Such a great thread. Now I understand why Angie wrote that Firecrackers most recent post with the flounced skirt is arty.

Fun discussion! The continuum idea is a very useful one. I'm a petite IT (broad shoulder) with a curvy figure (hourglass secondary), but gravitate to angular volume; I generally dislike emphasizing my curves, but rather choose to contrast them. It does help that my ends are rather pointy, but the stuff in the middle is certainly curvy

So for me I tend to find items that fall in the middle of that continuum. For example angular volume but in soft materials that still allow for some curves to come through. I'd happily wear all of Angie's example outfits, but on me they would come across as curvier; again, that moves some of that angular volume along the continuum.

To be able to sport the type of drape I like, however, I have to be very OK with waist surrender and wearing more volume than is generally advised for my shape. Which I am, because it makes me feel my best. I wouldn't feel happiest in truly angular or truly arty drape, and probably that's because I'm neither truly angular nor truly curvy.

An excellent analysis and assessment, Aida. You are so good at that. xo

Angie would you believe I had never really thought of this idea until reading this thread? It was actually very eye opening, and I really enjoyed reading through everything here so thanks for asking about this Alana. And now I've got another drop in my 50/50 bucket, I dunno what my deal is

This is a great discussion. I have a large bust and prefer the fluid drape rather than the angular drape. I think it is because the angular drape has to fit the biggest part of me and then it stands out from there. The fluid drape can fit the largest part of me and then taper back so it creates more structure and figure flattery.
Very informative thread. Thanks for asking Alana.

These ideas are so new that they will require several reads! I am going to bookmark this post!

I am fairly sure that I am somewhere in the middle of the continuum. Too much fabric and I am swamped and overwhelmed; too angular, or crisp and it just doesn't look right.

Perhaps my issues are secondary to having a very thin torso and upper body? My height 5'9", curves, and wavy hair only help a moderate amount in allowing for some arty drape. Since I do have curves, angular drape and crisp lines do not always work well for me, but there are times when they can. I just need to keep looking for that happy medium, or perhaps mixing the two together would be the solution I'm looking for?

I am fairly certain that within this post there is an answer to why even though I am pear shaped, most A-line skirts do not look good on me. (That last sentence seems very off track, but to me it is somehow related to the drape question)

Suja, both types of drape are fluid or oversized. One is round and one is straight. Hope that makes sense. You like round cocoon styles because they taper back to the lower half of your body, which provides structure. That makes sense too.

Wow, this has been a really interesting read! It has really crystallized the different overall styles I've seen from some of the regulars on this forum.

I do wonder whether I tend to favor different styles in different environments. In my business capsule, I have lots of button downs and structured blazers, which to me portray a somewhat masculine presence, and make me feel more confident.
But my "mommy" wardrobe is full of ponchos, roomy knits and long cardigans, which adapt to growing and shrinking waist and bust sizes and somehow feel more appropriate for the playground.