nipped in waist part two - YouLookFab Forum

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nipped in waist part two

anne

Veteran

A week or so I posted this thread
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....sts-better
To summarize. I have a small waist bust difference (28-33 inches) While my waist isn't large (of course I'd like less but it isn't likely after 3 kids and in my late 30's) it is really that I have a very small bust. My underbust is about 30. Above the line where I would measure my bust it is pretty much flat. Hooray for padded bras!

Anyway I digress. I said I would post some pictures to test the theory (generally supported) that a nipped in waist is a better look for me. And as you'll see, I mean VERY nipped in

To compare, here is a shirt which isn't tightly nipped in (1)
As opposed to two that are (2-3) which actually I usually only wear with skirts

Also here is a dress which I feel makes me look flat as a board (4-5)

Thoughts?

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Body Type

37 replies

Latest reply was from anne

Sally

Veteran

I think all those styles above look really nice on you....they emphasise your slimness and great figure. So your theory must be right.

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

I don't see anything wrong with the dress, it is very pretty on you. The color does seem to make everything disappear under it. You could add a short sparkly necklace to bring attention up to your face. If you are up for it, this is nothing a quick trip to Victoria's Secret can't fix, They have worked miracles for me.

anne

Veteran

Sally - thanks
Modgrrl thanks too - I do often wear it with a colourful necklace or broach and a cropped coloured cardigan which seem to help. I am not sure my picture managed to convey how flat it makes me feel - and I am wearing a padded bra underneath!

Fruitful

Veteran

Hi Anne, I have a similar figure and I think about this a lot!

Number 2 highlights your lovely narrow waist and is much more flattering than no.1. Number 3 looks AMAZING on you, it highlights all your best features (and it makes me pat myself on the back too - I have a similar top, drapey around the neck, sleeveless, fitted torso, and I feel great in it - seeing it on someone else shows me it's objectively good for our types). I can't put my finger on it why but it has an edge over no.2. Awesome.

4-5 - I wouldn't say you can't wear this - it's fine to dress "out of type" - but it's definitely not the first choice for your shape. It does minimise your bust. I would go further and add that the popular trick of belting a loose dress to define a waist isn't so good for us pears; the fabric gathers over the bum adding some bulk, in my case making it boxy (though not obviously on you). Somehow the belting makes my bust seem smaller compared to my stomach too.

I know this wasn't your question, but if I were to wear this dress, I would treat it as dressing "out of type" and thus would play with the silhouette to create a different emphasis; high heels to emphasise my legs for example.

anne

Veteran

Also wanted to apologize for some of the photos not being cropped. I did crop them all so I am not sure what happened but I am just trying out a new computer. Anyway it was a general silouhette I was aiming to show, so shouldn't be too disasterous

anne

Veteran

Fruitful we must have been writing at the same time. It is always great to have feedback from someone with a similar body type.
Glad you felt good about the #3 type top that you own. I sewed that one myself and plan to make at least one more from that pattern.

And yes I think we see eye to eye on the dress. It isn't actually loose though - it has an elasticated waist that I think looks horrible - worse than with the belt - so I always cover it up.

And yes - high heels would definitely help. I can't wear them for very long however. *sigh*

Fruitful

Veteran

Oh no, not the dreaded elasticated waist??!!! NOOOOO! Sorry but that is probably my most feared dress! The belt works to hide the elastic though. And I see people who look great in them every day, some of them even have bigger stomachs than me, just not the radical bust/buttock difference that I have.

I'm totally impressed that you made that top. I don't sew; the one I wear is from an Etsy seller. I think part of its appeal is it's fitted under the bust. The draping also draws the eye up as does showing your shoulders. It's a lovely X-shape from your shoulders to your hips.

