Question about cowl necks - YouLookFab Forum

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Question about cowl necks

Maya

Veteran

I got this top recently and I'm not sure if it's working or not. I'm not too keen on taking a picture at the moment, but here's my issue:

I love the way it drapes on the model, but on me it just doesn't flow the same way because of my chest. Instead of creating that beautiful ripple effect, it smooths out over my chest and then resumes the ruched/rippley look around my tummy. I read Angie's post on this subject (which is where I found this shirt), but I'm still not sure what types are best for the well endowed. I thought this would be good since the neckline is fairly scooped and low, but maybe it isn't, or maybe I need to go up a size...but even if I did get the ripple effect, I don't know if it's going to look all that great.

I know a picture would be the most helpful thing, but I'm not really comfortable with it at the moment.

http://www.bananarepublic.com/.....pid=588277

Dressing

32 replies

Latest reply was from Cee

Sihaya

Veteran

Maya - perhaps you're answering your own question if you're not comfortable posting a picture in it. That likely means you won't be comfortable being seen in it in public The top looks pretty in the picture but no matter how pretty, if you don't feel fantastic in it, maybe it's time to move on?

Tanya

Veteran

I can not offer any good advice on this Maya, since my chest issues are exactly opposite from yours. I did get the same top (in teal) though and it looks OK, though there's much less draping than on the model. I don't know if this helps but here's the photo:

http://s300.photobucket.com/al.....CN3173.jpg

As you can see, it's also straightens across the chest and the cowl effect is only above it.

I agree with Sihaya, if you are not comfortable with it even us telling you it's great won't make a difference. You have to feel great wearing it.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Perhaps you need a larger size? It sounds like the drape of this cowl is not right. You need a more voluminous drape. Hard to tell without a visual.

Maya

Veteran

The picture thing has nothing to do with the top. I have just become more guarded about posting pictures online.

I guess I'll just return it.

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

Some women block out their faces - would that work?

Nicole

Veteran

Maya...It could be the fabric itself. If the fabric doesn't have the right amount of pull in the right direction it won't drape properly. Try other cowl necks in different types of fabrics and note how different fabrics drape on your bust.

Julia

How about a fixed cowl neck? with that I meant the neck won't change its shape whether you're endowed or not. Here's an example:

http://slimages.macys.com/is/i.....8;fmt=jpeg

Maya

Veteran

I used to take pictures with my head chopped off, but I just don't like doing it anymore. Sometimes I feel really confident and happy with an outfit, but when I see it in a picture I feel disappointed because it never seems to look as good as I thought it did, and it really bums me out. I have been a lot less picky and annoyed with myself and my body since I stopped doing that.

I was looking less for an opinion on how this one fit and more for an opinion on other styles I should try, or if I should even bother trying other styles. I'm not really set on getting a cowl neck top--I just got this one because I was totally in love with it when I saw it (and because I have a pile of BR coupons and promo codes that needed to be used). Maybe a rollneck style would work better.

Tanya, I don't think there is a thing in the world that could look bad or wrong on you. Even those boyfriend cardigans that I never like on anyone looked better on you than anyone else I have seen them on. If I compared myself to you I'd be a wreck But I think the model has it bunched/ruched a bit, which is why it has that effect. It looks like you might have it pulled further.

Dani

Veteran

Maya, I have a larger chest so I have to be careful with cowl necks too. I was considering this one but I haven't actually tried it on. I'm on the fence about it since it's dry clean only, which isn't the best for my lifestyle right now.
http://www.bananarepublic.com/.....=588168022

I find that styles that have a concentrated cowl (I don't know how else to describe it) rather than a low, draping cowl, tend to lay better on me.

Tanya

Veteran

Oh Maya, I did not mean for you to compare us in any way. I am sorry if that come out wrong. And the last thing in the world I'd want you is to feel like wreck, quite the opposite. I just wanted to show that the same top flattens across my chest too, and maybe the way it looked on model is unrealistic, like say when they pin stuff in the back to make it look more tailored.

You are a wonderful person with a great figure even if you do not believe that. I have mentioned this before, but I'll repeat that I envy you on your long legs and on your chest, I always wished I was doing better in that department.

Maybe the other top Dani linked to might work better, you can always give it a try.

And I am sorry you are feeling disappointed about your pictures. I have always enjoyed them, you looked great on them and I have drawn outfit inspirations from quite a few of them.

Maya

Veteran

I'm just teasing you Tanya I honestly don't think I have ever seen you look "bad" in anything though, honestly. Whenever I see your outfits, I always think "this is how these clothes were meant to look." OK, I'm done embarrassing you! I'm sorry if I said anything that bugged you.

Dani, I also looked at that cowl neck. I guess I'm a fan of drama when it comes to cowls. The one you chose is pretty but I don't think it would give me enough shape. I'd have to keep it as a layering piece.

This is the one I currently own. I honestly don't know if it's flattering or not, but it's incredibly warm and cozy in the winter so this is one of the rare times where I just can't bring myself to care (also it eliminates the need for a scarf!)

http://img.photobucket.com/alb.....e_cowl.jpg

Tanya

Veteran

No worries Maya, you didn't say anything that bugged me, I was feeling bad for maybe saying/doing something that made you feel bad.

