9 Styles That Are (Surprisingly) Unflattering

[@NadaManley]

Which of these styles do you find hard to wear? Let's chat in the comments! And don't forget to check out my Modern Classics Wardrobe Guide! nadamanley.com/modernclassics

[@phoenixvj8824]

5’8 here, wide shoulder, small bust, long torso, long arms and legs. Most of the style you mentioned are my go-to style. Now I get why those style look good on me. Thank you 🌻

[@ifetayodavidson-cade5613]

You may want to look up the Kibbe body typing system and Flamboyant Natural body type.

[@phoenixvj8824]

@@ifetayodavidson-cade5613 thank you. I am not very sure of my kibbe type, I might be dramatic or dramatic classic

[@j988980]

Same here. I'm 5'10" and long everywhere lol! It's nice to know I can wear most of these.

[@Frederiekje221]

Same! Soft dramatic here. Nada was exactly right. I can wear bat sleeves and boat necks and cannot wear turtle necks. Now I know why.

[@christinez6871]

Right?! I’m 6’ long torso, long legs, bust just reduced and short arms. Most of these look pretty ok on me! What a relief.

[@susanalexander7990]

I was so disappointed when I bought a mid length denim skirt last spring. Boy did I look frumpy! Fortunately I can sew so I hemmed it just above the knee and it’s adorable now.

[@ZanahoriaBaila]

I love that you explain what the style will do, not what would or would not look good, managing to be incredibly informative and respectful of personal choice ans style simultaneously.

[@maxallen-macdonald8791]

Sing it, sister!!! You outlined everything that I figured out years ago when, in complete desperation, I started sewing some of my own clothing. Fortunately, with the rise of internet shopping availability, I don't have to sew anymore in order to get clothes that work on this body. Great video!

[@kthybrown007]

and there is always hemming / alterations... I can't remember the last time I did not hem up purchased pants.

[@snowmonster42]

I think I disagree about empire waists. When I was super thin but a tiny bit busty, they looked awful on me. They made my tiny waist disappear and I looked like a solid block. When I gained weight, my waist disapeared, my hips stayed the same and I got a little more busty. But somehow my ribs below my breasts were about the same and suddenly empire waists were incredibly flattering. Maybe others will experience this as well. Edit: sorry, I should have started by saying this is a great video. She has validated everything I have ever believed about midi skirts.

[@dressmaking]

It sounds like the empire waist didn't make the most of your hourglass shape when you were younger. I think the visual width of the hipline affects how "flattering" an empire line dress looks.

[@snowmonster42]

@@dressmaking It definitely did not. I suppose hipline is one way to understand the situation, but I really felt like it was the underbust that made the difference. I gather that you sew? It's that low bust measurement that always seemed the least important to me on any pattern because I don't make those super tailored Jackie Kennedy style dresses. It turns out that this area is just about the only dainty part of me that's left, and accentuating it did something magical for me. For anyone reading this, if that's you, try an empire waist or a higher waisted dress or top with an A-line shape. Just know that if you do this, your pants or shapewear must fit perfectly at the waist or you will completely undo the illusion you have created.

[@carolmelancon]

Sounds like I'm in the same boat. As I've passed middle age and my body has become more "apple" shaped, my underbust is the thinnest part of my silhouette. Any definition has to come there, or not at all so Empire waist is the only choice for me. However, I also agree with every other point in the video. I'm so very happy that straight/flare leg pants are on offer again as I can't wear skinny leg pants without looking like a funnel or lollipop.

[@susanfrary7424]

Wow. I'm 69 and just learned turtlenecks aren't helping me. And now I can't un-see how bad I've looked in them! Thank you, sincerely!

[@LambentLark]

Oh shug, you need to slap you best friend. Lmao. Mine has told me, "I ain't being seen with you in that. What else ya got clean?" And I have lovingly squished her in a 1 side open booth and scrubed the chocolate from her mocha out of the corners of her mouth because she has ADD and loses track of what she was going ro do. (The woman can't carry a thought through a doorway or stairs case to save her life.) Point is, you need a pushier bestie.

[@athenathegreatandpowerful6365]

I'm 62 and tried a turtle neck on at 23. Oh hell no. Never again. Had the ugly thing on a total of 15 seconds.

