Silhouette musings

Helena

In this week's blog post, Angie said: “Changing silhouettes in fashion, and how to wear them in ways that adhere to their personal figure flattering priorities, can also pose challenges.”

And Brooklyn demonstrated how a 'signature silhouette' can be an excellent style anchor.

As I mentioned in the comments, silhouette has been on my mind lately. I've played with new wider and slouchier silhouettes in leaving the long over lean silhouette behind, and it's been a great way to refresh my style.

BUT I also realized that a classic silhouette *feels* best on me (I have tended to think of classic in terms of pieces, not silhouettes). The slouchy looks *look* cool but they require fussing and fixing through the day that I don't enjoy. Similarly an overly slim silhouette makes me feel stuffy and stuffed in.

Balanced and moderate is my jam. And I plan to keep this silhouette in mind for all styles and levels of dress (dresses and pants, dressy and sweats).

I am *not* planning to give up on my wider and slouchier pieces but rather will keep this silhouette in mind when I style them to make them more comfortable-to-me; for example by finding ways to tame excess fabric. Similarly, I am *not* saying I won't experiment and move with the times! Rather, I will remember my baseline and modify what's current so it works best for me

Here are some photos I've been taking lately - I created a photo spot that minimizes distortion on the silhouette so I can see better what I'm doing!

Happy to hear about your experiences with silhouettes, feedback, etc.! Thank you for reading! xx

1 - Wide pants with a slimmer shirt. The shirt is too slim! I'd rather a really classic fit top with these. The stiffness of the pants fabric tames the width.

2 - This is more or less my favourite silhouette.

3 - Slightly wider/looser pants, but still structured and moderate enough to feel comfortable. (note the photo spot might be distorting).

4/5 - This combo I theoretically like but through the day I don't like it - too floppy, too much fabric - I would rather contain the slouchy shirt with slimmer pants and a hidden elastic to pull it in a little. I prefer the tucked version which tames the top, and I like the structured pants better than other soft and slouchier pants I've worn it with.

6 - Another favourite - classic fits, but the jeans are *slightly* wider and the jacket is *slightly* relaxed. This to me is a "classic but current" look.

Sorry that was long and winding haha! xx

This post has 6 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.

3 months ago

What I Wore

19 replies

Latest reply was from Helena

Jules

Veteran

These all strike me as classic but current - so far, so good! I also prefer the tucked blouse version of 4/5.
Interesting thoughts on the practical & psychological comfort of clothing throughout the day.

3 months ago

Carol

(website)

Veteran

Helena--so right there with you--I tend to prefer classic silhouettes over trendy ones, though I never thought of it that way. My favorite pant would be a neat straight leg, with some sort of easy, proportionate top, like a crew sweater.
I also enjoy silhouettes that were once different, that have BECOME classics....usually through being reliably flattering. Like the baby tee with the wide pants of the 90s.
Some of the pants today I just don't understand--just so much fabric at the bottom. I don't think they look great, but give me 10 years and maybe I will like it.
I have not thought about using silhouette as a starting place, but I really like that idea.

3 months ago

Brooklyn

Veteran

I know I’ve said this before but I’ll say it again: focusing on silhouette was how I cracked summer. A few years ago I was struggling. I think if you are struggling with your style, in any season, the thing to do is to figure out your favourite silhouette for that season and work on perfecting that. Plenty of variation can be introduced via colour, texture, pattern, shine, bags, shoes and accessories. You can then branch out into other silhouettes if you want to, but you always have that favourite formula to fall back on.

Not that I think you are struggling with your style! But it can also be a way to simplify things. And I know you have minimalist leanings.

I like your outfits. And prefer 4 to 5 for you. I think you suit a more structured look. You might prefer a more fitted top or a top like 3 with wider legs.