Sorry about the heels. I actually don't wear very high heels, but I have some Dansko platform wedges that give me an illusion of legginess. I think the actual heel minus the platform is about 6 cm. I realise even that is painful for some though At least your legs look toned and lean without high heels

Katiepea

(website)

Veteran

Yes, I agree totally with your theory Anne! I love the top in 3, it highlights your lovely shape! Regarding the dress, in terms of drawing attention to and highlighting your small waist, have you considered swapping out the neautral belt for a pop of colour? (Red, Yellow? Metallic?) Of course, I could be totally wrong, but I'd be curious to see if it made a difference!

anne

Veteran

Katiepea lovely to hear from you! I actually do sometimes wear it with a red dress and will be back with photos a bit later...

To tell the truth, I don't feel much like it is a lovely shape. Seeing these photos makes me feel huge and bloaty!

edited to add - I meant a red belt

Katiepea

(website)

Veteran

Hello back to you as well! I think about you every time I'm on here, wondering how you are.

As someone in the same age and life-stage as you, *I* think you look wonderful and have a fabulous, healthy, slim figure. I can't see any signs of a mummy-tummy at all (I have that one covered, trust me)!

I think you are being very hard and critical on yourself. I can understand having "off" days, because we all have them, however, I do hope you don't feel that way all the time. If you do.... time out in the corner from me, young lady!

anne

Veteran

Katie you are always so positive and upbeat. Thanks. I always look to see if you are online too!

Hopefully am just having an off day, brought on by the shock of looking at myself in photos way more than I usually do!

I am also feeling rather flabby owing to having had 5 or so weeks off exercise owing to a long cold/cough and also to breaking my baking ban and the subsequent overeating that caused.

To your point, I didn't think I looked bad around the tummy - more the arms, hips and thighs. I just feel very dumpy. I have somehow gained an inch around my hips in the last 6 months or so and I tend to forget about it until I see the photographic evidence!

So noone but myself to blame!

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I agree with your theory and think you proved it beautifully. Meaning you look beautiful in your nipped in styles!
I don't have as small a difference in measurements as you, but I used to wear styles that didn't accent my waist, in an effort to conceal some imagined belly. All that did was make me look like a rectangle lol.
I'm impressed that you sewed the top yourself! You might also try tops with some extra emphasis up high, as a visual trick to balance your proportions (flutter sleeves, gathered bust, or ruffled neckline, etc)

Vix

Veteran

Hi again Anne --

First, let me echo Katiepea and others who note that you have a very slim, fit-looking shape for anyone, let alone a mother of 3.

Even though we can't see that inch making a difference, I know only too well it can make things feel tight.

Be annoyed but know that once you get back to full health/exercising you will probably feel so much better mentally. [And the inch will likely fall off -- it may even be due to fluid retention due to inactivity.]

I've mentioned before that you and I have similar body types (though I consider myself more a Rectangle) which is why I always look forward to seeing what you are wearing/altering!

I am with you on the need for either going *very* nipped like in #2 and #3 OR choosing a banded blouson-y top that ends at the hips, maybe a bit above where #2 hits you. Those look great on you -- I was thinking they need to come up on the hip but then I saw you wear them with skirts, so nevermind, ha.

As you said, #1 is boxy...with those tops I will generally add a flyway or deep V cardigan to colorblock/break up my torso.

Re the dress -- I do think you carry this silhouette off very nicely but I see why it may not be your *best* or "highest-comfort level" look.

I know you identify as an HG vs a Rectangle, but while VERY small your waist is also only slightly indented; when I try the same look it creates a boxier feel than I like.

Of course my waist is practically under my bust and my bust is larger, so I really dislike that look on me...again, I think this dress/belt just emphasizes your slim figure!

ps I got nothin' on why the dress makes you look flatter in the chest as high necks generally do the reverse! Enjoy your green grass over there for me, ha.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Anne, do you think that the dress looks bad?

anne

Veteran

Thanks Mo and Vix.

Vix, I am not at all sure on the HG thing and usually express it in rather conditional terms. Angie had me as a pear when I first joined and it is really only my broad shoulders that would discount that. I kind of feel like an amalgam of pear, IT and rectangle. Isobel over at Inside out style voted for her X shape.
Angie's recommendations for rectangle (upper body) and pear (lower body) have been those that I feel have been most useful.

