9 April 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.Sources:
- Pink Wrap Shirt – H & M
- Grey Tank – Old Navy
- Charcoal Cords – Gap Outlet
- Green Flats – BR
- Necklace – Hawaii
Endnotes:
The trouser pants are a pear’s best friend – they are by far the most flattering cut of pants for me. In this particular case, I could probably do with out the flap pockets as they add a little more to my profile than I need.
I took this picture without putting my hand on my hip or in my pockets, which are my usual photo tactics for reducing hipage. Now don’t get me wrong, the hips and thighs are still there, they aren’t going anywhere, but they do look a little more reined in than they would is say a pair of bootcut pants. The thick corduroy of these pants also keep them form clinging in the wrong places and help with creating those long straight lines I long for.
As I mentioned yesterday, fabric is an all too important consideration in fit. I love a good bargain as much as the next poor grad student and I can’t get enough F21 and H & M tops, but rarely can I purchase bottoms there (or any other reasonably priced place). The quality of the fabric of my pants and skirts is essential. I also find that these less expensive clothes are not designed for “a woman’s body,” as my mom has unfortunately been referring to my body since I was 13 and forced to leave the juniors’ section well behind me! I think this just means a body with hips!
A pair of heels also work wonders to reduce the thighs (again can’t do much for the hips- they are bones after all!), but seeing as I am 5’9 with rather long legs, if they don’t make the pants in long or tall, flats it is!
This shirt works well for me because of the wrap which emphasizes the smallest part of my waist and because it flares out a bit at the bottom camouflaging the suddenness of the change in size from waist to hips. It is important to point out here that while this ties under the bust, it is not an empire waist shirt. It does not float away form the body under the tie but rather stays flat against my stomach. The traditional empire waist shirt flows into my widest part making it seem like I am wide all the way down. This, again, has to do with the fact that this is a sturdy fabric rather than a flowy one.
Proportions, originally uploaded by academichic.
Proportions in Profile, originally uploaded by academichic.
My hips are round too and one thing that helps give a smoother line on some trousers is to leave the pockets sewn shut or if they aren’t sewn already have them sewn shut. This prevents the edges of the pockets from sticking out and highlighting the hip area.
Thanks Joni – great tip!
Joni, I do that too! And I find that top-entry pockets work far better than flaps or side pockets, which just pooch out.
And I agree, too, that quality pants are a must for women with hips. Absolutely.
Great look and great advice. I have never thought about sewing them shut. I avoid buying the pants altogether (even when their really cute:( )
I have to agree with the love of trouser pants. They work well for my figure. I absolutely love that wrap top as well!
What style of pants do you usually wear from Banana Republic, Gap, etc? I have a shape very similar to yours and am having a very hard time finding well fitting work pants.
Callie – I wear the Martin fit at BR but don’t know a particular fit at Gap or J Crew other than trouser. Any recommendations?
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