Do we have some of the same tops, Elizabeth? Interesting! Which ones? I have forgotten. Oh - wait - some J. Crew sweaters and the linen tees, right?

Explanation -- the J. Crew V sweater, I never wear without a layer underneath. (You probably can and do).

The linen boat neck tees -- my strong square shoulder line lets me wear boat necks very successfully. The open neck is not too open on this top for me, especially in combination with a narrow sleeve. Any looser and it would be too loose for me.

Do we have others in common? Maybe something from Zara? What with our wild buying spree last year I have forgotten!!

The BR PJ dress.

Actually the pink sweater is a bit small of a "v" for me, but I love it regardless. These tops are probably right at the zone of our overlap.

It's interesting that I also have the same J Crew tops as Suz and Elizabeth., and Elizabeth's comment about those being at the zone of overlap is exactly my feelings. I couldn't wear anything under either sweater because both float on the JFE edge. I suspect that is true of many styles and adds to the confusion when trying to follow "rules". The BR linen top I bought yesterday is another good example. The only color that worked on me was the navy and I sized down to get a tighter armhole to get a JFE result. In my regular size and a light color, the top was not good.

Love the tailor.

From my mom: My only regrets are when I cheaped out.

Ha! That V is very deep on me and super wide. And that is in an extra small. It would be indecent if I wore it without something beneath it!

I don't wear anything under the linen boatneck tee -- (except a cami sometimes for warmth). It works well as is, though I often wear a necklace with it. On me, it doesn't dip down -- my shoulders "hold" it up so it is not terribly open.

As for the dress, that is borderline for me. Thing is, I usually cover up the neckline with a scarf or a sweater over top on that one.

This is why I find this discussion so fascinating-- how the same top can work for different shapes depending on what visual tricks we bring to the party to make something JFE.

I sized up on that linen boatneck tee Suz mentions to get the neck to drape a bit. J Crew often cuts a narrow sleeve with a high armhole so this is a common trick I use on this borderline style--it works for drapey knits and tees, but not so well on wovens. The V on the pink linen sweater is fine because of my broader chest and wide-spaced girls. No cleavage, just a nice vertical line to break up the broad expanse of flat chest.

Isn't it interesting how we use sizing up/sizing down and styling to get the proportions we need to make an item JFE. No wonder I have such a range of sizes in my closet--and why I pay close attention when Angie posts her styling tips for different silhouettes.

Gaylene, that linen J.Crew boat neck is a great neckline on me too - narrow shoulders, long neck and medium size bust (opposite to yourself). It provides AMPLE structure on the SNP - which is why Suz has it too. Isn't that fascinating.

I really am enjoying this thread thank you for starting it. Staying away from collared button ups. Not sure if it is because of my shape leaning toward masculine or my face shape. Maybe you know Angie? But a collar does not flatter me worn open or closed. A tailor can become your best friend makes your clothing look custom.

Angie, you are probably right I favor a lower/open neckline because my neck is shorter, or perhaps looks shorter due to my round face.

Makes sense, cjh. I prefer you in that lower neckline too. Good job recognizing what works best.

Ledonna, you don't look like the type to wear a strict button down. It's not a good fit - pun intended - with your fashion persona. Plus, the item is a mare to fit when you are very hourglass - which you are.

I think I have that J Crew linen boat neck also but in a pastel color.

Thank You Angie for the expert response I was not sure if it was just me or my shape or what. But it is good to know it is a combination of both.

Angie I will measure my neck.

I can't wear button up shirts either. They are impossible to fit.

This is so fascinating. Thanks, everyone, for explaining what works for you, and thanks, Staysfit, for starting the thread.

Lots of good lessons here!

One that was a surprise to me was that shoes that were too slim, pointed or "insubstantial" do not look that great on me with a tapered, slim pant. Since with that style of pants I'm already pushing the envelope on the ice-cream cone effect, "small shoes" make that worse, and instead I need something to balance the hips. Kind of like the bootlcut effect. I don't need FrankenShoes, but need more rounded shape, such as a real loafer instead of a pointy flat; can take some chunk in the heel, some vamp; if pointy, need to have more substance, like a shootie, than a ballet flat.
Also, while "twee" may not be the right word, the look was not what I wanted. Too dainty or too Mary Tyler Moore or something. Something about needing juxtaposition.

This was an interesting revelation to me because I just assumed that it'd be good to wear dressier shoes, or pointy-toes if I had them.

It also was a bit disappointing to find yet another "proportion limitation" regarding what goes with what. Sheesh. However it did help me get more focused in looking out for the right shoes for the right bottoms. And it reminds me to Try Things On with the intended partners.

Great insights! Fun post Staysfit.

Thinking about neck and collar proportions, I find that sometimes when I put on a certain top I just "need" to put my hair up. My striped top today is a good example. Maybe it's the slighter higher neckline and covered collarbone area that makes me feel this need as my neck is neither short, nor long but with my hair down it can likely appear shorter so I probably need a deep v or something to balance it. Maybe that's why I usually like v-necks so much.

