If you had a different body... - YouLookFab Forum

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If you had a different body...

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

...would you have the same style???

I got thinking about this last night and you know, I honestly couldn't answer the question.

Most of you know I'm not at my ideal weight (you're probably sick of hearing about it by now - lol!) but have made some real positive changes as of late which are starting to yield some results. I have a long way to go but I feel like I'm on the right path.

So I started thinking about whether I would still make the same style choices if I slim down to a healthier weight. For example - do I love the ease, comfort and quality of Eileen Fisher clothing and will still feel the same way if I'm smaller? or do I love EF clothing because she has sizes that fit and work with the body I have NOW?

What about you - would you wear the same sort of items and love the same designers and style if you were bigger/smaller/taller/shorter?

Dressing

74 replies

Latest reply was from MsMaven

catgirl

Veteran

I can kind of answer this, because to some extent I've had it happen. I used to be both skinnier and bustier - always broad shoulders but with more of a secondary hourglass waist. And I dressed mostly in fitted tops and slouchy pants. Now it's the opposite. I just can't wear fitted or cropped tops with my mid-life midsection.

I don't think my STYLE would or has changed though - I was always into black, stompy boots, RATE, military, UWP fashion. But the cut of what I wore was quite different - more body-con(fident), although much less aware of what suited me.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

An interesting question to ponder, Shannon. (As long as thoughts do not spiral into negativity and body loathing).

I think that to some extent, we naturally tend toward a style persona that works with our body type because it feels right, and therefore looks right. Authentic somehow.

If I was less straight and larger boned, I might rein back my love for masculine items. But I already have a very ladylike streak to my style and love pretty things - so maybe I would merely wear more of that look instead. Not sure. I've always loved clean, straight lines with minimum detail and a strict integrity. Strict but soft - and always happy colours. Never been one for arty drape, avant-garde silhouettes, whimsical looks, hard edge, and frilly flounce. Perhaps my body type insisted those items weren't right for me (which they aren't on many levels). As soon as I put on something crisp with straight lines, and angular drape - the planets align. It ALL FEELS RIGHT.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I was going to say something similar to Una. When my weight was higher, my basic style was pretty much the same -- I was a sort of casual modern classic dresser with a minimalist streak; a lover of jackets, jeans, and refined footwear -- a bit prep, a bit punk, a bit girly (at times); a bit androgynous.

But the specific items might differ. For instance, necklines -- I wore deeper Vs back then more comfortably. It was harder for me to find the jeans that fit. So I still wore jeans but had less variety.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oh, and Angie? WORD FOR WORD: I have always loved clean, straight lines with minimum detail and a strict integrity. Strict but soft. Never been one for arty drape, avant-garde silhouettes, whimsical looks, hard edge, and frilly flounce. Perhaps my body type insisted those items weren't right for me (which they aren't on many levels). A soon as put on something crisp with straight lines, and angular drape - the planets align. And vice versa.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Ahem. I did correct my typos, Suz. (Sorry about that). And HIGH FIVE. XO

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Angie - I absolutely PROMISE you there is no negativity or body loathing involved I'm actually feeling pretty good these days thanks to more regular exercise and healthy eating.

No matter my size, my love for structured jackets, pencil skirts and booties has always been there. But my affection for drape and asymmetry is newer - thus the pondering. But perhaps that's more due to it being on trend than related to body shape? Or maybe it's due to being in my 50's and wanting to feel more comfortable and wear more luxurious fabrics? Who knows.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Ooops! Angie, we cross-posted! I will fix your typos in my quote!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

VERY happy to hear that, Shannon. I think your recent evolving style persona has been caused by many factors. And as you also mentioned, your favourites stayed the same no matter what.

(Thanks, Suz). xo

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Shannon, to my mind your affection is a natural outgrowth or evolution. Of course it is partly inspired by what is available and what you see and also partly inspired by a (very natural) wish for comfort during what has been a highly stressful time for you and your family! And, since it works with your body type at (I think) whatever your weight, and works within your overall style, it isn't going to pose any problems for you.

Diana

Veteran

I think I would. In fact, it would be easier since my butt wouldn't get in the way of things draping properly.
Typical recommendations for my body shape would have me dressing bombshell, with waist definition etc, and you know that's not me at all.

