Here’s an Associate Pastor of a congregation in a very affluent community dressed for Sunday morning (accompanied by her prosh dog):
She just had an adorable baby about nine months ago (I have a hilarious video of him all dressed up for church that I want to share with you, but I can’t figure out how to get it from playing sideways) and although she looked really lovely when I saw her in person, now that I’m looking again at the photo I’m thinking Girl, I think those clothes are too big on you!
A couple of thoughts on this outfit:
The major contrast between light blazer and dark pants cuts our gal in half, drawing attention to the fact that her pants are pooling around her shoes because they’re falling off her tiny waist (she knows this — but with a baby, who has time to go to the tailor?).
What totally works about this outfit is the colorful top that adds interest and life and a creative touch to the basic pieces. Classic hair and just enough soft make-up give her a polished look. She definitely looks professional but I would highly recommend that if one piece of one’s outfit is a bit over-sized, make sure that the others are not. For instance, if L. had a shorter jacket and top with a defined waistline (she needs petite sizes, methinks), she could better get away with the roomy pants. Another good option is to stay within the same approximate color palette when we want to disguise a garment that doesn’t quite fit. I can see her in a dark cotton ribbed mock turtleneck with a gorgeous belt, slightly more dramatic earrings and a higher heel. Bingo. Suddenly the roominess of the trousers aren’t just too big — they provide balance.
Petite guys and gals have a constant challenge in not drowning in their clothes and — on the other hand — not wearing things that are overly snug. Auntie PeaceBang recommends this to her petite colleagues: stick to clothing cut especially for petites whenever possible, and be very careful to avoid looking child-like with either juvenile cuts, colors or styles. Avoid “cute” in favor of “classic.” And don’t feel you have to compensate for being of small physical stature with Big Important Clothing, either, which can just make you look like you have a Napoleonic complex (especially, I’m afraid, on men).
I know, it’s tough!! That’s why your Tailor Is Your Friend. And when you find a pair of slacks, skirt or jacket that fits you like a wonder, buy TWO and take exquisite care of them!
(Which reminds me that there’s a tiny woman in my congregation who completely changed her wardrobe a year or so ago to look less cute and more classic and who did it BRILLIANTLY. I’ve been meaning to take some photos of her — and will do so after I return from sabbatical because THIS you gotta see. She’s my poster girl for Chic Petite now).
I can’t believe that L has a seven month old! I think she looks fantastic!
I am wondering if your “friends” know you are going to take pictures of them and critique their clothing. Or do you just do this without prior notice. Just wondering.
And personally, I think “L” looks fabulous. All new moms should look so good!
[My friends are friends through this blog — they were huge fans of BTFM and made a road trip from NY to Boston to meet me for lunch a year ago. They know that I think they’re gorgeous and that I support them in their ministries. Give it a little bit of thought: do these photos look spontaneous to you? Don’t they look just a little bit posed, as in “Hey gals, let me snap you for posts on BTFM!” Do you think it’s really a ‘critique’ to talk with a beautiful, petite new mom about the fact that her pants are too big? You did read the part where I said that she KNOWS this, right? As in, we talked about when I snapped the photo? The rest of the post is obviously about petites in general, and their special challenges and is not a reference to L. Try a more careful reading before you get all huffy. – PB]
L & S didn’t tell me they were going to be featured models on here!! I was thrilled to open up the post and see my friends… I’m thankful for friends with great taste in clothes (and for L who always let me raid her closet during seminary days). She’s also responsible for getting me hooked on my love of pedicures– gotta love girls’ day out! [Mais oui! Two fabulous babes if I ever knew any — plus those southern accents add an extra layer of loveliness. – PB]
Kudos to everyone here for doing what you do with budgets that would floor most people and looking oh so wonderful while doing it. Hooray for these female forms in pulpits!
I’m super impressed that L. had a baby less than a year ago. She looks great! As a new mom myself, I know all too well how difficult finding clothes to fit can be. It’s tough when you’re too small for your maternity clothes and the pre-pregnancy clothes aren’t quite cutting it yet. And, I completely agree with Carol Ann on this one.