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Most popular look of 2013

In My Joi

(website)

Veteran

As a new curvy style blogger by night, I am becoming fairly active on social media. I run a little blog on blogspot, as well as tumblr.

I was amazed at the amount of attention that this outfit received. Of course, I tried to analyze what made it more popular than my other posts. I was talking it over with my husband and I shared that I truly wonder whether or not this look was perceived as my best look thus far because it is more fitted (body con) than what I normally wear.

Don't get me wrong, I like the look, but I disagree that it is my best look yet. I was having a bad hair day, and had to pin it up, creating this random look. But yet people thought I looked my best here?

In my opinion, it seems that people (women and men equally) have the perception that a fitted outfit on a curvy/plus size woman makes it look better. Perhaps the same perception is there across the board, no matter what your body type or size? Well, I simply don't believe that an outfit needs to be fitted (body con) to be perceived as beautiful. Nor do I believe that trendy outweighs traditional style.

As a new member of the online curvy/plus size community (about 6 months), I have observed that the more that a woman shows off her body, the more popular she becomes and the faster her following grows.

I truly appreciate this community (I've lurked for years) because there is a sense of dignity and integrity among members.

What are your thoughts? Please do share! Why is body con preferred over traditional fits for so many people? Is anyone familiar with the curvy/plus size community?

EDITED: Outfit specs

Crop top- One Clothing

Skirt- Vince Camuto

Shoes- Michael Kors

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23 replies

Latest reply was from In My Joi

Lantana

Veteran

Body con this outfit is but it is also pared back and dramatic. The proportions of skirt and top are very pleasing, as is the ratio of fabric to skin. If you were to have your portrait done I think this outfit would be ideal because it complements and frames you.
So I think your followers - in placing this as your best look - are picking up on more than the body con nature of this outfit.

fuzzylogic

Veteran

Hi IMJ! I am new to the forum so I can't say if this is your best ever look, but you certainly are looking veeeerrrrrry sexy. Lots of gorgeous curves, lots of self confidence, totally knockout! Keep doing what you do and being who you are you beautiful woman!

gryffin

Veteran

IMJ - Would you consider the idea that "you're best look" is actually the reader's most coveted look? I know that the hunt for a fantastic dress, one piece and you are done, is a major HEWI. The dress that you can dress up, dress down and makes your figure look amazing is a HEWI for most of us. The dress fits you perfectly, simple, elegant, but interesting and looks incredibly versatile. Jacket, cardi, belt, as skirt - you could do it all with that dress. I did not notice so much the bodycon, but the flattery of the dress is what I notice. I have not had the pleasure of reading you blog so I can't comment on your other outfits but I do know I've been lookin for my perfect dress for a long time and I would be so happy for you that your found yours. On bad hair day - just as an observer, I don't see that at all. I see a beautiful woman in a very flattering dress, lovely accessories, gorgeous smile in a really cool place (but please get off those tracks you are making me nervous!!)

fuzzylogic

Veteran

Bwahahaha!!y Yes! Get off the the tracks!

Thistle

Veteran

It is body con, but I wonder if it is also the graphic integrity? The bold black and white in bold stripes? And, of course, taken on train tracks which reinforces the bold stripes.

MuseumGal

Veteran

Oh Joi, I'm with you! It drives me nuts that there is this idea that showing off your body means you are proud and confident and that covering up means you are insecure or even body hating, especially if you are plus size. Since I am plus sized, I used to read quite a few fatshion blogs, but given that I'm much older than most of those gals, and that I have no interest in "flaunting my gorgeous curves" I no longer read of those types of blogs.

That being said, this is an amazing dress and you do look gorgeous, confident, and sexy.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

IMJ, I think the others have all raised good points. On the other hand, many of your other looks are equally (if not more) dramatic -- and the photo locations have also been terrific (I remember one in particular where the graffiti colours echoed your outfit...and some cool landscape ones...). So...

At the same time, the photos themselves pack a huge punch here in combination with the outfit. The lines of your outfit -- juxtaposed against your beautiful curves -- and then the strong perspective lines of the train tracks.

The simple grey, black, and pale blue backdrop allowing the bright black and white to stand out. The rough texture of the stones against the sleek fabric of your outfit and your shiny necklace.

And the interesting use of an almost ubiquitous item -- so many of us here and in the blogosphere had a skirt like that last summer and it was styled so many ways - yet yours looks completely unique and very "you."

In short, you look amazing! No wonder people loved it!

