Proportion help - YouLookFab Forum

Hi all, I have been lurking here for the past couple of years and this is my first post with pictures. I am getting ready to go back home (South) for my sister's wedding and there will be many smart casual situations both inside and outside. I have been in the process of updating my style from a tired mom uniform of tees and bootcut jeans, and I have learned so much from this site. Thanks to all of you whose confidence in your style has helped me so much, and many thanks to Angie and Greg for facilitating this amazing, unique, accepting community. I am from the South, but since I live in AK now, I am much more confident of my winter style than a hot weather style. I don't want to look like I am trying to be a teen, but I certainly don't want to go back to how I dressed for life before (cut-offs and tees)...Please comment on the appropriateness and proportion of these possibilities. Thanks!

This post has 7 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.

12 years ago

Lantana

Veteran

First up, congratulations Esther on taking the huge step of posting pix. It takes a lot of courage to put yourself on the line.
Secondly, you have knock out legs! Wow!
I like the simple colour palette that you've chosen, red black and white, so crisp .
Have you tried the red top with the red jeans? Maybe too OTT? Or worth a try?
#1 = simple and cool, you could dress this up with some bling if the occasion called for it. Great sandals.
#2&#3, prefer the belted version, creates a nicer line I think.. in contrast to #4&#5, where I prefer the unbelted version. The neckline detail needs to take centre stage and the belt detracts from that.
#6&#7 the black band fights with the black belt, so better unbelted IMO.
Your short shorts are very cute; from my perspective (distant country, different culture) they are appropriate for beach wear and supercasual occasions.
If you wanted to, you could change up the look to more sophisticated with longer shorts such as Angie has showcased recently.
Once again, it's great to see you post!

Irene

You have fantastic legs and look great in all the unbelted combos!!

jurocha

(website)

Hello, Esther! Smart casual is to dresscodes what oxymoron is to literature; it's so easy to go overboard - either too casual or too smart/formal! That said, you needn't worry about it because you nailed it with your red, white black palette and the silk (silk-like) luxurious tops.

I am for team Beltless. But somehow I prefer the belted version of the red trouser outfit. Maybe I would let the tuck more relaxed, covering more of the belt... But I am not the biggest on proportion knowledge, so please take this advise with a grain of salt (and follow other YLFabbers' advice on this one)

Plus I would swap the beige bra for a strapless (you can also try one with black straps or animal print in black/white as per recent Angie post on how to deliberate show bra straps. I guess that would be a funky choice, but the strapless is sure much more appropriate to the smart casual setting.)

Regarding the sandals, go for the finer one.

PS: On short shorts... the endless discussion. Lantana has a point when suggesting you swap the short shorts for longer versions. A indoors smart casual setting might require a little more coverage. However, I love short shorts and if the weeding/wedding surround events aren't too traditional (are outdoors, the sun is scorching on the South during the wedding period), I would keep them. (I <3 Hart of Dixie's style; Rachel Bison is 31 and still rocks shorts!)

Lyn D.

Welcome, and I love your outfits here!
I agree that without belt is the go for the last pics, and the red pant is a nice length rolled with your heels.
Your daughter (?) in the pics looks about as excited as my two are about their Mum striking a pose in front of a camera

Suz

Welcome to the wonderful world of WIW, Esther-of-the-fab-gams!

You look great in your short-shorts. I don't see anything inappropriate about them for casual wear, but it depends a bit on the crowd and the setting.

Love your silky tops and the way you are wearing them here. And I agree 100% with what Lantana said about belting, unbelting, etc.

With the red jeans, I actually prefer the cross-strap sandal at least with the black and white top. Creates more visual balance to my eye. But the view with your hair might change that opinion.

Good luck on your trip -- you will look wonderful. Do you have an outfit for the wedding itself?

krishnidoux

I love al of your outfits here.
3 is my favourite.
I prefer 6 over 7, and left side sandals in these pics.
4 and 5 look just as cute, but if you are shooting for current, I would go untuck and add arm candy (many bracelets, or one striking cuff).

Anonymous

Congrats on your first photos!

Joining the crowd to say you do have great legs. I don't think your shorts are too short (although personally I have been moving to knee length or clan digger as I feel most comfortable in that length).

I like the red jeans with the ankle cross sandals, and I think belted and unbelted both look good.

Your silky tops suit you well!

TraceyLiz65

No don't swap out the shorts, you have the legs for It!!! Congrats on your first photos! I love the color combos and am on team unbelted...

JulieJohn

Excellent proportions. I really love the extra pop of the silky tops that takes these outfits a cut above. I prefer belted with the red top but unbelted otherwise, and prefer the criss-cross black sandals cause they have more presence. However, you look great in all these shots, so let your own feelings be your guide.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Just saying welcome! You are in good hands

Congratulations on your first photo post, Ester. You look polished and appropriate. I like the proportions of 3,4,5 & 6 best with the first two tops tucked a d belted and the third top worn out or tucked into a black bottom so that it continues the black color blocking of the top. You look fab!

Nicole D

All very nice! I prefer the unbelted looks. Tops look good tucked or untucked, I think I prefer untucked, or you could try the famous half tuck!

Esther

Active Member

Thanks so much for the advice, all. As for the legs, I really have to credit my mother with those, and maybe 30+ yrs of horseback riding.
I am a bridesmaid, so for the wedding itself, I am already appropriately attired, thank goodness!
I will be wearing a strapless bra with the color-blocked top. I just have to wait to get it later, since I want to try on and not buy online.
I do actually have a dark grey pair of longer trouser fabric bermuda shorts, but I am not sure if they are too long or what, but when I put them on I feel frumpy. Maybe I will post some pics and you more knowledgeable women can try to help me figure it out...or maybe my eye needs to adjust. I feel like my current struggle is to move away from the extremely body-con looks I used to go to in the past, but to still retain some sexy without being inappropriate and while gaining some more sophistication. The other bridesmaids are all single and several years younger than me, and we have several functions where I know my sisters, at least, will be wearing short, tight, and spaghetti strap...I don't want to look like their chaperone!
So anyway, thanks for the confidence boost that I am on the right track, and the suggestions for which choices. I really appreciate it!!

Category