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Un-Fancy

Outfits: Spring, spring outfits

this proportion is starting to feel a little familiar…

05/12/17

The days of wearing a sweater + jeans + closed toe shoes are numbered — but I’ll take ’em while I still can! :)

We had a cool spell a few days ago and, since it might be the last one for a while, I leaned into it with a black and brown palette — something that I usually reserve for fall and winter.

It’s no secret that the volume on top + fitted on bottom proportion has been a favorite of mine for quite some time. I’ve worn it for years and that familiarity makes me feel ultra comfortable in it.

It’s also that familiarity that’s inspiring me to push myself outside of my comfort zone a little, testing out the opposite proportion — fitted on top + volume on bottom. 

Interesting how things slowly begin to shift, isn’t it? :)

However, familiar or not, I’m still wearing the volume on top + fitted on bottom proportion regularly — and I don’t see that changing any time soon.

This particular outfit works for a cool spring days, with a not-too-warm sweater and a pair of closed toe clogs. But I could easily translate the same proportion into outfits for different weather.

For example, when it’s warmer, I could do high waisted shorts + a boxy crop tank + sandals.

Or, when it’s chillier, I could go for an oversized crop sweater + high waisted jeans + ankle booties.

Same proportion, different details. :)

So tell me, what’s your favorite proportion? Fitted on top + volume on bottom? Or volume on top + fitted on bottom? Or do you have an entirely different proportion you love to wear? I’d love to hear about it! 

I hope you have a wonderful weekend! :)

xo,

Photo Credit: Katie Jameson

Liked today’s outfit? You can shop it and support Unfancy at the same time by using these affiliate links:

01 | Stripe sweater (old by Madewell) | similar (on sale) | similar (made responsibly)

02 | Jeans by Madewell  | similar (made responsibly) | similar (under $60) | similar (under $30)

03 | Clogs by Bryr in Sable (made responsibly) | similar |  similar (on sale) | similar in open toe (under $50)

04 | Bag by Live FashionABLE (made responsibly) | similar (under $50)

32 Comments

Related

Comments

  1. Marti says

    May 12, 2017 at 7:27 am

    I got really tired of my skinny jeans. I pretty much wear boyfriend jeans, which are difficult with proportion control. I’m still struggling with tops, and feel like I’m always on the hunt. Maybe it’s my shape? Thin with bigger chest. I think necklines play a big role with what works for my size. Id love you to do a blog about necklines too! Thanks for keeping us on our toes?!

    Reply
    • Jean says

      May 12, 2017 at 12:26 pm

      Necklines! Yes! It was a major revelation for me in the past couple of years when I realized I really prefer a more open neckline–v-neck, scoop neck, wide boatneck–the shows the collarbones. It really helps me shop smarter because I pretty much avoid all crewneck tops now.

      Reply
      • Caroline says

        May 14, 2017 at 8:53 pm

        Good idea, ladies! I’ll add that to my list of topic ideas. :)

        Reply
    • Larissa says

      June 14, 2017 at 11:55 pm

      Great suggestion. I’m also thin (size 0-2) but have a large chest (28G) and petite. So proportions is a real struggle. I feel white/lighter tops are the worst for me, although I love them.

      Reply
  2. littleblackdomicile says

    May 12, 2017 at 7:30 am

    We all love our comfort zones! You are right about it sometimes inspiring us to be a bit more creative, daring even. I prefer your first choice too, but am always thrilled when I try something new and my husband makes a comment about how nice I look. Sometimes a little more effort is so worth it. Shameless Plug- Today on LBD we have a new contributor writing about what every young guy wants in his dream garage. Speaking of comfort, we gals write for each other most of the time and DO need to stretch a bit for the guys who read our posts too! Happy Friday-Laurel Bledsoe

    Reply
  3. Tanya E says

    May 12, 2017 at 8:13 am

    Oh, I love both these proportions. I think in winter I tend to wear volume on top and fitted on bottom, as skinny trousers tuck into long, winter boots. Otherwise, I probably wear both: wide-legged wool trousers and fitted, fine jumper; loose peasant top with skinnies or flares; vest top with harem trousers…

    We’re just coming out of a very cold snap in the UK. Back in winter coats 10°C with a very cold wind. Luckily, it’s been warmer the last few days and we’re back to spring.