[@Julia.Mandelbrot]

​@@LambentLarkI love your wit and sense of style and also your wonderful friendships! This is how we can support one another while having fun. 💜💜💜

After watching this video, I have the impression that the only style flattering on my body type is getting out of my house completely naked.

[@robertazapp1443]

It is so true that a petite isn’t the same as another petite. I have a longer torso with shorter legs so I can wear regular tops but need super short inseams on my pants!

[@pamelalyon3264]

Same with me

[@0mfgeeze]

Where as I'm 5'2" and need regular length for my pants and regular length for the torso of tops but shorter sleeves for my t-Rex arms! 😅

[@audreyandrea460]

In BBC Pride and Prejudice, Jennifer Ehle looks plus-sized because of the empire waist dresses she wears, but she’s actually a very slender women with a large bust. I can wear straight skirts that are high waisted and midi-length. They can be fitted or not. I don’t look good in pencil skirts. Stores will also sometimes label a tube skirt as a pencil skirt.

[@joybird5495]

I like turtlenecks, but have a big bust. I like to wear a vest with them to create a vertical line.

[@edennis8578]

I wear a G cup bra and I love turtlenecks. I usually buy them 1 to 2 sizes bigger than the size chart says, though. I don't like sweaters or any knit top that needs to stretch to fit me. If the top doesn't measure least as many inches as I do at the bust, it's a no-go, and I prefer an extra couple of inches or more.

[@mxandrew]

i have big wide shoulders and the difference between my ribs and my actual waist isn’t huge. I also have spent time as a plus size and a straight size. I think empire waists look good on me regardless of my “plus” status because I’m very athletic with a smaller bust and my hips are the visually widest at the top, so adjusting the visual location of my waist helps balance out my broad shoulders and gives my hip swell some room to breathe lol. I’m not 50+ but I am trying to sort out fashion for myself ❤ thanks for the good content. my only midi skirt is a wrap skirt and I love that i get final control over where the hem is.

[@jen-why]

I love cap sleeves and was so shocked to hear they don't look good on 99.9% of women. I feel like they're so flattering on me and make my broad and strong shoulders look softer. My arms are the thinnest part of my body, so maybe I'm in the 0.1% 😅

[@NadaManley]

@@jen-why yes they do work for a lucky few. That’s awesome

[@nele9045]

Your system sounds similar to Kibbe body types. VERY helpful for finding silhouettes and lines that work and bring out your features in the best light ❤

[@fishandfloral]

I just bought a boatneck top and was surprised at how flattering it is for me. Not this video but a previous one, at your suggestion I have taken advantage of burgundy being a hot color this season to buy some tops and a handbag, as it’s one of my favorite colors to wear.

[@Ida-pf4mf]

Fabulous video! I appreciate that your videos are educational.... that you are teaching us to have a discerning eye and to understand the nuances of each piece of clothing and how they may or may not suit us. I haven't seen other fashion KZbinrs do that. Most just showcase the latest clothing without regard for who they might be suitable for. Thank you so much!

[@JohannaJalonen]

Agreed! And don’t embrace at all that kind of talk that is common today that everything is beautiful on everybody etc. Because it is SO obviously just wishful thinking and actually even the smallest details are important when you actially want to look your best.

[@slendagullyandfriends4530]

@ida preach sister!

[@Laura-wb2se]

I appreciate your kind and knowledgeable professionalism! You provide some good practical advice that’s helpful, not critical. Thank you! You’re a pleasure to watch!

[@tobelieve627]

I’m short and medium built, and dont necessarily have much space as described, but I love Dolman style tops, they feel drapy and relaxed.

[@kenaray5401]

Me too. I'm short and chubby and LOVE dolman sleeves bc they are flowy and usually bias cut. I do hem the length so they hit at my hips. Any longer and they become a butt basket on me. I also only wear boatneck or v neck tops, and all of my dresses are midi (fit & flare). I am very intentional about the shapes I wear but most of this video isn't correct for my body.

[@elleklassen8574]

I love these observations. And I have to admit I laughed out loud at who looks good in cap sleeves? Nobody. I have thought that for years and years. I'm so glad I found your channel.

[@kthybrown007]

surprisingly, I find them not bad... better than tank or short sleeves that line up with my less-than-perfect areas.

