Wrong proportions - YouLookFab Forum

I had to attend a retirement dinner with my DH last night. My DH said it might be dressy, so I slipped out of my work clothing into a nice gray holiday sweater (bought from BR; it has silver detail at the neck and sleeves to make it look festive), gray pants, and short black jacket. I kept on my black chelsea boots, as I knew we'd have to walk on campus to get to the dinner.

I hated the jacket because it's the same short length as the sweater and made me look larger. I know that longer sweaters do a great job of slimming me. They don't hit me in the wrong spot, if you know what I mean. That jacket works well with other things; just not with this sweater. I felt less than fab the entire evening.

So I love the sweater, but can't wear it with that jacket. Never again, I say. Could anyone point me to a nice petite black jacket (and possibly a black pant suit) so I can continue wearing that sweater? It doesn't look good on it's own, but I think a black blazer would work.

Thanks in advance for your help.

8 years ago

Anonymous

Can you link to the sweater for us? Or provide a find?

I bought it several years ago. I'm trying to determine if I'd get enough use out of a blazer if I bought one. I might be better off to buy a new festive sweater. The one I wore last night hits me in the wrong place. It's been a while since I've worn it; now I remember why.

SarahD8

Veteran

Do you have anything else you could wear the pants and jacket with? (If not for an occasion like last night, then for some other purpose.)

What kind of sweater/top would have made last night's pants and jacket outfit work, and does such a top appeal to you?

(Just developing the conversation about whether it might be better to replace the sweater. In your last post, you don't sound very enthusiastic about it, and buying items just to make a non-beloved item work seems like a bummer.)

I like the sweater, but fear that it's just not right on me. The only way I can possibly make it work is with a jacket over it. That said, I don't wear jackets that often, and don't think it would be a good idea to buy a jacket. I just don't know what to do. I need a holiday capsule that will keep me warm, and all I see online are outfits that are clearly for warmer weather or for people who don't ever get cold. Sigh...

The jacket I wore last night works well for the short-over-long silhouettes I usually wear. It's dreadful with that shorter sweater, though. The proportions don't work on me, and I look heavier. Not the way to dress to feel good about myself, that's for sure.

I vote to pass the sweater along and get something that you feel better in .

Stagiaire Fash

I also don’t see why you want to keep the sweater. Does it hold special memories? What have you enjoyed wearing with it in the past?

I’m also not understanding how a longer jacket would help you feel less chopped up. Maybe high-waisted pants or skirt under the sweater, giving you a long, flowing bottom half, would work. Something along these lines. https://i.pinimg.com/736x/89/8.....skirts.jpg

I was just kind of hoping I could salvage a buying mistake. The sweater would look a lot better on someone else, I think. Thanks for helping me talk through this. I think the sweater is a reminder that I can't wear any top or sweater that short. It's going to Goodwill, along with some other stuff I'm culling.

I get it, BC. I run cold too and would freeze in a lot of the "festive" attire I see advertised.

You deserve a sweater that makes you feel fabulous and lets you focus on the social event, rather than one that fights with your proportions. Channeling Marie kondo, I'd say that sweater has performed its service to you -- it will be just right for someone else.

BC -- I'm glad you got the help you needed to decide what to do with the sweater. I bashfully admit I still have some buying mistakes in my closet because I am trying to "save" them.

IF you want to explore a black blazer, may I suggest a thrift shop? Black blazers of every shape and size abound at this time of year.

Chiming in to agree with people who are in favor of moving the sweater on to it's new owner. Not only is it not doing the job in your wardrobe, it's presence is making you think you have a resource that you don't.

Thanks, everyone.

Isabel's comment hit me directly in the face. I never considered that aspect of wardrobe management. It is so obvious and makes so much sense! I had to see the words on the page for me to fully grasp the concept.

Seconding Sterling's comment, Isabel -- when I read your post I could practically feel the penny drop.

I agree. Isabel has given me something else to think about.

karen13

BC and Isabel, I am so guilty of this! I need to do the same. In addition, when I hang on to a mistake trying to make it work, it just mocks me every time I see it. I always feel such relief when the darn thing is finally gone, who needs sassy wardrobe items that talk back.

Yes, there is relief in getting rid of things you don’t need and that don’t even work for you.

Style Fan

Lots of good advice here BC. There are lots of great sweaters in the stores (and online right now). I run cold so I prefer something warm for the holidays.

Bijou

Would this sweater work underneath a gilet? I have a long navy gilet and it works really well over sweaters and gives a nice long and lean line and also shows off pretty sleeves on sweaters, blouses and dresses.

It fits my DD a lot better, so she’s going to keep it. I think it’s too small for me, as it barely fits me in the shoulders, bust and hips. It looks a lot better on her.

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