Fashion book review

[sstormwatch]

Well, last night I finished the fashion book I blogged about before. It was overall very informative, and I learned a few new things in it. But... it was written by 20 different women, who did not all agree on some things, and nothing was dealt with in any real depth. Sort of like 20 beginner classes in one book, so you get a decent overview on

Comments

[sarahbellem]

There's a girl here at the school who is what I'd call a "contoured rectangle" (and not petite) and she does wear belts. She pulls it off though, because she's abso-freaking-lutely adorable. She favors knee length sheath dresses and cardigans that reach the hip, and she usually does accessorize with a belt at the waist, and classic pumps. It honestly looks good on her.

I think that most people actually have the capacity to pull off fairly adventurous styles regardless of their size or shape. The only time it doesn't work is when they're wearing clothing that is too small for them. Not tight clothing, or body hugging clothing, or revealing clothing, but literally clothing that is several sizes too small. I've seen big girls pull of skinny jeans but they were made to fit their size. I've also seen girls of every size wearing skinny jeans that are at least two sizes too small for them and that's where I wonder who lets them out of their houses looking like a stuffed sausage.

So, if you want my free fashion advice, pick clothing that fits you. That's it. Don't worry so much about what you "should" or "shouldn't" wear as far as the style goes, because you probably already know what you look good in and are drawn to it intrinsically. If I can get $400 for telling someone that, then I'm really in the wrong part of the fashion industry...

P.S. I didn't see this listed on your profile, so I'm not sure if you know about it or not, but fatshionista is a community for larger women who won't sacrifice their size for fashion. I've followed it off and on and found it supportive and really good for getting ideas and feedback about what works and what doesn't.

[tattycat]

Seconded. I love fatshionista.

[sarahbellem]

Hell, I follow it to get fashion ideas for my own wardrobe and I'm a wee slip of a lass!

[sstormwatch]

Thank you for your excellent advice. I've even added the LJ comm to my list. My hangup seems to be what kind of jacket to wear. I don't want to make something only to end up hating how it looks on me. I've done that a few times, and it is frustrating. I guess I need to get out and try stuff on to see what works or doesn't.

And hey, yeah, maybe a part of your field to check into, if it appeals to you.

[sarahbellem]

Yep, the only way to figure out if it works, is to try it out. I personally HATE shopping in malls and trying on stuff is beyond tedious, but sometimes it is the only way to know for sure what really looks good on you. Awful lighting and bad mirrors, notwithstanding. :P

I would probably suggest that you look for jackets that reach the knee, or mid thigh. Not hip, because that can have the effect of making you look squashed if you're a square figure. And waist legnth might work, but you should probably try it out first. Semi-fitted or loose is always a good bet on square figures, too.