why does this top make me look like a refrigerator? - YouLookFab Forum

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why does this top make me look like a refrigerator?

MuseumGal

Veteran

These are stay at home and dissertate ensembles, so they are not meant to be fashion-y and normally I would not post them. But today I noticed that the top in Pic 1 made my upper half look like a refrigerator. By contrast, yesterday's top (Pic 2) is much more flattering. I'm wearing the same pants and cardi in both pics, to highlight the contrast. I am quite top heavy - my basic architecture is a busty short-waisted IT, and now that I'm heavy, I'm also quite apple-y - but why does the top in Pic 1 emphasize it but not the top in Pic 2? I want to love the top in Pic 1 - it is a fun snakeskin print tunic - so why does it look so terrible on me?

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Dressing

27 replies

Latest reply was from MuseumGal

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

The higher neckline in top one is the culprit! The neckline in photo two is lower and really shows the difference. Big busted women all have this issue.

Elizabeth P

Veteran

For one, you don't look like a refrigerator

I think it's the neckline. The higher one in the first outfit means there is a lot more fabric on your chest, which makes the whole top look more boxy,and your shoulders wider. I avoid higher necklines like this, for the same reason.

Vix

Veteran

Hi MG --

I wouldn't say "fridge" but agree the neckline + longer length of #1 is less flattering on you. Relatively easy fixes if you like the top and it's woven!

Liz

Veteran

The differences I see between the two: #1 has a higher neckline, a bold, attention-drawing print, a longer length, and a straight-across hem. I suspect a combination of these is causing the visual difference.

Eliza

Veteran

I agree with others about the neckline. I know the feeling of what I am wearing changing proportions significantly and can't always pinpoint exactly what the issue is. I also find that with more fluid toppers, adding a jacket or blazer, even a knit one, can add some structure and help create flattering lines. The colors of these prints are very nice on you and the drape of them is very today.

catgirl

Veteran

Neckline and sleeves! i have the same issue as an IT - the exact cut of sleeve is important to keep me from looking like a brick.

MuseumGal

Veteran

Thanks for the analysis all! The neckline, sleeves, lighter color, and I think strong lines all collude emphasize my upper half in a not flattering way. Top goes to the Goodwill pile!

lyn67

Veteran

LOL for calling it a fridge!:-( Not fair, but big and contrasty pattern(arranged in some again too high contrast and too wide vertical stripes)+high neckline is guilty for the not so flattering look. You deserve much much better by paying attention to details like this, so nr 2 is great!

columbine(erin)

Veteran

Totally agree with Alaskagirl. The sleeves make or break it. Too bad because the pattern is fun.

magpie

Sleeves and neckline, plus a little bit from the big pattern, I think. Wee fluttery sleeves don't seem to do those of us with ample racks any favors.

(What's an IT?)

calmwave

MuseumGal, great question and thank you for asking it. You and I are of a similar build and I so appreciate the experienced eye of the other responders for making clear what I seem blind to in my own outfits. My first thought was the wide, high contrast stripes in the pattern, but in reading the other ladies' responses, I quickly saw in my own unsuccessful outfits that the neckline, sleeve, lack of structure are often the culprits.

Laurinda

Veteran

The spacing and contrast level of the pattern might be another issue. Imogen Lamport has a nice explanation of 'sparse' (and high contrast) prints:
"Sparse prints have the elements spread further apart, these are the ‘fattening’ prints as your eye is drawn individually to each element of the print."

How to Pick a Slimming Print

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DonnaF

Veteran

Would a side or middle half-tuck provide you with sufficient flattery to keep the first top? It would break up the horizontal line as would a pendant with a thick cord. (Can you tell I'm one of those people who have a hard time letting go?)

rachylou

Veteran

I have learned a lot here today, on this thread!

But I confess I like the look of the refrigerator top over the tank. It's just more interesting to me.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Side note one: my first response to your title was: "because you're so cool!" Thank you, I'll be here all week.

Side note two: I love the word "dissertate," I think I'll steal it. Sounds much more elegant than "staring into space trying to write things," which is how I spend a lot of my time.

I think everyone's hit it with the neckline and the print. Oddly, I think the vertical elements of the print in 1 emphasize the drop off at the hem, rather than creating a visually slimming effect as one might think it would. But rachylou also has a good point that it has a certain straightforward charm to it, too.

Beth Ann

Veteran

If you were a refrigerator, men would be crawling all over you and you wouldn't get a moment's peace. If you were in my house, you might be slightly stinky and sticky, too.

Seriously, I agree with the others, it's an issue of neckline, sleeve, and perhaps length. I abhor short and capped sleeves. They bisect my arm in an unattractive spot and widen the appearance of my bosom. Sleeveless, as long as the strap is positioned well and not too skinny, is far more attractive!

Of course, I have a few short sleeve tops -- the must simply quality as JFE. This top is best under a cardi or jacket with a vertical line in the front.

Love the print! Dissertate away!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Hahahahah, Laura!!! Brilliant response!!

I do not see a fridge -- however, I get your point and think the neckline, sleeves, length, contrast with pants, and possibly the pattern placement are to blame. Yet, like Rachy (and you!) I am oddly drawn to the fridge top. Go figure.

Anonymous

Thanks for posting this, MG! This was educational, since I think I get the fridge look with tops from time to time, too, and it's nice to know why that happens. Although, in my case, the fridge tops emphasize my shortness too, so I guess the whole effect is kind of like those cheap dorm mini-fridges.

The other outfit looks really nice, BTW!

Aida

Veteran

Another vote for the neckline. It's further emphasized with the cardigan as much more flat while the second one starts to echo the vertical lines the cardigan makes. The print scale also kind of emphasizes it, as others noted.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

I just can echo others here so i won't as they have you sorted already
Isn't it amazing how such little details make such huge difference?
On the other note I envy your ability to wear those deep necklines to perfection: I can never fill them up

Day Vies

Veteran

Short hand for deciding if a top will make you look like a refrigerator -- if it's cut like a box it will look like a box, unless it's too small, or fits perfectly. I'm an apple too and as a result I prefer structured tops that have darts and seams to give the garment a pleasing shape. Refrigerator is not so pleasing.

Anonymous

I also echo the others. More skin of the second top = more structure. I also think the high low hem of the second top is a major plus in looking less boxy.

harmonica

Veteran

Agree with hat is already said. Goodwill is a blessing

I also wanted to add a big thanks! I know it's not easy to post not so flattering pic's, but I learned a lot form your post and I I thank you for your courage. Love how this forum is so welcoming and full of expertise

Ledonna N.

Veteran

Just bumping what was already said. I am also with rachylou I'm loving the first pic because of the print it is interesting.

ironkurtin

Veteran

I wonder if the printing the first could be salvaged with a scarf that covers the neckline, to draw the eye inward?

Also, be kind to yourself. Fridge my butt.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

OK, you do not look at all like a refrigerator, or the guy below (the football player known as "The Refrigerator" which was the first thing I thought of when I saw your post title!).

However, I agree with the assessment of print and neckline as the culprits for the not-as-flattering look of that top. The devil is in the details, isn't it? I have cast aside many fitting-room garments for the same reason. Sometimes I've kept something like that, thinking "I'll wear it under a jacket" but I really don't like tops that I feel like I can't wear without hiding them.

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MuseumGal

Veteran

You all crack me up. It's amazing how many of you prefer the fridge top because it's more interesting - which is why I bought it in the first place. I'm often willing to forgo figure flattery for interest, but this top pulled at the bust while I was wearing it, so I don't think it's worth keeping, despite the cool print. Hopefully someone else will find it and love it at Goodwill.