[@elleklassen8574]

@kthybrown007 totally fair. It really is about how each one of us feels comfortable. Sounds like you are one of the few who have arms suited for capped sleeves.

[@blktauna]

I only wear turtlenecks as layering pieces because they are a bit much on their own. So agree about cap sleeves. Heinous on everyone.

[@nursesantibanez]

This was a great video! I found it so helpful with you explaining why certain items look the way they do on different individuals. Thank you, Nada!

[@csjkscs]

Just found your channel! Hallelujah! An honest conversation (even on social media) about these kinds of things as I get older has been invaluable in helping me adjust to my “new” body (hello menopause). Thanks!

[@NadaManley]

Thank you so much! That means a lot to me! I am so glad you are here and I hope that you find my videos helpful! I'm post menopause myself and EVERYTHING is changing lol. I appreciate the comment!

[@sheilacroisier6446]

Great video! I love how you break down the different design lines. One of my pet peeves, especially for petites is the “short” sleeve that billows around the arm and reaches almost to the elbow. It forms a horizontal line directly across the bust while drowning the upper half of the body. On someone tall, with long arms and broads shoulders, it may look all right, but I try to go with short sleeves that visually form an X centered around my waist. Or where my waist would be if I had one.😏

[@Su-ri5ob]

Ooh, that was interesting! This randomly popped up, but has confirmed something that I have never heard mentioned before; I am a pear shape but I look dreadful in most things generally suggested and it's because my body is long but it's long fro crotch to waist, so I have a belly, my absolute least favourite part of my body. I don't even try to wear skirts anymore, I have never found one that looked good on me. Body proportion is so important, but very rarely mentioned, thank you.

[@janitapanos240]

You have inspired me to take my new suede sheath dress to my tailor to remove the too-tight and unflattering cap sleeves, thank you!

[@NadaManley]

@@janitapanos240 great idea! the dress sounds stunning and will be so much better without the sleeves

[@sherribarrett1490]

I agree so much with your opinions. Much of these I have totally avoided, like dolman sleeves and boatnecks.

[@eileenternullo8077]

Great video. I noticed people with certain body attributes, wear items that accommodate their “ bits”. I’m small busted, empire works well, but I noticed people with bigger busts liked the “extra fabric “ to accommodate their bust. Same with dolman and dropped shoulder styles, they are cut with extra fabric at the bust/ shoulder area. Straight boxy cuts are very difficult on curves ( I’m a seamstress, many people ask what works better) Great job.

[@lisalasers]

none of the styles you mention work on my full budted hourglass frame

[@susanking9733]

my birthday present to myself this month will be the fashion fit formula !! i am so excited ! thank you so much !

[@Su-ri5ob]

Oh now, I love that idea! It's my birthday in early November, I may steal your idea.

[@Teewriter]

You have a birthday every month? Lucky you.

[@lauramcleran7820]

Great video, Nada! It took me a while to figure out why boat necks don't work for me! They look like they should, but they don''t. Crew necks are also an area of challenge! I hate them with a passion and there are so many of them out there! They look all wrong on me! Thanks so much for all you do!

[@lynnebattaglia-triggs1042]

I now buy only V necks. Turtles, crew,boats: all unflattering to generous busts on shorter woman.

[@doll.ov.poetrii4682]

I despise crew neck lines on T shirts especially. It always makes me feel stuffy

[@blyatcyka8105]

Very helpful, I have a short neck so I guessed turtleneck isn't the best for me 😅 What I would love to know what would fit "falling" shoulders. They're not horizontal, they go down... that's annoying but I can't change that 😅

[@delilah1479]

Great video. I used to wear more turtlenecks decades ago. I have one left; I live in a cold weather region. I used to wear a high-low hem low dress when they were really popular ages ago and had the dress altered to a "regular" knee length dress. It is a high quality material so I didn't want to get rid of it. I am petite at 5ft 2in and curvy. Loved the pencil skirt ages ago when I was working, now retired cause it showed off my curves.

[@slendagullyandfriends4530]

I have always liked turtlenecks and I used to like mock necks. As I’ve aged I have found mock necks treacherous. If they are low and fitted close to the neck they are fine. But if they go half way up my neck EEEEK! They highlight what’s loose and crepey. 😮

[@CherylLindberg]

Nada, the print you’re wearing is one of the most flattering, beautiful looks I’ve seen on you. Your hair, skin and eyes absolutely GLOW!!!

