Reader Request: How to Balance a Long Torso

by Sally on January 7, 2020 in the category: proportion, reader requests, style

outfit ideas long torso

Reader Toni e-mailed me this question:

I’ve known about my long-waisted, short legged body style forever – ever since I realized at age 12 that one-piece swimming suits don’t fit me. However, I’ve just dealt with the short shirts and long pants that don’t really fit or flatter. I’ve been looking through my closet and sure enough most of my wardrobe is not made for me or not made to flatter my body style. Can you give me any advice?

There are some garments and shopping tips that may benefit women with long torsos and short legs, but there are also some styling ideas that can make your current duds more workable. So I’ll share a bit of both. read more

Originally posted 2012-03-12 06:40:34.

Reader Request: Feminine, Professional Looks for Athletic Figures

by Sally on January 6, 2020 in the category: proportion, reader requests, style

How to dress professionally and in a traditionally feminine style if you've got an athletic figure

Reader Janel sent this question to me via e-mail:

I am 5’4, slightly busty, and thanks to years in gymnastics, diving, and weightlifting I’ve been blessed with big strong legs, an ample tush, as well as broad shoulders and “guns.” I’m wondering about some professional looks that are feminine on my muscular/curvy body, as well as show off what I’ve worked hard for.

As I mentioned to Janel, some of these tips will need to be adjusted (or, potentially, ignored) depending on personal taste and unique proportions, but hopefully a few will be helpful to a few of you stylish, athletic ladies. read more

Originally posted 2012-04-04 06:38:47.

Sartorial Taste and Judgment

by Sally on December 21, 2019 in the category: psychology, style

My impression is that many highly-visible style experts – the ones with TV shows and books and magazine columns – either choose to or are forced to adopt an attitude of judgment. Since viewers and readers seem to find it endlessly amusing when a stylist chuckles under her breath at some garment, outfit, or sartorial choice, the stylists keep it up. They poke fun, they skewer, they judge.

That’s not how I roll.

Over the years, I have worked to refine my messages about style to be as open and accepting as possible. I want all to feel welcome here and none to feel excluded. And I truly, truly want anyone who reads this blog to come away with these messages: Style is for everyone, style is empowering, and there is no one right way to look good. read more

Originally posted 2012-03-14 06:09:55.