Maybe I'm lucky though that my particular style is probably more forgiving of different body types than many other styles.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

He-he Angie, I may be proving you wrong here! I am large boned and curvy - and adore masculine items! I was always pondering how I ended up in the Urban Prince domain with you, Suz and Inge who all have rectangular bodies - and I am an hourglass...:-)
I think my style would not change if I had a different body type because so much of the style is coming from within. I decorate my house and do my landscape gardening pretty much the same way I dress: simple and bold. My implementation details may change for a different body but I think the essense would be still the same.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

ETA --- in a way, I don't think I really answered your question. Because the truth is, at a higher weight, I still had the same body type more or less. More pearish/ hourglass, less rectangular tendency -- but the differences were not so notable as to be utterly style shifting. I think what Angie said makes sense -- if I were taller, bigger boned, shaped and proportioned completely differently, then some of the styles I like simply wouldn't look or feel right and I would probably avoid them in favour of something that did look good.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Sveta, that's very interesting, and I appreciate your perspective. OF COURSE, there are exceptions to the generalizations. Your body type has changed quite dramatically over the last year - much straighter and less curvy - which *may* have sealed the deal for our love of a similar look. What do you think? I still consider myself a straight hour-glass (hope that makes sense), and not entirely rectangular. I don't have straight thighs and hips, and my bottom is round. Yet my curves are very slight. Suz can probably high five me again.

Suz, did you dress more arty when you were heavier?

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I'm loving all your replies and wisdom and really enjoying this discussion.

Angie & Suz - sounds like you both think the stress/changes I've had in my life the last year or more might be part of my "comfort" choices as well? Hadn't thought of that. Off to think more...

Anonymous

I can sort of answer that. When I was about 30 pounds heavier, I loved Eileen Fisher clothing and had collected a whole EF wardrobe. Now they are harder for me to wear. I can often find other brands that look better. Like Angie and others, I have never and still don't look good in the styles she mentions, especially frilly or draped, avant-garde or whimsical. Structure and clothes that work with my angles are what I look for.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

But Angie, you accepted me into your UP domain BEFORE I lost weight because we had similar style preferences - no? Also interestingly enough I lost the same number of inches from my hips as from my waist so my hip-to-waist ratio remained practically the same - 30 cm. I am still a strong hourglass but lost my pear tendencies I think.
And you cannot deny that I am large-boned and tall (not mentioning my size 12 feet) - complete opposite from you and Suz ..and yet we share so many style preferences.
And yes, you ( and Suz) are a lovely straight hourglass

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Angie, yes, I am high fiving you there. And, Sveta, I have muscular thighs (with curves) and a round bottom, so I still think of myself as primarily an hourglass (albeit a subtle hourglass) but with rectangular tendencies. I think the square shoulder line makes a big difference as well as angular bone structure in the face and a small bust. You definitely have those qualities as well.

Angie, the years when I was heavier, I almost didn't dress at all! That sounds indecent, but really, I subsisted on a small capsule of one pair of jeans, one skirt, one pair of shoes, a pair of yoga pants, a couple of gear sweaters...a few shirts and t-shirts. And a few hand-me-down items from friends. No style to speak of except frump.

Years earlier I had a bit of vintage to my style but that was mostly due to income/ geography. I was a young student at a time when Toronto's vintage shops were in their heyday, so I often added vintage pieces to my mainly modern classic things. Honestly, until I came to YLF, I didn't know how to define or express a style at all, but on those few occasions when I felt and looked great, I can see in retrospect what the elements were.

Minnie

If I was shorter (I'm 5'10"), I would wear heels and the dresses that go with them more often.
I'd love to be able to strut about in 4+" heels (maybe not on a regular basis)

biscuitsmom

Veteran

I think I would still love the artsy, drapey, boho look... I wore it a lot when I was much younger (and thinner) but as I aged, felt like I 'had to' adopt a more classic, suburban, subdued look (nothing wrong with any of it, just wasn't 'me') and DH much prefers that look, but I just feel depressed/constrained with it. I am trying more items that feel right to me, but its so much easier in warm weather. I hate the thought of waiting 4-5 months to get back into clothing I really like...sigh

milehighstyle (Linda)

Veteran

No, I don't think my style would change. Modern classic, colorful, feminine with a touch of androgynous rocker - I've had these elements in my style my entire life, even when I didn't know or care anything about dressing for my body type. I've never wished to be boho, minimalist, avant-garde, bombshell, etc. if only I were whatever body type. I would be able to wear more designer clothing and shop at a bigger variety of stores if I were of average height and had a straighter figure, but I doubt that my tastes would be different.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

WOW, Suz. I can barely believe it. Really? You would have never guessed that from how in tune you are with your style self now. AMAZING.

