How to avoid feeling like the Hulk in skirts/dresses?

Kitty

So, I have an athletic frame. This makes sporty/autumn/winter casual outfits incredibly easy. Summer outfits? Limited to cute shorts, nice enough shirt, and that's about it. Can hardly get creative with shoes honestly. Skirts and dresses are so miserable, I always look like I'm one bicep flex away from ripping out, or the dress is too thin and stretchy and I look like a swamp ghostI'd LOVE to be a sun dress girly, even an autumn dress if I can get my act together. It's just difficult. I've found 2 dresses that don't look awful: https://www.shopcider.com/good.....midi-dress and https://poshmark.com/listing/H.....272fcd31f3 (this is a romper but the dress looks pretty much the same). Any suggestions?

1 year ago

Dressing

10 replies

Latest reply was from Dana

DonnaF

Veteran

Have you read Angie’s advice on how to dress if you’re an inverted triangle body type? See tabs at the top.

My DD is probably a size or two bigger through her shoulders and upper back than the rest of her body. Spaghetti straps and strapless things work for her.

1 year ago

Carol

(website)

Veteran

I was going to say--athletic build is like a dancer build. So dancer-type dresses, like the first spaghetti strap you linked to. Or bodysuits, or wrap dresses, maybe.

1 year ago

SarahD8

Veteran

You could maybe find some inspiration from Michelle Obama's looks? That woman has admirable guns, and she sure can rock a dress.

https://www.mrs-o.com/

(I know the pics there are mostly over a decade old but honestly a lot of those fits still look great to me.)

Halter neck cuts might suit as well? They would set off your shoulders without feeling constricting.

1 year ago

MsMaven

Veteran

I like that first dress and can imagine it on an athletic woman--sleek, simple, and pretty. The second seems too frilly--not at all for an athletic body.

Trying to think of another often photographed woman who dresses well with an athletic body. I like Carol's suggestions.

1 year ago

Sal

Veteran

A sporty athletic frame is a plus in my book. But I know that whatever our frame is there can be challenges in getting dressed.

Have you thought about knit dresses - sporty gals can look awesome in something like the skims dresses - these are pricey but that type of look? Even a shorter version? Knits are more forgiving of muscles - some brands just don't get that women can have biceps and quads do they?

https://skims.com/products/sof.....id=Cj0KCQj

1 year ago

unfrumped

Veteran

Yes, I’m also thinking of wrap types, halters, racerback, Grecian draping, flowy stretchier fabrics. I’d actually search the dresses on some of the athletic/sport sites for inspiration, even though the item itself might not be right, because they are kind of movement- oriented . Not set- in sleeves, set in waists, no puffs, tightly woven tailored styles.

1 year ago

cat2

Veteran

Look at what Serena wears?

1 year ago

Roberta

Veteran

Serena, yes! Also Venus Williams, Lindsay Vonn, Simone Biles, other female athletes who love fashion. Lindsay Vonn can be a little wacky, but still.
https://www.gofugyourself.com/.....ur-06-2021

My personal suggestion would be to go easy on ruffles and lace (unless you adore them, of course). I think clean lines and easy movement look better on a muscular frame.

1 year ago

Joy

Veteran

I am a petite Hulk but avoid ruffles and lace and anything that makes shoulders look larger. Big arm holes are the biggest thing to avoid. Make sure tops are well fitted. I keep bottoms sleek and fitted. No gathered waist or full skirts. Good luck.

1 year ago

Dana

(website)

Veteran

Can I assume your shoulders are broad, too? If so, I'm your soul sister (without the strong arms, but they're pretty defined). When you wear spaghetti straps, because they're so tiny, they take up too little space.

You'd look great in a top like Simone Biles, strapless and halter tops. Look for dresses with wider straps. If you adore ruffles, look for them on the skirt part.

1 year ago

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