Thinking OUT of the Box

When choosing wide silhouettes and/or looser fitting pieces, it’s good to think…

OUT of the box.

We’ve all been there. You’re so excited to try on that comfy, cozy sweater and the pants that look like they’ll feel like you’re walking on air. You slip into the outfit and the mirror screams “BOXY and SHAPELESS!”

Alas, there are quick and easy solutions!

For sweaters or sweater vests, my advice is to buy your true size and look for pieces that have a more fitted, banded bottom OR side slits. It may be tempting to go with a size smaller, which, unless the item runs oversized (check the product description or reviews) can end up cutting your natural waistline too high and create that undesired squared-off shape. Let’s not get this look confused with a cropped top style…that’s another topic for discussion. ;-)

The tighter-fitting, lower band is great for adjusting the length, higher or lower, to accentuate your natural waist. A sweater or sweater vest with side slits can be tucked in the front, again, to shape your natural curves and avoid that dreaded boxy look.

For wider pants, I tend to opt for a longer (almost floor) length…and raise the hem (without expensive alterations) by wearing pointy-toe heels or almond-toe boots. These shoe silhouettes will help to elongate your look, rather than square-toe shoes, which will give you that boxy effect.

…and just for the record, I’m not against a boxy-shaped piece! My preference is to offset that item (such as wide-leg pants) with either a v-neck top and/or matching colors to create a longer line from top to bottom.

Happy, SHAPELY shopping!