[@wallybistrich3474]

Yes, this print proves that prints can look cool. There are so many warnings that women over 50 should avoid wild prints and I know that a lot of bad examples and out there. But this one looks great and the colors are perfect for Nada.

[@dimplesd8931]

I’m 5’6”, 140lbs now. I use to be 245lbs for years. I’m short waisted ie a “Apple” body with a full bust but a empire waist dress was/is my friend. Because it shows my actual waist and now that I’m thinner, empire waist items make my waist look super tiny, which is good because a thick waist doesn’t go away with diet and exercise 😢 PS a wrap dress,top is a thick waisted girls friend too. 😊

[@helenelliot1553]

Agree. The picture Nada shows is a really bad example of an empire dress. Those short poofy sleeves end at the empire line and make the wearer look wide and frumpy. I'm short waisted like you and it's my best look.

[@spiritualtruthseeker1947]

I’m a high waisted woman with a full bust and empire waist dresses flatter me. Especially if the lower part of the dress is close fitting. I’m petite, so they lengthen.

[@athenathegreatandpowerful6365]

Your waist is around your body at the belly button. I've never understood the waist being put just below the bust. It's a fad, not reality.

[@helenelliot1553]

@@athenathegreatandpowerful6365 reality is that some people's narrowest point is way above the belly button. This is called "short waisted" . Empire line suits short waisted people very well.

[@athenathegreatandpowerful6365]

@@helenelliot1553 I've been sewing professionally for 40+ years. Empire waists are between the underbust and the waist. What they mean by short waisted is there's a lot of fat around the middle so they put the smallest part of the torso as the waist. As to "fat shaming", which I know is going to be the next thing off your keyboard, I wore my waistbands higher on my torso when I weighed over 300. Lost the weight and my waistband went back to where it belonged. Amazing.

[@BB-cn6ow]

Midi skirts look frumpy on me! Also no turtleneck, larger bust. I don’t like cap sleeves bc of my large arms. Not sure about dolman sleeves or hi-lo hem. 👍🏼Good tips, Nada ❤It’s the clothes! 😂

[@yensid4294]

I need a set in sleeve for exactly the reason you mentioned. I'm short from shoulder to bottom of rib cage (where my waist is) with a big chest. Not a lot of room between the bottom of my bust & top of my hip. No dropped shoulder, no batwing, no kimono sleeves. Empire can work if the neckline isn't too low & the fabric too stiff but generally if the waistband is right under my boobs it's a no. I do like soft waist emphasis like a peplum or draw string or ruching/shirring at the waist. Anything that goes in & out in silhouette (fit n flare) works well for me. No high necklines. No crew, no turtlenecks, no boat. Vee & scoops only, a square or sweetheart if my bra doesn't show. I like hi-lo hemlines ( wear with pants or leggings the same color as the dress/top) I also like asymmetric, hanky & raw hems. My style is slightly Boho & those work. I only wear mid calf midis with tall boots the same color as the skirt. Prefer a maxi or knee length on me. Sleeves, I like flutter, or a short sleeve. hate elbow length sleeves or anything that hits at bust level. No dropped waist, no pencil skirts. A line only. Tops & blouses must drape & same with trousers. Denim isn't always a good a choice for me...

[@debbies7487]

Just learned empire and dropped shoulder type clothing is not my friend. Even though I like the way turtlenecks look I cannot wear them with a short neck and large bust. I have a difficult enough time trying to figure out what to wear in winter but in summer I’m left with nothing to wear! lol flimsy fabrics, etc.

[@aurorajohansenwardigo]

Narrow shouldered plus size me w/ a bicep of 19" looks fabulous in a cap sleeve. If I wear a crewneck w/ a set in short sleeve I start looking like a tank.

[@rosej9686]

So much invaluable information! Thank you for these very useful tips! I never hear any other fashion stylists talk about these things. Well done! Heading to your website now... ❤

[@KimFales]

Always great advice! I need to revisit my midi-length skirts and dresses now. I don't want to look frumpy!

[@libbylee1727]

Thanks so much for a great video. Now I understand why certain styles work or don’t work for me.

