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replied 10 years ago
All have some combination of fluid with structure. All have a structured jacket, except for 2, but the skirt is pretty structured there.
I think that is a key point for you. You look great in all of these!
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Astrid replied 10 years ago
Besides the tailored fit the first thing that jumped out at me was actually the lack of color. All fairly dark, neutrals with a bit color thrown in but not as colorful as some of your looks in the past.
ETA
I agree with Ceit about the structure.
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catgirl replied 10 years ago
Shannon I have to go to a medical appointment so I'll come back to this. I will say I was surprised to see you say in your other post that you don't feel good in slouchy trousers, since you seem to have embraced that look so wholeheartedly, rock it often and have said (I think) that you felt good in it. Perhaps weight ties in? Do you feel better in more fitted outfits as you lose weight? I certainly do!
Will be back to analyze with you!
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carter replied 10 years ago
I could not agree more with excess fabric feeling yucky and schlumpy. I think your style is classic (witha modren twist), fitted and refined. It totally fits your body shape which is somewhat similar to mine. I'm passing on wide leg fluid trousers as well because the proportion looks wrong to me, but most importantly because I feel like my hips and thighs look much more fluid in those styles...so not the look I want.
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Jules replied 10 years ago
Just a thought - but to me these pictures and thoughts are somewhat in contrast with your desire to duplicate your Eileen Fisher dress. When you were looking at that dress in two sizes, my honest reaction was that the larger one was definitely too big, and that you were not assessing it well, due perhaps to body issues you have talked about. Because I think you generally assess fit very well.
I think you look great in all these pictures. They all have some degree of waist definition I think that dress lacks without a topper (to be clear, I do like the dress). I have to wonder, is your body image and idea of how you want to dress it in flux right now? If so, is it a good time to slow down on purchases?
Please consider this food for thought/observations and no more... I hope I have not crossed any line.
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El Cee replied 10 years ago
Shannon -- I think you and I are the same in that we just need/want a little more structure in our outfits to feel at our best. I am tall and yet I am not thrilled with "volume over volume" (on me) without something to rein it in. I think that having "just enough structure" is going to be different for each of us. You are such a smart lady for figuring this out. You really know what works for you and what makes you happiest.
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Petite Marj replied 10 years ago
Fit and structure just bounce off the page when I look at just the small icons. Because of the column of colour that you have created, and the pattern that has been added which bookends your hair, my favs are #1, 4, 6 &7.
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Transcona Shannon replied 10 years ago
Una - I do feel good in slouchy trousers but with some "slimness" to them - i.e. slim BF jeans, slouchy in the waist but with slimmer and tapered legs, etc. It is the wide legged, drapey trousers I really don't feel good in (like the recent grey ones I added to my wardrobe).
Ceit - "fluid with structure" - YES! I have noticed that lately too. I'm adoring some fluidity like a drapey top or my new EF dress, but those must be combined with something structured.
Astrid - I didn't even think about the neutral color palette - great point!
Carter - I know what you mean. I feel like my hips and thighs are wide enough on their own without adding any extra fabric to them!
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Transcona Shannon replied 10 years ago
Jules - no line crossed :) I agree that the larger of the EF dresses was definitely too large but I feel very good in the smaller size. Because it fits a little closer to the body, particular from the hips on down, I feel like it has just enough structure to it on its own and is even better with a topper like a jacket or vest. I think I always have some degree of body image issues...definitely food for thought and I thank you for your honesty.
Thank you El Cee and Marj!
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Liz replied 10 years ago
Looking at the thumbnails, I notice "black" as a theme.
But remembering your past posts and how you've identified that you're an emotional dresser and shopper,I wonder if part of your analysis should be, "What emotions am I feeling these days about my life? What emotions am I feeling about myself (body, clothes)?" Those answers might help you as much as analyzing outfits helps.
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Sveta replied 10 years ago
I would be really interested to see your outfits"from the other side" as well so I can compare to these ones.
I agree that "just enough" structure is different for all of us. I also with you on the fit: I can never feel great in ill-fitting garment - be it tailored or fluid, the fit should be just right. It is also easier to get tailored clothes right: unstructured and fluid fit can go into frump very quickly which could also affect your feelings.
I can also get why excess fabric on the bottom makes you feel less fab: you bottom part is your slimmest part. I have the same relationship with my waist and midriff: as soon as they are surrendered I have to work much harder to feel fab in the outfit and not feel "huge". For the same reason it is easy for me to wear excess fabric on the bottom because it actually makes it look slimmer than a body con look.
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Peri replied 10 years ago
Well, I have never seen you look yucky. But if that is how you feel sometimes, and feel great in these looks, that's what matters.
These looks are trim and sophisticated. Business creative instead of business casual. Based on what you say, feeling trim matters to you. Go with that.