And unfrumped - I know what you mean about shoes. I feel too much like an ice cream cone in pointy shoes or overly delicate shoes myself. Since I wear a lot of shorts and cropped pants I've found that shoe choice is so much more of a factor. Not that it wasn't already a huge factor.

Unfrumped, I'm glad you brought up shoes. I haven't considered toe shape to coordinate with what I am wearing, but I have some shoe rules for myself also.

For example, I cannot wear Birkenstock Arizonas, but I can wear the Floridas. If you look at them, the big difference is the width of the strap going over the arch of the foot. I do much better with a narrow to medium narrow strap on a sandal. I'm guessing that has to do with my calf size being small, and my overall frame being small, because I am tall and my thighs are powerful and muscular.

I love chunky footwear, especially with platforms, since inflexible shoes is what the podiatrist ordered. Plus, I thought the chunkiness would balance my athletic calves. Well. . . .if one is 5' 1", there's a point at which somewhat outrageous footwear becomes ridiculous and is just.too.overwhelming. Back to moderation.

Actually, I think the same is true with other styles. My shoulders are on the narrow side and my facial features are fairly small. My frame is merely small, not tiny, but certain things can still overwhelm than I'd like.

I have a short neck - as well as a muscular looking neck - broad and muscular shoulders. The shoulder-neck point is a very important thing for me to be aware of when choosing tops for myself! I always, always, always, have to cover the shoulder-neck point - which doesn't make sense because isn't that what a long-necked slim shouldered person is supposed to do? I just know that I absolutely cannot wear a boat-neck top - it only makes my shoulders look broader and my neck shorter. I also have a really tough time with any type of "choker" necklace or short statement type of necklaces. Again, they shorten my neck and look as though I am being strangled! Also, as much as I've tried to wear a buttoned up shirt buttoned all the way to the top button - I just can't do it! There is just not enough room between my upper chest and my chin to get all of those buttons buttoned! (Actually, I have a difficult time wearing a buttoned up shirt - period - even when leaving the top couple of buttons un-buttoned because my chin gets "stuck" in the collar! Seriously! So annoying!) I have found that a collared neckline only works on me if I pop the back part of the collar - not the front. By popping the back, I can get a vertical and slimming line coming around to the front of my neck and it works. Slender V-Necks, obviously, work well for me.

Being someone without much of a butt, I really like the semi-tuck because the soft roundness of the back gives the illusion of having a nice round butt!

And - one last thing. Eye- or sun-glasses. My eyes are large and round. My nose is large and round. Round glasses on me are horrible! They only emphasize the roundness of my nose - I look as though I have 3 noses! LOL! I need to wear a shape of glasses that counteracts all of that roundness.

And - another last thing. Hair and face shape. I have a pointy chin and therefore would look better if I wore a hairstyle that balanced out that point with some soft curls on the sides. I'm not sure what length of hair looks best on someone with a short neck? It seems that since longer hair seems to work well on someone with a long neck, that shorter hair would work better on someone like me - but I'm not sure. I wonder if it's better to cover up my thick, muscle-y neck?

Midi skirt length is best on me just right below my knee - because, like Suz, the length of my leg from knee to ankle is short in relation to the length of hip to knee.

Haven't read all the responses, but I remember reading on Kelly's Alterations Needed blog that if you are short-waisted, you can visually extend the length of your torso by wearing a belt that is the same color as your top.

My biggest pearls of wisdom are:
- wear open or v necklines due to my short neck and small head. So, the opposite of you StaysFit.
- take great care in selecting where my tops end. Particularly, avoid tops that end right at the fullest part of my hips, drawing the eye right there.

I didn't read all of the response so apologies if this is redundant.

Another fabulous discussion - thank you ladies!
I am also a fellow member of Team Giraffe with short hair, a square SNP and wider shoulders and a small-average bust and slender build. I also find higher necks, boat necks, crews and shirts/items with a collar work best for me, along with a small cowl that comes up to the SNP and a narrow small v-neck. Fitted shoulder seams and narrower arms also suit. It also goes with my tailored style personality. However I have a question - why do dolman, batwing and raglan sleeves not work despite having square shoulders, but things that are a much wider drape (albeit with a little structure) do? I have a high-neck poncho and a fabulous but mad top that I have that is basically a round circle with a hole in it and a tie under the bust that look fine (or maybe they don't - I guess I had better post some pictures!).
My bottom half has a very long rise and so proportionately shorter legs, especially my calves, and I carry any extra weight on the top of my thighs. I also have ridiculous feet and have to wear orthotics so closed shoes only and no more than 1 inch heels. I am a neat hourglass/rectangle. Like Staysfit I look better in straight-leg trousers and need some waist definition. However I look grim in a belt and also the part tuck doesn't work for me, which I don't understand - I look better in something that comes down to the top of my thighs, which theoretically doesn't work as that is my widest point. Go figure!
How fascinating it all is and how wonderful to have found such a knowledgable forum who are so generously willing to share all they know!