[@commonsense9755]

Eventhoug, your tips are very good. All depends on a body shape. Among my friends, including myself, one uses a turtleneck style and looks beautiful. Others wear an empire dress and look beautiful, pencil skirts all of us look beautiful and the same with midi skirt. Thank you. Pardon my English

[@NadaManley]

@@commonsense9755 absolutely! Very much depends on your body. Thank you so much for the comment.

[@lesleymcneill1403]

That is exactly what Nada has said. A turtleneck does not good on everyone. Dolman sleeves do not look good on everyone. A pencil skirt does not look good on everybody.

[@SallyRuckerllamalady]

I'm so glad you said that about empire waists. I keep reading they should work for me but they are horrible.

[@Mimi-ni3il]

So funny you are showing a high contrast stipe with a low contrast blonde. Sooo true that high contrast stripe totally distracts from my soft /low contrast fair skin/blonde hair. I totally avoid stripes unless they are very subtle /muted and in my coloring such as ivory/camel

[@NadaManley]

Yes! It can be totally overwhelming on someone whose coloring is so delicate. Thanks so much for the comment!

[@brittis277]

Thank you for good advice!

[@DebbieDelgadoChannel]

Wow - that was really helpful and beyond what I’ve seen in other channels’ videos! Thanks so much!! 💖

[@drawingout.net-vmcg]

Goodness, this is a surprise as I love all of these styles except the raglan sleeve which is too impractical and to me, a bit old-fashioned and turtlenecks which I've never liked because they make me way too warm. But I love all the others and actually look for them when I'm shopping. I find straight skirts , dropped waist dresses, scooped necks, heart shaped necklines, busy or flowery patterns, boxy jackets and boot cut jeans, flared trousers and chunky footwear very unflattering.

[@trev1463]

Informative and well-explained!

[@anniehasting1133]

I wish I’d seen this when I was younger. For me, every single “this will/won’t flatter your body” was correct. I know this through trial and errors, sometimes wasting money, for example on cap sleeves and turtlenecks. I didn’t hear it, and maybe I just missed it in the video, but I would also add that turtlenecks don’t look good if you have any degree of recessed chin or double chin. In these days of online orders, it’s so helpful to be able to rule it out categories of clothing cuts.

[@maryjacobs7046]

Great video, very clear. I appreciate your tips and explanations. (It would be nice if more models looked like they eat more than celery!) Why, oh why do designers continue to foist those horrible cap sleeves on us women? Do keep on giving your good advice, and go ahead and take a bow or two!

[@tomjones2157]

@maryjacobs7046 I'm curvy petite and those cap sleeves suit me best frim skinny or fat. Longer sleeves look hideously frumpy

[@dfinite1111]

Wow, so many that I noticed on myself, that just don’t look good. Midi-length skirt, boat neck, turtle neck! I keep trying these on in stores, and never do they look good!

[@L3Arm]

So helpful. I appreciate the more nuanced fit points as reference.

[@kristiwathen2642]

Thanks for the info. How can I find out what the optimal measurements for the sections of my 5’8 body?

[@NadaManley]

@@kristiwathen2642 you can find it here! www.styleconfidenceclub.com/fashionfitformula

[@marinasereda5885]

Boat neck is my favorite neckline, it looks great on me. They are not very easy to find. I am short waisted, pear shaped and have small bust. I avoid v-necks, they are not flattering for me.

[@33Jenesis]

I have shorter upper arms, short neck, small bust, and salt/pepper hair. I don’t have issues everywhere else (I have a swimmer’s body line). I avoid tight turtleneck, cowl neck, mock turtleneck, racer tank on its own, bubble sleeve that falls on any part of my upper arm, cap sleeve, dropped shoulder.

[@jeannette7243]

Very clear and well-researched. You have a new subscriber!

[@marinadecassi]

Dolman sleeves also look good on women with the small/flat chests, even if they are short.

[@vp5296]

Wow i thought I knew everything lol but I (surprisingly) learned many things! ❤Thank you!

[@NadaManley]

@@vp5296 thank you so much! I so appreciate the comment

[@tracyrichards5035]

I really enjoyed this video. You really know your stuff; love your way of introducing information, too. Thanks.

