Wearing a slouchy pant or sweater can look great. But it has to be done just right, or else your clothes just look too big.
To manage slouch you must get a few things right.
Take this outfit. . . .
Proportion: The length of your top against the sag of your pants. It should skim the top of your hips, not hit beneath (or elephantiasis creeps in).
Why it works: This swing top, which could add too much volume, is saved by stopping right at the belt, which just peeks out when you move. The bell sleeve creates volume and movement, but at the wrists, balancing the bagginess of the pant around the knee and looking like something you just “tossed on.”
Drape: Matching softness of the top to that of the pants, for the right lazy-casual hang. And whether–or not–to venture the half tuck.
Why it works: The pant is a weathered-look soft denim. The sweater is an equally soft cashmere. The trick is to get fabrics that “sag” well together: the bagginess of one is matched by the drape of the other. This is imperative to avoid the look of curtains piled up on the floor.
Footwear: Surprisingly hard to choose without going directly from slouch to frump.
Why it works: These lug sole platform sandals have the heft to match the “sloppiness” of the outfit. You could also go sleek, as in ankle boots, but these should be fitted, not slouchy themselves, or else the whole outfit gets weighted down by too much fold at the ankle.
Accessories: When in doubt, do!
Why it works: These long necklaces keep the eye moving down the length of the ensemble. The chunkiness of wood offers a nod to the button detailing on the sleeve and matches the overall heft of the outfit, as does the large amulet. Can pile on more than one necklace, as long as the second one is “plain,” playing the basic layering piece to the main one.
Belt is military style to match the utility feel of whole outfit.
In this case: I love the juxtaposition of the Quan Yin (Buddha) to the military look of this genuine Red Army belt buckle (which my dad picked up for me on the street in St. Petersburg)!
Calling Out The Details
Mixed metals can work! Here, they do because they both have a burnished gleam–so are matched in tone. The silver bracelet was–literally–hammered with a rock when made, and the brass Soviet-era military buckle possibly went through a forced invasion, or two.
These Doc Marten sour-cherry-red lug sole platform sandals, with the gray wool sock (it’s still 40 degrees out!), match the gathered and zippered cuff of the pant with appropriate heft. Chunky but not clunky.
Love!
I know you’ve got the style eye too–I mean, we own a lot of the same pieces!
Nice work!
Thanks for checking it out!
Cool!
Thanks, Jeanine. You’ve got an eye too!
Love the sweater! Where can I get that? 🙂
Thanks, Daynee. I wrote you privately about the sweater–since you can’t get the belt buckle!
Love the colors! and plus the engineers eye ~~~ believe it or not with respect to the texture of fabrics falling just so! The emotional weight of shoe heels against the fall of the pant leg..brilliant. Love you.
I love “the emotional weight.” I mean, I’m always emotional about shoes, but hadn’t thought to express it that way! And thanks for the engineering comment–these fabrics won’t hold anything up, but they should hold up well together!
Wow! I didn’t know there was so much to think of to manage the proper “Slouch” – look. Fun!
Mom, as you know, I’ve been putting together my outfits since I was three–which was when, I believe, you gave up trying to do so for me. Thanks for letting me style myself since pre-school on! (And for ALWAYS getting me good haircuts, so that I had a good base to work with!)
Great to have detailed explanations of the choices you make. I like the outfit!
Thank you, Colleen, I realize I walk around thinking about this stuff all the time–but that not everyone does. So, I thought I start putting it out there!
I love your approach. It’s almost like you are an artist eyeing a painting in progress, deciding what needs to be where and what colors should be added. I may start laying out my clothes on my bed beforehand (inspired by you) to think how it looks all together.
My approach to fashion? I put on a top and a bottom, make sure the clothes are clean and they don’t clash. Which it’s why my outfits can’t be called outfits, but just clothes on a body.
Marika, this whole thing was your idea! Thank you for it. And I DO look at it like a composition–working on a flat surface is a great way to compose!
I had completely forgotten about the belt buckle and am surprised you still have it! I don’t think it actually survived two invasions, or it would not have made it back to the streets of St. Peterson where I bought it from a Russian WW2 army veteran who was down on his luck.
But it is a good story, Dad!
Amazing
Love this!!!!
Thank you, Judy. I know you’ve got the eye too!
You’ve always been a clothes horse, but now you’re sharing your secrets! Brilliant.
Just channeling Aunt June!
This was fascinating to read since I know NOTHING about fashion! Perhaps you can help even a Vermonter?
Absolutely Deb, I’d love to!
You may want to list brands and where to buy. I’d like to know where to get the sweater and the shoes.
This was such a great read! Well done. Super relatable and very useful. I love the sweater color
Thanks, Nicole!