K/Rs: long avant garde layer on my short legs? And other debates. - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Shopping

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

K/Rs: long avant garde layer on my short legs? And other debates.

Greyscale

Veteran

I don't know what's wrong with me this weekend - I bought a whole bunch of stuff at Crossroads (the second-hand store I love) and I think all of it was misguided.

Photos 1-2:
An Eileen Fisher silk dress like the one in Angie's blog post about avant garde layers. I own four or five or six black sleeveless silk blouses and tunics, but this one is longer and more a-line. I think it's not right for me, either alone or with jeans under (these bf jeans probably aren't what I would wear, but I rather like the effect). Too long and loose. Thoughts?

[If I don't keep the EF dress, I'd be happy to send it to one of you for what I paid ($35) plus shipping. It's an XS, like new, separate full silk slip lining.]

Photos 3-6:
Zara top - new, not used. Cropped cotton sleeveless. I want something in that vein for summer. It's not figure-flattering as it conceals my small waist and nice collarbones, but I like the chunky effect and I don't always care to optimize clothes for my figure. I'd wear it over a cami to cover my midriff. Black? White? Neither? Both?

Photos 7-9:
I have an Aqua plaid shirt that is too small (photo 7) - I can't button it across my chest. I found one size larger at Crossroads (photo 8 & 9). Does it look too baggy? Also, it is slightly different - it has weird corset-like buttons to cinch the back (photo 9). I think I should return it?

I don't know why I am so indecisive this week!! Sorry for all the unexciting photos. I'm still debating the Coach purse, also, and I returned the Born shoes as they were uncomfortable for me.

This post has 9 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Shopping

20 replies

Latest reply was from Greyscale

Deborah

Veteran

Hmmm shame about the size of the dress, otherwise I would love to buy it from you. That's if you decide not to keep. I really like it on you but I'm wondering if it's the A line that is putting you off?

I recall this type of top (3 and 6) form some years back (the 90's?) and I love them but always feel dated in them...but that is me! I would give them a try over one of your silk tunics/dresses with a collar and see how that works.

I quite like the plaid shirt. It's interesting with the back detail and the fit looks good:)

krishnidoux

Veteran

Black EF tunic: let go. Too long.

White and black chunky sleeveless tops: they are good on you because they highlight your fantastic shoulders. Personally, the cropped hem would really bother me in the end, but that is me. I like it for a strong, tough chic look and would wear it with loose, zumba-inspired cargos or harems and leather cuffs.

Shirt: I much better like your present one (7)! On the pic it doesn't look too small but I guess if it feels that way it's no good. One size up next to it seems so much larger. But for a grungy look it's okay. I see what looks like buttons loops on the sideway pic (9): can you button it from behind? Maybe once buttoned the larger size would look as cute as the smaller one.

Grey Rainbow

I like the Eileen Fisher dress on you. The length gives it some drama, and the overall long line offsets any leg shortening even as styled here. I'm kicking myself for passing that one by when it was in stores, and if you decide against it, I'll happily buy it!
The Zara tops, as Krishnidoux said, highlight your marvelous shoulders. Great styling suggestions there -- this will look great with harem pants and a fitted bootie or wedge sandal. Maybe a fitted high waist midi skirt. The cropped length would limit its wearability for me.
I love the new plaid shirt. Not too big at all. It looks slim, with just enough fluidity. More casually elegant than the old one. I can see this with a moto jacket (you have an awesome one), skinny, slim, straight or boyfriend jeans, and either trim or chunky booties -- in other words, a FFB to throw on and go.
I do love your style, and your thrift shopping skills!

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I like the EF dress but it does seem a bit long on you. It may be the camera angle though. I also like the crop tops, particularly the white one, it is just a question of whether you will wear them and how. I prefer the new larger sized plaid top, so if it is something you have been grabbing it also looks like a keeper.

ironkurtin

Veteran

I love all f them. The EF dress is flown enough to be super dramatic and I see nothing wrong with the length.

However, YOU are wearing it,not me, so if it isn't singing I say adios.

Neel

Veteran

Not very sure of the EF dress. It does seem to make you look shorter than your usual looks which always make me think you are super tall!

I love the cropped zara tops. I think both the colors work well on you. And I envy your super toned arms!

I like both the sizes on the shirt. No good I know. So it completely depends on you as to what type of fit you are after. I don't see the size up as baggy ... Just fluid. The buttons at the back don't bother me. I think its unique. Great finds

April

Veteran

I read this with interest since I also have short legs yet wanted to try the avant garde outfit that Angie posted about. I know the most basic answer would be "add heels" and I'm not willing to do that. I would consider a wedge of up to, say two inches, though -- would that work for you? If you combined that with sleek-fitting leggings, I think this look would be dramatically fabulous. Also, I don't know if you often wear your hair up, but that gives you a more statuesque appearance as well.