But rats...I was hoping you would find some good white trousers for me!
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celia replied 10 years ago
Apart from the structure while I was looking at your outfits I was thinking that, except for #2 , they all have a column of colour being in the inside or the outside)the jacket being the same colour as pants for example).
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rachylou replied 10 years ago
I notice your necklines are pretty free from "frou" too...
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Gaylene replied 10 years ago
I'd say polished was what jumped out for me. Even if the item is fluid or slouchy, I'd say that it leaned more towards a polished interpretation rather than a boho or arty feeling. The EF dress, in my opinion, has this sense of polish.
I also get the feeling that you prefer outfits that just skim the hip area and which have interest at either the top or below the knee. You'll surrender your waistline but not if it means adding bulk and extra fabric at the hip. The same goes for colour on the bottom half; you'll embrace it as long as the item is tailored or skims nicely over the hip. A very loose or wide-leg pant probably just doesn't give you the slimness you need to feel comfortable.
One other thought: Do you think your new position is making you lean towards more of a polished, business-executive look rather than the more business-casual look you wore in your former position? All the looks you posted here would look good in a boardroom--even the ones that are a bit more creative like 1, 5, and 7. Your creative touches are there, but in a very professional, polished way--nothing that would cause any raised eyebrows in a group of executives, male or female. Just a bit of envy in your female colleagues who would be mentally taking notes for their own wardrobes. ;)
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Emily replied 10 years ago
Here's what I see:
-structured shoulders
-either a standout colour or print
-the garments are simple in shape and relatively free of embellishment
-everything fist beautifully
-most ensembles have high contrast elements (Except #4/5).
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rachylou replied 10 years ago
Gaylene makes a good observation - you are liking a sharp look these days.
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Jenava replied 10 years ago
I agree with your assessment. I looks particuarly like the right amount of snugness on the bottom half, and just right hem length on the top?
ETA - fitted on bottom, skirts just below the knee. length of top most layer hits above the curve of your hip, I think.
I agree these looks are all flattering on you. Esp. the skirt in #1, which is a little pegged, paired with the shorter jacket.
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MsMaven replied 10 years ago
I think you have proportions down very well. Just the right skirt length for you, and the right length for tops to go with sirts and pants. The slimmer, semi-fitted silhouette suits you.
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Diana replied 10 years ago
I think you like a tailored fit, and that you prefer items with some structure to them. Specifically, 6 out of the 7 have jackets, and all of your jackets have strong and defined shoulder lines. And this may sound weird, but I think you like your clothes to be fitted around your shin/calf (sheer hose, or tapered pants, or fitted boots), which might be why you don't like wide leg pants. Which is not surprising as you have great legs!
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Transcona Shannon replied 10 years ago
Wow - this a fantastic batch of replies! And many of the things you've all pointed out I didn't even realize or notice.
Liz - any season, black will always feature a primary role in my wardrobe. It is my favorite color of all time. And you are right - I am indeed a very emotional shopper and dresser so need to look at that side of how something makes me feel too. Thank you.
Sveta - interesting...so we both like to make sure our slimmest part looks that way and not bigger than it is IRL.
Peri - I might still look for white pants, just not drapey wider ones!
Celia - didn't even notice the column of color. And especially didn't notice it both "inside" and "outside". Subconsciously, maybe that makes me feel taller and slimmer?
Rachy - quite right. I don't like anything around my neck, either ruffles or much in the way of necklaces either. Funny 'cause I used to love ruffles...
Gaylene - your analysis is brilliant - thank you! Your thoughts regarding my change in position is most likely spot on, although I hadn't really consciously thought about it. I do seem to be moving towards a more polished look which suits the new position a bit better.
Emily - YES! I definitely like structured shoulders (I have very narrow and sloping shoulders) and not much in the way of embellishment.
Jenava - interesting you mention top hem length. I have recently put a few tops in the donate bag that I now find too short or too long. I guess I have a "sweet spot" for that hem length now that I didn't used to.
MsMaven - "semi fitted" - which is probably why I'm off body con and not liking oversized.
Diana - wow, didn't think about wanting more fitted around the calf/ankle. But you're right.
Honestly ladies - this has been incredibly insightful for me and can only help with my future purchases. I can't thank you all enough for taking the time :)
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Gigi replied 10 years ago
Haven't read the other comments, but what I see:
-simple
-high contrast (if not in the outfit itself, then in the handbag)
-lots of neutrals, esp. dark ones
-whimsical (graphic tees, animal prints, printed tights)
-love for metallics or some kind of shine (even if just in leather)
-tailored, esp. in the top; pants sometimes add some fluidity
Beautiful outfits, Shannon!
