JFE vs. On trend vs. Comfort - YouLookFab Forum

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JFE vs. On trend vs. Comfort

Thistle

Veteran

I would love to hear how others have incorporated trends and made them Just Flattering Enough and Just Comfortable Enough.

I feel like the current trends are unflattering for me. I am very pear shaped with a defined waist, and nursing level top, but most of the shirts that are on trend look like tents on me and mask my waist. I do like bootcuts for the balancing act they play, but flares aren't going to work as I don't wear heels over 1.5 inches. So, frankly, they look just wrong.

In my neck of the woods, only women of a certain age seem to be wearing crops and ankle pants. The younger set is wearing skirts or full length trousers. Probably just my area, though. Still, had a strong frump factor for me.

Perhaps a jacket of some sort, but finding the right one is always tricky.

Shoes!! Low heeled sandal booties and ankle straps I can do!

Dressing

28 replies

Latest reply was from Keturah

Carole

Veteran

I accept that some trends just aren't for me..I've tried forever to find a pair of BF jeans that I felt "ok" wearing and it just hasn't happened. It seems everyone but me has been able to integrate the popular piece into their life. I'm so broad up top that I feel best wearing something slim below and just can't get beyond that. And that's ok!

catgirl

Veteran

I'm not following trends that don't work for my body or style. Sitting out pastels, high waists. boho, and lots of other stuff. Do you feel the need to be trendy, Thistle? Or more just current and comfy? I feel like I've found a style groove that does not tie directly to trends but more to what I love and hope will always be around in some incarnation (tunics and skinnies or drape and asymmetry).

Thistle

Veteran

Nope, not trendy at all. Current and comfy for me, it just seems current is hard for me these days as many of the pieces just don't work.

Besides, not sure the Midwest will ever be trendy . . . Frankly, a lot of trends I see on YLF never make it here.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I wear my flares with 1.5 heels - FWIW.

I suggested a vest for you in the blog post this morning, actually. More comfy than a jacket.

Have we seen you BF jeans yet, Thistle?

How about fun tunics with leggings and flats.

I can SO see you in some boho-lite tops - that are more waist defining. And Sporty Luxe open weave knitwear. And drape front blouses.

And let the shoe hunt begin.

catgirl

Veteran

Well, do you feel that things that work best for you are actually dated? I doubt that's the case, as I think trends date more quickly than "current" items. A classic crewneck cashmere sweater isn't going anywhere fast. What's your wardrobe choice of the moment?

abc

Veteran

Hi Thistle, I struggle with this, too. I just updated my wardrobe with a few pieces based on Angie's MOTG formula with the vest from a few weeks ago. I, too, struggle with what flatters my body vs what is fashionable at the moment (much less trendy, haha). Sorry but there are things I just won't do for the sake of trend. The older I get, the less into trend I am, as well.

For myself, I updated my S/S wardrobe with a couple of pairs of shoes good for my MOTG lifestyle but have a touch of modern to them, a couple of graphic tshirts and a denim vest. I feel like these pieces will give me that little nudge to kick me back into "kinda with it MOTG" rather than frumpalicious / letting myself go MOTG. I hope you can find pieces like that for yourself, they're just the pick me up us tired MOTGs need. I tried making a post but was getting errors so I have a "ticket" in with Greg at the moment. Hopefully you can check that post once it's submitted bc I think some of those pieces would work for you too, at least in concept, maybe giving you some inspiration.

I also agree with Angie, BF jeans would be good (Kuts worked for me), tunics with leggings and flats are a go-to for me, and the vest is great, it is that 3rd piece giving structure up top and balancing out my hips.

Aziraphale

Veteran

I wholeheartedly agree with what Alaskagirl says. Finding a version of what works on your body is a good way to approach things. Angie makes some great suggestions. What current trends in particular do not work for you? I feel like there are so many choices at the moment, that there must be something for everybody!

A good jacket and a great pair of shoes go a long way to making the whole outfit look current.

Thistle

Veteran

My closet is filled with usually straight legs or bootcut trousers. My position does not allow me to wear leggings or skinnies to work (I am in Finance, so more conservative, and a leadership position). And weekends are usually jeans and tees - whatever I don't mind getting dirty with the girls

For shirts, I like wrap tops, V-neck or crew neck sweaters/knits, and occasionally a knit jacket. I have not tried vests yet.

abc

Veteran

Ok, so you are talking more about work clothes, then?

abc

Veteran

I think your position is going to dictate a certain level of formal-ness to the pieces of clothing. I would say focus on shoes, handbag and maybe some key accessories to give you that feeling of being current. For example, this past weekend (sans kids) I realized my two long gold pendant necklaces really did a lot to add a bit of polish to my outfits. I know with kids necklaces are impossible, but maybe you could pop it on once you're en route to the office. Some updated yet comfy shoes will add interest and a modern feel. A vest could be good but it depends what you'll wear underneath and if you can find one in the right cut and fabric for your needs.

Aziraphale

Veteran

So, a drapey vest or two might help. How about drapey cardigans? A stylish, current jacket? Those look great with v-neck tops and straight leg pants. Obviously not boyfriend jeans for work, but have you tried them for weekends? They look cute with ankle strap shoes -- even 1.5" heeled ones!

gardenchick

Veteran

Great question!

I follow the trends I like and ignore the others; the fashion police haven't stopped me yet! I will not be wearing crop tops with my belly showing. Also because I have fussy feat that need a lot of support, I can't do much with heels or many of the great looking shoes I see here.

Anonymous

I follow all trends because it interests me tremendously. I only wear trends that suit my life and my figure. I don't wear cropped pants. I definitely could not wear BF jeans. I can't wear heels (I own many, I just can't wear them).

