WIW: Oxfords and Skinnies - YouLookFab Forum

After a very busy week of painting, re-decorating the house and umpteen garage sales, I am finally settling down. Here's a WIW post after what seems like ages to me! I wore this to a kid's birthday party over the weekend.

I bought this Zara suede oxfords for 5$ at one of the garage sales and I wanted to wear it immediately. This is the easiest outfit that I could build around the shoes. I wasn't very happy with the choice of belt. I would have preferred a silver broad belt but I don't have any (I never seem to have correct belts)! So I went with a black skinny belt instead. And this outfit seemed to make my apple shape VERY evident.

Pic 1 - The way I would have wanted to look.
Pic 2 - The way I actually looked. I really need to get that fat off my tummy Should I ever tuck in shirts into skinnies again?! Or is it a big fat no? Is that shirt too roomy? I just don't know what is wrong! Even the jeans I love seems to be weird in this pic!

Argh ...... I remember Anna's comment in one of her posts ..... Failed fashionista? I need to improve so please be brutal with your comments Thanks as always!!

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12 years ago

rute

Veteran

Love your outfit, so simple yet so chic

Anonymous

I think a more voluminous top semi-tucked would look better. I don't think your outfit looks bad at all, but the seaming on the shirt emphasizes your low waist and hips. A more fluid shirt will skim and move with you.

kkards

i never seem to own the right belts either, i think its because before this year, i haven't wore belts for years.
anyway, i like the jeans with the oxfords. as for the shirt, i don't think it looks bad, but i understand your concern, i think ceit's idea of a more fluid shirt would make you feel more comfortable.

Neel

Aaah ........ a fluid top. I have done skinny on skinny which could not have been flattering on my body type (especially with the few pounds I have gained)! The top is actually not snug ....... but the material is such that it drapes around the body, emphasizing all the lumps and bumps! Also, the top is more of a tunic which is why I was unable to do a partial tuck and leaving it untucked was even more rubbish. I think this top will have to be worn with a jacket/cardigan to hide all the sins. Thanks for your input ladies. Looking at yourself in pictures does puts things in perspective!

Word Lily

It's really not nearly as bad as you make it sound. I think you look good! If I could change one thing, it would be to 1) move your cuffs higher/lower and/or 2) your hem lower. Are your sleeves rolled? As it stands, in the photo, the cuffs, tucked shirt and belt are combining to visually extend your waistline, drawing attention to the spot you (evidently) don't want to.

As one who fights apple ness and muffin top, I really like the semituck. Just a small tuck in front creates a diagonal line that moves the eye past the thicker area. Layering also helps, like a vest over the blouse to break it up.
White looks so fab on you.

Thanks wordlily and joy. You two make a very good point about moving the vertical line away from my thickest part. And joy I agree that the semi tuck is so much more flattering! It does a great job over my muffin top!

carambola

I think you look great! You've received good suggestions already. Maybe a simple blazer over it all would help you feel more comfortable, but I see no tummy at all. As you mentioned, I would like to see a wider belt to fill the loops - metallic, snakeskin or any other print would be fab too.

Beth Ann

I concur with more fluidity in the top for the look you're after, but I suspect your camera is at belly height, like mine is. Try a photo at chest height and see the difference (of course, your legs will look shorter now). My point is that white, particularly with flash, highlights, and camera angles make a difference, too.

I favor a higher roll and a wider belt, too, but this look is fresh modern classic -- interesting, but streamlined, which is a win in my book.

Do you have a specific direction you wish to go with your style?

Beth Ann ... My camera is at belly height! Hmmm .... I'll try my pictures with a higher placed camera.

I think I am aiming for edgy yet classic outfits, which seem to make me the happiest. But most importantly outfits with a good fit where my sides are not spilling over my jeans o_O

rachylou

That bag is great. I think the tuck looks fine. It's relaxed, not sharp... but you can wear this and keep an eye out for something with a more skimming fit.

karymk

Hi Neel, I have that tummy issue too. What I do is try to find blouses that are either cut straight, so they blouse when tucked, giving a skimming effect, or find an actual blouse cut that purposely has volume. I try not to wear any of my slimmer cut shirts with skinnies. It's too much skinny for an appley belly.

When you lay your shirts flat, you can see the ones that have an arc from the armpit to waist are the fitted shirts. The ones that are cut straight from the armpit will help hide your tummy better. Especially if you find a "boyfriend" style shirt that has a dropped shoulder (not too much though!) Hope this helps.

Kristin L

At the risk of sounding cliche, we are our greatest critic. I don't see extra pounds on you. I think a semi-tuck would help, like others have suggested. I also like the idea of a more fluid top.

Emily

I like this look a lot! You look casual and polished. I like the skinny belt. The oxfords are a great find and the bag is very chic. As has already been suggested, a more voluminous top with a bit of drape might be more the look you are after.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Fabulous.

Aida

I like the look as-is! This has a great relaxed-but-still-crisp vibe going. A more drapey top would work, but would also be a bit of a different look. Great oxfords

Thank you everyone for your wise and encouraging comments. I think the fear of looking too broad through the tummy stems from my own insecurity of my weight issues, with which I have struggled for almost my entire life! I could go on and on about that one ..... but I will just spare you all the details and stop whining I am glad that this one doesn't make me look as *broad* as I think it does. Love you all! It's a great morning here and I wish I could hug each one of you!!!

Neel. Big hugs! The first thing I noticed in pic 2 was your incredibly long legs! And in flats! The oxfords are so cute, no wonder you wanted to wear them right away. Your classic jeans and white shirt look great with the bright green bag. When you find the perfect white shirt, call me. I want one too.
It should be cut straight, but flow softly like a blouse. Perfect for semi tucking and everything else.

Awww thank you claire for the hugs! I am yet to own a button down that is flowy, can be semi tucked or untucked and yet look crisp and sharp. But I wasn't actively searching. So when I find one I will be sure to scoop it (in all the colors they have) and also let you know

El Cee

This is a perfect example of casual chic. You look fantastic! Love how you added a pop of color with the green bag. Certainly NOT a "failed fashionista". Great oxfords... what a find!

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