3 months ago

Dee

Veteran

I'm typically a classic dresser myself. I know that too much slouch or oversize just looks sloppy and overwhelming on me. When I wear anything a bit wide/loose on the bottom, my top needs to be more streamlined and structured. I also need some waist definition. That's what I did in my recent post when I wore barrel jeans.

Slouchy tops I find a bit trickier, I stay away from too much slouch around the neckline or shoulders and then I'll typically tuck the top into a straight-leg jean or cropped slim trouser. The whole idea for me, is to maintain a relaxed yet polished outfit silhouette.

I wonder if your knit top in photo #3 would also pair well with the wide pants in #1. I like that its cropped and would provide some waist definition without tucking, but I find that your outfits always look smart and refined.

3 months ago

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Excellent insight about your own style and preferences Helena. Ultimately none of us look stylish when we feel uncomfortable and awkward. Your favorites (#2 and 6) look perfectly current on you and suit you beautifully.

3 months ago

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Your analysis is really interesting, and it makes a lot of sense to me. The visuals really illustrate what you're getting at, too. You do look polished and at ease in 2, 3, 6, and 4.

How would you feel about wearing a slim-fit top like in 1 under a jacket like in 6? I have some close-fitting tees and sweaters that I really like layering under other pieces. Just wondering, though, because if the feel of the close fit is uncomfortable, it might not be improved by wearing something over it.

3 months ago

kellygirl

Veteran

What an insightful post. I haven’t really considered silhouette but I get what you’re seeing and feeling. I love 2,3,4,6 on you—these look very you, to me. Classic, polished and modern. These are a great base to play around with. You and Brooklyn have it figured out! Why reinvent the wheel every time we get dressed! I think the wider leg silhouette is worth working on because they look great on you too. I like the idea of trying with a blazer to reign the volume on top. Worth trying!

3 months ago

Sal

Veteran

You look great Helena - I think a tailored silhouette suits you well.

I think this is where your three words come in - so as a modern classic you always want to balance the two. Too classic and you will feel a bit stale - foo modern and you will be uncomfortable as an example.

3 months ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

These are interesting observations about your preferences and style, Helena. You look great in everything as far as I am concerned, but the way the item feels will always affect our mood and comfort level, so choosing a silhouette (or a few favourites) and adding variation by other means makes sense. Not to mention, narrowing our focus can save us money, because often a vastly different silhouette would require different completer pieces to work.

I agree, you shine in #2, #3, and #6, and I also like you a lot in the reined in, i.e. tucked version of #4. I agree with your observation that the drape of the fabric can affect how well a particular shape works for us. Laid flat, two pairs of pants might be equal width, but a stiff fabric will stand out more whereas a softer one will collapse in. Details like pleats and tiers can also make a difference.

Our daily activities can also affect our choice of silhouette. Along with our ability to source the items we'd like. Recall that I was on the hunt to replicate Brooklyn's fab long skirt/ top silhouette for years...and at first I could not source the skirts, and then, once I did source a few I realized that I could not wear them terribly successfully if I planned to ride my bike. Which I do, most summer days. (Sigh). From a strictly figure flattery point of view, that silhouette would have worked very nicely. And my happiness factor would have been through the roof. But for now, it is not to be.

3 months ago

RobinF

Veteran

Interesting observations! I agree with the others about favorite looks - I think they seem the most "you" that I am familiar with. I do like the pants in #1 but also find the wider style bottoms hard to make work. I struggle with the silhouette on myself for flattery reasons. Working on it because they are comfortable!

3 months ago

pirouette

Veteran

You look great in all your outfits. I totally agree too oversized makes me feel sloppy I need to reign in volume with a belt or a more fitted top or narrower trousers. I also don’t like very fitted clothes like skinny jeans as I feel uncomfortable in tight clothes. It’s great you have figured out your style. You have a very natural polished look and your choices of silhouette reflect that.