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texstyle replied 10 years ago
I think everything I thought has been said already - but I will add that as much as I like all of these, #2 is absolutely my favorite. I think it has to do with figure flattery and color combo on you - and maybe how simply classic and perfect it is.
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unfrumped replied 10 years ago
Aren't those all great!
I echo the structure comment, though I think you're a genius at combining just the right amounts of drape here and there with other items. And I think you don't like to lose your legs. The tapered pants define some leg; with skirts, you tolerate some leg-chopping (with dark booties and sheer tights or bare legs, for example) more than you do leg-hiding in full-length wide trousers. For your figure, I think the former turns out not to be so leg-shortening for whatever reason, perhaps because you choose and style the footwear so well and you wear the look with panache, that it suits you and looks energetic, compared to the wide trousers.
I think also the wide trousers, which I still would love to wear, are still problematic when we don't wear a high heel, so many of the wide trouser "looks" that seem so elegant are built on a high heel. Corporate Cubicle Mary's pleated trousers with flats notwithstanding, but she's really TALL
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Sveta replied 10 years ago
Shannon, I think your slimmest part of the body automatically adds structure to the outfit if it is highlighted. Which does not mean I don't like to surrender it BUT I have to be extra careful when I do it to get details and proportions just right to feel fab. In comparison highlighting my waist and slimmer upper body is always a slam dunk for me - and for you it is a slim pencil skirt or pants, right?
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Neel replied 10 years ago
Things that come to my mind - Structured
Refined
Subtle Edge
Pop of colour
Column of neutrals
A dash of fun
Figure flattering
I love those outfits on you too. And I must admit that the wide legged gray pants must be my least loved items that you own. I returned a very similar pair from Next because I felt exactly the way you feel. Excess fabric, too much volume on thighs. BUT I love my slouchy BFs, my bootcuts and even harem pants! I think whether a silhouette works for you or not depends on finding your sweet spot and threshold for slouch. I realize I need a bit of slouch with structure and anything in excess makes me feel blah. Have you tried slim bootcuts yet?
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deb replied 10 years ago
I see structure. And a jacket in all but one photo. Do you think it is the jacket that is pulling the look together for you?
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Caro in Oz replied 10 years ago
Great replies here & nothing to add except you look fantastic in all of these - the last one blows me away :)
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Deborah replied 10 years ago
Shannon I haven't read comments yet but I would agree with your assessment. Funnily I relate to your comment about having an "odd little body to dress". And I think I face similar dressing challenges. I think what you are finding is a sleek slimline silhouette is what makes you feel good and is what you like seeing on yourself. I love slouchy pants BUT they have to be slim line, otherwise I just don't find them attractive (on me). Boyfriend jeans are a no go for me because all I have tried have too much excess fabric in MY wrong places. I have challenged myself in terms of "is my eye just so used to these favored silhouettes" but for the most part I don't think that's it. I think I have found what works for me, like perhaps you have too. It doesn't mean we can't experiment with new things tho and maybe the white pants will come back onto your wish list at a later date:). BTW, you have great legs!
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Angie replied 10 years ago
One word.
Structure.
You like structure, Shannon. (I do too). And a fluid fit in tops around the midsection is your friend.
To Sveta's point, "just enough structure is relative". To someone like Zap and Tanya, who favour very structured clothing - going just a little fluid feels oversized. To someone like me, Suz and Inge, fluid can feel tailored. And to someone like Una and Denise, oversized feels really right.
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Thistle replied 10 years ago
After reading Gaylene and Angie, as well as the others, I am too late to the party to offer something you haven't already heard.
I will say you always look fab even if sometimes you don't feel it.
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lee replied 10 years ago
Photos #4 and #6 are my least favorite for you (with the slouchier pants).
For me I prefer trim styles, though I'm willing to go a bit less tailored on top (if my bottom is trim). I have sworn off fluid pants and many skirts as my abdomen/thighs are chunky and I don't feel pants--aside from well-structured jeans--are my friend.
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D'Ellen replied 10 years ago
Hi Shannon! I've been scarce here lately, and while I can't add any words of wisdom to the very wise ones you've already received, I just had to pop in to say you look awesome in all of these outfits. I can see why they make you feel fab! You are one of my YLF inspirations and #3 and #7 are two of my all time faves of your outfits. I'm drawn to the black/white contrast and the playfulness of the graphic tees. Today you're inspiring me to go on the hunt for some graphic tees of my own! :-)
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Karie replied 10 years ago
You look fabulous in each of these outfits. In addition to just the right amount of structure, your clothes here look well fitting and the proportions look great.
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K. Period. replied 10 years ago
I haven't had time to look at anyone's comments, but you and I like such similar shapes for our clothes, I thought I'd throw a few thoughts in the ring:
1. Even just scrolling, I see structure mentioned again and again. Yes. Absolutely. You and I like some aspect/most aspects of our outfits structured. It feels natural, comfortable and flattering for us.
