Jess, don’t get disappointed because you didn’t get the response you’d hoped for on this thread. One of the best things about YLF is how it has evolved over the past decade to become a useful resource and a “home” for fashion lovers from different countries, cultures, ages, income levels, and interests. Somehow, despite all the differences, YLF manages to stay relevant because of the Angie’s willingness to let members experience the forum however works best for them.
As Anne mentions, there have been a number of past discussions about the rule of thirds (and belts!) because many members have found this topic useful. I’m not one of them but I’ll try to explain so you know why I’d normally skip over this kind of topic:
Anne’s link to Imogen’s post about the complexity of dressing using an analytical approach is a good explanation of why that approach doesn’t enthuse me. Instead of helping me enjoy creating outfits, I found focusing on classical proportion theory to make my body look taller and slimmer, as well as using optical illusions to highlight my “assets” and camouflage my “trouble spots”, was both tedious and frustrating—and made it all too easy for me to dislike my body. My frustration led me down the Kibbe rabbit hole because I was fascinated by Kibbe’s notion of there was no need to make my short-legged/long-waisted, muscular IT body emulate a tall, slim, long-legged hourglass image just to look attractive. I’m a Kibbe dramatic in shape, movement, and personality, and I love dressing in draped, angular, architectural clothing which might swamp another woman. Belts don’t work for me like they might for others because I prefer unusual proportions and innovative shapes for my clothing.
On a forum as diverse as this one, you’ll find many different approaches to dressing and fashion. Some forum members will be eager to join you in analyzing outfits for optimal figure flattery, while others will ignore such discussions because they rely on their intuition to create outfits which please them regardless of how others will respond. For every member who likes to belt to show her shape, you’ll find her opposite number who prefers to work with volume and drape. Some members will ask for suggestions, while others prefer to just showcase a outfit. It’s all there so, if you are patient, you’ll eventually find a circle of like-minded YLF members who will be happy to discuss proportions and belts. Don’t give up.