I bought the dress above chiefly because Angie liked it, but I went back to my original post and saw that even then I was worried it made me look like a tree trunk. But I can make it work with cardis and accessories and it is useful to have a dress with a full skirt for things like helping with the creche at church (ie sitting on the floor)

Thanks for the encouragement with the exercise. I am a bit sad the ladies I usually run with are off to a race in the city (14km) and I could not run 3km without a break now (yet one year ago I did a half marathon) But I have made it to the gym 3 times this week, just taking it easy so hopefully things are on the up.

anne

Veteran

Oh thanks Angie. I was writing while you were.

To me - yes. I feel like it accentuates the whole issue in the post - I feel flat chested and wide waisted. However I have had a compliment (in RL) that it is a very flattering dress for me - but I don't see it I am afraid

PS the waist is a bit high too - more on the rib cage. I feel better with a lower belt, like on my black shirtdress

Vix

Veteran

Anne --

With that skirt fullness, I bet the dress is really beautiful in motion on you. The neckline really accentuates your neck and shoulders, too.

Remember that photos -- esp point-and-shoot lenses like mine and possibly yours -- really flatten 3-D objects like people out.

I only mention this because you are dissatisfied with the dress, but: one thing I've learned is that the wider the skirt, the shorter the leg appears.

Since you and I share the same short-legs-for-height thing, I wonder if subconsciously you dislike the dress' length because you feel less balanced in it?

Personally I think your legs look lean and elegant in it as-is, but I wonder whether taking it up an inch or so will make a difference in your overall feelings about it. Given your alterations skills it may be worth pinning it up and evaluating.

ps Really you cannot underestimate how having regular exercise "taken away" from one affects mood -- with being ill compounding that! Five weeks on the sidelines, esp when your exercise buddies are off on a big adventure, is a major downer. Hang in there and take it easy getting back into a routine/rebuilding strength.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Interesting! I think the dress is *extremely* flattering. One of your best! It lengthens your leg line and shortens the torso.

anne

Veteran

Yes I do see what you are saying Angie. Maybe I will feel better about it when I get it out next summer after a break over the winter here. Do you think I am right about the other tops? that is that the tighter ones (2 and 3) look better than 1?

Vix - I could try pinning up the skirt and having a look. Thanks again for your thoughout comments. I really appreciate them

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Yes! I agree with you

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Anne -- I haven't read the other replies yet but here's what I think.

I think all three tops look fine. You look so nice and slim in all of them. The tops with nipped in waist make you look more hour-glass liked, granted. But you also look good in the pink top because it is fitted and shows off your slim figure. The dress is OK but a little conservative for you (even though I don't know your style). Maybe if you belted it with a red belt it would make it a little more contemporary. But you are right, the style is more bust minimizing than the other tops you are showing us today.

FWIW, I think a smaller bust looks great, you look like you have a rectangle figure which is what models have. You could wear the trendier waist-surrendering tops which I have so many of but every time I see myself in a photo, many of them make me look big. The grass is always greener, right?

Melissa

Anne, first of all you are lovely. To me, you look svelte and strong in all these photos, and I absolutely love your hair.

I am sad to see you being so hard on yourself! I do it, too, but I honestly feel you are somehow only seeing tiny things that I don't think look bad at all. Some days our own eyes are kinder than others, so I hope yours will soon see the beautiful things that we all see in your pictures.

Would you mind sharing which pattern you used to make the shirt in #3? It's perfect on you.

I do agree that your two nipped in looks are very flattering. Great to discover something that works for you. About the dress, I love it on you. I don't think you look flat-chested at all, just slim and gorgeous. But, if it makes you feel less than fab, the heck with it. I've had things like that that everyone else loved on me that just never felt right and by the end of the day I am itching to take them off. If this dress is like that for you, say goodbye without regrets.

re: feeling flat-chested, I am wondering where this is coming from. It seems like you've got an idea in your head that your chest needs to be a certain size for you to feel good, which makes me wonder where that came from. Is this something from formative years, something caused by societal influence, what's going on here? Just my own thoughts, but it seems like if you could figure that out, it might help to work out a way of looking at yourself and seeing what we all see, which is a beautiful person with a perfectly proportioned chest.

