They said the silhouette was changing this winter. More tapered, more feminine, lines closer to the body – while we’ve definitely seen that (skinny jeans still here, anyone?), the truth of the matter is that volume is still huge (pun intended). I’ve had more than one friend complain to me – “I just can’t wear this trend”…”It’s not right for my body type”…”It makes me look pregnant”…etc.
Trust me – you CAN wear volume, but like everything else in life, this trend is about balance. Here are some tips on how to make this work for you.
- Choose voluminous pieces with open necklines (this will break up the expanse of fabric)
- Wear heels – my motto is always “the higher the better” (to elongate the body)
- Try accessorizing with long necklaces or lariats (this will also elongate the body)
- Make sure you balance out your bottom half
- If it’s a top, make sure you’ve got slim fit or skinny jeans for pairing
- If it’s a dress, opaque tights are a great match (though certainly not novel solution) for winter
- If all else fails try black. Always slimming…even when you’re doing the whole volume thing
The best advice I can give is: don’t be scared. I really think a lot of people stay away from this look because it seems overwhelming. At the very least, hit the dressing room and try it out. You don’t have to buy it, you know.
Oh, and a couple of things to avoid: BIG prints, flat shoes, and yards and yards of fabric. Yes, there is such a thing as too much. See Hayden, at right.
Featured in this article:
Alice + Olivia Beaded Baby Doll Dress, $484. Photo courtesy of Shopbop.
Hayden photo courtesy of justjared.