There are so many trends that just don't suit me. I pick and choose what I want to incorporate and admire those on others that I can't wear.

I think fashion is fun. There is no way I could wear all the trends I see though. I would never try.

rachylou

Veteran

That's interesting, Thistle. I feel you're current clothing wise. Have you considered that it's your smart phone that's 'dragging you down'?

Ok. I crack myself up with that one, but I mean it.

E

Veteran

I like the idea of sticking with more classic cuts for your workwear Thistle; they flatter you & work well in your more formal environment! And I think boot cuts would look great with shorter heels, but I wear my wide leg trousers with flats, so maybe I'm just a rebel.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thistle, culottes and flutter sleeve top.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

What about a shirt dress? Worn belted. They are definitely current.

Marina

Sorry for asking, but why don't you use flares with low heels/flat shoes?
8 of my 10 pants are flares and I use them with ballerinas, moccasins, "low wedges" (those wedges were the entire sole is a few millimeters thick, but with almost no real heel) and low to medium heels in general.

About trendies in general I'm useless - definitely not a trendy person. I search about new trendies to have new ideas, but I don't use a trendy if I don't like it/it doesn't suit me and if I like it and it suits me I will probably use it while it is trendy and when it is not a trendy anymore too and when it becomes trendy again [trendies come and go and come again after all]

Sal

Veteran

I would stick to the silhouettes that you like and are relatively classic. Your job sounds like classic clothing will work best. Up the trendiness (if you want to) with your shoes (cool low heels and flats) and maybe accessories and colours/patterns.

Nebraskim

Veteran

I'm with Sterling. I follow trends because I find them interesting, but I only wear what works for me and that I find to be flattering. I'm a "woman of a certain age" and I guess I should be all over ankle pants. But I have a massively poisoned eye against them on me. I think it's because I'm a little bit tall, and for my entire life I've struggled to find pants long enough. Ankle pants, on me, look like I just gave up and bought "flood pants." But I am going to try to find a pair I do not hate, and wear them until I like them. Or thrift them, which ever comes first.

AviaMariah

Veteran

Hi Thistle - I thought I'd comment since we're in similar positions. I have two small girls and work and live in a very conservative environment. I feel like my wardrobe choices are continually narrowing since I'm limited in what I can wear to work, I don't want to worry about ruining expensive or hard to wash clothing, I am limited by nursing and my body shape is in a state of flux. As much as I enjoy fashion to a point I really don't want to have to "worry" about it right now. I'm not sure I have the answers but I am trying to limit myself in my purchases so I don't feel like a have to scrap my whole wardrobe a year from now. For what it's worth, I think you always look current in a very classic way. For me you add individuality and some spunk with your shoes which I know is no small feat when you have fussy feet. (pun intended) So no answers from me, just commiseration!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thistle, have you tried drape front blouses?

Vince Camuto Long Sleeve Cross Front Blouse

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3

Haute Hippie Blouse - Faux Wrap

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6

Drapey Wrap Blouse

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1

Alfani Python-Print Blouson Top

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5

Three Dots Faux Wrap Front Top

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2

Neiman Marcus Last Call

Neiman Marcus Wrap-Front Long-Sleeve Blouse, Largo Teal

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Pleione Faux Wrap Blouse (Regular & Petite)

Sale

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6

Thistle

Veteran

Angie - I have tried them on, but none have ever gotten to stay. They just haven't been flattering enough. They really mask my top half shape - the fact I have a waist etc, and tend to make me look, well, shapeless. As my bottom half is two full sizes larger than my top half, this tends to mean I just look larger.

Helena

Veteran

Thistle, I think this is a bit repetitive, but what about classic and comfy ... sticking with simple pieces that work for your body? You can always add 'trend' in some other form - a lipstick or nail color, an updated bag,a necklace, or an on-trend color top in a classic style? To me, a v-neck sweater/top in a flattering color, along with jeans in a flattering cut, may not be fashion forward but it always looks good and is very versatile. That will also improve your longevity factor with the pieces.

Anonymous

I am not trendy. My uniform is a pair of skinnies, ankle boots and a print blouse. I keep reading about culottes, ankle pants, BF jeans and flares but when I am out and about (in Holland), I do not see people wearing those. Guess we're not a very trendy country
Btw I think bootcuts can look great with flats.

Marina

Thistle, have you tried wrap shirts that "wrap around waist", no bellow?(somewhat like this: http://www.polyvore.com/blue_w.....?id=780766)

Thistle

Veteran

Marina - these are a favorite of mine and a staple in my wardrobe Love Wrap dresses, too, but as I am nursing, I have put them away for now.

Keturah

Veteran

What about doing more interesting blouses? I love Angie's idea for a flutter sleeve blouse. Just a thought. I think shoes instantly add some current modern punch! I find I can always make something look more current just by adding the latest shoe trend. So if your work wardrobe is limited due to the environment and requirements, say it with shoes.

Myself. I kinda do what everyone else does: I pick and choose what trends I wear. Sometimes I try something new, sometimes I get inspired and use what I already own in a more trendy way, when possible.

I've been focusing more on my personal style this year. How much trendiness that involves is completely up, down, and all around. I generally skip the quick, one-season wonders and things that make me cringe -- like flat oxfords. Anything else depends on my budget and how much I love it. I have a giant pinterest style board. And it's been interesting, the items that I have not deleted are similar to the ones I pinned a year or two ago. I'm starting to see themes and things I enduringly love. I look for those markers in whatever new items I buy, both trendy and not trendy.

Basically, I read, look, ask, and keep up on the trends. But in the end I still buy for ME.