Chests come in all shapes and sizes, and I have seen many, many, smaller chested women whose looks, figures, and clothes I was wildly envious of. Twiggy, for one, and you, for another (I remember seeing a picture of you in a red turtleneck that I just loved, but I cannot wear turtlenecks). While I have made peace with my own midsize chest, I do sometimes still wish I could pull off some of the fab smaller-chested looks. They're just not for me, but I love to see them on others.

Patty

Veteran

Anne --you have a very nice shape-I like you in the first 3 fitted tops ---but if the dress doesn't do it for you, loose it--get another one that makes you happy happy!!! Don't let the one drag you down~!

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

I love #3 on you! Who says boobs have to be big?? As a 32DD I can say with complete confidence that the grass is always greener. You can get away with very low cut tops, no bra, backless/low back dresses/top, spaghetti straps, halter tops, etc in a way that I never will be able to.

The shape of this dress reminds me of Julia Robert's brown and white dress from Pretty Woman. Note, she also has a small bustline.

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Becky

Veteran

Anne, you've already had some great feedback here. I do think you look marvelous in the tops (#2 and #3) with the defined waist, but nothing you've posted is unflattering. I think #3 is absolutely the most stunning top I've seen on you yet, and I'm drooling with envy! If I were you, I'd make several in this pattern in various colors.

anne

Veteran

Well how lovely to get up and get some more feedback.

I feel like some explanation is due. I don't hate my breasts or necessarily think they should be larger. Small breasts run in my family. DH still likes them! If I could change one thing, or even two about my body, I wouldn't choose my bust.

But I do need to address how to dress it. I was just wanting to firstly, run past my theory about fitted tops. (My sister is always asking me why I wear such tight tops, so perhaps I was seeking some justification for my wardrobe choices) and secondly a dress where I felt my body type wasn't working (I have other dresses I am happy with)

Secondly, I may have a Twiggy sized bustline, but there is no way the rest of her body is similar to mine. Off the top of my head from what I can remember, her waist was at least 4 inches smaller, as were her hips, and she had long skinny legs. Although the epitome of the rectangle look, she actually had a better bust/waist ratio than I do.

So, to Melissa's point, it isn't that I feel that my chest needs to be a certain size, rather that my body doesn't really match my chest. And I am always shocked at how shortlegged I am and big my thighs are, which is really my body "issue" but I keep forgetting about it until I see my photos.

I dont' have a pattern no for the top - it was a handmade one lent to me by my sister -in -law who is a dressmaker. She made a top for me a few years ago for Christmas and I just borrowed it from her. It is extremely simple.

Jeneva - thanks for the pretty woman pic! A nice comparison !

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

There are dresses that probably need a fuller bust, but I disagree that #3 doesn't work for you. I think #3 just helps prove that with waist emphasis the chances are high that the garment will flatter your figure.

PS, I am also short legged with heavy thighs, so I can relate to your issues there! I DREAD shopping for pants, jeans, and straight skirts!

anne

Veteran

Jeneva - I dread pants shopping too. I buy pants on average once every 10 years!

For Katiepea, here is the dress with a red belt.

For everyone else, here is the side view that really shows what i have been trying to say about my problems with this dress. It is just horrible.This was taken today (the ones above were a few weeks ago) and it is clear I need to find batteries for my scales and see how bad the damage of the last week has been!

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Isis

Veteran

Anne-- I really don't see the horribleness that you are talking about with this dress. I think it looks great on you--both versions, from the side and from the front. From the front I love the shoulder line. The way the neckline goes in really accents your shoulders. The overall vibe is an hourglass: the shoulders are wide, the red belt goes in and then the skirt goes out. In the side view I see an attractive woman, one with a small bust, but nothing out of proportion with your small figure. This is a really nice dress on you.

Overall, in all your pictures, you are an attractive, healthy woman who looks athletic and put together. I wonder if your mood is down because you haven't been able to exercise. I really think that what you perceive isn't reflected in reality; there is not even a hint of the horrible in your pics!

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