Amiable's Blog

WIW and thoughts on silhouettes

December 17, 2014

I'm still trying Una's silhouette challenge, though I'm finding that I have definite FFBOs that sneak in more and more often.

My bottoms shapes are skinnies, boot-cuts, boyfriends and wide-legs for pants.  I have a couple of skirts and dresses, but haven't yet found a warm-enough way to sport them very frequently.  I'll keep trying (looking for long-enough fleece lined tights now...)

My tops, though, are basically a sweater - usually with a shirt or two under for warmth.  Sometimes those under layers show, sometimes not.  I'm not sure whether this is enough variety for me or not.  For now, it feels easy, which is great with me because I'm busy :)

Here's a set from the last week or so.

#1 this outfit is one an almost-every-week repeat - I like the variety the vest adds.
#2 Another frequent outfit, and one of my favorites - column of navy with a cheery green scarf.
#3 The color is off - this is my blush sweater over black (with a black under-layer too that shows in person)
#4 brown and red - and a shell over a shirt.  It was warm enough to roll my sleeves.
#5 brown and red and blue.
#6 huge flannel over skinnies.  I purged the flannel after trying it out that day.  It's too big.
#7 tan and black.  I tried light shoes too, but they weren't comfy, and got purged.  Otherwise, I like this color combo, and intend to repeat it.

I'm not sure I see a big variance in these silhouettes in spite of their including three of my four shapes of bottoms.  I suspect I'm going to have to find variety in top shapes too.  What do you think?

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Posted in the What I Wore category
This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

19 Comments

  • catgirl replied 9 years ago

    What I see is that your tops are all similar lengths. You have lots of color and pattern variety in there, but that may be why you feel they are similar. Nice casual cheerful and warm outfits. 5 is a standout for me - please wear again!

  • amiable replied 9 years ago

    Ahh - good point - my tops ARE all similar length!  I think I should shopping ban tops that length (I'm betting the mean is 26"), and look for a cropped sweater and some tunics.

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    I really like #7 on you, Amy -- too bad about the shoes. I also love #5. The red's so cheery. 

    Your tops are not only similar in length, they are pretty similar in shape, too. How about a semi-tuck now and again for variety? 

    By the way, I'm still doing the challenge but like you, I find that my FFB silhouettes are becoming more frequent. Partly because of weather; I just can't wear the wide legs or flares once there's snow on the ground. But also partly because I sometimes run out of steam. 

  • amiable replied 9 years ago

    I have half a mind to dig those tan shoes out of the donate bag and pop a different insole in them.... They're Doc Martens, and I have another pair the same size that fit with no problem.  But my feet were already sore the day I tried them, and these certainly didn't help.

  • Sharon replied 9 years ago

    I think you look great! I see what you mean about similar silhouettes, but wonder if this is about what feels good and is comfortable and practical for you. Do you crave more variety, or do you feel happiest with a more uniform approach?

    I LOVE #2 and #5 - you wear those bright, clear colours so well!

  • amiable replied 9 years ago

    Thanks Sharon - I think I am craving more variety - and probably that variety I want is in top shape - I'm happy with my four bottoms silhouettes, but bored with my sweaters on top.  I'll do some thinking and looking for alternates :)

  • Kirstjen replied 9 years ago

    I think #3 looks unfinished somehow.  How about a scarf or a statement necklace to give it a bit more cohesion? 

    I think #5 is my favorite.  I like the red color & the combination of textures.  I would probably take the pants to the tailor & get them shortened. 

    And I actually like the shoes in #7, but I agree that if shoes don't feel good, get rid of them.  Feet that hurt can make the whole day miserable.

  • unfrumped replied 9 years ago

    Hmm, I see what you mean, and what Una said.
    I see the skinnies as a real change in silhouette. They would work well with longer tunic style tops, so that might be an option.
    So maybe tops with more asymmetry, high-low as well, or a flowy cardigan over a shell.
    A lot of my sweaters would look like a basic rectangle. So how to change the shape? If oversized, they need to collapse in. Or have some kind of batwing sleeve to create angles. Or have angled asymmetrical hem.  Curved-hem, shirttail or cocoon sweaters give a bit of a different shape, too.

  • rachylou replied 9 years ago

    For me, #4 is the best. I like the lack of a band at the bottom of the sweater... there's no fighting with the shirt beneath it. I also like the shorter length of the topper (and the curve), which shows off the shirt. It makes for a good transition to the bottom half of the outfit. I think it has the right amount of structure (Angie structure), and implies you have a shape.

  • Helena replied 9 years ago

    I'm just trying to get my head around the whole silhouette variety thing, so not much help, except to say I esp. love #5 and plan on copying asap!! :)

  • Nebraskim replied 9 years ago

    I think that if you tucked (full or semi) some of these tops, the silhouette would change. Bringing the tops' hemline up higher on your body would be a big change, as would having less billow and volume on top. ETA, the more structured less volume look in the final image is really a good look for you. Even if the shirt tail peeked out, the trimmer sweater is flattering.

  • Jaime replied 9 years ago

    These all look good apart from the flannel top, which is you say too big. I like #7 and #4 especially. There is a lot of variety here but it is not specifically silhouette variety. Nothing wrong with that either.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 9 years ago

    I see a lot of variety here, but Una has a point that it's mainly in color and in the pant shapes. Do you like cardigans? An open long cardigan could give you another look that's easy to mix with what you have. I really love 4 and 5 on you--the shorter pullover over long shirt is a great style for you. And I love how the pants in 5 as well as your bootcuts show off your long legs.

  • cheryle (Dianthus) replied 9 years ago

    I find the slightly more streamlined fit of the sweater in #7 works really well.  You have done a really great job of layering in your outfits too.

  • krishnidoux replied 9 years ago

    My favourites are 2,3,5,7; the latter being my most favourite on you. 

  • Beth Ann replied 9 years ago

    2,4, and 5 are my favorites, Amy.  I love you in a v-neck, for what it's worth.

    I've been having a devil of a time with sweater and top lengths this season.  I don't want a "chicostastic" tunic look, or a F21 crop, but I do want fluid sweaters that are either long or short, but not neither long nor short, if you know what I mean. 

    As for variety --- you could try a pair of wide legs with some of your sweaters that are a bit boxy and short.  That could be fun!  Also, remember that variety can be had with texture, color, and things like necklines, shoulder seams, scrunching, and semitucking!

  • Angie replied 9 years ago

    I really like #7, and just read that you don't want to wear skinnies any more. But they look soooo good, Amy. Sorry the shoes are uncomfy - they were great with the outfit. 

    I guess I like the structure of #7. The top is fluid, but the tighter pants create a little more structure, which adds a touch of polish to your look. Also, wearing the dark top under the camel makes the colour more flattering against your complexion. Nicely done. xo

  • amiable replied 9 years ago

    Thanks Angie - 
    I think that I'm just not convinced that skinnies are flattering me these days, more than that I don't want to wear them.  I feel like boot cuts are more balances on my body.  
    Am I just seeing myself weirdly?  I do still have two (not just one) pair of skinnies (I forgot about one earlier) that I'm wearing fairly consistently.

  • Angie replied 9 years ago

    I like you in bootcuts, straight legs and BF jeans too, Amy. Perhaps try those styles with a little more structure on top? 

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