NBR: Fashion Help

SnShne322 · October 2013

I'm pretty short (5'1") and I've got some curves and a few extra pounds on me. I'm trying to break out of my boot cut/cardigan look. It's so comfy and easy, but totally uninspired. I recently bought myself a pair of skinny jeans, and I will wear them usually with a long cardigan or billowy top since I've not quite lost the baby weight and I'm pretty self conscious of that area. I have really have plenty of fun shoes to wear, but I generally stick to 5-6 pairs because they match my meager wardrobe.

I need some help. I don't have a ton to spend, but I'm tired of feeling frumpy. I can pick out outfits for others and their body shapes, but I'm clueless to what types are best for me. My work dress is casual, but I've been trying to branch out to dresses, but I'm having a tough time finding something that doesn't make me look pregnant. What things do I need? What should I stay away from? I love the tunic top look, but I think being short, that doesn't help me, right?

PhoenixRising11 · October 2013

I also have some extra poundage, and I basically wear my skinny jeans either tucked into tall boots or cuffed a little bit with booties. I also am a big fan of boyfriend jeans, and I read about these from Nordstrom on a blog, and they seem to be really popular. They also have a "destroyed" version here. For tops, I just think it's important that my butt is covered if I am wearing skinny jeans.

booneybear · October 2013

As a shorty (5' ) myself, I stay far away from the tunic top look. It makes me look like I should be living in munchkin land.

I also wear a lot of fitted turtleneck sweaters in the winter because I feel like they elongate my upper half and make me seem taller.

Of course wearing 4-5 inch heels every day doesn't hurt to make me taller either.

And pointed toed shoes will also give the illusion of added height.

SnShne322 · October 2013

Yes, I think that's it. My butt must be covered! Hmm, maybe boyfriend is a good compromise? I just remember boyfriend jeans being more strait legged which is not a flattering look for me!

mrsvedo · October 2013

Have you tried wrap dresses? If they're cut really well, they are super flattering for curvy ladies (i.e. me).

SnShne322 · October 2013

booneybear said:

As a shorty (5' ) myself, I stay far away from the tunic top look. It makes me look like I should be living in munchkin land.

I also wear a lot of fitted turtleneck sweaters in the winter because I feel like they elongate my upper half and make me seem taller.

Of course wearing 4-5 inch heels every day doesn't hurt to make me taller either.

And pointed toed shoes will also give the illusion of added height.

::sigh:: pointy shoes are not in my mass array. I tend to stick to rounder toes. Maybe I'll have to venture out a little more. I do have heels in the 3.5-4.5 inch range. I've stayed away from them since being pregnant and work doesn't require dress clothes, so I'm out of habit.

It's time to change that!

SnShne322 · October 2013

mrsvedo said:

Have you tried wrap dresses? If they're cut really well, they are super flattering for curvy ladies (i.e. me).

I haven't. I'll check a few out. I'm always fearful it will accentuate my middle rather than flatter it. I mean, I know I can't hide it altogether, but minimizing would be good.

mrsvedo · October 2013

SnShne322 said:

mrsvedo said:

Have you tried wrap dresses? If they're cut really well, they are super flattering for curvy ladies (i.e. me).

I haven't. I'll check a few out. I'm always fearful it will accentuate my middle rather than flatter it. I mean, I know I can't hide it altogether, but minimizing would be good.

I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. They tend to accentuate the "girls", drawing attention away from the midsection.

SnShne322 · October 2013

mrsvedo said:

SnShne322 said:

mrsvedo said:

Have you tried wrap dresses? If they're cut really well, they are super flattering for curvy ladies (i.e. me).

I haven't. I'll check a few out. I'm always fearful it will accentuate my middle rather than flatter it. I mean, I know I can't hide it altogether, but minimizing would be good.

I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. They tend to accentuate the "girls", drawing attention away from the midsection.

Oh good. My girls are looking exceptional these days. Time to give them some love.

Lauren620 · October 2013

I wear a lot of dresses with fun colored tights or leggings and cardigans. Adding a belt can give your waist some definition, have you tried that with a dress? I am in search of a black wrap dress that I can get a lot of wear out of and just change out my accessories. I've been trying to do some layering looks with skinny jeans, but I feel like it just adds more bulk in places were I definitely don't need it.

I'm also horrible at determining what I should wear for my shape so I pretty much just wear the things I like and hope for the best.

ThisModernLove · October 2013

I agree with the wrap dresses. They work really well. I also try to stick to dresses that have more of an empire waist. They seem to hide the tummy a bit better.

sweetrhythms · October 2013

ThisModernLove said:

I agree with the wrap dresses. They work really well. I also try to stick to dresses that have more of an empire waist. They seem to hide the tummy a bit better.

Yes, empire waist will definitely hide the tummy especially if your girls are looking good like you said LOL

booknerd226 · October 2013

I'm short too. 5'. I avoid tunic tops as well.

I agree about pointed shoes (they don't have to be too pointy if that's not your thing, but rounded toes make us look shorter).

As far as having a little extra weight, I have a friend my height who feels that she does too. When we go shopping, we find that she looks best in several different types of clothing.

Dresses paired with thicker belts, and a fun but shorter necklace that draws the eye up. This particular picture is also similar to the "column" type of dressing described below.

Structured, high-waisted skirts with blouses:

Doing columns with a different color jacket (so for example, dark jeans, a dark top, and a bright/other color open cardigan or jacket. It creates a slimmer middle with the jacket. This picture kind of shows:

Tops with wide bands at the bottom that are flowy. I can't describe them. Pic:

SnShne322 · October 2013

Thanks, guys. You've been so helpful!

CeeCeeSugaPie · October 2013

I'm short too at 4'11. I found a tip somewhere that says to keep to the same color from waist down and it will help elongate your frame. I do think this helps, although I don't always stick to that, because it would be boring to do all the time IMO.

NBR: Fashion Help

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