In one of my favorite groups on Facebook, we try to help ladies figure out their shape and how to dress for it. I think I have this mainly figured out at 42. I know as I get older it will all change again, though.
The Admin, Becca, wanted us to post what we will be wearing for the next season as an inspiration for others of the same body type. I kinda went nuts with this post and just pulled what I made in the past. I will likely keep with the same options for Fall, but right now I haven’t gone far in my fall planning. I do have several fabrics and ideas, though!
Here is me right now:
Body Shape: Rectangle (39-32-39, roughly) at 150 lbs and 5’ 7”. I also have a large rib cage and shoulders. When I am in shape, and more around my target weight of 135 I am a V-Shape, Inverted Triangle. My shoulders are wider than my hips at that weight.
This is mostly my business casual work wardrobe. On weekends when I am going nowhere you will find me in comfy pants and knit tops. If I have a game to attend in the fall, I am all about leggings, boots, tunics, sweaters and scarves. If I tend to look more put together than some, it is because I have a lot to choose from, but also because I try to keep in the same color schemes. I have a few favorites and don’t really deviate from them.
My colors go in groups.
- Black/grey – which work with the royal blues and reds where I have for my pops of color
- Navy/grey – I have a few patterned tops that go in with this group
- Browns/Oatmeal/Cream – A new venture for me this past year and I like the soothing nature and sophisticated look of this color palette.
For my accessories I buy a lot of my shoes from Zulily (credit link). Especially leather boots where you can get a really good deal if you don’t mind waiting a month for them. I don’t mind waiting a month if I can save $100 on a nice pair. They always have a good amount of jewelry, too. Clothes are iffy. I have had plenty that didn’t fit and I just gave away, but I like getting sweaters from them since I don’t knit and they tend to have a lot of variety. I do get a lot of my jewelry from Stella and Dot, since they have great quality.
What looks good:
Tops:
I have found that wrap tops with ruching at the sides look good on me.
Tops that are fitted at the bust and hip, but skim over the waist:
The tuck, and tops that have some gathering in the middle that reach at about mid-hip.
Flared tops, where it is fitted and then skims over the waist and hips. These first two tops are the Sneha Tunic/dress. The third is one I drafted.
Skirts: Pencil skirts, A-line or drop waist skirts. Nothing that sits at the natural waist and poofs out like gathered waists and pleats. Those add a good 10 pounds. I have a ton of pencil skirts.
Dresses: Fitted or ones that are fitted until the smallest part and drop down. Also straight dresses with bust darts. Maxi dresses I have done the flared out like the tunics above, only longer, and then the loose top-fitted bottom like the striped one here.
I also like wearing fitted jackets, since that gives me more shape on top and it looks like I have a waist:
As for pants: Leggings with tunics, straight-leg, wide-leg…it all works as long as I don’t show off my natural waist. A few inches below my belly button is where I like them to land. High-waist is really unflattering.
Tips: Lighter colors on the bottom and darker colors on top. If it is reversed, then I tend to look too top heavy.
Example:
Not that I always follow this rule, but it is definitely noticeable to me when I don’t. A lighter bottom accentuates the smaller hips and darker top de-accentuates no waist. If I do go lighter on top, then a lighter bottom is good to offset it.
I made most of the clothes above (sans the jackets and few tops and pants), and sadly can’t share patterns since I drafted most of them. I do have some tutorials, though. If interested look on the left sidebar under the category “tutorials”.
Hope this helps for some advice! I will hopefully have time to work on my fall clothes, soon. When I get it all planned out I will post it. I have a rough idea, so need to get on that!
You have such an impressive sewing portfolio! Thanks for sharing your tips 🙂
Thanks, Becca! I’m afraid I have a bit more than a “capsule” wardrobe, but I am getting better at culling out things that don’t work.
Love this set of clothes, good variety and colors. I’ve really gotten more into making gifts and small stuff and away from making clothes. I really need to get back to it, and do something for myself.
Thanks Mel. 🙂 Yes, I think some selfish sewing is in order. I usually end up wearing something I made just about everyday at this point, since I have made so much for myself.