Volume and why does it work? - YouLookFab Forum

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Dressing

Volume and why does it work?

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I'm wearing my voluminous top today with jeans and yet I feel tall and slim. I'm trying to figure out why that is because I'm short and wide and volume really shouldn't work for me. My theory is that the voluminous top works because it helps to balance out my bigger/wider lower half but with the waistband on the top, still illustrates where my waist is.

What do you think?

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Dressing

14 replies

Latest reply was from christieanne

Astrid

Veteran

I think it also helps that the top is slightly sheer.

ETA Great outfit, btw.!

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

I think it is also a matter of proportion. The top, particularly the whiter section of the cami, is about 1/3 of the total length which visually elongates the legline. There is also an indent at the waist which adds some definition.

christieanne

Veteran

You are on to something there. I also think the bootcut balances the top volume. If you had on skinny jeans, it would be top heavy. If you wanted to (not necessary but as example) you could carry that leg line longer with a lower contrast shoe next to the jeans.

Diana

Veteran

I think the proportion and balance that the other ladies have alluded to is important! Another point is that, as my fiance once told me, "It's obvious that that's not your butt so stop worrying about it!" Point being, that exaggerated volume is just that - exaggerated - and nobody thinks that your butt is actually that big. It may even appear smaller in relation to the pants/skirt/etc.

catgirl

Veteran

I think it works when the proportions are correct because it implies a (perfect) figure beneath the volume, rather than revealing too much. I adore the volume/oversized look and wear it often, though not exactly as you have here:

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....-sweater-1

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....the-doctor

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....asicstaple

rae

(website)

Veteran

FWIW, here's what I see:

- Well-fitting shoulder and curved neckline "anchors" the blouse at a narrow point in your upper body.

- Flowy, patterned fabric with flutter sleeves skims the body and disguises where exactly the torso starts/ends, while the increased opacity at the center draws the eye in. The eye "fills in the blanks" on its own, imagining a slim torso to go with the slim shoulders.

- Bare neck/forearms and slim knee break highlight the slimmest parts of your body.

- Contrast between top and jeans keeps the eye from settling on wider spots.

- Bookending the light top with light shoes keeps the eye moving up and down for a lean line.

Yikes, I went on a little long... well, now that I've finished writing my Art Criticism essay, I will conclude by saying there is a *lot* to like about this outfit!

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

This is why I love YLF - fantastic observations like this that help me to hone in on what works for me and why, so that I can replicate the parts that work.

Diana - your fiance is a wise man!

Una - your example #2 (j crew topper) is how I'm hoping my J Jill silk shirts will fit (if they ever arrive!). I have the feeling that could work for me with my skinnies and heels in a flattering way.

Rae - great analysis. Thank you! Now I need to make a few little notes to keep in mind when shopping...

Thanks Astrid, Dianthus and Christieanna - more great things to mull over!

catgirl

Veteran

I think the key is for the shirt to stand away from the body a little and not taper in at the hem (at the longer length)... at least that is what works for me. Can't wait to see your silk shirts. It's quite the craze here!

Chrizzle

I always feel slimmer in tops like that too, Shannon, and this thread has helped me figure out why: Some cuts that hide my thick waist and apple belly just look shapeless on me, but voluminous tops with a banded hem or a peplum have some structure, but they skim right past my thick midsection, while emphasizing my narrow hips and giving the illusion that my hidden waist might be small as well.

Funny that kind of top works for both of us, even though you think your hips are wide and I think mine are too narrow.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Not so sure as all these smart ladies on the 'why' but it does work! I really like this on you!

Anonymous

My theory with this silhouette ( blouson fitted at waist and bootcut jeans), which I do a lot of comes summertime, is that the open toed shoes make it happen. When I winterize this look with a closed toe shoe, I like the silhouette a thousand percent less. Try it out and let me know what you think!

Aida

Veteran

Separate from the good proportions there are a couple other things: well defined shoulder and slim on the hips which means no additional width at typically wide points of the body, exposed collar bones and exposed forearms/wrists show some lovely feminine and delicate bone structure, and slim shoes with some skin showing keep the bottom of the outfit dainty as well. The super draping with silky fabric of the top also helps keep things looking soft.

Meredith1953

Veteran

I love the outfit on you and am completely blown away by how astute all the comments have been regarding why this look works so beautifully on you!

christieanne

Veteran

Angie has done some blog posts on why banded tops are a "good thing" to try and honestly (they are from a few years back) they changed my dressing options and especially lately, I am embracing the banded top. Your blouse doesn't have a wide band but seems to work for same reasons.