    Reply
    • TGChi13 says

      May 13, 2017 at 12:59 am

      In the cooler or cold weather I like loose layers on top and snug on the bottom but when it’s warm or hot, I prefer a snugged fit on top and more loose fit on the bottom.

      Reply
  4. Lena says

    May 12, 2017 at 8:22 am

    I recently switched from fitted tops and loose bottoms to loose tops and fitted bottoms. I still have both styles in my wardrobe. It is fun to experiment :)

    Reply
  5. Sheila Joy says

    May 12, 2017 at 8:23 am

    My fav is volume on top and fitted on the bottom :) Although I have tried the opposite, specifically with a fuller midi skirt and fitted t-shirt. Maybe it was the skirt that was a little too full, but I thought I looked pretty disproportionate, ha!

    http://www.insearchofsheila.com

    Reply
  6. Mikel says

    May 12, 2017 at 8:45 am

    You have a great style. I am a heavier, so skinny jeans don’t work very well for me nor are they very comfortable, but the proportions on you are great.

    Reply
  7. Andreea U. says

    May 12, 2017 at 9:01 am

    Hi
    I love the proportions, this is my thing as well,most of the time.
    But I switch when I wear mom jeans as they make me curvy on the bottom and I feel the need to add fitted tops to have a balance as this is my direction lately.
    And I feel familiar once I have balance in what I wear and how I look.

    PS I would love to see a post with your jeans collection. I love all of them!

    Have a nice weekend!

    Andreea

    Reply
  8. Krystal says

    May 12, 2017 at 9:05 am

    Being slightly on the curvy side, I prefer a slimmer silhouette overall (my wider bust and hips turn flowy items into big wide squares!). I don’t think there’s anything wrong with being in your outfit-comfort zone – I find this allows me to focus on enjoying my day rather than worrying about my outfit once I’m out the door!

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      May 14, 2017 at 8:56 pm

      Good point, Krystal :)

      Reply
  9. Mel says

    May 12, 2017 at 9:53 am

    I find I can only wear clogs with socks, was wondering if you wear tiny socks as well or go barefoot? If you go barefoot do you do anything for feet sweat or smell?

    Reply
    • nina mcdaniel says

      May 13, 2017 at 10:21 am

      These are the socks I wear with my clogs (no.6’s) I could not imagine life without them!

      Mocsocs Half Socks Solids 4-pack One Size Brn/blk/white/grey https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FPQQ3D2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_LqYfzbKQRK8K8

      Reply
      • Caroline says

        May 14, 2017 at 8:57 pm

        Hey Mel, I usually go barefoot, but I love Nina’s suggestion! Gonna look at those myself. :)

        Reply
  10. Kay Nguyen says

    May 12, 2017 at 9:57 am

    Love your style! Great outfit as always <3

    https://www.myblackcloset.com

    Reply
  11. Miss Field says

    May 12, 2017 at 10:50 am

    I wear skirts, so I love volume on bottom and fitted on top. But I also like the fitted skirts with loose tops. So either or both?

    Reply
  12. Miss Field says

    May 12, 2017 at 10:51 am

    And I really love this outfit! It’s an amazing look, so warm and sophisticated!

