Holiday Dressy - The Hourglass Balancing Act

I am trying to figure out what to wear for a semi formal Christmas party so I took pictures of the dressier things in my closet to know what to look for when shopping. I need some help fine tuning what works and what doesn't.

1-3 This is my favorite look but it doesn't work in the armpit area from the back view. I think the straight skirt is flattering
4-6 I feel very off balance in this outfit
7-9 This is my least favorite. I don't think the A-line is doing me any favors and I thought that was supposed to be flattering on everyone?
10-12 Wrap dress, very clingy fabric I don't love it or hate it
13-15 skinny pants again don't love it or hate it
16-18 trouser jeans I like this look but what on top?

I think I'm trying to figure out how to keep my hourglass shape balanced. I think that is why I like 1-3 because it just skims everything? Not really sure, so what should I be looking for for my Christmas party?

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13 years ago

missvee

Veteran

You're right about the shape and length of the first dress - it's very flattering. You could always add a topper to camouflage the back. I'd try a sheer black lace top or blouse. Or a shorter cardi in silver or gold glitter, whichever you prefer. I don't think any of the other options will work as well for the occasion you describe.

sarabcook

(website)

Active Member

Thanks missvee I had planned on buying something new. The images were for how shapes look on me. I'm thinking a knee length dress in a straight/pencil cut is flattering but the party isn't so dressy that I couldn't wear trousers with a blouse/sweater or a wrap dress. DH will be wearing a suit so I do think a dress would be more appropriate.

Suz

If you are buying something new, for sure you can look for a pencil shape skirt! Knee length is also great. A wrap dress would also work well, if you got the right one.

7-9 has a pretty pattern and colours. It's not really an A-line....it is much more full and gathered than that. So that is probably why it is not working for you.

Shape-wise, #1 is great, as is #10. The second skirt seems short, but the combination of the very high angle and the sunlight on your legs are skewing perspectives quite a lot. It looks different from one photo to the next because of this, and I'm having a hard time figuring out what's optical illusion and what's real.

The problem with #7, I think, is not the A-line, but the very full skirt. By adding the belt and cardigan, you've emphasized the volume it creates over your hips even more. I think the A-line would work better on you with less volume and softer fabrics. That dress might be workable, styled differently.

I prefer the wider jeans on you, although I personally would shorten them a bit. Although either pair could work, depending on what kind of top you wear with them.

Janet

1-3 looks smashing on you -- definitely a great silhouette for your figure. I also like the effect of the wrap dress, and I certainly think the pants look fine. Not loving the full skirts, but I avoid them on my figure too, so I may be biased.

cobaltblue

I agree that a slimmer skirt - like a pencil - is best. I think you look more balanced in the looks with a hemline no shorter than knee-length. The trouser jeans look great. I love the little shoes that appear next to you in photo 13!

Jules

I'd be tempted to wear dress #1 and spend my money on a great glittery shrug, shoes, bag, etc

krishnidoux

I second the idea of a new pencil skirt. I think you would wear it fabulously. Pic 1 is the best. I think that in pics 2 and 3, the skirts are too maxi, which may not be what you are going for. The wrap dress is not bad, but as you say it is on the clingy side, which to me makes it very casual. I love the last pair of pants.

You have such a fabulous figure.

Kiwichik

I think the first dress looks great from the front and back but makes you look a little top heavy from the side so a topper would be a good addition. I also like the shape of the wrap dress in 10-12. So sleek body skimming dresses look good on you.

Lyn D.

I agree with K.C.
You have a 'Va-Va-Voom' figure that doesn't need much more than well fitting body skimming styles.

Kat

Just wondering if you already have/had a pencil skirt. I ask because I love them, but from your side view, it looks as though you may have, as I do, a bit of a sway back which can make, in my experience, finding a properly fitting pencil a bit of a challenge (also may be why JR sees the green skirt looking a tad short). I think you have a lovely figure and the shapes of outfits in #1, 10, 15, and 18 are terrific. I think "skimming" is the silhouette you may be looking for

Wow everyone thanks for the great responses. So full skirts are out which is what I thought as well. Something body skimming or maybe a wrap. With pencil skirts I never know what to wear on top. Most of the pencil skirts I have ever owned were high waisted and I have a short waist and am a bit top heavy so I never really felt like they looked good. I'll have to do some research on outfits with pencil skirts. I have a casual event where I will be wearing 16-18 with a sweater and I also borrowed a topper from my sister to try on with 1-3. On a final note thank you for all of the kind words about my shape. I feel like I am constantly fighting to look taller and thinner which is not where my shape naturally goes, thank you for making me feel beautiful.

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