WIW- proportions - YouLookFab Forum

I've been working through the Wardrobe Architect series and decided to try out my proportions this month with WIW. If I have to post them, I'll actually take pictures and then I'll have a record at the end of the month for a capsule wardrobe (hopefully).
The first proportion I chose was cuffed jeans+ fluid tee+cardigan (preferably cropped maybe 3/4 sleeve)+brogues or loafers. I like the sliver of skin between the cuffed jean and the brogues. It was 80! degrees on Saturday so this was a little toasty outside in the sun, but not bad the rest of the day. (Temperature is a big deciding factor in my wardrobe. I love the way layers look, but don't like them in the heat.) I love v-neck tees, but think this might have looked better with a scoop neck.
On Sunday, I tried out a maxi skirt+structured top proportion. Maybe what I mean is not so much structured as cropped? The sweater and chambray are both kind of fluid, but the tucking and tying make them a little more structured? What I am aiming for is a long leg line. Husband prefers #3 so that is what I ended up wearing. (Trying to sneak the picture in on the way out the door made for an odd face.)
I had the hardest time wrapping my head around the idea of proportions. I think it's Angie's formulas but focused on the shape or silhouette you are trying to create. Suggestions and comments are welcome.

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12 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I really like #1. The tucked top lengthens the leg line and makes the oxfords work extra well. Nice congnac leather book ending. Good job.

nancy

Active Member

#1 is my fav. Like the crisp white tee with the navy. You look casual, comfy, and up- to- date!

suzyq

Yes # 1 seems perfect, scoop would be fab too. I think 2 and 3's proportions/ silhouettes have potential but the fabrication may be off a bit but I just don't know enough to help.

Care

Thanks for the comments. This is an eye opening experiment. It's tricky learning how to translate my preferences to actual outfits. Those skirts are the trickiest. . .

Anonymous

I love #1 too! The proportions look great and the rolled-up jeans with the oxfords really add a fun touch. Of the two with the maxi skirt, I think I like the one with the chambray shirt better. I feel like it shows off your waist nicely and the contrast between the fabric/color of the skirt and the shirt work well.

carter

Veteran

I love #1. I agree that skirts can sometimes be tough, especially longer ones.

kellygirl

I really like 1 and 2 on you. I think the sweater kind of obscures the silhouette in 3. Great outfits and good job figuring out the maxi skirt!

catgirl

Outfit 1 is a winner.

I struggled with styling straight maxi skirts like this, trying to prove some kind of point. Was never able to prove it. Gave up. They are a challenge to make current and I am still not sure how to do it.

Gigi

Loving outfit 1! And thanks for the links to that site. I think I might try the series out myself!

I had never realized that the term "proportions" could be used this way, to refer to combinations of clothing such as structured top + unstructured bottom, etc. I always think of proportions as numeric things. The numeric proportion idea might help you with styling the maxi, at least with some types of tops. I am short and have found that if I make sure the maxi goes almost all the way to the floor (just touching the tops of my shoes), that helps create a long vertical line. Most of the time, this means I need to wear flats and not heels. For the top, I try to make the top about half (or a little more) the visible length of the maxi, so you kind of have a thirds thing going on: 1/3 top, 2/3 maxi. I am short waisted, so that pretty much means that I always have to wear my tops untucked with maxis if I want the pleasing numeric proportion. Or else I have to have a skirt that does not sit at my natural waist but sits more on my hips. Anyway, the numeric proportions might be something fun for you to experiment with as you put together your ensembles!

Thanks again for the comments and encouragement. I didn't realize how much I had felt I was "putting myself out there" until I posted this and was anxiously awaiting comments. I've never seen a mean or negative comment on this site, only encouragement and helpful suggestions. But, it's still a hard thing to do.
Gigi, the numeric idea with the proportions makes sense. It's like the golden mean in art (or science, or nature.) I'll try thinking about it from that angle.
Thanks!

I really like 1!

Sara L.

I really like #1 and #2. #3 looks good on you and I like the colors, but I prefer the cleaner look of #2.

shiny

#1 totally works.

Of #2 and #3, I prefer #3. I would try these tweaks, just to see what happens:

#2 - half tuck the shirt, adding a belt, probably one that blends in with the skirt. (not too dark). White might work. I'd play around with that. It may not work, but it's worth a shot. Or you could even surrender the waist completely, and try the shirt completely untucked.

Alternatively, try reaching up underneath the skirt and yanking the top as far down as you can, to reduce some of the blousy effect. It may not stay tucked that way, but try it and see what you think about the proportions.

#3 - I think I'd prefer this with the cardigan worn loose and untied. You'd then see your waist. Where it's tied right now, it's hiding your waist. Alternatively, you could try this look with a cardigan that's more cropped. Or go with a boyfriend length cardigan, worn open or belted if it's sleek enough to belt.

That maxi skirt would also work rather well, I suspect, with a simple tank top worn untucked and hitting at "skirt length." I'm thinking sleeveless top here, to create illusion that your shoulders are same width as your hips. Does that make sense?

Shiny has some interesting ideas. When she mentioned a belt, I remembered that I have heard that if you use a belt that is the same color as your top, it can visually extend the top, even though there is technically going to be a different-colored strip of material between the top and the belt. I've never tried it myself, since I have only about three belts and nothing the necessary color! :^)

By the way, you're exactly right with the golden mean idea. :^)

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