2. Restrictive, structured fits on our shoulders help us feel great.
3. Tapering around our knees is majorly important. We both have curvy legs and not particularly curvy middles. A tapered pencil skirt (your favorite shape and mine!) gives us the appearance of curvy hips and therefore just generally more curvy shape. AND (huge realization for me) a pant shape that is tailored more closely around the knee gives us the same feeling of curviness, but not too much volume. It gives a skinny focal point for the eye along our curvy legs. We can wear loose, slouchy trousers cut a little closer around our knees. Wide legs are harder unless they have that shaping to bring them in around our knee. We get extra slouch for those wider legs by wearing them a little longer with a little heavier break at the ankle.
Of course, these are just my thoughts and I may be absolutely crazy. Just, you know, because I've gotta hedge my bets. ;)
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adorkable replied 10 years ago
In addition to the structure, I see an element of fun or playfulness in almost all of them: color, pattern, etc.
They're almost all high contrast, too, and the one that isn't has the contrasting textures and the amazing tights!
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Suz replied 10 years ago
Shannon, I was on my phone earlier and wanted to get a closer look at the photos before i replied. Now I see that everyone has already said what I would have said.
But I wanted to add some thoughts along the lines of K. Period's.
When I look at your pictures, I see a very familiar shape. (And it's not just because I look at your WIWs every day, LOL! Nor is it because we have a similar haircut -- well, until mine got butchered last week, that is -- another story for another day!)
No. It's because our shapes share some similarities. That might sound odd, since I have a strong shoulder line and you have smaller shoulders; I'm a bit taller, and so on. (K. Period has an even stronger shoulder line, and she's drawing the comparison, so obviously I am not crazy.)
Anyway...what I see is this. Structure, as others have said. You love it, you crave it, and you wear it brilliantly. Without at least some in your outfits, you feel less than fab. This has been a common theme since the beginning of your WIWs.
Then, too -- it's TAPER towards the bottom. It might be, as Sveta said, that this is your slimmest part and you like to highlight it. And you do have fab legs! :)
This taper, does, undeniably provide some structure. But it may also reflect a deep aesthetic preference on your part -- something relevant to that whole "style is the perfection of a point of view" comment. I don't know if I can be any clearer about that because I'm not entirely sure I understand it myself. But I do think it's worth pondering.
Anyway...like you, I love tapered skirts and pants with a structured shoulder line most of all. I do in fact enjoy my fluid wide legs -- but mine are not baggy at the top. They are snug on the top and fluid all the way past the hip. Meanwhile, my slouchy trousers and BFs are baggy/ slouchy up top -- but TAPERED down at the knee and ankle. It seems there needs to be some tailoring somewhere for it to feel or look right.
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Jaime replied 10 years ago
Shannon I love this thread - so many brilliant insights. I wish I had something to add but I need to reread and think about this a bit more.
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ironkurtin replied 10 years ago
All of those items fit beautifully by skimming your figure. Nothing is squeezing or bagging. You look trim and confident!
I think maybe not structure but perfect fit is what's working here. Although I guess structure is part of fit?
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anne replied 10 years ago
Shannon thanks for posting this thread and eliciting so many perceptive comments. Only extra thing I notices was your lovely lipstick!
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catgirl replied 10 years ago
Ok I agree - structure and JACKETS.
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Transcona Shannon replied 10 years ago
I am blown away by the level of detail and feedback you have all provided me - thank you so much.
Deborah - I think you and I definitely share some of the same issues. But to me the biggest difference is you carry off drape and flowing fabrics much better than I do. Maybe that's because it feels genuine to your style and not as much with mine - so maybe confidence is key in pulling off certain looks too?
Suz - interesting. I never would have though we have similar shape for clothing but I see what you mean. "Taper" is definitely key to me - too much fabric at the bottom of anything, whether it be skirt, dress or trousers, just doesn't work on/for me. And slouchy trousers or BF jeans only feel good on when the legs are slimmer.
Angie - thank you so much for chiming in. I hear you loud and clear :)
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lyn67 replied 10 years ago
Completeley agree with you, Shannon! I always feel more overhelmed about too much volume on the bottom, if not showing some legs or wearing high heels(which I'm no longer willing to do). Tailored(but not snug!) and structured is my very best friend. Fluid tops are easier to do, but oversized is a no, no for me, as I have not only have healthly curves:-) but broad shoulders and upper arms.
So, I say, nobody knows better then your own self! And, I completely relate with choosing these outfits, as they are really consciously put together and fab!
ETA. I feel drape is not always my friend as to my much regret and efforts I have an borderline slouchy posture(felt always too tall)-so don't need more of it. (I think if somebody is standing firm and has a great posture can make work drapes much easier.)