3 months ago

LJP

Veteran

This was interesting to think about, Helena. Your look suits you - well, that's always our goal , isn't it? - and you are honest about what you like and what works for your lifestyle. That makes dressing easier. I will say that I want the pants in photo 2 to be longer though - the proportions seem a tad off to my eye ( I think because you are wearing a strictly tucked in shirt and have a high waist/long legs). And the tucked in top in photo 4 works nicely.

3 months ago

Helena

Veteran

Thank you everyone!

Lisa, proportions are my next module I agree, tucked can be off on me in general unless pants have a low waist, and I am not sad to see things trending back that way (although I'll stick more to the midrise). I'll try these pants with hip length tops; they are ankle pants so the length isn't alterable except to go shorter.

3 months ago

Lisa

Veteran

You have nailed the silhouettes that work best for your style and comfort level. These outfits are perfection on you.

I go both ways with silhouettes. I'll pair wide leg with a shorter length/cropped boxy top one day and then do baggy with baggy another day. Same for slim bottoms, I'll pair a larger or tunic length style or untucked shirt with a slim bottom, then a shorter and slimmer fit knit another day.

Sometimes I tuck tees, shirts, and knitwear and other times I half tuck or leave it untucked.

It all depends on my mood because I'm a moody dresser and sometimes I want proportions and figure flattery and other days I want to break all the rules.

2 months ago

Bijou

Veteran

Wearing what makes you feel good is the most important thing. I like some structure from my clothing. I really like #4 where you have added structure to the volume by tucking your top. You look great in all of these, but understanding your preferences goes a long way to avoiding purchase mistakes.

2 months ago

Ket

Veteran

You just look so lovely, Helena! I love you in 2, 3, 4, and 6. Really tailored, on trend and YOU! I still love that green blouse on you; I think tucking it in really helps rein in the volume and make it more tailored and classic.

I really resonate with your post. I have been introducing some current silhouettes and trends. I'm not a classic dresser (boho all the way, ha), but I do struggle with wearing wider silhouettes head to toe. I feel much better and "me" when I pair one part volume/width with one part slim/trim. I also don't really care to wear slim head to toe either. The exception to this rule are dresses. Dresses are kind of a different thing, because it's a single garment, so it's not the same as separates. The best word I've found for my style is "juxtaposition". I like to mix silhouettes and fabrics to some degree or I just feel stifled and like something is off with my outfit or style.

Anyway, a great discussion. Thanks for sharing about this. It helped me.

2 months ago

Irina

Veteran

Glad you found a silhouette that is true to your style. Why should anyone wear something that is uncomfortable and fussy? You look great in both classic and relaxed styles but if you feel more confident in classic, so be it.

My signature silhouette is a moving target and I like it this way. It is a result of my latest inspirations and ideas. It will change and the journey is a fun part.

2 months ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Fab thoughts, Helena! Thanks for sharing! ALWAYS follow your feelings so that you pander to what looks and feels best on this leg of your style journey. Love that you're doing that, and please carry on

My 2 cents;

YOU LIKE STRUCTURE with a bit of fluidity is the right places.

You shine in pic #2! Completely classic - although slim straights are fringe trending. Lots of structure, but not clingy.

I don't remember you enjoying a body con top! So the top in #1 is new - and you'll like the look better WITH a toper, IMO.

The top in #3 is gently fluid, like the blouse in #2 and THAT is what you seem to like best in all tops

Since you like STRUCTURE, the relaxed and long blazer in #6 is tempered with bottoms that are fitted on the thighs, and a tucked top. You won't like this as much with wide bottoms. You need a SHORTER jacket or LONGER coat for wide legs - to create the proportions you like.

Try the top in #6 with your slim straights! You might like it more throughout the day.

2 months ago

Helena

Veteran

Thank you very much everyone for the thoughtful comments and sharing your own experience with silhouettes!

Angie, I really appreciate all that advice and suggestions! These are the fundamentals I get distracted from lol ... You always get me back on track xx

2 months ago

Category