

I know we've had this discussion before about dressing in a way that feels right yet aware of time marching forward.

Why, it seems like only yesterday -- ok, 2 years ago -- that fitted felt just as "valid" a choice as loose...this year I feel like I'm in a Maidenform ad when I wear older tops.

Thimbelina and Janet -- Thank you...I'm trying, and hard! I have a long-standing love of drowning myself in fabric (waves to MsMaven's younger self) and taking the late great Bea Arthur in her Golden Girls years as a style icon. Not my best look. But then again, peach quilted hotpants weren't either and my 10 y.o. self thought they were awesome. Janet, I can tell you work from a core of modern classic, but your outfits end up much more on the "modern" side by the time you get done! Always fun to see you wearing them rather than vice versa.

BJ1111 -- Thanks for appreciating the edits to that crazy potato sack of mine. It's very maternity smock in person. Yes (or rather, "no") to lots of volume on the bottom here too -- though I like fit-and-flare pants. [O now I'm getting a Charo flashback!]

AG -- I know how good it feels to think "FINALLY! Designers have come to their senses!" Enjoy your moment while I white knuckle it!

CocoLion and MsMaven -- Thank you both for articulating the fluid vs volume issue and how body shape/bone structure can play into that. I think we have to keep trying the new stuff lest we miss out on something awesome!

And a big yes to the weight and drape of fabric...and I'm picky enough about that so it's kind of a pain to have to (over)think more. [MsMaven, the grey dress is a consignment find and 100% wool jersey. It hangs and moves so well!]

Coco and Suz, your flattery aside (thank you!) skinnies and I aren't BFF because I find the proportion issues oddly tricky. Seems like tops need to hit at one of two spots. Good thing uniform dressing doesn't bother me as much as others!

Suz -- I do love the ($12, eBay) tunic in #4. It's pretty slim through the torso, which helps a lot.

You always ask the tough questions, ha! Though I sometimes buy otherwise, my preference is for fairly streamlined boho luxe -- so super-delicate or luxurious-looking fabrics. So practical, I know. There may be fluttering or trailing or something like that, or just attention-grabbing print and color. A few inspiration examples below.

Caro -- Thank you! And good advice to check out what's around. I actually got *more* dissatisfied after window shopping/trying things on this time, but it made me stop and think about what I was willing to buy. And pay!

I actually went the pre-owned route for several things -- the brown cashmere and sweater vest (eBay, $30/each), both silk tops, the grey dress -- and saved a lot. So if I find something that calls later in the season I may be able to answer!

11 years ago

Peri

Veteran

I'm always feeling like this because I never figure out trends until they are on their way out! But overall I am much happier with current styles than I have been in years. For ages I was in despair whether the skinny trend would ever end. So glad to be seeing other pants styles lately!

11 years ago

Vix

Veteran

Peri --

You've been so tireless about honing your style in spite of needing to work around chronic health issues that you deserve new pant silhouettes!

Enjoy the plenty.

11 years ago

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