[@ubermut1379]

Omg I always took the clothes that look good on me for granted 😂 boatnecks, Dolman sleeves and pencil and midi skirts always worked well for me😂 especially compared to long skirts that often look too formal on me! But I have to say, these dropped shoulders NEED TO GO😅 I have really narrow shoulders but I have medium to large bust and a lot of space between my torso and waist, so your explanations make a lot of sense! And yes - empire waists where always something I didn’t trust!

[@donnadavis5544]

Well i have to think about all of this. I love a dolman sleeve just not one as full as in the video i also love a dropped shoulder and a pencil skirt. I also dont look good in a maxi but the right midi looks sophisticated on me,i think. Im only 5 '4 5 and i have broad shouders kind of curvy on the bottom and 70 . I think i know what looks good on me. I have no idea why i think the pencil skirt looks good but i do. I absolutely despise high low, and boat neck. Great video as usual. Youre the best!❤

[@slendagullyandfriends4530]

I have narrow shoulders and somehow thought dropped shoulders made them look broader. I thought the same for boat necks. How can I understand proportions of furniture and not see this? I’m really looking forward to your Ageless Style program. 😘 (This is Laura S)

[@TheGiacchina]

Good advice! but I differ on the cap sleeve advice .... of course, it depends on the top and other things (neckline, fabric etc.), but I prefer them to a sleeveless T/shell UNLESS I am wearing a button shirt (like an Oxford) open.

[@leejacobs3620]

Over the years I had come to similar conclusions about these particular styles but it was interesting to hear the reasons 'why' these didn't work, other than that just doesn't look as nice as I'd hoped. And on occassion, correctly thinking that will work for me, despite the opposing opinion of others. 🙂Thank you for sharing.

[@donnadriscoll7147]

Well done. A lot of useful information.

[@paulacopley5284]

Nothing adds more structure than shoulder pads they can correct sloping shoulders and give a garment gravitas

[@tamerinkelly7693]

Great video. Very informative!

[@DonnaScharff]

Great video! I'm 5'2" with a triangle shape, full medium bust, short neck and waist so I agree with all your choices, especially the proper length of a midi skirt! I wish I had known this last spring when I purchased an umpire boho dress, and two full midi length skirts. The dress cut my chest off mid way and the skirts turned out to be just too much fabric for my silhouette. Lessons learned! I've been trying to find a nice faux leather pencil skirt, but didn't realize that they come in at the knees. No wonder they aren't flattering on me. I'll have to look for straight skirt instead. Thanks for the great info!

[@sophiahanson6396]

"your bust walks in 10 minutes before you do" 😅 This is my daughter! Very thin but has a 32C bust and insists on wearing dresses with an empire waist. I've politely commented that empire waists are not flattering on the well-endowed but I just get the side-eye.. like what do I know!

[@karyannfontaine8757]

She will look back on pictures and know you were right.

[@JohannaJalonen]

She must be the opposite of me…my belly walks before me unless I keep my bmi 19. Luckily I can do it.

[@JohannaJalonen]

Great and clear video again ✨I’ll be 45 next and just started this project to look my best at 50 so I’ll definitely watch and contemplate your every video! Ps. You look amazing 🤩

[@cherylannjohnson8801]

I would add one more thing…no large prints for smaller stature people, especially those with larger busts. I love the colors on your top and they are perfection on your coloring…very striking! Do you think the size of the large flower on your right boob is flattering? Maybe it’s just that your video emphasized your chest. I don’t think it’s a good look. I hope you don’t feel offended by my comments, you do you…just my opinion. Thanks for all your great advice…❤

[@slendagullyandfriends4530]

@@JohannaJalonen What a great plan you have. I felt so good in my 40’s and 50’s I never even acknowledged aging. I never considered myself middle aged until that ship had sailed. 🤨

[@alomaalber6514]

depends on the figure type and height. the pencil skirt was great on me. 125 pounds and heels, I am not real tall so the high low hem not so much. In retirement now, fabric and comfort are key.

[@NadaManley]

Absolutely. Pencil skirts work for me too. But they are challenging for many. Same on the hi-low. Not usually my friend. :)

[@delilah1479]

Agree with you. I feel the same....retired and comfort is key. The pencil skirt was good for me as "career" clothing back in the day.

[@caroltaylor4282]

You are incredible! Thank you so much for your advice! Very helpful!