But yes, it could have something to do with people loving the body con nature. You have a gorgeous figure and many plus size women probably want to look like you (well...lots of women of any size probably want to look like that!). So perhaps there is a bit of idealization going on.

One last thought -- this is a spectacular looking yet very EASY outfit. Of course it wouldn't look as great on just anyone, but it's the kind of outfit a person can immediately see how to translate. That might also make it popular. Of course, many of the copies would be nowhere near as good, but nonetheless, it would have seeded inspiration. Which is a pretty cool thing!

rute

Veteran

gorgeous!

MsMary

Veteran

I agree with Suz about it being easy. I saw your photo on the YLF "wall" and immediately clicked through and thought "Wow! I have those pieces! Must copy!" Although it will be tough to rock it as hard as you are rocking it!

deb

Veteran

I think the composition of the photo may have a lot to do with the favorite status. I have also work outfits that I thought were just OK but got more compliments than most. Could it be it is the way we see ourselves? Maybe picture you painted what not what you felt on the inside.

Liz

Veteran

There is a very attractive modern simplicity to this that isn't (to my eye) about the body con fit. The proportions of the outfit are just right. It's strong and simple and very flattering. That photographs well and displays well on a blog. I probably also would have voted it a favorite.

In My Joi

(website)

Veteran

Thank you so much for the feedback everyone!

I had a small 'fire' to put out here in the office, but now
I'm online. #HRLife

@Lantana I really appreciate your thoughts. Because I often
wear bold colors, I did not consider this outfit to be dramatic, but I guess it
is, just in a different way. It's funny that you mention a portrait, a fellow
blogger actually sketched this picture for me and I really like it.

@gryffin I like your perspective. It is the most coveted
look, not my best look . I forgot to include the outfit specs, it's actually
a crop top paired with a Vince Camuto tube skirt. I was really unhappy with my
hair that day as my natural curls turned to a frizzy pouf, but that's neither
here nor there in the mind of an observer. I'm learning so much about myself
during this blogging 'project'!

P.S. The train tracks that I was on are no longer in use.

@fuzzylogic Thank you much! BTW- these were taken on
abandoned train tracks.

@Thistle This is true, I had not considered that my
followers are truly looking at all the attributes of the entire picture.

@MuseumGal I am so happy to hear that I'm not alone in my
sentiments! In my opinion, covering up indicates more confidence than
flaunting! - XO

shiny

Veteran

We often do not see ourselves as others' see us. I see you as a beautiful woman who is really rocking that outfit. And yes, my first reaction was that you exude confidence. I am not plus size and I have it drilled into my head to never wear horizontal stripes, because they add pounds. Yet here you are, breaking all the rules (horizontal stripes AND body con!) -- and looking absolutely fabulous.

When I studied the outfit further, I next noticed that your skirt and sleeves are a tasteful length and the neckline is modest. Those demure touches make a difference.

There's also something very approachable and accessible about your look. A normal woman I can identify with, one with soft curves, a real body, not a model mannequin, more of a Marilyn Monroe figure, wearing clothes that aren't expensive designer labels.

In My Joi

(website)

Veteran

@Suz Thank you so much for this feedback. I completely
question and reject society's idea that body con is the only way to portray
confidence or sex appeal. I too felt that I have far greater dramatic looks
than this one! In the process of analyzing why this one was most 'coveted', I
jumped to the conclusion that it must be because this is the only picture that I
have posted thus far in fitted clothing. I did not take into account the
juxtaposition that you mentioned. I also did not take into account the practicalness
of the two pieces. It is very simple, and can be dressed up or down. Perhaps
people felt genuine relatability when seeing this outfit versus some of my
other pieces.

@Rue @MaryK Thank you
for the kind compliments!

@Deb Your comments truly strike a chord in me. "Could
it be it is the way we see ourselves? Maybe picture you painted what not what
you felt on the inside." It could very well be that I feel different on
the inside that what is portrayed on the outside. That's one thing that I am
appreciating about blogging- it is helping me to discover feelings within
myself that I am not cognizant of. I often notice that the pics I least like,
are the most popular. The pictures that I truly love, are not as popular! Go
figure O_O

@Liz This is something to consider, perhaps the dynamics
involved caused it to appear more vivid on the blog, resulting in higher
popularity. If I could do it over again, my hair would be completely different!

Thank you so much everyone! I have much to ponder on.

