What is structure? - YouLookFab Forum

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

This post should sort you out:

http://youlookfab.com/2014/05/.....an-outfit/

11 years ago

Alana in Canada

(website)

Veteran

Thanks for asking this.

The point about how V necks are not structure on you Angie threw me. Is that because drawing attention to that area (and the proportions it creates) is not conducive with conventional beauty? (That's the hourglass figure, is it?)

I have a long neck, narrow shoulders and (at this weight) an opera singer's bust. Should I wear V necks or not? I think so, even though I have two of the three non starters--though I think the bust trumps all. Confusing.

11 years ago

em

Active Member

Hehe....I think where I got confused was the idea that structure needed to be rigid. But according to the post, structured means accenting the shape of the body. To me, that means more of "contoured", since I prefer knitted jackets (http://youlookfab.com/2008/03/.....d-comfort/), bias cuts, etc.

Thanks for the clarification!!

11 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Not Angie, but I was just thinking that structure is about outfits as a whole, and a person might want just a little or a lot. I tend not to wear v-necks because structure there doesn't help. The v shows up how short-waisted I am and cancels any possible benefits from showing shape at the throat and upper chest.

11 years ago

Alana in Canada

(website)

Veteran

Rachylou--"The v shows up how short-waisted I am and cancels any possible benefits from showing shape at the throat and upper chest."

This is crucial--what are the benefits we're after?

11 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

So true, Alana.

You know, I wonder if you look better in a v-neck or a scoop neck. Because there's more than one way to show skin at the throat. I like square scoop necks a lot, if that makes sense.

11 years ago

Alana in Canada

(website)

Veteran

Square scoop? No clue, lol. Do you have a visual?
I'm wondering now about this whole V vs scoop now, too.
Let's see.
1. Low scoop neck.
2. V neck.

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11 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Alana, I prefer the V on you. The size is about the size of your head and draws attention to your face. Your neck does not appear long to me in the photos.

People like Angie and me who are long-necked, small busted and small framed can't "carry" a V neck very successfully. It doesn't lie nicely but slops around on us. And collapses in. So it is the opposite of a structured look. In my case it also emphasizes the increasingly bony area of my upper chest.

That said, I love the sharp angles of a V for me so I still sometimes try to wear one. I will wear it with a cami or tank underneath to break up the expanse of skin. Or I will choose a small, narrow one (where I can find it) or a "shirt collar" V. These give me enough coverage.

Threadjack over!

Em, "structure" is a little different than contour, I think, although contoured items can provide some (soft) structure. Structure shows our frame as much as our curves.

11 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Alana, YES. Wear V-necks. Your shoulders are narrow, but your bust is large and your neck regular length. Large bust almost always looks best in a V-neck. I like you in a scoop neck too.

Furthermore, I am slight and have no hair around my shoulders. Long hair adds structure to the neck by "filling in the gap". As a result, I MUST have structure around my neck. Hope that makes sense.

11 years ago

Alana in Canada

(website)

Veteran

Suz--I get it now, I think! Collapse? I can't picture it--but I agree, it's the opposite of structure, lol.

Angie--isn't that funny. My Mom told me I had a long neck and so I always thought so. I am so glad you mentioned the hair issue--I am going through a phase right now where I hate having anything constricting on my neck (like a collar, lol) and I have been thinking of getting my hair cut shorter (my hair stylist has so far talked me out of it. I officially surrender: she's right.)

Whoohoo--both scoop and V neck. Yay. What I don't need are more limitations!
Thanks.

11 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Yes -- because you have a bust, Alana. That's why you can't picture it! The V has a "shelf". Whereas when I wear one, it just...well...enough said.

Like Angie, I have short hair, long neck, and a slight build. My shoulders are quite wide and square (for my size and height) but they are not broad, if that makes sense. So like Angie, I do a whole lot better with something to "fill the space" between my head and my bust (such as it is.) Today, for example, I am wearing a V neck sweater. But I have a cami underneath it and I am also wearing dangling earrings, something I almost never do except for evenings out. The reason? To fill the space and provide a bit of balance.

11 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

And furthermore, Suz - the V-neck starts ON your shoulder neck point, which adds some structure, much like a collared shirt.

I like your longer hair too, Alana. And your attitude is fabulous.

11 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Yes, that is true, Angie. It's not a super-wide V, which really helps. The wider they are, the worse. So a scoop neck -- which looks really nice on you, Alana -- is even worse on me than a V.

11 years ago

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