    Reply
  13. anne-michelle frances says

    May 12, 2017 at 11:33 am

    I agree that I also get stuck in a rut, especially with my flowy tops and tight bottoms. I have started playing around with wearing a belt regularly and doing a half tuck in the front to emphasize my waist line. I’m also wearing sportier shoes instead of sandal flats. And as I am pulling out my summer clothes that have been packed away for two years now (since I am finally fitting back into my pre-pregnancy clothing), I can see that the flowy tops I used to wear were much shorter in the front with a more exaggerated back, and I would wear fitted tanks underneath. Now, the front and back of my tops are almost in line with each other, making the tuck more possible. How’s that for not realizing that my fashion is changing, even though it’s slowly slowly getting there :)

    Reply
  14. CORALG says

    May 12, 2017 at 12:18 pm

    I definitely love the loose on top, fitted on bottom proportion for winter just for practical reasons- boot-tucking! I definitely want to change it up for spring and summer to loose on bottom. However, I hesitate to go for fitted on top given my figure. I have a nice set of pins, as they say, but a bit of a lumpy, temperamental middle and broad shoulders. Fitted shirts are not the old friend they used to be! I’m still learning what both looks and feels good with all of my lovely wide-legged pants.

    Reply
  15. Alina @EclecticAlu says

    May 12, 2017 at 12:20 pm

    I could go both ways. I like both proportions!
    Beautiful, easy going and stylish outfit.

    Alina
    http://www.eclecticalu.blogspot.com

    Reply
  16. Jean says

    May 12, 2017 at 12:24 pm

    Between the popularity of leggings and skinny jeans, I’m definitely mostly opting for fitted bottoms + full tops. I sort of dread when the skinny jean era comes to an end (or maybe it never will–maybe we’ll just love ALL jean/pant styles and we can all wear what we want?!).

    But once in a while I do the opposite, too. I have a pair of high-wasted wide-leg crop khakis that are 15+ years old that I recently rediscovered and now love–those get a slim t-shirt tucked in and a belt. This summer I’m determined to start wearing my beautiful thick linen Thai fisherman pants, though I’m struggling with what to pair them with…

    When I wear my boyfriend-type jeans, I usually wear a loose-ish T, so I guess that’s volume-volume, but not in a big way.

    But yeah, the proportion recognition is a great way to help develop “outfit formulas,” I’ve learned.

    Reply
  17. karen@sustainablefashionchat says

    May 12, 2017 at 12:39 pm

    I’m definitely all about loose on top, fitted on bottom. That is my comfort zone for sure. I second-guess myself a little, like maybe I should wear something more fitted on top as that might be more flattering on me, but nope, it’s not my favorite.

    PS — Love the clogs :)

    Reply
  18. Mun says

    May 12, 2017 at 8:34 pm

    Volume everything lol!

    Reply
  19. Carol says

    May 13, 2017 at 6:41 am

    I’m always volume on the bottom with either fitted or volume on the top.

    Reply
  20. Bětka says

    May 14, 2017 at 5:43 am

    Fitted on top, fitted on bottom :) I’m petite and younger looking and I’ve always needed to emphasize my waist. I can’t afford anything that looks boxy – it makes me look like I’m wearing my mom’s pyjamas. I really like loose styles on other people, though. :)

    Reply
    • Simone says

      May 14, 2017 at 7:26 pm

      Same. Same.

      Reply
  21. Mishele says

    May 14, 2017 at 7:46 am

    I like to alternate between volume on top + bottom and volume on top + fitted bottom. I live in Taiwan where the the weather can be quite hot and humid so I need my voluminous clothing so I can move freely. But there are some days where I want something more fitted so it appears as though I have my life together.

    Reply
  22. Bobbiejean says

    May 14, 2017 at 9:40 am

    I remember reading awhile back that you use inserts in a lot of your shoes… I’ve been thinking of getting a pair of clogs, do you wear inserts in yours? My feet tend to not like non-cushioned soles ?

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      May 14, 2017 at 9:04 pm

      Hey Bobbiejean, unless I am going to be walking a ton, I don’t use anything in these clogs. They’re actually really comfortable and have a little cushion around the heel. :)

      Reply
      • Bobbiejean says

        May 15, 2017 at 10:43 am

        great! thanks for the reply Caroline :)

        Reply

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