In My Joi

(website)

Veteran

@Shiny I agree, often we do not see ourselves as others see
us. Although I do feel confident (for the most part) I am conscious about
wearing anything that will add additional, unflattering weight. The 'rules' do
say stay away from this or that, but I prefer to try an item on first, and then
to make a personal judgment based on how it looks on my frame and how it makes
me feel. I like the size of the stripes on the skirt (which I first saw here on
YLF), and I felt that they would be flattering. I immediately knew that I want
a striped to that was somewhat contrasting. Being tasteful and modest are non-negotiables
for me Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts!

rachylou

Veteran

Haven't read through everybody's thoughts... but my first thought was how fresh this outfit looks. The two different sized graphic stripes. It's sophisticated "pattern" matching. Also the epitome of modern in its graphic-ness.

My other thought, re. bodycon, people are their most comfortable with a person when the person is comfortable. You look very comfortable in bodycon, and a person has to be very comfortable with herself to be comfortable in bodycon.

Which is not to say that everyone is comfortable with bodycon style itself. Because they assume it's not comfortable.

Lisa

Veteran

I think body con is very instyle right now (it's not easy to find loose fit clothes and forget about jeans, all I see are skinnies). But my favorite is the mixing of stripes itself, so clever.

Alassë

Veteran

I think it's the confidence people see? A fitted look requires a confident woman to pull it off, and you do.

In My Joi

(website)

Veteran

Thanks so much for the different perspectives!

@RachyLou I truly realize after all the great feedback received that I jumped to conclusions and did not consider all of the alternatives! That's is one of the many reasons why I appreciate this forum so much! Perhaps the graphic-ness and portrayal of confidence drew people in.

@Lisa It is so hard to find loose clothes, I think that is another reason that thrifting appeals to me. I can find skirts and dresses the length and fit that I prefer. My main intention with putting this outfit together was to mix the stripes-LOL! I had the goal last year of incorporating more separates into my wardrobe and mixing prints. I thought this was a subtle way to do it.

@Alasse Thank you! I have my moments I guess confidence comes across of film more than I realize.

Peri

Veteran

I haven't seen very many of your pictures to compare, but one thing that struck me is that you look like you are having fun. Especially in the second one...acting it up. It may be the playful element of the shot people are reacting to, but if you do that in all your pictures, maybe not.

And yes, my first thought was confidence. I get what MuseumGirl is saying, and though I'm small I don't like like body con on myself, and it is one of my problems with skinny fit everything...why are women expected to show their bodies to the world? But there is no getting around it...it takes a degree of confidence to wear body con. So that wearing loose clothing does not at all mean a woman lacks confidence, wearing body con really has to mean she's got some. It could also mean something else, but that would involve something else...not the dress you have on here! You look fantastic.

Basically, I think you look like all women want to feel. Fun, bold, strong, confident. The photos are probably appealing to your readers for all kinds of reasons beyond fashion.

Gaylene

Veteran

I agree with Alasse and Peri that it's probably the easy confidence you exude wearing the outfit that is the real reason this picture might be a favorite. To be honest, I'm probably not as wowed by the actual outfit as I am by woman who is wearing it. I'd be as wowed by you in a more fluid cut if you projected that same fun, bold, confident vibe.

I think, with all the blogging emphasis on WHAT the person is wearing, we can sometimes forget that ultimately what draws us in is how we perceive the person IN the clothes.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

First, you came up with a very stylish outfit, mixing the stripes, plus it's super on-trend. Those two elements alone will get you attention. Second, your choice of location is brilliant. The RR tracks echoing the stripes of the clothing, but at a right angle. So that will get you noticed -- photography is important!! (Ask Greg)

As for the body con thing -- I think you're on to something. When others see a curvy gal embracing her shape, it is celebrated!

In My Joi

(website)

Veteran

@Peri Thank you! It amazes me how much comes into play to make a picture/outfit/blogpost stand out to people. When I first started, I took very basic pictures, as do many of my peers. I gathered that not much else was needed, since it is how I carry on during my day activities. Now I have learned that people really do expect to see the authenticity of "you" and that is what is most appealing. I would have to agree, a measure of confidence is needed to wear body con.

@Gaylene Agreed! When I think of bloggers I am drawn to, it's not just the clothes they wear, but the vibe behind/within the clothes. I need to exhibit more of the fun, bold, and confident dimensions of my personality. Sometimes that's tough, because for years I didn't like to take pictures of myself. I think at times, that old apprehension, body hate, and self-consciousness creeps into my pictures.

@CocoLion Thank you! I'm learning that photography is very important, and so is my husband! LOL! I think trendy probably does come into play with this look, as I don't sport trendy too often. IMO, a curvy gal can embrace her body in non form-fitting clothing, but it seems like the masses do not feel the same way.