Matching The Weight Of Fabrics
Happy Tuesday, ladies. Outfits usually look most cohesive when the weight of the fabric in the separates is close or similar. Today’s post illustrates what happens when you get it wrong. I saw this mannequin last week and instantly felt the struggle.
We are between seasons plus many stores are having delivery delays. The upshot is the selections are limited at many retailers. The staff didn’t have too many options to style this mannequin so I challenged myself to do better.
As always you can click the red text for more info and to shop the items.
The top and bottom have a totally different vibe. The skirt is body-conscious with a modern, urban edge in fine-weight knit. The blouse is a loose-fitting, woven fabric with a sheer overlay and ruffled neckline. They show it online styled with a denim jacket which looks great, but it was not in the store.
I searched high and low for a jacket or structured top to put with this skirt. There was nothing in the store (and trust me I checked every rack) so I went with all they had, a few black pullovers.
This midi skirt is 30″ long. Since I’m just 5’4″ I decided to roll the waistband to make it a more flattering length. I shared some tips on skirt length here How To Wear A Midi Skirt.
The outfit on the left is boxy and drab. The wide crewneck widens the look of my shoulders slightly which isn’t flattering with a slim pencil shirt. The top and skirt create a 50/50 visual split and make my legs look shorter.
Style Tip – The golden mean or rule of thirds originated with the ancient Greeks who discovered that a 1/3 – 2/3 division of spaces is the most visually pleasing. This is often called the rule of thirds and applies to fashion because the visual lines of fashion divide our bodies. It is most flattering to dress using the golden mean.
The top in the middle outfit is too heavy and overwhelms the skirt. I rolled the waistband twice here which feels too short. It also creates a 50/50 visual split which is less than optimal in an outfit.
I prefer the look on the right for several reasons. I rolled the waistband just once and prefer this length with the top plus it’s more flattering on my leg. The weight and bulk of the top are a better match for the skirt and continue the body-conscious theme. The mock neck adds simplicity and sleekness to the outfit. I would not wear a necklace with this outfit because it would break up the line of the torso. The ratio is better than 50/50 but would be improved even with a slightly shorter top.
It’s not as easy to combine a woven with a knit but paying attention to the weight of the fabric is a big help.
Do you mix weights and knits with woven?
new arrivals at Loft and a peek at the new colors coming our way
Thanks for reading ladies and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.
I have a very similar skirt that I too wear with a black cashmere sweater or cardigan, black opaque tights and black boots.
Jennifer, I can’t thank you enough for the tips you share. The rule of thirds makes so much sense! Your lessons in what works are giving me a long overdue education in how to dress. I would have completely ignored that mannequin and looked for my usual drab style. You have taught me to look at things differently and how to style outfits that create a new me. Thank you, thank you!
I am so happy to hear that, Karen. Thanks for letting me know.
The third look is best. Now, this is just my opinion, not intending to offend anyone, but animal prints are not something I would choose. I’m very tired of them, they have been around for ages which I guess means they are “classic”, but so many women of “a certain age” seem to think more is better. So the cheetah sleeveless with the cheetah sweater with the cheetah bangle and earrings … too much. I once had a tiny cheetah print sweater, tan and black, I wore black under it with black jeans. I also have a bracket with an animal print band and turquoise stones. I did not wear it with the sweater! But that’s as animal as I get!
Of course, the skirt looks great on you, coupled with black, I can handle it! Looks good. I get why it looks good, good lesson about fabric weight and length, and the 1/3 rule.
Animal print does get over done, often. I agree
Interesting-like the others, the third picture looked the best-thanks for the explanation! Now, for my question, I seem to always think I need a necklace to compliment an outfit, maybe I’m old school, but can you help me understand why I shouldn’t do so? Thanks!
Necklaces are wonderful and could work nicely here. Since I’m trying to enlighten the outfit look, I’d skip a necklace which would stop the eye from moving up and down the silhouette.
Great visual with the three pics side by side!
I knew instinctually that the outfit on the right looked best, but your explanation about why was very helpful.