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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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! 😂

[@libbylee1727]

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

[@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.

[@sherribarrett1490]

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

[@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!

[@KamiinaStyle]

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!

[@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

[@leftybelle7022]

Thanks for this thoughtful presentation. You’re spot on regarding cap sleeves. Yikes!

[@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!

[@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!

[@kittykittoon]

You've explained & illustrated these principles very well. Thank you, Nada.

[@purplethumb7887]

I think I wear ALL these things. 🤣

[@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.

[@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.😏

[@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... ❤

[@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.

[@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!

[@juleebrave2068]

Excellent advice in one video!

[@Zkbbkzzz]

I love love love this video! I needed it last month because I already shopped and made the mistake with Dolman sleeves and dropped shoulders.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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...

[@KimFales]

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

[@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. 😮

[@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.

[@KamiinaStyle]

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

[@KamiinaStyle]

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]

@@KamiinaStyle 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. 🤨

[@joybird5495]

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

[@sheilataylorallen9221]

Love love your shirt!

[@codewordy]

What about collared shirts?

[@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. 😊

[@kyriablossoming1]

Thank you!!

[@laureenstathes3522]

Very helpful insights!

[@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!❤

[@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!

[@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 ☺️

[@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.

[@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.

[@ladyv5655]

5 ft 6 inches, size 8 , short-waisted , 34DD, with long, muscular arms and legs.(I'm a hiker who was genetically programmed to be a strapping farm wife) I weep when I see a beautiful empire waist dress, but I take comfort in being able to wear the slouchy sleeves and altering all my turtlenecks to more of a mock turtleneck.

[@davebonello1944]

(Melanie here) Very helpful video!

[@NadaManley]

@@davebonello1944 thank you!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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)

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@valeriecoopet9897]

Another thing a darker turtle neck will do is emphasize your jawline. Depends on the shape of your jaw. I guess I am trying to hint at the word jowls. I hate that word!

[@nickystripe3303]

OK so now I am confused. I am a plus sized woman and I have seen so many videos that say that if you have a plus size waist, you should move the belt up so that it crates more of an empire style and along gates the rest of your body. Now you say that if I am class sized and then I also have a large Best, I should not wear my belt send my waist. In fact, there were hardly any instructions at all for women like me who are plus sized and also have a large chest. I love this video but I felt like most of the information was for petite women with small chest. I will keep watching your videos and see what else I can find.

[@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.

[@VandaPietrantonio]

I agree about the cap sleeves. I think sleevless looks better

[@slendagullyandfriends4530]

Cap sleeves are evil.

[@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 😂

[@Zkbbkzzz]

The problem is finding the right cut in a correct color pallet. Shopping and styling shouldn’t be this difficult plus the expense of it all, we can’t afford to make mistakes.

[@dirvin9848]

Nada, how do you determine "broad shoulders"? Is there a measurement? I had written down a question about dropped shoulders....you answered it!

[@NadaManley]

@@dirvin9848 broad shoulders are defined as shoulders that extend past your hips. So if your shoulders are wider than your hips, that is the definition of broad for your frame

[@susanhoward2305]

Good morning, Nada❤ Susan in Auburn Alabama

[@NadaManley]

@@susanhoward2305 good morning!

[@l.5832]

One needs to dress for their body type. Having said that, most bodies can wear any of these but not in their exaggerated form. Most people can wear a turtleneck but chose a thin material and one not overly high up. Some turtlenecks do not cuff over (mock neck) so give much less bulk.

[@NadaManley]

@@l.5832 thank you for echoing what I said in this video. It’s all about dressing for your body type and your individual proportions.

[@anavalenz9716]

You’re right about cap sleeves, they should be banned😂

[@HélèneZielasek]

You are a besutiful Lady. Amazing top. Anyway you also look beautiful with less make up if you Allianz me to sax something about thst issue. Thank you for your insights. I am evolving in my style keeping more Balance in my dress up clothes and every day casual clothes. I am injecting more of nice clothes in my casual job and I also wear more of my fancy and fantasy self ....i will often go out in order to wear them and have a nicer life....especially growing olderit is a way of staxibg yourhful. Looking forward to watching your Video and listening to you insights and advices. 😊

[@anaverran3040]

I think I’ll just go naked 😐😨

[@karyannfontaine8757]

Cute. Feel like that as well when I cannot find my small size.

[@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.

[@shannonalwaise8398]

I don't think I like dolman sleeves, drop shoulders and cap sleeves. I think I can wear midi and pencil skirts.

[@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.

[@margaretthomson9225]

Why don’t designers make clothes for normal or average sized women? Why don’t they make clothes for 5’4” and under especially since half the female population in the U.S. is 5’4” or under? Seems the fashion industry is hostile toward average women! I’m a size 4 petite and as a result I just don’t buy many clothes anymore.

[@NadaManley]

@@margaretthomson9225 I feel you! I have a video coming out tomorrow specifically for petites like us. I have lots of petite clients and it is a challenge for sure.

[@babalu-oc6iu]

i thought the empire style were good for chubby apple shapes. not fair.

[@NadaManley]

@@babalu-oc6iu everybody is different, but I would encourage you to take those pictures and decide for yourself whether you like the look

[@wandadrees6384]

Agree

[@PerrySkyePhoenix]

I have a belly. Empire waists make me look pregnant.

[@allisonangier1631]

Of course Nada would consider minute skeletal differeces. I don't think there is a more conscientious stylist on YT.

[@lorrainestephens5706]

I don’t think that top suits you. It’s too busy.

[@Zkbbkzzz]

I love love love this video! I needed it last month because I already shopped and made the mistake with Dolman sleeves and dropped shoulders.