[@xnij250]

I'm 180cm and have an hourglass shape. I looked okay with pencil skirt. But over the years, I gained a little bit of weight particularly in yhe middle section so I'm uograding my wardrobe. I bought a midi skirt recently and I felt like it doesn't look good in my stomach area when I tuck in my top. I saw people wearing sweater and I think that's good way to cover uo my mid section. But I need something that I can wear in a conference like a polo shirt.. I'm struggling to lose weight and looking at those models in midi skirt is not helping 😂

[@denisefuentes7905]

I look great in a cap sleeve. I seek out cap sleeves. It makes my waist look smaller.

[@NadaManley]

@@denisefuentes7905 if it works for you, go for it ☺️

[@secondeve610]

Just when I thought I knew it all, lol! Wow very revealing, thank you , beautiful Nada!! Working on patterns and now these caveats!!!

[@NadaManley]

@@secondeve610 thank you so much!! so glad you found this helpful

[@Nickysmom]

It depends on the angle of the dolman sleeve whether or not it is flattering on me. I have cashmere sweater from Garnet Hill and an old Ralph Lauren that look great while most dont

[@codewordy]

What about collared shirts?

[@joannestinson3753]

Fantastic information. Thank you!

[@laureenstathes3522]

Very helpful insights!

[@foxycinquantuno3361]

This is very accurate! I'm tall with a long torso and I like dolman sleeves and boat necks. I dislike dropped shoulders personally because they remind me of all the times I had to buy a men's tee because they didn't have my size. I just feel like a weird football player in them.

[@danielleg1504]

Just starting this one but I’m already mad. 😅 These are some of my most beloved silhouettes.

[@krussell89]

I have wide shoulders with a short neck and look terrible in turtle necks. Also stopped wearing during& after menopause cuz they felt too hot. Clothes we wear depend on climate. I live in the PNW and no one over 50 wear dresses/skirts anymore. It's almost like yelling, "Hey, I'm old!" 🤭

[@wallybistrich3474]

Thanks, I understand now, why boat neck never looked good on me. How do you call a slouchy cap sleeve of an oversized top? I bought a sleeveless top with a polo collar. It looks great on me although tops with overlapping shoulders and sleeves look terrible on me. Skirt length: I like maxi skirts. Because my knees are strongh at any weight I don't want to wear shorter skirts. Therfore I wore only trousers for many years. I enjoy my maxis now, but would like to experiment with midi skirts. How do I find the right length for me? I'm able to sew and can fit them, but I'm insecure about choosing the right length: should fit my body but also be conform with actual fashion trends. Any advice?

[@Laurelin70]

Maybe you can wear a skirt with the hem just above the ankle: it's not a maxi, but the hem stops exactly where the leg starts becoming thinnier, so it minimizes the "flatten and enlarge" effect.

[@toniweston4330]

Hi! I LUV your content! I am lucky to have had Barbie's exact measurements when I was younger. I am 69 for EVER now! I just lost. 60 lbs by going carnivore. Did I mention I am Italian. I grew up in Paris with an Italian mother. Fashion was everything in my youth. Now I am experiencing problems. As I have gone from a 38 J/K to a 38 G. None of my beautiful luxury collections don't fit me! Your video is going to really help as I will share your wisdom with my seamstress. Thank YOU!

[@user-ro4sy8wk6b]

Thank you - now I know why!

[@DianaBee392]

The trouble is that manufacturing sleeves etc is much quicker and cheaper for dolman, dropped shoulders, cap sleeves etc. Annoying that so much is made like this. Better to pay more for a proper sleeve.

[@MaureenEdden]

Nada, I am 5ft tall and I'm a short-waisted rectangle. What is the best skirt style for me? I also wear flat shoes and can't wear high heels any more.

[@annewhitney8809]

I hate 3/4 length sleeves.

[@astriddeslandes2373]

Pencil skirts look good on me, but ONLY from the front. I have no bum whatsoever, and for that, they look terrible. So, they are a no. I have a very wide rib cage, and Empire waists look terrible on me as well Dolman sleeves look nice on me, because even though I have a large chest, since my bust is long, they are ok. Turtle necks and crew necks look terrible on me because of the large chest and wide rib cage. Cap sleeves look great on me! They make my rib cage look not as wide. We just have to figure out what works for our own body. Thank you for confirming these tips. 😊

[@Teewriter]

A gore skirt in 1992 taught me this concept. I love empire and finally have one in a nightgown I made.

