Sleeve shape makes a difference! What I am learning about my silhouette and the cut of clothes. - YouLookFab Forum

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Sleeve shape makes a difference! What I am learning about my silhouette and the cut of clothes.

N

I already knew (at least in my opinion) that boat necks and slash neck cuts were flattering for me so I went ahead and bought a lovely looking top (the one in my finds). It didn't look good on me and made me look frumpy. I bought it a while ago so i'm not so hurt about it now. I wondered why other tops looked good and this one didn't and since I'd been rearing up on body type and sleeves it hit me! It was making my shoulders look even wider. I decided to experiment a little and make the top look like it was sleeveless by tucking it in. There is a little extra bulk there, which wouldn't be there if it were cut like that so I had to use my imagination a little. Instant improvement in my opinion, what do you think?

In future I know to avoid that type of sleeve as it does nothing for me. At least it wasn't the neckline which I had thought perhaps I was mistaken about.

Some of these things seem so obvious after you've read a little bit more about them but previously it was so hard to discern.

ETA: Please excuse the skirt, its the only one I have, not sure if its particularly flattering or not. I'm looking to buy a few as replacements but need to discover what would look good on me first. I was hoping an A-line sort of 60s mod style would look good but I want it to hit just above the knee and its hard to find one with enough length for my tall body (I don't it to be too short)

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Body Type

36 replies

Latest reply was from cat2

Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

Yes! I find 'diagonal sleeves' (as Angie calls them) to only be flattering on me when they're past the upper arm (so usually elbow length & below):
https://youlookfab.com/2013/06.....p-sleeves/

That said, I wonder whether these count more as 'grown on' rather than strictly just diagonal sleeves?
https://youlookfab.com/2020/06.....riorities/

N

I think under Angie's description they'd be the diagonal sleeves probably, I think as they are loose fitting.

I also found this dress that aj thought would look good, providing its long enough, wondering what people think.

Sal

Veteran

I think they do look better tucked, it is interesting how small things make a big difference.

From reading your previous post I think you are in Japan, which is why dress lengths can be harder. I like the dress above but I could see it could be too short - maybe check the measurement before ordering it.

I do think a 60s skirt would be really good.

I love A line skirts for flattery and ease of movement, and they look good with tights and boots, or bare legs.

rachylou

Veteran

You are so right about when something looks off, that it can be difficult to tell what the root cause actually is.

The sleeves are tucked in all your pics? I like the top with altered sleeves in all but 3. Something to do with the line of the material from shoulder to bodice perhaps, the effect the shortening has on the way the material falls.

... I think I’d be wearing the dress as a top! Lol, that is a short dress to me. But I really like that waist on it - that’s fab - and I would totally wear it over a skirt

N

Rachylou The first two pictures is the top untucked, and the second two (3&4) is where i've tucked it in. It makes the shoulder part quite thick as it is a knit and now has two layers, but I think the sleeveless silhouette looks way better on me, maybe that's just my untrained eye though

N

Rachylou The first two pictures is the top untucked, and the second two (3&4) is where i've tucked it in. It makes the shoulder part quite thick as it is a knit and now has two layers, but I think the sleeveless silhouette looks way better on me, maybe that's just my untrained eye though

N

Oh double post, sorry, not sure how I did that.

Anyway I won't wear the top like that,I was just altering it to see the silhouette, so that I can try find a top that has the same shape.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

You just hit Submit twice by accident, don’t worry.
I agree that the top seems more flattering with the sleeves tucked under- not that it looks bad in its original stare, just that perhaps it does emphasise your shoulders more than when tucked. It is good to learn these things about oneself.

Synne

Veteran

I agree the tucked option looks better. BUT it may not be sleeve length per se. It could also be because of the harsh contrast of the top colour to your skin (light and dark), or the fact that the fabric is on the stiffer more tailored side. A draped or bias cut top of the same shape would possibly look fantastic! (Added pics for illustration) The field of dressing for (and identifying) ones body shape is a field I am just discovering my self. Soo interesting and useful!

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N

Synne your suggestions remind me of a top I once had before I was pregnant it was a cheap one and stretched out so I don't have it anymore. The necklace and belt look off to me now but I liked them back then.

Cowl necks and draped necks do suit me but they aren't really very stylish right now. Think they were a 90s thing. I suppose the 90s are having a revival so hope the cowl and draped necks will come back!

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N

I'm thinking this top might look nice?

Synne

Veteran

Beautiful couple! I wouldn't mind if something is less trendy ATM. Looking one's best is always in style;-) Right now I am exploring the Kibbe theory of dressing. I think you and I both are so called "Flamboyant Naturals". Maybe worth checking out if you are interested. It is absolutely not the only "rule" for dressing, but I am enjoying the directions and tips alot. Looking forward to following your style journey on this forum. Fun to have you here!

N

Thank you Synne, Yes I think I'm a Flamboyant Natural too, but I really don't like any of his suggestions for flamboyant naturals I looked into it a while back and realised I really prefer classic basic things and hate busy and animal prints and boho style stuff so didn't really know what to do. I don't really like big jewellery either and think delicate styles look better on me. I chose a really small diamond for my engagement ring because I wanted to wear it all the time and also I think it just looks better on my long fingers.

I also have a few softer features on my face like full lips and flatter nose so I did wonder if I placed myself correctly, though I can't see where else i'd belong. I also think i'm a soft summer colour too! Though again could be mistaken as my current match for foundation is slightly yellower than pink. I think I might be neutral though as I burn easily and silver looks better on me than gold. May hair however is golden toned rather than ash, but my lips are more mauve rather than pinky peach but I do look better in slightly warmer, browner lipsticks than cool toned ones. I think I might be between soft Autumn and soft summer.

