Amiable's Blog

WIW: trends and observations

October 14, 2013

It's nice to be at the point in my style journey when I can recognize that a trend is probably not one that will work for me.

For example, there's the cropped top with flared-skirt combo.  It looks really great in models.  And normal tops fit me like cropped tops in general, so it should be really easy to pull off.  But, I do like my tops long, now that I have a few like that, and I don't like highlighting my thickest part - my tummy.  Still, when a "cropped" short sleeve sweater came up at a clothing giveaway and fit me perfectly, I decided to try it out.  Even with a flared-ish midi skirt (#1)

My misgivings were correct - I felt thick in the middle where the band of the sweater hit, and I showed my cami underneath every time I raised my arms.  In the afternoon I changed into jeans, and the top didn't even cover the waist band of my highest rise jeans.

So nope, truly cropped tops aren't for me.  I may play with faux cropped tops, but I really do prefer a top to hit on my hips, not my tummy.

Anyway, that's WIW today.  In general, I wore the white jacket from Ceit over it, because it was chilly.  I got tons of compliments on the jacket :)

Friday I wore skinnies with a top that feels trendy (exposed zippers on the shoulders, a print that I don't think is terribly dated yet).  I played around with different boot heights, and settled on the tall ones have being proportionally better.  Was I right? (Comparison in pic #4)  Next time I wear this top, it'll be with flares (well, probably bootcuts) to try out the flared pants/trendy top combo.  :)

Suggestions for improvements on either outfit?

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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.

16 Comments

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    Love Friday's outfit and think you made the right choice about the boots. 

    As for trends, I think you've reached a very good place if you can pick and choose and feel good about your choices. This is hugely important. It's always such a fine line -- finding a balance between knowing what works for our body type and lifestyle and sticking with that, and yet not getting too set in our ways and being willing to try new iterations -- since the details are so important and can make or break a look for us. 

  • kellygirl replied 10 years ago

    The color combo in 1/2 is so pretty on you. I can't really tell that the top is cropped but if you are uncomfortable in it, I suppose you can let that trend go. I think it looks great. 

    Love the jeans outfit. I don't think you can go wrong with either boot. They both suit your style! 

  • Beth Ann replied 10 years ago

    I adore this color combo on you, Amy!  As for the proportions, I think it is flattering enough -- you are long and tall enough that my eye doesn't "stop" and focus on your middle.  Still, I would like the shirt lifting up all day long, and I know what it's like to feel like you're not in your best silhouette.

    You have been knocking it out of the park lately, and I'm so happy to see you trying new combinations!

    LOVE #4 -- please wear again --- with the tall boots!

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 10 years ago

    Good for you, for trying the shorter top. I like the skirt outfit with the jacket, though--I think having the two different lines at the waist adds some interest to the outfit.
    You definitely look more relaxed in the skinnies and black and white top. I like the zippers on the shoulders. This is a fantastic look for you, and I like both pairs of boots with it. The tall ones are more dramatic; they are super cool. Maybe that cool factor is what drew you to choose them over the shorter ones.

  • CocoLion replied 10 years ago

    Good observations.  Love your trendy WIW today, the black and white color scheme is super on-trend.  As for the new sweater, if if feels too short for you, you must find another in navy.  You look fantastic in navy, and I also love that emerald skirt on you.

  • Neel replied 10 years ago

    I actually like picture 1!  The cropped top does work on you in my opinion.  But then it all depends on your comfort factor.  I wouldn't look good in something that I do not *feel* good in.

    Do you think a roomier version of the cropped top might help?  It still wouldn't solve the issue of showing the cami though.  A fun contrasting cami might help you feel less conscious about it.

    Your Friday outfit is fab!  Love your boots and great choice!

  • replied 10 years ago

    Love your boot outfit, both boots look good to me!

    I think the cropped sweater and skirt looks nice too, but If you don't feel comfortable then out it should go.

  • Deborah replied 10 years ago

    I like both outfits, but you have to be comfortable:). I think it is a wise woman who recognizes and can discern which trends will work for her and which won't.

  • Jaime replied 10 years ago

    The colors in the first picture are great. It may be that you would prefer a roomier crop - or no crop at all, you certainly don't need to make them work. Your second outfit is terrific!

  • shedev replied 10 years ago

    Love the second outfit, with both of the boots.

  • Joy replied 10 years ago

    Love the navy/green color combo in the first outfit. It looks good in the photo but you need to feel comfortable wearing it. I like both boot looks with the second look. The white jacket would be a good topper for this outfit too.

  • amiable replied 10 years ago

    Wow - Thanks all for your comments!  

    Yes, I LOVE the color of the cropped top in #1-2.  It's why I picked it up, and I really hope I can replace it soon. It's a very saturated version of navy that I think is fabulous.

  • Angie replied 10 years ago

    With regards to the top and skirt combo, Amy - it's the pleated and elasticated style of the skirt that is probably giving you that "thick around the middle" feeling, and not necessarily the fact that you matched it with a short and fluid top.

  • amiable replied 10 years ago

    Hmm... Thanks for the insight Angie - I usually wear this skirt lower - so that the elasticized part isn't in such a thick place.  But the top required it to be higher up.  If I have any other "bottoms" that have a high enough waist, I'll try it again.  But I'm definitely watching for a replacement.

  • cheryle (Dianthus) replied 10 years ago

    I also love the color combo and wonder if a top that was a touch more fluid or a tighter knit would work better.  I find fine gauge knits to be much more flattering.  I also see that the band on the top creates two horizontal lines in an area that you see as your harder to fit area.  I think you could still work the look with either a less voluminous skirt or a non-banded top.

    Outfit #2 is great. 

  • janebrown replied 10 years ago

    I totally love the cream jacket. The tailored lines really suit you. I also really like the black and white outfit - especially ith the shorter boots.

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