[@entropyvortex2484]

Nada, I recently discovered your channel, and it has been a priceless resource for me! I’m in my mid 60s, and have been stymied for 😮years about what to wear now that I’m older and my body has changed significantly over the years. Your video on the important of hair color blew me away, as I recently went blonde highlight after years of trying to keep up with dark brown roots. I’ve already bought a great Coach trench on your recommendation, and I’m researching other appropriate but stylish pieces to rebuild my anemic, boring preppy/classic wardrobe. You are the BEST voice for building an age appropriate but stylish wardrobe for the young at heart I have ever found. ❤

[@NadaManley]

@@entropyvortex2484 oh my goodness, I can’t tell you how much this means to me!! Thank you so so much for saying this! I am so glad you’re enjoying my channel and I will be hearing you on as you build your wardrobe. Have you downloaded the modern Classics wardrobe guide yet? I think you’ll find it helpful!

[@katb504]

Yup I am not a fan of capped sleeves, they also feel uncomfortably small and tight.

[@juleebrave2068]

Excellent advice in one video!

[@lisalasers]

Empire style has painfully been in style for years now. I learned what i already know-almost no clothes look good on a fill bust. i hate V necks in the winter.

[@andreaavnery2059]

Agree with every point - almost: Turtlenecks can look good also on full-busted women, if they are part of a monochrome outfit: you create a column-effect, which makes you look taller and slimmer.

[@Laurelin70]

Yes, or you can break the "full bust effect" wearing a jacket or a cardigan over it. Or even just some very long V-shaped or U-shaped necklace (a long chain with a pendant, for ex., or a rope or an opera). Or a scarf let hanging on the front.

[@lynnebattaglia-triggs1042]

Turtlenecks are not flattering to the womanly figure because of proportions: the distance between the bust and the neckline, even if monochromatic. But people can wear what they enjoy.

[@kullikressa7868]

I have a full bust, but also a neck that is both long and wide, and a tall torso in general (all the 3 lengths are pretty long). So, at wintertime, I layer a slim turtleneck under shortish (just above the knee) low-cut dresses. The turtleneck covers the expanse of my neck and keeps it warm, the dress breaks down the vertical line, and covers my hips, and noone would know how short my legs really are.

[@dfinite1111]

I think it depends on how large the bust. Also, how short the woman.

[@katb504]

I've got a small chest and I love turtlenecks, I definitely think high necklines make the bust look bigger.

[@lisafeldmann9863]

Strangely, I find that empire waists look good on me as my waistline is a little bit below my bust. I am a 36DDD and fund that the waistline cannot be too narrow or it makes me look big in the bottom. But, an empire waistline with a thicker bands actually flattering on me.

[@udo344]

This video is great! Very informative :)

[@karyannfontaine8757]

I am slim and Petite. l could wear an empire waist well. I am small everywhere. Square necks are flattering. I have very square shoulders slim hips and can do a dropped shoulder. Even though I am little, my limbs are slim and long. Pencil skirts make me look too thin. Not for me, nor are skinny pants. I do wear boat neck tops, flattering for me. Love Turtle Necks. I have a long neck so they look nice. Never liked high/low hems. I do like a midi skirt with black tights and shoes. I can still wear capped sleeves because they are not tight on my arms. Only for hot days in summer.

[@Traceymc937]

Ugh, I'm 57, short and thick. I've pretty much accepted nothing looks good on me😢

[@juliavcastillo9990]

I like Nada, she is very good but may I recommend Oralia Martinez. She is a petite plus-size stylist on utube. She has helped me a lot since I am also petite plus sized. I have gained a lot of confidence from her approach.

[@Traceymc937]

@@juliavcastillo9990 Thanks so much, I will definitely check her out!!

[@davebonello1944]

(Melanie here) Very helpful video!

[@NadaManley]

@@davebonello1944 thank you!

[@danamatsukawa4762]

I dislike a cap sleeve so much. I am wide in the shoulder and that is such a back look on me.

[@Ann-mn3xd]

I am slim with a smaller than average bust. I have always thought a dolman sleeve was flattering for me as it gives the illusion of volume or curves in the bust area.