That cowl sweater is gorgeous. Maybe the trick is in the fact that the cowl part goes over the body of the top, as opposed to being it's integral part ( I don't know if that makes sense).

Maya

Veteran

I think I know what you mean Tanya. It sits on the shoulders and around the neck. I have draped it a few different ways. Sometimes I put it around my shoulders and scrunch it a bit, or pull it forward and shape it so it makes a more scooped out neckline. It's very flexible and the cowl part itself is really big. When pulled straight up, it completely covers my head with a few inches to spare. I know it would look better if I had a smaller chest, but I get sick of wearing the same types of necklines, not to mention needing to layer a cami under EVERYTHING. This is so easy. I usually wear it during finals week when I'm stressed out and tired, with a pair of leggings and boots. It's like wearing warm cozy pajamas.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I hear you, Maya. Cowls are not created equally – fabric and shape are key. I suspect you’re after a cowl in a less slinky knit. That way they’ll be a more structured drape.

Maya

Veteran

Do you have an example handy Angie?

Maya

Veteran

OK I finally gave in and took a picture. For some reason it isn't doing what it did before! But I'm still not sure about it. I have a bit of a pooch here and going up a size would probably eliminate that, but I anticipate it will go away again once I resume my commute and busy schedule.

I know you guys all rejected the idea last time I asked, but I sure do feel pear shaped in this picture. Maybe it's just because it isn't my full body...

http://img.photobucket.com/alb.....G_1298.jpg

Tanya

Veteran

Maya, the top looks great on you! Based on your descriptions, I was expecting something completely different. It is flattering, and that color is so good on you.

And you don't looked even a bit pear shaped to me. Oh, I can not see any pooch either.

Maya

Veteran

The pooch only really shows from the side, and of course with lowrise jeans. As soon as I get in my lounge pants, it's gone! So annoying. Every day I pray to the denim gods for more high rise styles, and my prayers are finally being answered. My fall purchases will definitely include 2 high rise jeans and boots. I'm sure some of it has to do with the fact that I don't commute or run around at all in the suburbs.

I think I figured out why it looked weird the first time; I was wearing a different bra. I think the bra I wore in the picture is the one I should stick to for this top.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thank you for the visual, Maya. This is not what I pictured at all, so I’m extra chuffed you plucked up the courage to post your cowl in the flesh! The cowl looks great! Pretty colour.

shiny

Veteran

Looks great to me, and I'm not seeing pooch..... but I do understand praying to the denim gods for high-rise styles! It's not your body - it's the jeans that give the pooch. Even if nobody sees it, you can feel it, know what I mean? Kinda maybe it's like a "mental" pooch LOL. (*)

I def wouldn't go up a size - you'd swim in it, I'm afraid.

If the pooch is still bugging you, try putting a cami underneath. BR was having a sale on their synthetic camis - the ones that really suck it all in. I picked up white and nude, which disappears under white and sheer shirts.

(*) I just realized my DH is always begging for us to get a dog.... next time I'm going to just have him pat my belly and tell him he already has a pooch.

Dani

Veteran

LOL, Shiny...

Maya, that top looks really nice on you. I was expecting something else entirely. I think you should definitely stick to that bra and look into a cami to control the pooch. Maybe once you get a higher rise pair of jeans, the pooch problem will be resolved

Maya

Veteran

Shiny, you are a barrel of lols. And yes, a mental pooch is a good way of putting it. I can feel the waistband cutting in and I know I'm spilling over it, even though it's not really that visible, but the sensation drives me nuts! I find myself constantly wanting to pull up my jeans even though I can't. I've got a bit of flab in that area (who doesn't?), but most of the problem is definitely the rise!

I wasn't going to post a picture because it just looked so bad with that one bra, but once I tried it with a different one it made a huge difference to my eyes and I wanted to see if I was right. I'm thinking of duplicating it in teal at some point. My wish list is so much bigger than my budget. Sigh.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Cee, this one's for you

Cee

Veteran

Fash'... You know I have since forged a truce with the evil cowlneck and taken a vow to not insult them in 2019.

...NEVER TRUST THEM !! THEY SHOT DOWN SANTA'S SLEIGH !! THEY ATE THE LAST SLICE OF PIZZA !! THEY ARE THE NELLY OLSEN FROM LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE OF SWEATER COLLARS !!!

...Ohhhh, that felt goooood

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Nellie Olson? Oh my--you are serious!

Daisy Avalin

Maya, that colour looks amazing on you!

I do see what you mean about the cowl though, perhaps it's merely that the cowl itself is a little too small? I have (had, I think I shed it during our recent move!) a similar top, and there just wasn't enough fabric in the cowl itself to hang nicely - it honestly looked on me like the neckline had been hacked at/not finished properly!

Cee

Veteran

Nellie Olsen in a cowlneck serious !!!

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Nellie Olson in a cowlneck throwing pizza slices at Santa's sleigh serious?

Cee

Veteran

Yes... THAT serious !

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