Anonymous

Yes the sleeves are better tucked. I've been known to remove short sleeves- makes such a difference! Plus, sleeveless is so much more comfortable in summer.

RobinF

Veteran

I actually think the sleeve lengths both look good, although very different vibe from each. I agree that the fabric can make a difference too, a drapier sleeve as opposed to stiffer. Cute skirt!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I can relate with the sleeve alteration even though I have a very different body type — it turns out this also helps on a figure that is very busty and more of a pearish hourglass. I do like that kind of neckline on myself but the details need to be right and sleeve style is definitely a big component! I think this is a good alteration to make that top work better for you. I also like that simple sleeveless top you posted downthread. I had an old favorite top very much like that, but sadly it was purchased when I was at one of my smallest sizes. I’m at my largest now (heavy sigh), so it’s long gone.

That dress is cute but I’m guessing it will be very short on you. It’s up to you whether that suits your needs or not.

cat2

Veteran

I think Angie had a post on sleeve lengths; I have broad shoulders and like tanks, sleeves that stop right above the elbow and bracelet length sleeves; I don’t like details in the upper arm area draw that can draw the eye to the shoulder, like extended sleeves, cap sleeves, those Black Halo partial sleeves or sleeves that cut too high across my upper arm.

nuancedream

Veteran

Following up on the comment from cat2, here's Angie's detailed article on sleeve lengths.

https://youlookfab.com/2020/06.....riorities/

Jules

Veteran

Very useful set of photos to demo the effect of this type of sleeve in broadening the shoulders visually. I have average shoulders and sometimes find it useful to broaden them visually in order to suggest an X-shape, like with wider pants, because I don't have a slim waist these days. I like the entire outfit including the skirt.

unfrumped

Veteran

Yes, this is a sleeve STYLE, so not just length, and also fabric makes a difference, as noted.
I have narrow shoulders but don’t like the dreaded cap sleeve at all. Nor most extended shoulder/diagonal sleeve except sometimes! Like these drapey Uniqlo tops.

Women Drape Crew Neck Short-sleeve T-shirt

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2

Anonymous

I definitely agree with you on the sleeves and have the same issue myself. That’s a great easy alteration to make it work!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I have to add that sleeve shape combined with width of the top overall, fabrication (stiff or fluid and drapey), and especially neckline all play together. There is a magic formula of those components that I think can make or break flattery on each of our body types. I can get away with less flattering sleeve styles if there is a great V-neck, which is my most flattering neckline.

Anonymous

OK well, honestly, to me you look absolutely lovely in all of these photos.

You do appear to have a strong shoulder line naturally, which I think is very attractive and while cap or flutter sleeves might theoretically emphasize it, this isn't always a bad thing.

Absolutely lovely.

Jonesy

Veteran

I have an IT shape, with broad shoulders, and I am very fussy about sleeves. Sometimes I like to emphasize my broad shoulders, other times I don't. That type of sleeve--which is quite trendy right now--definitely adds width, whether or not someone has broad shoulders, so it's a matter of personal taste. I think either sleeve shape works on you, but the sleeveless look (with the sleeves tucked) is a slam dunk.

rachylou

Veteran

You and your husband are so cute together! Like Phoebe, I don’t think you look bad in any of the photos. I think you look like a dancer... I say, is there a style you would like to project in particular? Like ‘neat and trim’ or preppy or sporty or ...? Because I will say the model wearing the top doesn’t look like a dancer, so there’s that...

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Like Phoebe, I like all the options shown.

I like #1 and #4 best, and YES to the cut and length of a sleeve making a visual difference

N

Rachylou, I'd like overall to project the Parisian look, "effortlessly chic" but I can't seem to pull it of so far. I think it requires a lot of effort because you need to know yourself really well. It seems to really be about less is more, knowing your body type and flattering cuts and wearing classic essentials in minimal colours. It also prioritises comfort (but not so much that it sacrifices style) and also function (for example most women in Paris won't wear high heels if they have to walk a lot. It suits me fine as I am tall and don't need the height). I think there is a tiny bit of trendiness as well mixed in each season. I really love the clothing in Sezane and Rouje and the influencer Jeanne Damas. I also like 60's style clothing but I don't think I can quite mix them together. Maybe a little.
I also like to stick to basic colours and patterns. So far I have navy, grey and burgundy but i'd prefer to swap out grey for black and white and also perhaps add a lighter blue for spring/summer and maybe some nudes/beige. I'd like to add some textures for interest (my wardrobe is pretty much linen and cotton) and perhaps some unfussy patterns like houndstooth, Vichy, stripes and small polkadots. Perhaps small florals for spring/summer. That dress above would be really busy for me.

I'd really like to have a set style that people think of when they think of me though, I just need to work at finding out what I want that to be.

N

I stumbled upon this shop yesterday called bocarter.co.uk and love some of its 60s inspired stuff (at least I think its 60s, i'm not a history wiz ) don't think they'd necessarily suit me though, and not in my colours unfortunately. The red skirt is the style I'd like to find though. I found a couple of similar ones in a different store that I liked but they'll be too short.

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rachylou

Veteran

I love that red skirt! Ok right. I do remember you mentioning Jeanne Damas now and thinking you’re a shoe-in for this look. A little more romantic, a little softer, than the basic French Chic look.

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