Having a hard time with 80s revival looks...

Specifically, I'm having trouble with:

- long, loose, waistless tunic-length tops
- cascading cardigans
- long loose waistless vests

Part of me loves the idea - in theory. I especially love the idea of wearing leggings, since they are so comfy. But these items just don't look that great on me. Frankly, I think they look awful. They add pounds and make me look short, dumpy, frumpy and older. And it's not a fit issue, because I've been trying on petite sizes.

I was wondering if maybe it's simply my eye hasn't adjusted to the look. Except it has - I love the look in the catalogs, and on everyone here who is embracing it. I just don't love the look on me.

It occurred to me today that maybe, just maybe, this is why I felt so frumpy and dumpy and unattractive back in the 80s? Maybe these styles just don't work for me, period. Back then, and now?

I did buy a cascading cardigan that is passable and I'm hoping my eye gets used to it, but I haven't taken the tags off and I'm really tempted to return it. Yes I'll take pics when I get a chance.

16 years ago

Maya

Veteran

You know, I'm all for *trying* everything. But if you really don't like it, there is no need for you to force yourself into liking it. I have seen you in leggings and I know you look great in them, but it doesn't really make a difference if you don't feel that way. You have to be comfortable in your own clothes.

I think Angie's persistence is meant to get people to TRY these styles before writing them off, but if you try something and don't love it, so be it. I tried a dozen different ways to wear waist belts and hated all of them, so I just don't wear them even though I got good feedback from the peanut gallery.

I think waistless pieces, like anything else, have to be tried and tested over and over again. Not all voluminous pieces fit the same way. So it could be that you just haven't found the right piece for you. But if you have been trying several different brands, fits, styles, and sizes, and haven't found anything, then it might just not be for you.

You can always revisit these styles in a few months and see if your perception has changed. Sometimes that happens to me. Remember that red sweater from BR that I tried last year? I hated it when I first tried it, and now when I look at the picture, I wish I had bought it.

Anyway, just because the 80's revival exists doesn't mean you are obligated to wear every single trend that comes along. Pick and choose, and if you end up picking and choosing nothing, that's okay too.

shiny

Thanks Maya. Trouble is that I do like the look - particularly because it's comfy and conceals my mid-section - which is why I keep trying! But the look doesn't like me.

I can do leggings with a longer tunic that has a defined waist. And I can do voluminous, flowy, waist-less blouses that are shorter, just above crotch point, which is too short for leggings but okay with skinnies. What I can't do is the long (mid-thigh), voluminous tops or dresses.

I've noticed a lot of these tunics/dresses/tops have high necklines. A high neckline, and sleeveless - so that the attention is at your tiny shoulder. Unfortunately, high necklines look horrible on me. Or, they will have a scoop neckline, which is better, but usually it's pleated and so then because of my chest it falls straight down from there... and I end up looking 6 or 7 months pregnant. Or like I am a bird -- all chest with spindly legs sticking out. LOL.

As for the cardigans, I just think it's just too much material. I like the way it looks from the front, but then from the side, I look like that bird with the spindly legs.

medusa

Shiny - I agree with Maya. If you try a look and don't like it, that's fine.

I am not a fan of cascading cardigans. I haven't tried one yet, I'm just that into how they look. I should at least try one on deciding it's not me.

marianna

I wear a lot of cascading cardis, and I almost wonder if they look better on taller people? Any thoughts on this?

I also agree with Maya... if a trend doesn't work on your body it's not a big deal! Move onto something that flatters.

marianne

Active Member

I kind of agree with MC about tall people and cascading cardigans... even though I am passing on this trend so I haven't tried them irl.
As for the voluminous tunics, it must be tricky to find the right scale for you. Maybe something very fitted at the shoulders but voluminous from there on?
Maya, I remember that sweater, it looked great on you! Maybe BR will have something similar this season.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Well said, Maya.

Shiny, you have mentioned many times how you don't like to hide your waistline. Then don’t! Stick to waist defining styles that make you feel fabulous. If these specific trends don’t make it through your filter or you can't get them to work, that’s 100% fine.

cciele

Hm, maybe you could somehow combine a waist-defining element (e.g., waisted underlayer) and then do a voluminous piece over it?

For cascading cardis, I think it's all about finding the right one. They're all cut differently -- some with a even hem all the way around, some with a hem that ends longer than the back, some with a hem that ends shorter than the front, some with a fitted back, some with volume all around... You get the idea.

FYI, I am on the short side and really like cascading cardis and long shapeless vests and tunics

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