Cocolotion, I have a very small head in comparison to the rest of me, and my face is also relatively small. I tend to prefer some skin showing at my throat rather than buttoning all the way up, and when I wear turtle necks or cowls, Marley once pointed out that softer versions worked better than stiff.

Your inclusion of head size has me thinking!

UK Sue, it sounds like we are proportion twins!

Marley, I know you say you cannot wear chokers, but I wonder if jewelry can be used to camouflage or help with any of our proportion issues?

Wow, some picties would have been so helpful indeed, but approximately got the point. Gaylene is also right! Could never articulate it so well she did, as I have had the same issues with the boats:-)) and Suz's skirts for a long rise was my matra for years! Now off to read others wise comments!

UK Sue -- sounds like we are near body doubles! But I do not care for tunic length tops on myself at ALL. And I far prefer to tuck and belt or semi-tuck. Interesting!

As a proportion triplet with Suz and UK Sue, except in height, I can wear a tunic, but they often look boxy unless there is some waist definition.. There are other more flattering tops. I like them in the summer when it's hot and I want something loose. I'm willing to sacrifice somewhat on best look for comfort.

I am very late here (life has been crazy busy lately) but what a fascinating discussion, that you for starting it Staysfit!

I am another member of the Giraffe neck club, and my proportions are similar to Suz and UK Sue, with some differences. I have a very long neck ( and long arms, long upper body, long waist, long rise), and short legs on the other side. The shortness in my legs is in the thighs, the calves have relatively average length.

When it comes to considering necklines, I generally look better in higher ones. However, while I have long neck and small-to-medium bust, my shoulders are fairly square ( not very wide, but not narrow idea, they look sort of like clothes hanger) and I have longer hair, so I feel this allows me to get away with other more open necklines. I wear deeper V-s, wraps, halters, off-the shoulder necklines, sweethearts, strapless etc. I will admit that I am not a great judge on flattery of necklines, because I can say which are great (higher ones ) and which are horrible (super wide and open scoops) but most look medium flattering to me and if I like them I will wear them. At some point when I have time I will post a proportion lab type of post with various necklines for you to analyze which ones are good and which ones not so much.

Having very long waist and short legs, I do find what Suz says about skirts vs. pants and hiding the rise true. However, I wear jeans/pants 90% of the time so can not take advantage of that a lot. I think that tunics look fine on me, I actually wear tunic/shirtdress over skinnies silhouette fairly often.

I used to be very concerned about elongating my leg line ( wedges, never tucking into lower waist bottoms etc.), but in the past couple of years I have relaxed a lot and do a lot of JFE outfits in that respects - I wear lots of flats, semi-tucks and jeans rolled just above the ankle these days.

I think we are, Staysfit! I also have an oval rather than round/square/heart face, though am only 5 foot 6 inches tall. I am a big fan of scarves (soft rectangular ones) doubled around the neck to fill in the gap and provide a long column focus point downwards. Very useful for covering up a neckline that is not quite right and covering the SNP if necessary. Long pendants also work for me to break up the expanse of chest left with a high neckline and wide shoulders and small/average bust, and in wintertime I live in roll-neck sweaters.
Suz - maybe it is because you have slightly more interesting curves than me? I am quite angular and I am wondering if this has anything to do with the whole tuck issue for me. You always look fab - you were the first WIW person I spotted after finding Angie and this site and a lot of your outfits that you posted are now pinned to my secret Pinterest board of looks that I love!

Tanya, your longer hair allows you to wear some necklines that would not work on those with shorter hair and your body type. But your longer neck allows you to wear the necklines that do work on long-necked, short haired types.

You also have a longer waist, which visually means a lower neckline won't seem as low on you. I'm shorter, and slightly SHORT waisted (with a long rise), which means the lower necklines can look really low on me.

I think you look great in tunics, too. Your limbs are relatively slender and the longer calves (relatively) help a lot.

Such a great thread! Team giraffe neck reporting for duty. I have a long neck, long face, long legs, narrow shoulders, slightly short torso, and finding my boobs is like a game of "Where's Waldo." From shoulder to shoulder I am exactly the same measurement as I am from hip to hip. I don't have any pearls of wisdom, but here's what I've noticed about me:

A skirt with a high waist looks horrible on me. Horrible! Like, sign me up for the circus NOW.

Tops must have structure at the neckline and/or at the shoulder line. No V necks!

I look best when I visibly lengthen the rise, whether it's with an untucked top or a mid to lower rise pant with a semi tuck.

I think cropped pants were made specifically for me.

I can tuck in tops with skirts and wear a belt with a straight or sack dress, but if you look closely you will see the skirt/belt is usually worn slightly below my natural waist or the top is bloused out a bit.

Dresses are hard to fit when they have a defined waist, because the waist is usually slightly off.

Clothiers that "get" me? Gap, definitely Gap. Do you remember the episode of Seinfeld where Elaine finds a mannequin that looks just like her? Gap must have a mannequin of me. J. Crew usually gets me, as does BR. There used to be a Geoffrey Beene store in the outlet centers and WOW did they get me, but probably because they primarily made clothes for men!

Thanks for starting this discussion, Staysfit!