Ways to add structure to outfits?

catgirl

Sorry to post and run - just a quick break at work! I was pondering a list of ways to add structure to outfits besides actual structured pieces. Sleeve scrunching, half-tuck, etc. Could we start a suggestion list here? Thanks!

11 years ago

Dressing

18 replies

Latest reply was from catgirl

Jules

Veteran

Scrunching/rolling pants to show ankle. The silky track pants I bought today look sooo much better thus way.

11 years ago

rabbit

Veteran

I'm not sure that these add 'structure' i.e. body defining, as much as refinement/a sense of architecture to a loose waist surrendering/leg shortening style. So for example I'd try these with an oversized loose top over oversized loose pants:

Belts or sashes, even if they aren't pulled tight, for example on waistless dresses
Refined shoes
Pants tucked into boots
Gathers or knots in flowy things
Softer things buttoned up at the top (like cardigans or blouses).
Neat hair (i.e. pulled back from the face in a ponytail, bun, or twist)
Scarfs that form a cohesive shape like a cone around the neck or triangle or loop.
statement necklaces or earrings or bracelets that bring attention to the skin that is showing.
Occasionally tights/hose in which color or pattern actually creates more structure than bare skin (for example a column of color).
Collars that are emphasized by being popped or propped/pulled up (turtlenecks/cowlnecks)
rolled or turned up or pegged pants legs

That's not counting the topper and tucking options.

11 years ago

Kristin L

Veteran

My first thought was scrunching and rolling as well. Great question AG.

11 years ago

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I just realized something. I don't scrunch my sleeves. But I will scrunch banded pant legs.

11 years ago

Aida

Veteran

The actual architecture of the clothing, the outfit silhouette, the materials all contribute. Stiff leather boots, for example, are going to add more structure than soft leather boots that might slouch a bit. Material juxtaposition can add structure; a leather jacket over a silk blouse for example, will add structure even if both pieces are oversized or boxy. You can also add optical structure with clothing details like piping or tuxedo stripes, or by adding visual lines such as an open jacket or vertical line prints. Jewelry can add structure, either in the design itself or the visual lines it adds.

11 years ago

Marley

Veteran

Also - structured handbags.

11 years ago

Anonymous

Tops with banded bottoms to reign in the volume, tops and jackets that are fitted at the shoulder, jackets and coats that follow body lines and show a waist.

11 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Have we mentioned banded sweaters?

11 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

What about hair and glasses? Can those add structure?

11 years ago

Vildy

Veteran

sunglasses, yes. Sunglasses make everything work.

11 years ago

mrseccentric

(website)

Veteran

Great topic and great answers!

I can only think of one thing that hasn't yet been mentioned: stripes, dots, plaids, or other structured prints/patterns. I just made a slouchy tee in a small/lo contrast stripe, and it has a very different vibe from a solid color sloucher.

Thanks Una and all you contributors! Hearting this one for reference steph

11 years ago

carol3012

Active Member

Well tailored clothes, crisp lines and defined colors, just to add what my take is.

I think it depends to the eye when it comes to how colors/patterns will play a role. The more contrasting a piece is (say a blazer to a crisp collared shirt versus cardigan and that same collared shirt) will most likely add more or less structure depending on the partner.

11 years ago

Nicole D

Veteran

Leave the hanger on when you wear them! Hahaha. I'm so funny. But that is a real challenge if you are not allowed to add an actual structured piece like bag or blazer. I think hair can be a way to add structure, if you keep it sleek and unfussy.

11 years ago

magpie

Active Member

If you have short hair, either slicking it down or spiking it up would add structure.

11 years ago

Liz

Veteran

The body inside the clothes. Some people's frame brings a lot of structure to their outfits...they have angles, they carry themselves strongly, their bodies have clean lines, etc. Other people's bodies are just more gentle or rounded in line. An unstructured garment will look totally different on these two different people.

And then there's personality -- I don't know how to define this, but I know some people who are "crisp" in their bearing and how they speak and move. They ARE structure.

Obviously, there's not a whole lot we can do about changing what we bring to the clothes, but it's worth taking into consideration.

11 years ago

columbine(erin)

Veteran

Thanks for starting this thread! This is something I struggle with.

11 years ago

Marmee

Veteran

What about cables or decorative seams in knits? I'm wearing a sweater today with a raised seam (actually the backside of the seam, I think) down the front and it feel structural to me.

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11 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

Such fascinating answers. Yes body type can bring structure. Brilliant observation. And structured haircuts and frames seem to as well.

Thanks for all the contributions.

11 years ago

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