WIW 04.20 oddball proportional play

One of the things I enjoy most with dressing is playing with proportions. Today I'm sporting an odd one: midi-bordering-on-cropped length culottes with ankle booties and an asymmetrically semi-tucked top. It's basically lengthening everything except my calves (and one side more than the other, heh). Part of why I feel that it works is because I have proportionally short thighs so adding length just makes them more "normal", and wearing heels gives me a bit more optical calf length to help even things out. Low contrast bottom half helps, too.

Bless my little camera for making my legs look proportionally correct and even a little long (they're not), but anyone who's taller than my thighs will see something much funkier let me tell you I'm pretty pleased with the oddball proportions, though I know this won't be everyone's cuppa tea. What do you ladies think?

Comments, critiques, thoughts and questions welcome!

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

12 years ago

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

I think this totally works, Aida. There is not shortening anything on my screen. I am really bad with outfit analysis though so I cannot say if yours correct
Those awesome polka dot hose just made the whole outfit for me! What brand are they?

Aida

Thanks Sveta! The polka dot hose is from Express, though they don't seem to be in stock right now. I wasn't able to get a good shot of it, but the cuff of the culottes is entirely below the bottom of my knees by at least an inch. I feel like this actually photographed less oddball than it looks in person, especially if you're looking at it from normal head height

Sarah A

I think it is a fun mix up. I am especially fond of the side partial tuck on the shirt. And the polka dot hose do add a nice touch of whimsy. I don't see the calves shortening though, I think it looks spot on.

Diana

Call me crazy, but I actually like this a lot. It's really funky and unexpected and, while the proportions are not exactly conventional, I think they are actually quite flattering. The big polka dot hose are fabulous!

Carole

Wow, what a fun outfit. You seem to understand how to put an outfit together and the reasons why it works, I'm impressed. Great tutorial!

Thanks for the feedback ladies, glad to hear you all think it's working! I think the calf thing is one of those that doesn't show as well on its own here but shows comparatively. If you look at my calf line in this outfit compared to yesterday's (which has almost-the-same heel height) it becomes more obvious. But I'd say the calf here is not "shortened" as much as it's "not lengthened" (if that makes sense?).

Diana, unconventional proportions always intrigue me so I'm happy to hear that you think this one flattering! These culottes always make me work to get them styled well

Anonymous

Well, I think the all-black from semi-tucked waist to tippy-toe makes your legs look like a Barbie doll's! This is really fun and quirky and I like it!

Sona

Awesome Aida. This is like a totally rocking fashion blgstar post and you explained why it works ( which no other 'blogger' does!!). You are so my hero.

Suz

You are a brave woman!! And I am glad. LOVE those hose. And I think it works. Love the dots and stripes!

Deborah

Aida I quite like unconventional proportions and this is a fun look. I can see a bit of leg shortening here but I don't think it matters. I think sacrificing leg lengthening in order to create a unique and cool look is fine. This is clever and creative...and it works.

CocoLion

I adore the striped top with the necklace and polka dotted stockings. The half tuck works too. I'm of two minds with the footwear. On the one hand, booties are more funky and fashionista, but pumps would have been more lengthening. It's like Angie says, sometimes it's more rewarding to give up figure flattery to achieve something new.

I personally think you can pull off anything, but if you don't mind my 50 cents, this is not one of my favorite looks on you. I can't quite pinpoint why. I think what bothers me is the break between the hose and the ankle boots. I think pumps could have worked a lot better, but they would be a safer choice, so I see why this is edgier. Also, I would have chosen a waist / cropped length jacket to compliment. Very fun look anyway and you have the youth and spark to pull it off.

ETA: I just read Cocolion's response above.

Transcona Shannon

I think this works really well Aida. Keeping the hose dark, even thought they are sheer, and the booties dark still keeps your overall leg line a column of colour, if that makes any sense. The half tuck works well to keep your waist high enough up as well. I love this look!

Kirti

I really love this - creative, funky and FAB!

modgrl

No sure. It's not that it doesn't work, it's just not my favorite look on you. I know that every piece is well considered but somehow it still looks random to me.

catgirl

I love it and I have all the pieces to copycat. I've worn culottes with tall boots to mimic tucked in pant legs. This works on you to my eye because it has tonal integrity (how's that for a technical term?) and although there are lines, they flow together nicely. I tend to like "Funky and Not Unflattering" more than "Flattering but Dull".

Jonesy

I'm with Una! I think it looks fab and chic.

harmonica

Your outfit is just brilliant! I love the creativity and style skills at play!

Thank you for ALL the great comments and feedback, I really appreciate it! Both from those who liked didn't like the proportions, it was very interesting and educating to read what everyone thought. A successful experiment!

Sona, aw thanks you are too sweet! That's part of my style blog's MO, even though I don't think I'll ever get myself fully up-to-date on it

Denise and Zap, good thoughts on the pumps. That was actually the first thing I tried, a pair charcoal pumps (true low contrast) followed by a pair of very light gray pumps (an interesting look, they definitely "popped"). Ultimately I went with the booties because, as you both pointed out, they are a bit more fashion forward and I felt that it would help to make the proportions/patterns look more intentional. Though that is up for debate, hehe!

Zap, I also considered a jacket but (wait for it) it was actually too warm for one here in the PNW

Shannon, yep totally makes sense and just what I was going for; the leg line as a WHOLE is lengthened, but in its separate halves they are not "optimally flattered".

Una, do you mean you tuck the culottes into your boots? That sounds kind of fun!

Category