Yes, Sveta. You were an Urban Prince from the start. xo

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Shannon, I definitely think life stresses can send us seeking comfortable clothing!!! Heck, even the stress of CLIMATE can do that for me -- I am all about the cozy knits and flannel shirts in winter. Even though my core style is to prefer more structured looks (or at least a blend of structure with softness) in winter I reach for the knits, regardless.

Sveta, no arguments about your height!

rachylou

Veteran

Well, so, I get philosophical about style, in a way that runs rough-shod over body type considerations. Pretty sure it will be *Skinnies R' Us* + buffalo plaid from cradle to grave, sizes 4-14, no matter what. And if I can't wear my buffalo plaid, I will always have my buffalo plaid picnic blanket. Haha!

That said, I have definitely changed lines/brands/stores over the years. As is sooooooooo typical for a human being, I was thinking the lines had changed... but maybe it was actually me! Lol. I was wearing AT when I was maybe sizes 10-14. Express at sizes 6-10. At size 4, I'm all H&M and F21... Do you notice a downmarket trend here?

...Omg. I have just realised I'm wearing children's clothing. I am growing backward, like Mork and Mindy's baby, Mearth.

Gaylene

Veteran

I actually think age and lifestyle have had more influence than body shape on my style. Growing older and moving into retirement has forced me to move comfort and ease higher up on the list. My body is definitely more an applely rectangle these days that the definite IT with rectangle tendencies I was in my twenties and thirties. My style and clothing choices, however, have remained fairly constant.

I like EF for the fabric and comfort, but I'm quite selective as to which pieces work for me. Too much draping and soft folding has never been my friend, but shifts and skinny bottoms with loose tops have always been a no-brainer. I can wear avant-garde draping as long as it has a definite angular or geometric line. These days, while I still enjoy a tailored jacket, my more casual lifestyle and changing body has led me to explore less structured clothing, but I'll never be without something angular and straight-lined in my outfit.

Sharon

Veteran

Having actually experienced this, I think Angie is correct. Things that used to look good before, don't now and that resulted in a shift in style. I was very fond of a bombshell look, which doesn't work for the body I have now. My style retains the feminine aspect of that, but I now choose high neck, straight, voluminous and waist-surrendering pieces which are almost the antithesis of bombshell but which work better with a straighter shape.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Sharon, I absolutely remember how your style changed when your body type changed. I remember your love for bombshell, and saw how your newer straighter and slighter body changed up your style preferences completely.

A more casual lifestyle will also dictate less structured clothing, as Gaylene suggests.

DonnaF

Veteran

Interesting question. I don't think my general style would change much. If I didn't have fussy, problem feet (and a lot more $$$$$!) I think a lot more style would be reflected in my footwear. If my legs were in proportion to my torso length, I might consider tunics and other longish options that currently don't work for me and might consider styles that would currently overwhelm me. I would probably also be paralyzed with all the options open to a non-Petite!!! But no, I wouldn't suddenly go all girly or Boho or whatever.

My DD-21 and I are relatively close in height and weight but are opposite body types. When she is home and I see what looks great due to her broad shoulders, it makes me think about this. I am closer to one size all over, so I have an easier body to fit and thus, I wouldn't want to trade with her. It's her currently problem-free, easy to fit feet that I want, lol!

Lyn D.

Veteran

Some things would have to change if I had a totally different shape- I like to make the most of my best bits- but my basic preferences in fabric/colours etc. would remain.

viva

Veteran

If we're just talking about weight, then I would dress the same. I've been 15 pounds more than I am now and dressed pretty much exactly the same. And if I were much larger than that, I would probably still do the same -- straight/skinny pants, limited color palette, some masculine elements, simple lines.

However, if my body shape were really different -- like, if I had breasts and a small waist? I might take advantage of those things and dress differently. I think I am drawn to a simple, more masculine style because I am straight and very small chested (art imitating life, if you will). If I had a really feminine physique I might naturally be drawn to things that worked well with a waistline, like all those midi skirts I admire on others. Much as I love my boyish figure, it is really fun to think about what it would be like if I had a small waist, sloping hips, and full breasts. It's frankly very, very hard to imagine - kind of like wondering how I would dress if I had three arms.

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