Diana

Veteran

I like the EF dress. I think the length is dramatic and does not make you look shorter. But a shorter length might make you FEEL less overwhelmed. I bet a tailor (or even you yourself if you are handy with a needle) could just hem it easily so I would not return it.

I would return the Zara tops. First, I'm not wild about the way the neckline and armholes look. Somehow the fit seems off. The larger issue though is that in my experience, this type of rib knit in cotton will grow with wear, and I'd be very concerned about it losing its shape even over the course of a day.

Larger plaid top looks good, although I can't see the buttons on the back very well. Would they be removable if they bug you?

Sara L.

Veteran

I really like the EF dress - it's an interesting shape. I think I'll look for something similar for me (unfortunately, I don't think an XS would fit me). I like the Zara tops on you and think they could be fun in the summer. I also like the plaid shirt although I can't really see the buttons on the back. Is it uncomfortable if you sit back in a chair?

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I'm of two minds about the EF. I love the overall idea of it. It doesn't seem to overwhelm from the front. Maybe from the side. I feel as if the styling on this is everything, so before passing it on, how about trying it a few ways for us with footwear, leggings, bare legs (if you'd ever wear that way), etc.

I like the cropped sweater tops (both) but worry about Diana's concern. OTOH, that type of cotton sweater also bounces right back in the wash. So it all depends on how tolerant you are of that stretch throughout the day. It might not be as bad on a sleeveless sweater. In my own experience it is usually the sleeves that drag down and then gravity does its work.

I like the new plaid shirt. I used to have a shirt with buttons up the back like that and i really enjoyed it. You could open and close them for different effects -- it was fun!

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

I am not sure if it's the length that is off on the dress or perhapsor switching to a more sleek bottom or shoe would help.My personal preference would be leggings, or tights and a heeled bootie. I too remember those sweaters from days gone by and back then never warmed to them myself, so going to excuse myself and claim a poison eye....Plaid shirt and styling is great.

rae

(website)

Veteran

I selfishly want the EF dress, but I think It might be an easy fix with heels. Hm, have I ever seen you in heels? I cannot remember. How tall are you?

I do really like the crop tops on you, and boxy crops are such a thing for S/S. I think definitely keep and opt to show off the legs when you wear.

The plaid shirt does not look baggy on you. Do you feel fab in it?

I usually tell people at work that, if you don't love at least some aspect about it now, it'll only get worse.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I like all the pieces. I do think some of them need to be styled differently though.

The dress needs heels, and perhaps a slight length alteration.

The crop tops are excellent layered over longer tops, or on their own with skirts, or wide trousers (like your crazy black Tilda Swinton trousers).

The plaid shirt is totally your look. xo

Sarah A

Veteran

I dont feel qualified to advise of the dress.
The sweaters look fun for spring/summer, I esp. like the white on you.
The slightly larger plaid shirt seems to have a more fluid modern looking fit to my eye.

Semi OT: Sorry to hear the born ballet's went back. FWIW I am looking at these:
http://www.softstarshoes.com/a.....black.html
(for a number of reasons, flexible with no steel shank in the sole, crafted in the US, totally flat with no heel to toe drop etc...)

Scarlet

Veteran

Hmm, well everyone else has already put it into better words, but here I am to weigh in for the sake of numbers. I like the dress, actually. It does seem a little long, but I wonder if different styling would fix it. I like the white crop top and your styling plans. I really like the way the plaid shirt looks with the caveat that I can't quite imagine what the back looks like and that might make me change my mind. But from the front I like the way the small one looks when styled that way (will try this myself) and I really like the larger size as well. It has a nice drape.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I really like the cropped sweaters. But once again I'm zigging when the forum is zagging.
I think the dress could work over skinnies or leggings.
I love plaid shirts, so yes on the last one for me.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Well. You're not zig zagging with me, Anna. I love the crop tops too. They are 100% on trend.

Anonymous

I really like the cropped tops! I am going to keep my eye out for more leading into summer.

I like the EF dress too, but I think it could be a little shorter for you.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

My favorites are the cropped tops. Try the white one with higher waisted bottoms. Then you don't need a cami. The black one works just as is, without cami. You are young and firm enough to show a bit of skin. I think showing some waist flesh is so on trend, lucky for you to be able to do it.

The scale of the dress looks too big to me. Also you said you have several pieces like this. So I vote return rather than alter.

I'm just sort of "meh" on the plaid shirt. I feel the button backs are from like 5 years ago (sorry). I much prefer your current one.

Greyscale

Veteran

Thanks for the feedback, everyone. I'm still pondering, but leaning against the EF dress and the plaid shirt.